2010 Winter HealthQuest

A publ icat ion of SK AGI T VA L L EY HOSPI TA L Ne ws , Educat ion and Phi l anthropy

WINTER 2010

Excellence Award

™

Cor

onary Intervention

2010

Breast InstituteMulti-specialty program helps patients every step of the way We’re #1Skagit Valley Hospital again earns top ratings for heart procedures

True storyGolfer survives heart attackwith quick response, excellent care

Stroke careKnow how to act FAST with signs and symptoms

2 | Skagit Valley Hospital

Think about Emergency Department nurse Brook Hinckle who lives near

Eaglemont Golf Course. She responded on her morning off when

she heard a man yell for help, rendered assistance with CPR and ended up receiving a Life Saving Award from the City of Mount

Vernon.

We received a very kind letter about Anesthesiologist

Shawn Sullivan, MD who checked on a patient daily after surgery,

then continuing to follow up with encouragement and phone calls in the days that followed, even while he was traveling out of state.

How about our amazing group of more than 450 volunteers? When asked, these dedicated people

immediately took up the task last fall of monitoring incoming visitors for H1N1 flu on a daily basis to protect our patients, staff

and visitors.

I could literally fill this magazine with great stories about our people and I know that at this time next year, I will have many more to

share with pride. It’s the people of Skagit Valley Hospital who make

our commitment to health and healing a reality in our

“vision to be the best.”

— GreGG AGuSTín DAviDSon, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

As we begin a new year, with the optimism and plans that go along with it, we also look back at the accomplishments of the year just closed.

2009 presented challenges in many arenas for healthcare as the economy faltered; federal and state budgets tightened; the ranks of the unemployed and uninsured grew and the battle over federal healthcare reform waged on. Here at Skagit Valley Hospital, we tightened our belts, made some hard decisions, and found ways to be more efficient to do more, with less.

With the involvement of our staff, physicians and volunteers, the hospital ended 2009 in a strong financial position, poised to continue our trajectory of growth and development of new and existing programs.

It is that spirit, can-do attitude and pride among the people of Skagit Valley Hospital who made 2009 a success and will make 2010 even better.

Take for example Lee Hanahan, senior buyer in Materials Management, who hand-delivered a rush order package to Orcas Island on a Saturday, his day off, because he knew a hospice patient needed the contents.

F r O m g r E g g ’ s d E s k

At skagit Valley Hospital, it’s the people who make a difference


Skagit Hospice Foundation

presents

the 2nd annual

OsCarnIGhtparty

Save the Date

March 7, 2010

Join us to walk the red carpet.

You won’t want to miss this incredible star-studded Sunday

evening.

TrumpeTer public House

DownTown

mounT Vernon

Call today and save your place on the red carpet. Contact

Skagit Hospice Foundation 360-814-8257

[email protected]

Your support will make a difference in our community for terminally ill

patients and their families.

HealthQuest Winter 2010 | 3

HEART PRO

GR

AMSk

agit

Valley Hospital

APRROVEDSTATE

HealthQuest is published three times a year by Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

wInter 2010 / VoluMe 7 / iSSue 1

W H E r E T O F I N d U s

in Person:main entrance located on Hospital Parkway in mount Vernon.

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

on the Web:www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

CAMAno CoMMuniTYHeALTH CLiniC127 N. East Camano driveCamano Island360-387-5398

Physician referral Line:360-848-5555or 360-629-5850

SKAGiT vALLeY HoSPiTAL reGionAL CAnCer CAre CenTerin Person:307 south 13th st., ste. 100mount Vernon, WA

By Mail:P.O. Box 1376mount Vernon, WA 98273Phone: 360-814-2146Fax: 360-814-2445

SKAGiT vALLeY KiDneY CenTer AnD WounD HeALinG CenTer208 Hospital Parkwaymount Vernon360-814-2184

For additional copies or more information, contact Health Education Coordinator Linda Wright at 360-814-2325 or Director of Marketing Kari Ranten at 360-814-2370 or go to our Web site at www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

C O V E R P H O T OPatient Navigator Dominique Dailly, Medical Oncologist Theodore Kim, DO, Radiologist Karen Dec, MD and Radiation Oncologist David Kantorowitz are among the team of professionals who are involved in The Breast Institute at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Photo by Linda Wright

sVH Foundation 24

HealthQuest Classes 28 stanwood & Camano Island

HealthQuest Classes 30 mount Vernon

Hospital services 38

HealthQuest Class 39 registration

The Breast institute Patient navigator plays key role in new multi-

specialty team to provide personalized care to breast cancer patients 5

Excellence Award

™

Cor

onary Intervention

2010

High honors for heart care

skagit Valley Hospital receives five-star rating, #1 in Washington and top 10 percent

in the U.s. for coronary interventions 6Hospital with a

big heart Edmonds man survives heart attack on

golf course with help from emergency responders and state-of-the-art care 7

state approval skagit Valley Hospital earns state

approval to advance heart program 8

FASTknow the signs and symptoms of stroke 12


Barbara Thompson, RN, BSN is a caregiver at heart. The 13-year nurse brings her skills, experience and enthusiasm to her new role as director of the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

“I have always been drawn to oncology as a specialty. There seems no better place in healthcare where you can witness such magic when the science and art of medicine combine,” she said.

Educated at Skagit Valley College and Seattle Pacific University, Thompson’s career has included varied nursing experiences from office nursing with Cascade Surgeons in Arlington, working extensively in home health, and obtaining her Certified Wound Specialist certification. Five years ago, she joined Skagit Valley Hospital to open and manage the new Wound Healing Center and then took on the role of Director of Orthopedic and Surgical Care, overseeing the inpatient unit. Here she gained

familiarity with caring for cancer patients after surgery and worked with inpatient chemotherapy which ignited her desire to work in oncology.

Thompson is impressed with the skilled staff at the Regional Cancer Care Center and has taken the first step in becoming

oncology certified by completing her chemotherapy validation course. In the coming months, she will continue to pursue her certification and once she passes her board examination in August will join her peers by obtaining her Oncology Nursing Certification.

“I am excited to join the dedicated, skilled and compassionate people from the physicians, nurses, radiation therapists, dosimitrists, aides, support staff and receptionists who are all working together each day to enrich the lives of the patients we serve,” she said. “I have so much to learn from each member of this team. Working side by side with every

member of the team will serve to build my skills as a nurse and leader, and will also allow the tenured and highly skilled staff the opportunity to mentor someone, enhancing their own professional journey.”

Thompson sees the many benefits of the center’s affiliation with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), a partnership of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s.

“We are committed to a successful relationship with SCCA in order to assure access to the latest clinical trials, educational opportunities, and research for the patients in our community,” she said.

“My true heart is with patients who are on a journey with a chronic illness or life-altering diagnosis. It is a privilege to follow someone through that journey, and know that you have a hand in making that path as smooth as possible,” she said.

joins regional Cancer Care Centernewdirector

Read more about advancements in Cancer Care on page 27.


Dominique Dailly is learning a new role as Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center’s first patient navigator in the newly formed Breast Institute.

She is the friendly voice, listening ear and advocate for each newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, ensuring that patients get the appointments and support they need in a timely way. She will also be helping patients locate resources, not only about their disease but about the importance of nutrition, exercise and attitude in the outcome of the disease.

“I will be someone who can help reduce the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis,” she said. “The diagnosis hits a person like a brick wall. It’s my goal to lift that weight and help any way I can, so that the patient can spend their energy on healing rather than on worrying.”

The goal of The Breast Institute is to have the patient evaluated and seen by each physician within days of diagnosis. After the team of doctors reviews each case, the best treatment plan will be decided and communicated to the patient. Timing is paramount in relieving the stress brought on by the diagnosis of cancer.

The Breast Institute is the fortunate 2009 recipient of a generous $200,000 grant from Safeway, Inc., which is funding the launch of this new multidisciplinary program.

A patient navigator serves as the liaison between the patient and the physicians, scheduling appointments as needed with the radiologist, surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist. In addition, she connects patients with nurses and can link patients to the resources of the social worker, dietitian and physical therapist who are dedicated to the well-being of the patients of the Regional Cancer Care Center.

“I will be coordinating all of their care and combining appointments whenever possible to streamline the process and support their needs,” she said. “We have the resources, physicians and services available here locally.”

Dailly will help access resources for the myriad questions a patient may have by giving the patient good and reliable sources of information.

“Ideally, I’ll be providing them with resources so they can look up the information when they are ready. Decisions are easier to make when one is informed,” she said.

She is also sitting in on the Regional Cancer Care Center’s support groups, art therapy classes and the Lebed exercise group so she can recommend these programs to patients and

relate how these programs can benefit a patient.

To be informed, Dailly also attends the weekly

cancer conference sessions where the multidisciplinary

team of physicians evaluates each case and discusses the individualized treatment plan for each breast cancer patient.

“My message to patients is I am here for you to make your cancer journey as smooth as possible and give you the tools to fight the best you can,” she said. “I think I’ve always been a caregiver. I’m a nurturing kind of person.”

To contact Patient navigator Dominique Dailly, call 360-814-8236 or e-mail [email protected].

Patient navigator provides guidance for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients

oncologist serves on national expert panel

medical Oncologist Theodore Kim, Do is serving as a member of an expert panel charged with the development of guidelines for sentinel node biopsy in melanoma.

The panel was convened by the American society of Clinical Oncology (AsCO) and the society of surgical Oncology (ssO).

According to AsCO/ssO “Clinical practice guidelines serve as a guide for doctors and outline appropriate methods of treatment and care. guidelines can address specific clinical situations (disease oriented) or use of approved medical products, procedures, or tests (modality oriented).”

The Breast institute: Assistance for patients every step of the way

The Breast Institute is dedicated to providing the breast cancer patients of our community with excellent care through every phase of their experience from diagnosis to survivorship.

The Breast Institute at skagit Valley Hospital regional Cancer Care Center has a three-fold purpose: To provide and expedite a multidisciplinary care approach for patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer; to offer wellness surveillance visits for breast cancer survivors; and to focus on education for our community in all aspects of breast health to include prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.

A dedicated group of physicians, including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons are engaged in the program, supported by a new patient navigator (see related story), oncology certified nurses, a dedicated pharmacist, social worker, physical therapists and dietician.

The work to establish The Breast Institute is funded by a generous $200,000 grant from the safeway Foundation.

Nearly 100 new breast cancer patients are treated each year at the regional Cancer Care Center.

For information, call Patient navigator Dominique Dailly at 360-814-8148. Hear leading researcher Julie Gralow, MD discuss “Beating Breast Cancer.”

For more information, see page 30.



Skagit Valley Hospital announced in October that it has received a Five-Star rating for the quality of its coronary interventional procedures from HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. The recognition is based on HealthGrades’ twelfth annual Hospital Quality in America study, which analyzes patient outcomes at virtually all of the nation’s hospitals. 2010 Clinical Achievements include:

• recipient of the HealthGrades Coronary Intervention excellence Award™

• ranked Among the top 10% in the nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures

• ranked #1 in wA for Coronary Interventional Procedures

• Five-Star rated for Coronary Interventional Procedures

“Skagit Valley Hospital has earned the number one ranking in Washington for two years in a row and now is among the top 10 percent in the country, which is a testament to the quality of care, outstanding providers and staff, and a total focus on the patient,” said Gregg Davidson, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer. “This honor is an illustration of our commitment to quality and serving the people of the region with excellent emergency cardiac care.”

Skagit Valley Hospital’s regional cardiac catheterization facilities including an electrophysiology lab which opened in 2009 expanding the technology and capabilities for serving heart patients in Skagit, Island and north Snohomish counties.

For information, go to www.healthgrades.com or www.skagitvalleyhospital.org.

Skagit valley Hospital earns:

Edmonds man hails hospital with a

BiGheartExcellence Award

™

Cor

onary Intervention

2010

Five stars.#1 in Washington.

Top 10% in u.S. for coronary interventions.


The 56-year-old Edmonds man made the trip north the morning of Tuesday, September 22, 2009 to play one of his favorite courses with the awesome view of Mount Baker, and called his wife at 7:16 a.m. after a successful drive with a brand new club off the first tee.

“He was so excited,” Kathy Sundberg said of her husband’s first golf swing in the year since having back surgery.

Minutes later, fellow golfer Chuck Crest found Tony unresponsive, as if asleep, in his golf cart on the fourth tee.

Chuck immediately started CPR and called for help, launching a coordinated system of care from the golf course, to the ambulance, to Skagit Valley Hospital to save Tony’s life.

The series of events that unfolded show the importance of first responders, the dedication and professionalism of the emergency medical system and the compassion and state-of-the-art care available at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Chuck not only started CPR but also used his cell phone to dial Eaglemont’s head golf pro Kevin LeDuc, who called 911.

“Thank God Chuck went out on the course after Tony, because he was there to help,” Kevin said, recalling the adrenalin rush of the morning’s events.

“I wasn’t actually supposed to be at the course that day, but I was,” Chuck said.

Tony says he felt no pain when his heart slipped into a “weird rhythm” that morning and physicians have told him he likely just sat down and fell asleep. Doctors

have told him that it was going to happen, it was just a matter of when and where. Turns out Eaglemont was the right time and place.

Chuck yelled for help and his call was quickly answered by Brook Hinckle, RN a Skagit Valley

Hospital Emergency Department nurse who lives near the fourth hole’s tee box and by Dr. Robert Pringle whose home is also nearby. Emergency crews were instructed to head for Pringle’s home for

easier access to Tony.

Brook happened to be outside with her new puppy when she heard the yells and saw Chuck performing CPR on a man. She keeps a CPR mouth guard

on her key chain and quickly headed to the scene to help

with compressions.

“You practice so often, so to be actually doing CPR

out there, I was just glad to be there. It was just good timing,”

Brook said. “That was pretty special.”

Tony knows that the response from Chuck, Brook and others saved his life.

“You never know how you’re going to respond and they responded in just the right way,” Tony said of his new friends.

By 8:05 a.m., Kathy received a call from the Mount Vernon Fire Department to let her know Tony was on his way to Skagit Valley Hospital. Not familiar with Mount Vernon, Kathy was concerned that he was going “to this little hospital in Skagit that I had never heard of and I was scared to death.”

Those fears were allayed, Kathy said, as soon as she arrived and met the people caring for her husband and heard about the latest techniques in use to help him survive his heart event. Tony had been whisked to the cardiac catheterization lab and soon would have his body cooled to 82 degrees using a hypothermia protocol designed to prevent heart or brain damage. Oscar Briseno, Jr., MD, a cardiologist who joined the local practice in August, was in charge of Tony’s care.

“The biggest difference was the staff. And what was amazing was it was all of them. They were all so good to me. They kept me informed and went above and beyond,” she said. “They cared as much about me and the family as they did about him.”

Tony spent six days in intensive care and a total of 12 days in the hospital. A defibrillator and pacemaker were implanted to keep Tony’s heart rhythm strong and normal. Kathy stayed with him in his private room the entire time.

“I have never seen staff like this. They made us feel like we were the only ones in the hospital and they did it with warmth and love and real caring. This is a little hospital with the biggest heart,” she said. “They make you feel like family.”

Tony will continue to see Dr. Briseno in Mount Vernon, despite the 50-minute drive from Edmonds.

Edmonds man hails hospital with a

BiGheartThe weather was looking good and Tony Sundberg decided to take a long-awaited day off to play a round of golf at Eaglemont in Mount Vernon.

Tony Sundberg, left, of Edmonds, stopped by Eaglemont Golf Course six weeks after Chuck Crest, top, and Brook Hinckle, RN, helped save his life.

ConTiinueD on PAGe 13


State approval in October allows interventional cardiologists working in Skagit Valley Hospital’s cardiac catheterization labs to perform elective angioplasty.

Since 1989, emergency angioplasty procedures using balloons and stents to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels have been performed at Skagit Valley Hospital to save the lives of patients suffering a heart attack.

The addition of elective procedures allows physicians to assist stable patients to have the procedure in Mount Vernon before a life-threatening event occurs. Skagit Valley Hospital anticipates

performing more than 30 elective procedures in 2010 with an increase to more than 100 in 2012. The hospital currently performs nearly 200 emergent procedures annually. Until now, only hospitals with heart surgery programs were allowed to do these less invasive procedures.

“This is quite an achievement for the hospital,” said Interventional Cardiologist Sanjeev Vaderah, MD, FRCPC. “This is recognition by the state that country wide, sites without on-site surgery have similar outcomes. With proper patient selection and skilled providers, these cases can be performed safely and with excellent results, comparable to larger institutions.”

Skagit Valley Hospital’s record in performing emergent procedures on critically ill patients is excellent, as acknowledged by the hospital’s

ranking for 2010 as the top performing hospital in Washington state and in the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for coronary interventions by HealthGrades,

the leading independent healthcare ratings organization.

“This is an indication of our hard work and our dedication to do the best we can for our patients,” said Interventional Cardiologist Kamol Lohavanichbutr, MD, FACC.

“This milestone illustrates our commitment toward providing comprehensive cardiovascular care with advanced state-of-the-art technology and compassion to a growing community,” said Electrophysiologist Sanjeev Wasson, MD, FACC, director of the electrophysiology lab.

Skagit Valley Hospital has two cardiac catheterization labs, the only such facilities in Skagit County, and serves patients from Skagit, Island, San Juan and north Snohomish. In 2009, the second state-of-the-art lab opened offering the latest in electrophysiology capabilities, to address electrical issues of the heart along with structural problems.

“We are now able to expand services to the community to provide care to our patients here, rather than having to delay their care or inconvenience them by having them sent elsewhere,” said Cardiologist Jeff Feld, MD, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization program. “The ability to safely do these interventions with angioplasty and stenting has reduced the number of patients who need to go to bypass surgery.”

boosts heart program at skagit Valley Hospital

Stateapproval



boosts heart program at skagit Valley Hospital For Carol Zulauf, 67, participating in

the Heart and Vascular Screening was a life-changing event that has resulted in a tremendous improvement in her health. The screening is provided by the Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute.

Carol made the decision to attend the screening after learning about it at the hospital’s Women’s Health Luncheon last spring.

“Some friends and I made a pact to attend,” she said. “I never really considered participating in something like this before.”

Carol said the screening went very quickly and efficiently, only taking 40 minutes.

“I found it informative and the staff made me feel so comfortable. When I left I really felt like I’d accomplished something for myself,” she said.

The results of the screening were a real eye opener for Carol.

“I found out that my body mass index and body fat were too high, my cholesterol was out of sight, my blood pressure was high and the results of my ankle-brachial index were abnormal, indicating that I might have peripheral arterial disease,” she said.

Carol went to see her physician, as recommended by the screening staff.

“My doctor let me know I was a train wreck. She provided me with additional lifestyle information and medications to control my blood pressure,” Carol said. “She said to exercise, get my heart rate up,

eat more fiber and healthy protein such as nuts plus eat more fruits and vegetables.”

Carol took the advice to heart and as a result of the screening and subsequent visit to her physician, Carol has developed healthier lifestyle habits resulting in a 20-plus pound weight loss and a lot more energy.

“I exercise every day on my stationary bike. I started at three minutes and thought I was going to die. Now I’m up to 30 minutes. I worked myself up slowly,” she said.

“After the first week, I felt like my body wanted to exercise and I actually started to look forward to it.”

Carol has incorporated some weight training to build strength and muscle mass which she does while watching TV.

“This screening was a warning light for me. I advise everyone to do the screening for themselves and their loved ones. For me, excuses are easy; commitment is not so easy. I just need to think of the consequences,” said Carol. “I feel wonderful now; I feel really great!”

For more information or to register for a Heart & vascular Screening call 360-814-2424 or visit www.skagitvalleyhospital.org and click on Calendar. The cost is only $29. visit www.skagitheart.org to find out how to get a $5 discount.

changes

Dr. Feld noted that the emergent procedures, performed for the past 20 years, involve higher risk.

“Emergency procedures are a higher risk because you are dealing with someone who is in the early stages of having a heart attack,” Dr. Feld said. “In a patient who is experiencing a heart attack, time is critical. For years we’ve been able to do the emergency procedures and we do them very well. Now these procedures are available not just in emergencies, but for stable conditions.”

Gaining state approval has been a decade-long effort by Skagit Valley Hospital officials along with physicians, legislators and community members.

“State approval to perform elective procedures caps a 10-year effort by Skagit Valley Hospital to expand our heart care program to better serve the people of the communities we serve,” said Gregg Davidson, Chief Executive Officer. “This is really an accomplishment and will allow us to continue to grow.”

Cardiologist Richard Gubner, MD, who has practiced in Mount Vernon since 1989, performed the first coronary interventions at Skagit Valley Hospital and has seen the technique, pharmacology and equipment improve along with the coordination of care from the field to the hospital.

“Finally, the overwhelming data shows that the risk is far outweighed by the benefit to the community by having the interventions available,” said Dr. Gubner, who has retired but still takes call on occasion. “Smaller hospitals tend to do this really well. It’s a community where everybody is thinking about what’s best for the patient. We have a good hospital with good physicians and a coordinated delivery system that delivers excellent care.”

lifestyleScreening

prompts


McNeil is taking that knowledge and 26 years of nursing expertise and turning her attention to research and matching patients with leading-edge clinical trials.

“It’s my goal to see the charts of new patients before we actually see the patient and screen for protocols and trials that they may be eligible for and what is available to them,” she said. “That way, when they see the doctor, they see all of their options for treatment.”

Finding a match for a clinical trial depends on many factors including the patient’s diagnosis, age, treatment history, metastases and comorbidities.

With that information in mind, McNeil can search the databases of trials available through the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Puget Sound Oncology Consortium, pharmaceutical companies and other source for current studies. Her preliminary training has included the standard 32 computer-based modules regarding Research with Human Subjects, and a day at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Learning will be ongoing as McNeil becomes familiar with the details and clinical pathways of the clinical trials process.

Clinical trials are an essential part of research as new drugs and treatments are developed in the fight against cancer. According to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, cancer trials usually compare

existing treatments to something thought to be better, so cancer patients always receive at least the best treatment currently available.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center is in the process

of again becoming a member of the Southwest Oncology Group, one of the largest of the National Cancer Institute-supported cancer clinical trials cooperative groups in the United States with a primary mission

for clinical research in the prevention and cure of cancer.

McNeil is taking the opportunity as research nurse to use her experience, yet try something new to benefit patients.

“I want to extend myself and be able to do it long term and stay involved with patients,” she said.

As a nurse in chemotherapy, McNeil describes the work as “taking a high-thinking job and put it on a treadmill.” It’s busy and fast paced and every action by the nurse has an immediate impact for the patient.

Nurse turns focusto research, clinical trials


McNeil will continue to assist on occasion in the infusion suite and looks forward to working with the oncologists.

“They continuously teach us. We ask, they answer. They are wonderful instructors,” she said. “I look forward to working with the doctors and the patients to make it seamless.”

For years, Tammy McNeil, RN has been a familiar face in the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center’s infusion suite. She has assisted patients with their chemotherapy and gotten to know their families and friends.


Proactive, confidential telephone-based counseling is centerpiece of intervention strategy

smokingintervention

By Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

For the first time, researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have demonstrated that it is possible to successfully recruit and retain a large number of adolescent smokers from the general population into a smoking intervention study and, through personalized, proactive telephone counseling, significantly impact rates of six-month continuous quitting.

These findings, by Arthur V. Peterson Jr., PhD, Kathleen A. Kealey and colleagues, are reported in a pair of papers in the Oct. 12, 2009 “Advance Access” online edition of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

“When this study started, despite decades of research and dozens of intervention trials, there was no proven way to reach teens from the general population and recruit them into smoking cessation programs, and there was no proven way to help these teens quit,” said Peterson, a member of the Hutchinson Center’s Public Health Sciences Division and lead author of the paper that reported the results of the Hutchinson Study of High School Smoking, the largest randomized trial of teen smoking cessation ever conducted.

The trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health, involved 2,151 teenage smokers from 50 high schools in Washington. Half of the schools were randomly assigned to the experimental

intervention; teens in these schools were invited to take part in confidential, personalized telephone counseling designed to help motivate them to quit. The remaining 25 schools served as a comparison group; teen smokers from these schools did not participate in the telephone intervention. The study also included 745 nonsmokers to ensure that contacting students for participation in the trial would not reveal a participant’s smoking status.

Study recruitment was robust; in the experimental group 65.3 percent of the smokers were eligible and participated in the telephone intervention. Recruitment took place in their junior year and the counseling intervention took place during their senior year. “The literature says it is very difficult to recruit kids to teen smoking programs. People have tried. The field has encountered great obstacles in recruiting teens to smoking cessation programs. And so we took that as a challenge,” Peterson said.

The study found that a proactive strategy of reaching out to teens and offering them the opportunity to receive up to nine personalized, confidential telephone counseling sessions effectively helped many of them to kick the habit. In addition, by proactively identifying and recruiting teen smokers (with parental consent for those under age 18), two-thirds of all identified smokers participated in the telephone counseling and nearly half completed all of their scheduled counseling calls.

At the completion of the study, 21.8 percent of all smokers (daily and less than daily) in the counseling group had achieved continuous quitting for six months, as compared to 17.7 percent of those in the comparison group, a difference of 4 percent.

The intervention also impacted three-month, one-month and seven-day smoking abstinence, with differences between the counseling group and the comparison group of 3.3 percent, 6.8 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively. Notably, the one-month and seven-day quit rates among

the smokers who received telephone counseling were roughly three times higher than those reported in nearly 50 previous adolescent smoking-cessation trials of a variety of interventions conducted over the past two decades.

“These results are critically important for supporting and stimulating our nation’s search to find successful ways to help reduce smoking by teens and young adults,” Peterson said.

So even though teens tend not to seek help for quitting smoking, this study indicates that they are more likely to succeed with quitting if they have help. “An important message from this study for teens and young adult smokers – really for all smokers – is that personalized telephone counseling can help one be successful with quitting smoking,” Peterson said.



Arm and leg-weakness, numbness, difficulty walkingA:

By Dee Ann wolf, rn, BSn, Cnor Quality Outcomes Coordinator-Stroke Skagit Valley Hospital

Do you know the signs and symptoms of stroke? Stroke or “Brain Attack” is an emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a clot or bursts.

Remember to act FAST and call 911 if you have new symptoms or see someone else having them.

the best care for the patient. The Swedish Telestroke Program is part of an integrated effort to improve stroke diagnoses and treatment throughout Washington state.

If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can reduce long-term disability for some stroke patients. By acting FAST, Skagit Valley Hospital’s team has the best chance to help you.

What are the treatable risk factors for stroke?

High blood pressure. Know your blood pressure. It should be lower than 120/80.

Tobacco use. Cigarette smoking is the No. 1 preventable risk factor.

Heart disease. Common heart disorders: atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, or heart failure have a higher risk for stroke than hearts that work normally. Working with your doctor to manage heart disease decreases your risk for stroke.

Diabetes. Diabetes causes destructive changes to the vessels throughout the body, including the brain. Treating diabetes can delay the onset of complications that increase the risk of stroke.

Carotid or other vascular disease. Arteries narrowed by fatty deposits from atherosclerosis may become blocked by a blood clot.

Transient ischemic attacks (TiAs). TIA is a “warning stroke,” sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” Warning signs are the same as stroke but last only a short time and symptoms disappear. They are good at predicting if a stroke will appear but not

when it will happen. Call 911 for TIAs as well as strokes.

High blood cholesterol. A high level of total cholesterol in the blood (240mg/dL or higher) is a major risk factor for heart disease, which raises your risk of stroke. LDL (“bad”) cholesterol should be 100 mg/dL or less.

Physical inactivity and obesity. Go for a walk, take the stairs and do whatever you can to make your life more active for at least 30 minutes total on all or most days of the week.

What are the steps to prevent a stroke?

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to see if you are at risk for stroke or see page 34 for information about stroke and aneurysm screenings offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. By learning your risk factors and managing them with a healthcare professional, you can help prevent stroke.

What are the key points to remember?

Stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts.

Know the signs and symptoms of stroke: (FAST). You may experience one or all of these symptoms.

Stroke symptoms mean you should call 911 to get medical attention immediately.

references: American stroke Association “Understanding stroke” and “risk factors for stroke” retrieved October 5, 2009 at www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/preventing_stroke.htm#risk_Factors

Face - uneven smile, facial droop or numbness, sudden change in the way you seeF:

Time - Call 911 immediately; then, check the time so you will know when the first symptoms started.

T:

Speech - slurred, wrong words, or unable to speakS:

By calling 911, the Emergency Medical System (EMS) sets a chain of actions in motion. The hospital is notified a stroke patient is on the way and special teams are mobilized. Skagit Valley Hospital has an agreement with Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, that allows 24-hour access to neurologists, at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute, who specialize in stroke care. The Emergency Department (ED) has equipment that allows the doctor at Swedish to view and interact with the patient and the ED doctor to help decide


Know the signs and symptoms of stroke


It had been a busy spring day for 83-year-old Grace Crisp. She and 86-year-old husband Carl had some household projects going on and she had spent much of the day in the kitchen, even climbing up and down a ladder.

That evening, on April 17, 2009, Carl heard his wife of 59 years fall in the bathroom of their Big Lake home and went to find her collapsed on the floor.

“I thought what am I going to do? I called 911,” said Carl.

The ambulance quickly arrived and Grace was taken to the Skagit Valley Hospital Emergency Department where it was determined she was having a stroke.

“I felt like I was seeing little twinkly things and little stars,” Grace said of the moments before her fall. “I remember the fall and the ambulance ride.”

Grace’s right side was paralyzed and she could not speak.

After emergent evaluation by the Emergency Department Physician, the decision was made to activate the Swedish Acute TeleStroke Program, which provides Skagit Valley Hospital with 24/7 access to Swedish’s nationally recognized stroke team of experts via real-time, telemedicine

based technology. The experts at Swedish, in concert with the emergency department physician, recommended a course of treatment.

Grace responded well to treatment and was soon able to respond to questions and basic commands.

“They asked me a bunch of questions like what day is it? What year? My birthday and who’s the president? They had me lift my leg and arms,” she said. “When the doctor saw what was happening, he was so excited.”

As an observer, Carl calls her recovery “absolutely unbelievable.”

Grace spent four days in the hospital and participated in some physical therapy. She needed some time for her broken nose, suffered in the fall, to mend and she says her penmanship isn’t as good as it was before the stroke. All in all, six months after her stroke, she said she is feeling pretty good.

“This gives people hope,” she said.


“That’s who I trust,” Tony said.

Chuck visited Tony every day in the hospital and still has trouble expressing his feelings about his role in saving a man’s life.

“It’s surreal, it’s really hard to explain,” he said.

Chuck and Brook were honored with the Life Saving Award by the City of Mount Vernon in December, with the whole Sundberg family looking on to say thank you. Kathy and Tony have two children and two grandchildren.

“You just don’t know how important it is until you need it. They should be rewarded and blessed,” Kathy said.

Six weeks out of the hospital Tony visited the golf course and shared hugs with Kevin and Chuck and enjoyed the view of Mount Baker with a new appreciation.

“Sometimes it feels like a dream. I was just so lucky that everything fell into place,” Tony said. “Life is precious. It took all of these people’s efforts coming together to make this happen to save mine.”

Tony, who is back to work full time as purchasing manager at the Washington Athletic Club, said he looks forward to being cleared to play golf again. First stop will be Eaglemont.

“My first round of golf will be with Chuck,” he said. “He’s my hero.”

Grace and Carl Crisp of Big Lake appreciate the quick response and excellent care she received after

suffering a stroke last April.

BiGheartConTiinueD FroM PAGe 7


ConnectMDenhances links to swedish medical

Center stroke specialistsGCI ConnectMD, innovators of

the largest secure medical network in the Pacific Northwest connecting more than 200 clinics, hospitals, and medical organizations have partnered with Swedish Medical Center to enable components of the “virtual” bedside neurological evaluations for patients in hospitals throughout Washington state.

The Swedish Acute TeleStroke Program bolsters remote hospitals’ stroke support services through 24/7 access to Swedish’s nationally-recognized stroke team experts via real-time, telemedicine-based technology. Skagit Valley Hospital is a partner in the Swedish Acute TeleStroke Program.

“GCI ConnectMD helps improve medical outcomes by strengthening access to and quality of health care through reliable and affordable telemedicine services,” said Steve Constantine, Director of GCI Medical and Video Services. “In this case, we are helping Swedish’s Acute TeleStroke Program realize the maximum potential by closing the gap on those who have had to sacrifice urgent stroke diagnosis and treatment due to geographical distance and those who reap

the benefits of living in urban areas with close proximity to stroke specialists within the time sensitive protocol for stroke care.”

Through GCIConnect MDs secure medical network, a link between the contracted remote emergency rooms and the comprehensive team of stroke team neurologists based at the Swedish/Cherry Hill campus in Seattle is completed, providing the infrastructure for the Swedish Stroke Team to view the brain images for Telestroke cases, a vital component of an acute Telestroke encounter.

“Even in non-life-threatening situations, the technological connections provided by GCI ConnectMD are crucial,” said Tammy Cress, RN, MSN, FAHA, Director of Telehealth at Swedish Medical Center. “With the push of a button emergency room personnel in partner hospitals can transmit CT scans and other diagnostic tests through our network and have instant access to the region’s highest medical talent. In other words, these virtual consultations help mitigate any neurologic damage that might have been suffered during the stroke.”

GCISurvivor Celebration a success

The 12th annual survivor Celebration, sponsored by the skagit Valley Hospital regional Cancer Care Center, was a resounding success as nearly 200 cancer survivors gathered in October for lunch, entertainment and a chance to share stories.

Attendees enjoyed music and dancing by sol Azteca and presentations by cancer survivor Judah detzer and dr. kathleen Lumiere of Bastyr University. The event also featured an impromptu singing performance by retired oncologist dr. Helmut stutz.

A highlight of the annual event is the opportunities for survivors to share stories of their journey, which were also reflected in comments made by attendees on the evaluation forms:

“It’s always nice to be around other survivors and be able to talk openly without worrying you might make others uncomfortable. . . I especially enjoyed Judah, what an encouraging story, which just underscores the greatest asset to treatment is a loving, supportive group of caregivers, family, friends and medical personnel.”

“To see so very many survivors gave me hope for many more years of survivorship for myself after witnessing the show of hands with 40 years after first diagnosis.”

“It provides a feeling of connection – family. There is power and strength in what we have all shared.”

The event was organized by a group of cancer survivors and cancer center staff and supported by a grant provided by genentech and many local businesses provided door prizes.

Physicians in the Skagit valley Hospital emergency Department

connect with specialists in the Swedish Acute TeleStroke Program

for expertise in diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients.



ConnectMDBe aware of flu symptoms, prevention measures

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. Because this virus is very different from current seasonal influenza viruses, many people will not have protective immunity against it and the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against it either. In addition to H1N1, it is important to remember that the seasonal flu season typically begins in February or March.

Influenza is unpredictable, but this flu season could be worse than recent years because of the 2009 H1N1 virus.

Who is at greatest risk of infection with this new virus?

So far, younger people have been more likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu than older people. Most cases of 2009 H1N1 have occurred in people younger than 25 years of age. At this time, there are relatively few cases of 2009 H1N1 in people 65 or older, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu.

What can i do to protect myself from getting sick from 2009 H1n1 flu?

CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions including frequent hand washing and staying home

when sick, and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

vaccination: To protect those at greatest risk of 2009 H1N1, CDC recommends that certain people get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine first. These key groups include people who are at higher risk of

getting sick or having serious flu complications, those who are

likely to come in contact with 2009 H1N1, and those who could infect young infants who cannot be vaccinated themselves. This includes pregnant women, people who live with or provide care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical service personnel, people 6 months to 24 years of age and people 25 to 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications because of an underlying health condition or compromised immune systems.

Everyday actions can help prevent the spread of

germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. (Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.)

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay home if you are sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for several days; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues, facemasks and other related items might be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

What should i do if i get sick? If you become ill with influenza-like

symptoms this flu season you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to seek medical care. Most people have been able to recover at home from 2009 H1N1 without needing medical care and the same is true of seasonal flu.

How long should i stay home if i’m sick?

CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings. If you must leave the house (for example to see your doctor), wear a facemask, if you have one and it is tolerable, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.

For more information go to: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or call 1-800-CDC-inFo.

FLUFACTS


Mayor Bud Norris, Parks Director Larry Otos and Physical Activity Coordinator Liz McNett Crowl were on hand in Yakima to receive recognition from the Washington State Department of Health for local efforts to improve the health of people who live in those communities.

The group received colorful roadway signs for installation in Mount Vernon to designate the city as part of the Healthy Communities effort.

Department of Health Secretary Mary Selecky noted that Mount Vernon and surrounding Skagit County have made remarkable progress, including completion of a countywide network of trails and bicycle paths, forming partnerships among local farmers, Skagit Valley Hospital, and schools to make locally grown and produced foods more available.

state honors mount Vernon-skagit County Healthy Communities program

Lee Hanahan, senior buyer in Materials Management, got the call at 11 a.m. on a fall Friday morning: A hospice patient needed a specific product and the delivery had to happen on Saturday to Orcas Island.

The Skagit Valley Hospital team swung into action, true to the hospital’s mission to put patients first.

Lee learned that the product was not available in the hospital’s inventory and was not available on short notice from the hospital’s normal supplier. Meanwhile, a deadline approached.

“We were bumping up against the FedEx shipping cutoff time and this was a next-day need,” Lee said.

Skagit Hospice Clinical Manager Ron Feld provided the name of another vendor in Ohio. Lee learned that the alternate vendor had the product, was willing to extend credit and ship the item right away. Kathleen Abhold in Finance quickly set up a new vendor account and the transaction was made ahead of the shipping deadline. Everything was set.

Come Saturday morning, on his day off, Lee decided to check the tracking on the package to make sure Friday’s plans were, in fact, carried off. He learned that the package had been delivered in error to Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon instead of directly to the patient on Orcas Island.

Lee swung into action once again. He found the package, called the patient and arranged to make the delivery himself.

Lee and his wife, Cindy, walked on the 3 p.m. ferry to Friday Harbor – package in hand – to make the delivery to the patient’s daughter at the ferry dock.

“She was so emotional and so thankful that we would bring it out to the island,” Lee said. “She hugged me and embraced my wife. She was so appreciative.”

Lee is quick to say that the delivery was the culmination of a true team effort.

“A lot of things came together to make this happen,” he said. “Each of us has a sense of responsibility for our work and our patients, and my role is to deliver the products that patients need.”

Above and BeYonD the call: A customer service story

nurse honored for work with veterans

Care Center Nurse Trisha Pearce received the 2009 Outstanding Female Nonveteran of the Year Award from the Washington department of Veteran Affairs (dVA) in November as recognition for her volunteer work connecting Pacific Northwest veterans and their loved ones with much-needed free mental health services.

Pearce, a resident of stanwood, is founder and director of the soldiers Project Northwest, a Washington-based group composed of professional counselor volunteers. As a psychiatric nurse Pearce became concerned about those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In early 2008, inspired by the L.A.-based soldiers Project, which connects military personnel with volunteer professional counselors, Pearce began working to bring that same opportunity home to northwest service members and veterans. since then she has pulled together a team of over 50 counselors, giving referrals for free counseling to service members and their loved ones.

“I wish we could do more,” Pearce says. “There are a variety of military programs that offer mental health services, but there is more help needed.”

Mount Vernon Parks Director Larry Otos and Skagit Valley Hospital Physical Activity Program Coordinator Liz McNett Crowl hold signs that will be posted in the community while Mayor Bud Norris accepts honors.


Since a trip to the Emergency Department is not a regular occurrence for most, Skagit Valley Hospital is working to help answer the many questions that patients and families may have when they need care in an emergency.

The hospital has produced a short video that will run in the Emergency Department lobby and is available at the hospital’s Web site – www.skagitvalleyhospital.org – to explain how the department works.

Dr. Kirk Brownell, medical director of Skagit Valley Hospital’s Emergency Department, serves as host for the program to help answer the questions patients and families may have during their stay.

The hospital’s team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are specially trained to provide high-quality emergency care. Upon entering the Emergency Department, patients go through a process called “triage.” A nurse will take a brief history, assess symptoms and check vital signs to determine the severity of the patient’s condition.

Patients are not seen on a “first come first served” basis. Patients who have

urgent medical conditions and/or injuries are brought back to a room and seen faster than patients with less urgent conditions. It is important to understand there are medical conditions that need to be treated urgently and these patients may not always look as ill as someone else may feel.

During peak hours, from 1 to 10 p.m., Emergency Department staff makes

every effort to evaluate patients with lesser acuity illnesses in as short a wait time as possible. If a patient’s condition worsens while they are in the lobby area waiting to be seen, they are asked to notify the front desk immediately.

The priority at Skagit Valley Hospital is to provide

the highest quality of care as quickly as possible. Skagit Valley Hospital cares for all patients who come to the emergency department. In 2008, we saw 36,000 patients, an average of 100 patients every day.

Many factors influence wait time and the situation in the department can change rapidly. This may change the amount of time a patient may have to wait. As a result, there are times a visit may take longer than expected.

Waits may be due to:• An unexpected number of patients

arriving by ambulance.

• An increase in the number of very ill patients to treat and care for in the emergency Department.

• Pending test results.

Average time for test results:• Blood Analysis - 60 to 90 minutes

• urine Analysis - 60 to 90 minutes

• X-rays - 60 to 90 minutes

• CT Scan - 1 to 4 hours

• ultrasound - 1 to 2 hours

The Skagit Valley Hospital Emergency Department is designed to get patients into one of the hospital’s 23 private patient rooms as quickly as possible. Once settled in an exam room, patients are examined by an emergency physician and emergency department staff will monitor vital signs and work with the doctor to coordinate care. Efforts are made to keep patients and families informed of all delays and to answer questions. Keep in mind that it is challenging to give a patient an exact amount of time that they will wait due to the unpredictable changes that frequently occur in the emergency department.


Skagit Valley Hospital Endoscopy Technicians Lori Griffith and Kelly Romero recently earned certification in their field.

They are now Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessors in an educational process offered by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution.

Griffith has worked at Skagit Valley Hospital for the past two years and sees the certification as a step toward job advancement. Certification required “lots of reading and preparing for a written examination,” she said.

“Certification required lots of studying and reading,” said Romero, a three-year employee at Skagit Valley Hospital. “I

Two endoscopy technicians gain certificationdid it to advance in my current position and be more knowledgeable in my job.”

Leighann Pavek, RN, manager of Endoscopy, noted that these are the first-ever certified technicians in Endo at the hospital.

“I would like to say congratulations to Kelly and Lori for achieving their certification,” Pavek said.

Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. As the third most common cancer in America for men and women, the risk of a person developing colon cancer in their lifetime is about 1 in 17.

A new self-referral, direct access program at Skagit Valley Hospital

allows patients to make an appointment for colorectal cancer

screening – called colonoscopy.

Patients who qualify for direct access are healthy adults who are seeking a screening colonoscopy as an initial screening or follow-up polyp surveillance. These patients will be interviewed by phone and then scheduled for a screening colonoscopy.

Patients who are symptomatic, taking blood thinners or have any heart or lung compromise, will be connected to the gastroenterology office to set up a physician consult before a procedure is scheduled.

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colorectal cancer for men and women at average risk beginning at age 50. An increase in the use of this screening procedure has contributed to a drop in the death rate from colorectal cancer over the past 15 years as polyps are found and removed early, before they turn into cancer.

For information and to schedule a screening colonoscopy at Skagit valley Hospital, call 360-814-5739 from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. if you are unable to contact us during these hours, please feel free to call at any time and leave a message. We will return your call as quickly as possible.

for colorectal cancer screening new self-referral program

“They are paving the way for all new technicians who come to work in Endoscopy and have set a great example of professional development in their chosen field.”

Gastroenterologist Kalyan Wadwa, MD talks with a patient.

Kelly Romero, left, and Lori Griffith.


Colorectal cancer is a relatively common illness in western countries - in the U.S., one of every 17 people will develop this illness. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men, and the third most common cancer in white and African American women. In Hispanic and Asian women in the U.S., it is the second most common cancer. Even worse, colorectal cancer is the number three cause of cancer death in women (behind lung and breast cancer) and men (behind lung and prostate cancer).

For all that bad news, colorectal cancer actually has a pretty high five-year cure rate, especially if detected early. People who are diagnosed in the earliest stage have a greater than 90 percent five-year survival, and the overall five-year survival is about 60 percent.

risks for developing colorectal cancer include:

Age – 90% of colorectal cancers occur in people age 50 or older.

inflammatory intestinal illnesses – illnesses such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

inherited disorders – uncommon illnesses such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis greatly increase risk and can be detected by genetic testing.

Family history of colon cancer – a person with a first degree relative (brother, sister, parent, child) has a greater risk, and more than one relative with colorectal cancer, increases the risk even more.

Lifestyle issues – cigarette smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and excess alcohol consumption all increase risk.

Diet – there may be an association with diets high in fat and low in fiber, as reported in some studies; however, overall study results are mixed, and the certainty of the role of diet is still an undefined question.

Higher cure rate with early detectionMost people who have colorectal cancer have no symptoms early in the course of their illness. Typically, however, as a cancer grows in size, any of several of the following symptoms can develop:

• diarrhea or constipation – more importantly, a change in consistency of stool for more than a couple of weeks.

• rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.

• persistent abdominal cramps or fullness.

• pain or feeling of incomplete evacuation with bowel movements.

• weakness or unexplained weight loss.

The diagnosis of colorectal cancer is ideally made prior to the onset of symptoms through screening tests such as:

Stool blood test – this test looks for the presence of blood in the stool before it is visible (i.e. occult). This can be done at the time of the rectal exam or through a stool sample attained at home.

Sigmoidoscopy – this test examines the rectum and sigmoid colon through a flexible scope that has a camera to visualize the inside of the sigmoid colon. This test examines only the lower quarter of the colorectum and has largely been replaced by colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy – similar to the sigmoidoscopy, a flexible scope with a camera to visualize the inside lining of the entire colorectum; this scope can also be used to remove polyps and cauterize other lesions.

virtual colonoscopy – this is a CT imaging test similar to its predecessor, the barium enema, but virtual colonoscopy has the advantages of being non-invasive (no instrument is used). In this test the colon is filled with air and a CT is done. The American Cancer Society has recently

approved this exam for routine colorectal screening for cancer. The disadvantage of the exam is that polyps cannot be removed, and if found, will require subsequent colonoscopy.

Treatment for colorectal cancer involves surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Surgery is the primary therapy for treatment and staging of the cancer with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy being adjuncts.

Given the statistical frequency of colorectal cancers, screening should be a high priority to promote early detection. Anyone age 50 or older should follow these screening guides:

• Annual fecal occult blood testing

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy every 5 - 10 years, or

• virtual colonoscopy every 5 – 10 years.

People with significant risk factors should be screened more often as guided by their physician.

Lastly, prevention primarily involves the lifestyle changes inherent in healthy living:

• regular exercise

• A diet high in vegetables and whole grains, and low in saturated fat

• Limited alcohol consumption

• Cigarette smoking cessation

** This article is intended to provide useful information, not medical advice. This information cannot, and is not meant to, replace consultation with your physician regarding your individual circumstances. For questions regarding this article please send correspondence to dr. kirk Brownell, md, medical director, skagit Valley Hospital Emergency department, 1415 E kincaid, mount Vernon, WA 98273 or [email protected]. Article content screened by a three-physician editorial board of Northwest Emergency Physicians/Team Health.

for colorectal cancer screening Colorectalcancer


Hospitalists serving patients at Skagit valley Hospital include:Bonita Baker, MD, FCCP • Damanjeet Chugh, MD • Dmitry Feldman, Do • Malik Fuimaono, MD • David Hoeft, MD • onder orgul, MD • Geoffrey Spielmann, MD • Tianna Tsitsis, MD

Bonita Baker, MD, FCCP was looking to join an established hospitalist program with a strong group of physicians and found both at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Dr. Baker, who started work as the Medical Director of the Skagit Valley Hospital Hospitalist Program in November 2009, moved to the Northwest from New Mexico where she trained and worked in critical care and as a hospitalist.

“I was looking for an opportunity where I would have other colleagues to work with,” she said. “I am excited to be in a place with full service and with a strong group of physicians in an established program where my critical care skills could be utilized.”

Dr. Baker received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Medical Doctorate from the Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb. She completed an internal medicine residency and pulmonary/critical care fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Before joining the Skagit Valley Medical Center hospitalist group, she served as a pulmonary and critical care hospitalist and director of the ICU and respiratory therapy at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico.

Dr. Baker said she enjoys the challenges of working with patients in intensive care.

“These patients need you for your expertise in working with the sickest patients and people are looking to you for guidance,” she said. “It doesn’t mean you get everybody better, but it does mean you are needed at a very critical time.”

Working with families is an important element in her role as hospitalist.

“The most challenging part of patient care can be the family dynamics,” she

said. “It’s easier when people get better, but it’s not as easy when

people don’t. I spend a lot of time with families.”

The hospitalist program means physicians are in the hospital, 24/7 to care for patients.

“The great thing for patients and families is that

the hospitalist is here at the hospital all the time,” Dr. Baker

said. “Since we are here, we can be made aware of a change in patient status and quickly respond to it. We are available to the nursing staff right away.”

The hospitalists also make sure to communicate with the patient’s primary physician for a smooth continuum of care.

“Our goal as hospitalists is to make this as seamless as possible,” she said.

As the medical director of the hospitalist program, Dr. Baker will be continuously evaluating the program, looking for ways to enhance patient care, improve policies and procedures and focus on education.

Bonita Baker, md to lead hospitalist team“We are always looking for ways to

improve the services we provide,” Dr. Baker said. “We have good doctors in the program and a strong staff that together makes a good team.”

Outside of work, Dr. Baker and her husband, Corey Stout, are avid cyclists who brought 11 bicycles with them from New Mexico. They also enjoy hiking, kayaking and playing with their three dogs.

Feldman enjoys team effort in caring for patients

Dmitry Feldman, DO joined the team of hospitalists caring for patients at Skagit Valley Hospital in September 2009 as a way to continue his desire to work with those who are acutely ill.

“I like the acuity of patients you see in the hospital and there is always a variety of cases,” Dr. Feldman said. “I like taking care of sicker people. I find it more rewarding to help them through what can be the most difficult times of their lives.”

Dr. Feldman also noted the hospital atmosphere brings a chance to build camaraderie with nurses and staff in a true team approach to hospital care.

A native of Lynnwood, Dr. Feldman graduated from the University of Washington and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in California.

Hospitalist programcontinues to grow

Skagit Valley Hospital welcomed the hospitalist program in October 2005 and the program has grown to include eight specialists. Hospitalist programs are a national trend with internal medicine and other specialists providing care exclusively to hospitalized patients. Working in conjunction with a patient’s primary care physician, hospitalists use their training and experience to enhance the efficiency and quality of inpatient care. After discharge, the patient returns to their primary care physician – who has been kept informed and involved during the hospital stay – for follow-up visits and outpatient care.


Martin Dubek, MD provides comprehensive family medicine, including obstetrics, in his practice at North Cascade Family Physicians.

A native of Czechoslovakia where he received his medical degree, Dr. Dubek had an opportunity to come to the United States in 2000 for a residency in family medicine in Virginia.

Dr. Dubek worked for six years at Sunnyside Community Hospital in eastern Washington before joining the Mount Vernon practice in October 2009.

“This is a great opportunity and a great group of people to work for and with,” he said. “This is a traditional model for family practice medicine with one person taking care of people for their lifetime. You can really get to know people.”

Dr. Dubek keeps the obstetrics part of his practice because he likes to get to know young families and develop a good patient-physician relationship during the nine months of pregnancy.

Dr. Dubek said he sees the need for a greater focus on prevention and wellness.

“We have to rethink how we practice medicine because we used to just take care of acute problems. Now, we’re dealing with chronic problems and the management of those illnesses is difficult, so we need to focus on prevention,” he said. “Most people want to be well, but, for some, it requires significant lifestyle modifications.”

doctor joins North Cascade Family PhysiciansAs he counsels with patients on how to

make healthy lifestyle choices, he finds joy in his work.

“I like working with people when you are able to make a difference in someone’s

life,” he said. “It makes you feel better when you know people listen. That is worth more than anything.”

An avid skier and snowboarder, Dr. Dubek said he doesn’t mind the rain because it “means it’s

snowing somewhere.” He also enjoys mountain biking.

Dr. Dubek and his wife, Jessica, have a 13-year-old

daughter.

Orthopedic surgeon joins local practiceDavid Hock, DO enjoys the challenges

and variety of his work as an orthopedic surgeon at Skagit Valley Medical Center.

He recently began his practice at the medical center in August after a 14-year military career that concluded at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor.

Dr. Hock, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Miami University of Ohio and attended medical school at

the Kansas City University

of Medicine and Biosciences

College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCUMB) in Kansas City, Missouri.

He received a Navy scholarship, which began with an internship with the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. Subsequently, he attended undersea medical officer training in Groton, Conn. and Navy Dive School in Panama City, Florida. Upon completion of his studies and courses, he received orders for his first duty station on the island of Guam as a Diving Medical Officer for the Explosive

Ordinance Disposal (EOD). Part of his duties included treating diving-related injuries not just for Navy personnel but for the entire Western Pacific diving community using the hyperbaric chamber.

From 2001 to 2005, Dr. Hock attended residency in orthopedics at Michigan

State University while still in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of his residency, he served as a staff orthopedic surgeon for the Naval Hospital Sigonella in Sicily, Italy.

In 2007, Dr. Hock served as a staff orthopedic surgeon and

department head at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor at NAS Whidbey. After a

rewarding career in the Navy, Dr. Hock and his wife,

Kari, who is from the area, along with their twin sons, Henry and Nathan, have decided to make Skagit County their home.

“I try to listen to my patients and develop a plan for them based on the clinical findings and what they need,” he said. “It can be very rewarding when people have great outcomes.”

Dr. Hock likes staying active outside of work with running, mountain biking, snowboarding and family adventures.

He performed an osteopathic residency in internal medicine at Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas.

Dr. Feldman said he chose to study the osteopathic method because “it’s a different approach. We look at the body as a whole, rather than the sum of its parts.”

Dr. Feldman said he is impressed with Skagit Valley Hospital’s expansion and the private patient rooms, current computer systems and coworkers who are “very supportive and helpful.”

The hospitalist program is a benefit to patients and providers alike, he said.

“This is a win-win for everybody. The primary care physician can rely on the hospitalists to take care of sick people in the hospital and when patients are discharged they can follow up with their primary care,” Dr. Feldman said.

Dr. Feldman chose to return to the Northwest to spend time with family in Edmonds and Lynnwood including his parents, sister, nephew and others. He enjoys tennis, pool, bowling and watching sports.


Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners – ARNPs – have always been a vital part of local family practice and multi-specialty groups and the trend continues with the addition of three new providers.

Three nurse practitionersjoin local practices

Dianne Kutzke, ARNP joined North Cascade Family Physicians in July 2009 while pediatric specialists James Ronan, MN, PhD joined Skagit Valley Medical Center in April 2009 and Sheila Kenning, ARNP joined the medical center in January 2009.

The three providers say it is important for patients to know that ARNPs have advanced training and are able to fulfill comprehensive care, including providing disease management, writing prescriptions, and seeing Medicare or Medicaid patients. A total of 26 ARNPs are part of the Unified Medical Staff of Skagit Valley playing important roles in family practice, pediatric, oncology, cardiology and women’s health clinics.

“Nurse practitioners perform a full scope of care,” said Ronan, who serves as an Assistant Professor in the University of Victoria School of Nursing. “There is only one standard of care and we all meet the same standard of care. We make sure the patient gets the same outcome no matter who you are seeing, a nurse practitioner or a physician.”

Ronan noted nurse practitioners focus on health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management. Western states have tended to be more progressive in embracing the profession, he said.

“Healthcare is practiced along a continuum of complexity and acuity,” Kutzke said. “It’s important for people to realize that we can do a great deal for them.”

Kenning notes that nurse practitioners play a vital role in healthcare focusing on education and prevention.

Dianne Kutzke, ArnP is making her second stop at North Cascade Family Physicians. She worked at the Mount Vernon practice from 1991 until 1999 when her husband took a job in Issaquah. She worked in a family practice clinic in King County, but quickly sought to return to NCFP when her husband accepted a position in Marysville.

“I am delighted to be back. It’s a true family practice clinic. It is a privilege to work with babies, with kids and older people. It’s a very old-fashioned kind of family practice, in the broadest and best sense,” she said. “We look at the whole picture and the whole family.”

Kutzke, who graduated from Pacific Lutheran University,

worked as an intensive care and critical care nurse for several years before beginning the master’s program at the University of Washington to become a nurse practitioner.

She is enjoying the opportunity to reconnect

with patients and families who she hasn’t seen in ten years.

“That’s been just delightful. The kids have all grown,” she said. “It’s been very, very nice to rejoin this community.”

When she is not working, Kutzke enjoys leading a church choir and musical theater.

James ronan, Mn, PhD joined Skagit Valley Medical Center as a way to continue practicing, while also serving as an assistant professor with the University of Victoria School of Nursing. Ronan works in

the medical center’s Mount Vernon clinic two days every other week.

A veteran of 30 years in the U.S. Air Force who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, Ronan said he found a medical care system in the military focused

on using nurse practitioners and physician assistants

as keys to providing care. He became a

nurse practitioner in 1992 and continued practicing

throughout his studies for his PhD.

Ronan enjoys aspects of teaching and practicing.

“With teaching, it’s that two or three students who really just take off and are really engaged. We need that whole perspective of new hope,” he said. “With practicing, it’s when patients come back to you and say ‘you’re the first person who has helped me with this’ and the ripples move out for them and their family like a pebble in a pond.”

Ronan selected a pediatric emphasis for his practice because of his interest in building positive health behaviors in children and taking a comprehensive approach to families.

Away from working and teaching, Ronan enjoys road cycling, soccer and sailing.


Sheila Kenning, ArnP, developed a passion for pediatrics while working as a Registered Nurse at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

“It was there that I was inspired by the nurse practitioner role, which focused not only on the patient, but on the family as well,” she said. “I moved to the west coast to attend graduate school at the University of Washington and graduated from the pediatric nurse practitioner program in 1987.”

Kenning received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Plattsburgh State University of New York and earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Washington. She is also nationally certified as an ARNP. She has worked in a variety of clinic settings in the Seattle area and recently was a tenured faculty member in the school of nursing at Skagit Valley College prior to joining the medical center in 2009.

“I am glad to be back in the clinical setting. This is a busy practice and education is an important focus here,” she said, noting that she often discusses basic parenting skills, etiologies of illness and prevention strategies with patients and families.

“It’s an exciting role and one that is always changing,” she said. Issues today include childhood obesity, disruptions in the family system, economic stress and mental health disorders in children.

Parenting is a huge job, Kenning notes, and she enjoys helping to guide families through the developmental and behavioral challenges of life.

“I think that parenting is one of the most important jobs of your life. There is more to it than merely feeding, bathing and sending your kids to school,” she said. “It takes more time to parent well than simply to parent and I am honored to help parents through that process.”

Away from work, Kenning enjoys time with her own family. She enjoys swimming, kayaking, and watching her two children participate in their sports.

Longtime ophthalmologist retires

Armin A.A. Mohr, MD, who started practicing general ophthalmology in skagit Valley in July 1970, retired in december after nearly 40 years in practice. He joined Northwest Eye surgeons in January 1998 as a general ophthalmologist.

dr. mohr, whose first office was in mount Vernon and later moved to Burlington, was the first ophthalmologist to introduce a surgical microscope, phacoemulsification and lasers into the practice of ophthalmology in skagit County.

dr. mohr received his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of saskatchewan and his medical degree in June 1962 at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. He completed his rotating internship at the royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton and spent the next three years in active duty as surgeon Lieutenant in the royal Canadian Navy. dr. mohr then completed one year of internal medicine residency and also three years of an ophthalmology residency at the mayo graduate school of medicine in rochester, minnesota, graduating in April 1970.

He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American society of Cataract and refractive surgeons, Washington state Academy of Eye Physicians and surgeons, and is a Fellow in the American College of surgeons.

dr. mohr’s avocation is music, with training in piano and pipe organ. He is founding director of the celebrated Pacific Image English Handbell Choir. He and his wife, Beverly, have 5 children and 7 grandchildren. His other interests are international travel and photography.

State Auditor honors Skagit valley Hospital

state Auditor Brian sonntag honored skagit Valley Hospital for an “exemplary record” of no audit findings in the past nine years.

A letter noting the outstanding performance followed the report by state auditor’s staff regarding the hospital’s clean audit for 2008.

“They are extremely complimentary about the hospital in the audit as well as the outstanding track record we have in place,” skagit Valley Hospital Commissioner Clark Todd, a member of the Board’s Finance Committee said following the 2008 audit report.

sonntag’s letter states “A critical factor in your success is your staff. We appreciate and applaud the spirit of cooperation and the courtesies extended to us throughout the audit process by kathleen Abhold, Controller, and the other talented and dedicated employees on staff.”

Abhold and Chief Financial Officer Tom Litaker noted that the success is the result of work by the hospital’s Finance and Leadership teams for their assistance in the audit process and strictly upholding policies and regulations.

Sea Mar clinic is open at Skagit valley Hospital

sea mar Community Health Center successfully opened a new clinic within skagit Valley Hospital as a way to boost access to primary care and expand the center’s services in the region.

sea mar is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health and human

services to diverse communities.

The new clinic is located in leased space just inside the kincaid street lobby at skagit Valley Hospital. sea mar is open to all patient populations and bases fees on income and household size. services include primary care, physicals, obstetric and gynecological care, breast and cervical health, immunizations, nutrition and health education and health insurance enrollment assistance.

The clinic is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. monday through saturday. For information, call the sea mar skagit Valley Clinic at 360-588-5550. HealthQuest Winter 2010 | 23


Making a new homefor the skagit Valley Hospital Behavioral Health Care Center

Skagit Valley Hospital is committed to meeting the needs of mentally ill adults in our community. The issue of mental health and substance abuse is a growing concern in Skagit County and surrounding region, where programs for the mentally ill have closed in recent years.

The hospital’s Behavioral Health Care Center is a 24-hour a day, 365-day per year operation, accepting both voluntary and involuntary admissions. In 2008, more than 540 patients were served and the anticipated patient load for 2010 is expected to near 600.

Unfortunately, the hospital’s current facility does not meet our community’s needs. The unit is licensed for 15 beds but can seldom operate at that level. Since patient rooms are double occupancy, an incompatible gender or diagnosis mix often prevents the center from operating at capacity.

Recognizing the importance of this need, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is partnering with the hospital on a project to remodel a presently vacant space in the hospital to create a larger and more suitable facility for our Behavioral Health Care Services.

A remodeled unit would accommodate two seclusion rooms, private rooms and the ability to separate acuity levels. The new space would also increase security and would be more efficient in a healing and calming environment. This remodel would increase the numbers of patients treated in the unit and would allow the hospital to operate at its 15-bed capacity.

Proceeds from the 2009 and 2010 Festival of Trees events have been dedicated to support this $3 million project. Hospital funds and a potential grant from the state create a need for $800,000 in fund-raising. Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation to assist in funding this project. The Foundation’s address is P.O. Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.


Festival of Trees raises $255,000 to benefit Behavioral Health Care services

at skagit Valley Hospital

Award Winners“We Wish You a Merry Grinch-mas!”

was a big winner, capturing two of three Festival awards:

People’s Choice: People’s Choice: “We Wish You a merry grinch-mas!” was selected as the People’s Choice in voting by thousands who attended Com-munity days on saturday and sunday. Tree and decorations were sponsored by Larson gross p.l.l.c. and Westside merchants – Craftstove of Western Washington, Hansen Furniture, mexico Café, modern Cleaners, rolfson’s Home Furnishings, skagit Wild Bird supply, Wire Fab and Xtra special Cakes.

President’s Choice: “Let It snow” earned the President’s Choice Award from skagit Valley Hospital Foundation President Corey mendoza at designer Appreciation Night. The beautiful flocked tree with sparkly, crystal accents was designed by Lea davidson and Cheryl Pratt, while the tree decorations were sponsored by Lea and gregg davidson.

Designers’ Choice: “We Wish You a merry grinch-mas!” also received the designers’ Choice Award in voting by all volunteer designers in attendance at the designer Appreciation Night.

A festive weekend of fund-raising, Christmas trees and music kicked off the holiday season as the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation celebrated the 21st Annual Festival of Trees , co-chaired by Susan Slotemaker and Suzanne Hayes.

The event, presented by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and title sponsor Associated Petroleum Products, raised $255,000 in gross proceeds to benefit Behavioral Health Care Services at Skagit Valley Hospital.

“We are so thankful to the many people who support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation as donors, sponsors and volunteers,” said Corey Mendoza, President of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “This outpouring of support, in a year that has been challenging for many, is a true indicator of the generous spirit of giving we have in our community to benefit essential services at our regional, community hospital.”

The Thanksgiving weekend event, featuring the display of more than 30 elaborately decorated evergreens, drew a capacity crowd for the November 27 Gala Evening & Auction at the St. Joseph Center in Mount Vernon sponsored by Mountain Glen retirement Community.

The energy in the St. Joseph Center was electric as guest auctioneer John Curley swirled around center stage creating a very lively evening of bidding.

This signature fund-raising event is supported by exceptional sponsorship from the community. Festival event sponsors also included Whidbey island Bank – Live Auction, Charles Fine Jewelry – Jewelry Lockbox, Group Health – raffle Tree, Key Bank – Silent Auction, Life Care Center of Mount vernon – Senior Day, Skagit State Bank – Kids’ Day, Williams & nulle - Wreaths and Skagit endodontics – reds, Whites and Brews Silent Auction. The Foundation is also

grateful for the more than 90 tree, tablescape and auction item sponsors that participated.

High-bid items included the “We Wish You a Merry Grinch-mas!” tree designed by Janey Dodge and Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Sheran Blake, Tammy Wells, Scott Sutton, Dawn Latimer, Kristen Whitener, Karen Mills and Bill Forney, which sold for $4,000, and the “Angels for Alger” tree

designed by Pam Radcliffe and Vicki May, which sold for $2,800.

Saturday night’s guests enjoyed

reds, Whites & Brews – a new Festival

event to savor the season. The event, sponsored by Group Health, featured wine tasting from the Skagit Valley wineries of Challenger Ridge, Eagle Haven and Tulip Valley Vineyard and Orchard. The Skagit River Brewery served tastes of their boutique brews. While sipping and strolling through the trees, guests were treated to the big band and jazz sounds of Dillinger’s Clambake.

Tom Karsh was the winner of Shellan Jewelers’ Diamond Detective event. A fabulous wine tree raffle – won by Ginny and Boyd Bode – photo ops, a Cougar vs. Husky Wii game and a golf chipping challenge were all part of the evening’s festive activities. Foundation Board Trustees Jacqueline Cress and Megan Kovanen co-chaired this new event.

Thousands of people enjoyed viewing the amazing Christmas trees during two Community Days, which also featured live local entertainment and kids activities. Lori Eberle was the winner of the Group Health raffle tree. On Saturday’s Kids’ Day, sponsored by Skagit State Bank, young guests participated in many activities including a scavenger hunt, Santa’s Bakery, face painting and craft projects. Life Care Center of Mount vernon hosted Senior Sunday of Festival weekend.

ConTiinueD on PAGe 26

President’s Choice



The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Fine Art Committee presented this giclee print of Alfred Currier’s “Primary Colors” as a welcome gift to the new Sea Mar clinic staff.


Award WinnersConTinueD FroM PAGe 25

raffle Tree: Lori Eberle was the winner of the group Health tree raffle. “making spirits Bright,” a tree re-creating this year’s Festival logo tree dressed in red, white, lime green, teal and silver. The tree was designed by Jill Christensen, michelle knutzen and melissa knutzen.

The 22nd annual Festival of Trees will be held November 26 to 28, 2010 at st. Joseph Center. Opportunities are available for tree and wreath designing, tree sponsorships, auction item underwriting and event volunteering. Contact the Foundation office at 360-814-5747 or 360-814-2140.

The Gail Iverson Circle of Friends and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation raised more than $22,000 to benefit the Wound Healing Center at Skagit Valley Hospital in an August 20 evening event titled “Starry, Starry Night” on the Moore-Clark dock in La Conner.

More than 200 guests enjoyed a raffle, live auction, Swinomish Channel boat rides by La Conner Boat Tours and a mixed seafood buffet. Marcia Kester provided musical entertainment and Maynard Axelson served as charity auctioneer.

starry Night Fundraiser benefits Wound Healing Center

The proceeds from this year’s event are dedicated toward the purchase of a hyperbaric chamber - a new program for the Wound Healing Center.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a method of administering pure oxygen under pressure. Oxygen delivered under pressure helps to promote the growth of new blood vessels, decreases swelling and inflammation and increases the body’s ability to fight infections.

Donations to this project may be sent to the Skagit valley Hospital Foundation, P.o. Box 1376, Mount vernon, WA, 98273.

SAve THe DATeA benefit dinner for

The Children’s Therapy Program at skagit Valley Hospital

Monday, February 22, 2010, 6pmIl granaio restaurant

100 E. montgomery streetmount Vernon

$100 per person. six-course Italian dinner and wine

For reservations contact, Wendy ragusa at the Skagit valley

Hospital Foundation: 360-814-5747

People’s & Designers’ Choice

HealthQuest Winter 2010 | 27 HealthQuest Winter 2010 | 27

Latest radiation therapy equipment in use at regional Cancer Care Center

The latest in radiation therapy equipment is in use for treating cancer patients. “skagit Valley Hospital regional Cancer Care Center continues to invest in the very latest technology to bring the very best of radiation oncology services to people of the region. We are only the fourth site in the country to install the latest Elekta Axesse linear accelerator,” said radiation Oncologist David Kantorowitz, MD, PhD. “This is Elekta’s version of rotational treatment delivery identical to Varian’s system, which they call rapid Arc. The new system delivers the radiation in a singular rotational movement of the linear accelerator, reducing treatment times to two to three minutes with improved accuracy allowing reduction of the dose to neighboring normal structures.”

Skagit valley Hospital regional Cancer Care Center at Arlington

skagit Valley Hospital’s regional Cancer Care Center at Arlington will move into the new expansion at Cascade Valley Hospital in late January.

The current center, which skagit Valley Hospital assumed operations of in July 2006, is located on the third floor at Cascade Valley Hospital.

The new space will feature two exam rooms, a chemotherapy suite with eight chairs, nurses station and physician offices.

Two oncologists, george gjerset, md and kiarash kojouri, md, mPH, practice at the Arlington location.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is accepting gifts to benefit construction of a new, larger Camano Community Health Clinic.

Patient volume has more than tripled in the past six years at the current clinic, which is operated by Skagit Valley Hospital. Dr. Christina Morris and Gary Draper, PA-C currently see patients at the clinic.

Drawings for a new clinic show a 4,700-square-foot clinic, more than doubling the size of the current facility. The new facility will feature eight patient examination rooms, one treatment room and a larger waiting area to better handle the volume of patients.

The new clinic will also allow the addition of two full-time medical staff including a second physician and a second mid-level provider such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. A goal

Skagit Valley Hospital partnered in November with Thomas Cuisine Management (TCM) to manage the food and nutrition services department. TCM is a Northwest company with 10 accounts in Washington with a focus on high-quality food made from scratch with the freshest ingredients possible.

TCM has a strong commitment to sourcing locally, supporting the communities where they do business and changing the perception of hospital food.

The new menu and a remodel to the cafeteria were unveiled on Dec. 14 with a new look, new service and great food.

new food service vendor means made-from-scratch menu

Bring this original article into the

Skagit valley Hospital Cafeteria

and receive a Free beverage with

the purchase of a meal. Expires: 03/31/2010,

only original coupon will be accepted no copies or re-

creations.

For more information regarding TCM, go to www.thomascuisine.com.

for the larger facility and added staff will be to provide an urgent care setting for same-day care.

The effort to build the new clinic involves collaboration at the local, county and state levels.

The new clinic will be located just north of the current site on property owned by Island County. The state Community, Trade & Economic Development department has committed funds for the project and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation will perform fund-raising and grant-writing efforts.

Donations may be sent to the Skagit valley Hospital Foundation, P.o. Box 1376, Mount vernon, WA, 98273. For information, contact Foundation executive Director Linda Frizzell at 360-814-2140 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Fund-raising under way for new Camano Clinic


Screening to Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease, elevated Cholesterol and More!

The Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute, a partnership of Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center-Cardiology and Skagit Radiology, offers a community screening for all adults over age 18 held on Tuesday mornings.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common condition that affects approximately 10 million adults in the US. About 5% of people over the age of 50 are believed to suffer from PAD. PAD is more common is men and most often occurs in older persons (over the age of 50). The same risk factors associated with heart disease are also linked with PAD.

Attend this screening to find out your risk of PAD, cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it. The screening includes the following tests and results are immediate:

• Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior)

• Blood pressure

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alco-hol 24 hours prior.) this is a finger-stick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat

• review results with a health care provider

Call 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment for this screening program that takes just 40 minutes! The cost is only $29 and is held Tuesdays at Skagit Valley Hospital. A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, if you have one, so results can be forwarded.

Cholesterol, Diabetes and Blood Pressure Screenings

Cholesterol screenings are provided at the following locations by Skagit Valley Hospital in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories. Cholesterol tests are recommended at least once every five years beginning at age 20. Individuals with a strong family history of heart disease or risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or who smoke, may need to be tested more often.

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (blood sugar) levels and are mailed to your home in one week. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SVH only).

Camano Community Health Clinic hours:Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tuesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed for lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Location:127 n. east Camano Drive, Suite A Camano Island 360-387-5398


Change Your Life classes in yourstanwood/Camano neighborhood

skagit Valley Hospital offers the following health screenings and education programs at the skagit Valley medical Center - stanwood/Camano, 9631 269th street NW, stanwood or the Camano Community Health Clinic, 127 N. East Camano drive. To register, complete the registration form on the inside of the back page or call 360-629-6481 or 360-814-2424. Pre-registration is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

Blood pressure checks are provided at no cost. For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

Feb. 4 (thur)8 - 9:30 a.m. Camano Community Health Clinic 127 n. east Camano Drive

March 11 (thur) 8 – 9:30 a.m. Skagit Valley Medical Center - Stan-wood/Camano 9631 269th Street nwConference room A/B


Bone Density Screening Osteoporosis, or low bone density,

affects 10 million Americans, mostly women, and 34 million more have low bone mass. Over 1.5 million fractures are caused each year in the U.S. as a result of osteoporosis.

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

Feb. 4 (thur)8 - 9:30 a.m. Camano Community Health Clinic

March 11 (thur) 8 – 9:30 a.m. Skagit Valley Medical Center – Stanwood/Camano 9631 269th Street nwConference room A/B

vitamin D Level ScreeningWhy should you have your Vitamin D

levels tested? Studies have shown a strong link between an individual’s vitamin D levels and the risk of developing cancer. New research shows a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in people with a genetic predisposition for the disease. Vitamin D also plays an integral role in bone health. Other studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to diabetes and high blood pressure.

This screening can help you identify the level of Vitamin D in your blood. Results are mailed to your home in one week. This screening not recommended for patients on anticonvulsant medication. Fasting is not required. The cost is $35. No appointment required.

Feb. 4 (thur)8 - 9:30 a.m. Camano Community Health Clinic Pre-registration not required

March 11 (thur)8 – 9:30 a.m. Skagit Valley Medical Center - Stanwood/Camano 9631 269th Street nwConference room A/B Pre-registration not required

AArP Driver Safety ProgramThis 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 $12 for AARP members; $14 for non-members. Please bring check payable to AARP and your AARP card or number (if you are a member) to the first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required.

February 17 and 18 (wed/thur)1 – 5 p.m. Skagit Valley Medical Center - Stanwood/Camano 9631 269th Street nwConference room A/B Pay at the class

Skin Cancer ScreeningJ. Semmes Mickelwait, MD with

Advanced Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

March 3 (wed)1 – 4 p.m. Skagit Valley Medical Center - Stanwood/Camano 9631 269th Street nwConference room A/B no charge but pre-registration is required

CPr and First Aid Classes are held at various locations in Stanwood. Call the North County Regional Fire Authority at 360-652-1246 for more information.

Heart Saver Adult/Child CPr Classes are held at the Stanwood Fire Department. For more information call 360-387-1512.

First Aid Classes are held at the Stanwood Fire Department. For more information call 360-387-1512.

A Cardiac Support Group is available at the Stanwood Senior Center on the third Tuesday of each month from 10 - 11 a.m. Call 360-814-8368 for more information.

The island County Health Department is located at 127 N. East Camano Drive, down the hall from the Camano Community Health Clinic. They offer services ranging from TB testing, WIC/Maternity Support Services, HIV/Aids Testing, Immunizations, Healthy Baby Visits and more. For more information call 360-387-0184.

Camano Community Health Clinic hours:Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tuesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed for lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Location:127 n. east Camano Drive, Suite A Camano Island 360-387-5398


Change Your Life classes in yourmount Vernon neighborhood

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.

Women’s Health LuncheonBeating Breast Cancer

Dr. Julie Gralow is one of the nation’s leading researchers and experts on breast cancer treatment and the featured speaker at our Women’s Health Luncheon. Dr. Gralow is director of Breast Medical Oncology at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and is an associate professor of medical oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Gralow has dedicated her life to fighting breast cancer. She’s involved in research and caring for patients, co-authored a book about breast cancer and exercise, is a member of the editorial boards of several national publications, has launched several cancer support organizations and in 2007 was listed as one of Seattle Magazine’s Best Doctors.

In her presentation, Dr. Gralow will provide information about the latest news in the detection, prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Exercise has long been the focus of Dr. Gralow’s mission so she will share information about the importance of exercise in the treatment of breast cancer. Bring a friend to hear this important message by Dr. Julie Gralow.

This event is sponsored by the Skagit Valley Regional Cancer Care Center, an affiliate of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and co-sponsored by Mira Vista, Ashley Gardens, Life Care Center of Skagit Valley, Mountain Glen Retirement Center,

Home Attendant Care, OptionCare and Cascade Medical Group.

February 5 (Fri)11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

McIntyre Hall Mount Vernon $15 includes lunch Pre-registration re-quired by February 1

doc Talk series:The following

presentations by local physicians on a variety of health topics will be held in the Cascade Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Enter through the Kincaid Street entrance. There is no charge but pre-registration is required.

Doc Talk: understanding Menopause

This presentation by Dr. Tammy Starr with Skagit Valley Medical Center will provide up-to-date, accurate information about menopause, menopausal symptoms plus various options for treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings including Hormone Therapy, home remedies and more. Join us for an informative presentation with time allowed for your questions.

January 25 (Mon)6 – 8 p.m.

Doc Talk: Ask a SurgeonIf you or a family member is

anticipating a surgery, you will have the opportunity to ask questions of a local

surgeon, Dr. Bruce Skinner with the Skagit Valley Medical Center since 1982. Dr. Skinner will provide a brief overview of the surgical process at Skagit Valley Hospital and allow plenty of time for questions related to some of the most common surgeries such as gall bladder, hernia repair and breast..

February 3 (wed)6:30 - 8 p.m.

Doc Talk: vitamin D and Your Health

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a greater risk of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has

also been linked to a doubling of heart attack risk among men, a greater

risk of dying from breast cancer, and more frequent asthma attacks among children.

Theodore Kim, MD, medical oncologist with the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center will provide the latest information

and research about Vitamin D in this one-evening

presentation. Time will be allowed for questions.

Feb. 15 (Mon) 6:30 – 8 p.m.


Doc Talk: restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that is characterized by the irresistible urge to move the legs. RLS can cause difficulty in falling or staying asleep which can be one of the chief complaints of the syndrome. A substantial number of people who have RLS also have periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS). These are jerks that occur every 20 to 30 seconds on and off throughout the night. This can cause partial awakenings that disrupt sleep. This can seriously impact your work, relationships and health.

In this presentation by Dr. Murali Maheswaran, sleep disorders specialist with Skagit Valley Medical Center, you will learn more about RLS and PLMS as well as various treatments ranging from self-care options to medications for controlling the condition. Time will be allowed for questions.

March 4 (thur)6:30 – 8 p.m.

Multiple Sclerosis Wellness Symposium

If you’re looking for health and wellness tips you can start using immediately, you won’t want to miss the National MS Society, Greater Washington Chapter’s Skagit County Wellness Symposium for people living with multiple sclerosis.

The MS Wellness Symposium will be highly interactive, with breakout sessions focusing on various aspects of health and well-being, including physical, emotional and social. “We realize people don’t just want a lot of information and brochures. They want to learn some really basic, practical skills they can use right away,” said Health and Wellness Programs Manager, Piper Reynolds. “We want people to walk away from the symposium with a sense of personal empowerment and a plan in mind,” she added.

The day includes breakout sessions with presentations on nutrition, emotional health and personal well-being.

Participants will be welcomed by Dr. Patti Brettell, neurologist with Skagit Valley Medical Center and have the opportunity to engage in social group discussions and physical activities. Speakers will include Lou Kupka-Schutt, PhD, RD, Abby Staten, multiple sclerosis yoga instructor and Diane McRae, MSW Care

Manager with the National MS Society Greater Washington Chapter.

Participants will receive one-page, step-by-step summary sheets from each breakout session so they can start practicing immediately. Bring a friend or family member and enjoy this great event!

Saturday, February 278 a.m. – noon

Skagit Valley Hospital Deli 1415 e. Kincaid, Mount

Vernon no charge but pre-registration is required

To see a complete list of all upcoming programs and to register call 1-800-344-4867 and press option 1 or visit www.MSwashington.org and click on Programs and Services. This program requires pre-registration so sign up early!

nutrition and DiabetesLearn how to eat to control your blood

sugar and weight. This two-hour class will provide information on healthy eating focusing on the diabetic. In addition, you will also get hands-on practice as you tour the Skagit Valley Food Coop and learn how to read labels and identify healthy foods. This class is taught by Lou Kupka-Schutt, PhD, RD with Skagit Valley Hospital.

January 22 (Fri)11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Skagit Valley Food Co-op room 309 (3rd floor of co-op building, follow signs) 202 S. First Street, downtown Mount Vernon register with Co-op cashiers or by calling 360-336-9777 no charge

Meditation for Calming and Focusing Your Mind

Have you thought about trying meditation but find it too difficult to do on your own? Let an experienced meditator guide you in simple techniques to become comfortable with this valuable skill. Comments from previous class participants include: “Jan could not have been better!! I loved the class.” “This class was exactly what I hoped for. Jan was just wonderful in all aspects.”

Meditation is now scientifically recognized to help alleviate stress, mild depression and anxiety. De-cluttering your mind can help you become more focused and productive. Become a happier, calmer you!

Jan Hodgman, MA, has been meditating for over 30 years and has ten years of monastic practice as an ordained Zen priest. She is also a Certified Focusing Trainer, writer and musician and loves introducing people to meditation.

Feb. 1 and 8 (Mon)6 – 8 p.m. Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade room $29

Meditation refresherThis one-evening class is for all of you

who want to rekindle your meditation practice in a group setting. We’ll review and expand upon instructions for watching the breath, offer suggestions for mini-sessions in the midst of your day, share questions and encouragement, and spend time meditating with the support of the group.

Jan Hodgman, MA, has been meditating for over 30 years and has ten years of monastic practice as an ordained Zen priest. She is also a Certified Focusing Trainer, writer and musician and loves introducing people to meditation.

February 24 (wed)6 – 8 p.m. Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade room $19

All classes require pre-registration unless specified.


Surfing the Waves of ChangeChange is ongoing. Some changes

we choose and others are thrust upon us. Whether you face health issues, caregiving needs of parents or grandchildren, changing roles, retirement or job loss, death of loved ones or other changes, this presentation will provide practical tools and food for thought.

Kate Schellie-Stram, MSSW, Bereavement Counselor for Skagit Hospice, will discuss attitudes toward change, our desire for control and predictability and how we can keep our balance in the midst of uncertainty. Kate uses the metaphor of surfing to stay afloat through the big and small waves of change in your life. She will provide practical suggestions for approaching change with flexibility and awareness, for decreasing stress and coping with loss that accompanies so many changes. Time will be allowed for questions and discussion.

March 8 (Mon)6:30 – 8 p.m. Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade room no charge but pre-registration is required

individual Weight Loss and nutrition Counseling

Lou Kupka-Schutt, PhD, RD, can provide you with the support you need in setting and meeting your nutritional and weight loss goals. Lou has more than 20 years experience in working with individuals providing the most up-to-date information about nutrition and weight control to help them make wise nutritional choices to manage their weight and improve their health.

This three-month program begins with a one-hour session, in person or by phone, to create an action plan and set goals. Three half-hour sessions will be held in the first month, then four bi-weekly sessions over the next two months, for a total of three months of support, advice and education. Follow-up sessions can be done in-person, by phone or via email. The cost is $239. Call 360-814-8274 for more information. Call 360-814-2424 to register for the program.

Continuing Health EducationCertified Diabetes education Program

Skagit Valley Hospital offers a comprehensive education program for adults with diabetes, either newly

diagnosed or for those patients needing extra guidance with diabetes

control. The program includes an introductory one-on-one appointment, six hours of group sessions (two three-hour classes) covering the basics of diabetes management, and at

least two hours of one-on-one education in nutrition.

The program is coordinated by Amy Navarre Cantrell, PA-C,

Certified Diabetic Educator, who teaches classes in cooperation with Exercise Specialist Michelle Frey and Registered Dietician Christina Sackman. Dr. Jennifer Benson of North Cascade Family Practice serves as Medical Director for the program.

The program requires a physician referral so talk to your health care provider. The program is covered by most insurance companies. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm. For other questions, or more information about the program, contact Erin Warner at 360-814-2699.

AArP Driver Safety ProgramThis 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 $12 for AARP members; $14 for non-members. Please bring check payable to AARP and your AARP card or number (if you are a member) to the first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required.

February 1 and 2 (Mon/tue)9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Skagit Valley Hospital San Juan A/B Pay at class

Please see page 29 for information about classes in Stanwood/Camano Island.

Total Joint replacement Class This two-hour class helps to

prepare patients for their upcoming joint replacement surgery. We have incorporated classroom instruction, procedure specific therapy instruction and have allotted time to complete pre-registration paperwork. You will learn what to expect before, during and after joint replacement surgery. Our experienced nurses and therapists will address your concerns and will be available to answer your questions. Lunch is included.

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

Heart Healthy Fitness Program

Are you having trouble starting an exercise program or staying motivated? Do you need direction and

professional guidance? Come join us for exercise

in a safe and stress free-environment. The Heart Healthy Fitness

Program focuses on individual goals and plenty

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

Cardiac rehabilitation ProgramHave you had a recent heart attack,

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


First Aid and CPrSkagit County Medic One offers CPR

and First Aid classes for $10 per person. This fee covers the cost of certification cards and materials. For more information call 360-428-3236 or email [email protected].

Health & Wellness screeningsScreening to Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease, elevated Cholesterol and More!

The Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute, a partnership of Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center-Cardiology and Skagit Radiology, offers a community screening for all adults over age 18 on Tuesday mornings.

Attend this screening to find out your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it. The screening includes the following tests and results are immediate:

• Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior)

• Blood pressure

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alco-hol 24 hours prior.) this is a finger-stick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat

• review results with a health care provider

Why should you attend this screening? Here are the facts:

• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) PAD caused by plaque buildup in the limbs affects about ten million American adults in the uS. About 5% of people over the age of 50 are be-lieved to suffer from PAD. the same risk factors associated with heart disease are also linked with PAD. the

Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABI) is a measure of the reduction in arte-rial blood pressure of the legs and is used to detect evidence of blockages from plaque buildup (PAD.) Abnormal ABI’s are associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

• over 100 million Americans have high blood cholesterol levels, also associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

• High blood pressure affects one in three adult Americans. untreated high blood pressure may result in a stroke.

• elevated levels of body fat may lead to problems such as hypertension, elevated blood lipids (fats and cholesterol), diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular, all related to obesity.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 from Stanwood/Camano Island to schedule an appointment for this screening program. It takes just 40 minutes! The cost is only $29 and screenings are held on Tuesday mornings at Skagit Valley Hospital. A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, if you have one, so results can be forwarded. Visit www.skagitheart.org to find out how to get a $5 discount on the screening.

Also see Stroke and Aneurysm Screenings on page 34 for a screening of the aorta and carotid arteries.

Cholesterol, Diabetes and Blood Pressure Screenings

Cholesterol screenings are provided by Skagit Valley Hospital in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories. Cholesterol tests are recommended at least once every five years beginning at age 20. Individuals

with a strong family history of heart disease or risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or who smoke, may need to be tested more often.

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (blood sugar) levels and are mailed to your home in one week. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SVH only).

Blood pressure checks are provided at no cost. For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

January 28 (thur)7:30 – 9 a.m. Skagit Valley Hospital Screening held in the Skagit regional Heart & Vascular Institute enter through the Diagnostic Ser-vices entrance on 13th Street

Bone Density ScreeningOsteoporosis, or low bone density,

affects 10 million Americans, mostly women, and 34 million more have low bone mass. Over 1.5 million fractures are caused each year in the U.S. as a result of osteoporosis.

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

January 28 (thur)7:30 – 9 a.m. Skagit Valley Hospital Screening held in the Skagit regional Heart & Vascular Institute enter through the Diagnostic Ser-vices entrance on 13th Street

vitamin D Level ScreeningWhy should you have your Vitamin D

levels tests? Studies have shown a strong link between an individual’s vitamin D levels and the risk of developing cancer. New research shows a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in people with a genetic predisposition for the



disease. Vitamin D also plays an integral role in bone health. Other studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to diabetes and high blood pressure.

This screening can help you identify the level of Vitamin D in your blood. Results are mailed to your home in one week. This screening not recommended for patients on anticonvulsant medication. Fasting is not required. The cost is $35. No appointment required.

January 28 (thur) 7:30 – 9 a.m. Skagit Valley Hospital Screening held in the Skagit regional Heart & Vascular Institute enter through the Diagnostic Ser-vices entrance on 13th Street

Stroke and Aneurysm Screening

No need to wait for a special promotion to come to town or stand in line at a crowded community center. You can schedule your screening exams year around and have the exams performed using state-of-the-art equipment, conducted by board certified diagnostic technologists and reviewed by a board certified radiologist.

This ultrasound screening test is non-invasive, quick and painless, and will help you identify whether you are at increased risk for stroke and vascular disease and provide information so your physician may begin preventive treatment if necessary. Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates will provide Vascular Health Screenings that include evaluation of the carotid arteries to screen for disease or narrowing and of the abdominal aorta to screen for aneurysms.

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

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

Skin Cancer ScreeningLocal dermatologist J. Semmes

Mickelwait, MD, with Advanced Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

February 3 (wed)1 - 4 p.m. Skagit regional Heart & Vascular Institute Skagit Valley Hospital enter through Diagnostic Services entrance on 13th Streetno charge but pre-registration is required

vision ScreeningA certified ophthalmic technician

from North Cascade Eye Associates will conduct vision and glaucoma screenings. Bring a contact lens case for storage during the screening. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

March (Fri)noon - 2 p.m. Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade room enter through Kincaid St. entrance no charge but pre-registration required

Free Blood Pressure Screenings

Automated blood pressure machines donated by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation are available at the following locations:

• Skagit Valley Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Center

• Skagit Valley Hospital – Kincaid Street entrance

• Skagit Valley Medical Center - Stanwood/Camano

is it Time for Your Mammogram?

Remember the steps to breast health:

1. Do a monthly breast self-exam.2. If you are 40 or older, have a mammo-

gram every one or two years.3. Have a yearly check-up, including a

clinical breast exam.

For a screening mammogram appointment, call 360-424-9607.

the Breast Care Center 1320 east Division Street Mount Vernon 360-424-9607 open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

A service provided cooperatively by Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Radiology.

Childbirth & Infant CarePregnancy 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 newborn care. The fee is $90 and medical coupons are accepted. Full payment or a copy of your medical coupon is required two weeks before the class begins. A seven-week option includes breastfeeding and a local pediatrician to discuss your baby’s first three months for an additional $20 (not covered by medical coupons.) Classes are offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. Pre-registration required.


Childbirth express: one-day Saturday or Two-day Weekend

One-day Saturday and two-day weekend intensive childbirth preparation classes are available. The fee is $95. Full payment or a copy of your medical coupon is required two weeks before class begins. Pre-registration is required. A $5 discount is available on the Breastfeeding and Newborn Care class when registering for it at the same time as the Childbirth Express class, making it only $20.

Breastfeeding and newborn Care

In this two and one-half hour program, one of Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center’s nurse Lactation Consultants will aid parents in gaining the knowledge necessary to make feeding decisions regarding their new baby. In addition, a local pediatrician will be available to provide information on newborn care – time for questions will be allowed. Pre-registration required. The class fee is $25. Call for class dates and times.

Family Birth Center ToursFree tours of the Skagit Valley Hospital

Family Birth Center are offered twice a month. Call 360-814-2424 to schedule a tour.

Lactation Services at Skagit valley Hospital

Here at the Family Birth Center, we are dedicated to you and your baby’s health. That is why we provide one of the most inclusive lactation services programs in the region. There are six 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.

The Lactation Services’ office serves also as an Ameda rental station, where breast pumps and accessories are available to rent or purchase. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or know someone who is and would like to know more about Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital, please call 360-814-BABY and one of our consultants would be happy to talk with you.

Child Safety Seat ChecksCertified child safety seat technicians

will assess your seat for age- and size-appropriateness, proper installation and use, recalls and visible damage.

This screening is highly recommended for parents-to-be, prior to the birth of your new baby, to learn how to safely install and use your car seat.

Jan. 21; Feb. 18; March 18 (thurs) 1 - 3 p.m. Skagit Valley Hospital at 13th Street Covered area next to Diagnostic Services entrance

Co-sponsored by Skagit Safe Kids. Pre-registration is not required. Call Bill Craig at 360-428-3236 for more information regarding additional dates and times.

If you are interested in learning how to install car seats and help parents install their car seats properly, call Bill Craig, Skagit County Medic One at 360-428-3236 or via e-mail at [email protected].

kidney dialysis EducationPre-dialysis education

This Skagit Valley Kidney Center program is for people with reduced kidney function who would like to explore treatment options for renal replacement therapy. Patients, families and caregivers will receive information about treatment options, diet, health maintenance, financial and social concerns.

These two introductory sessions help reduce many anxieties a person may have related to the “unknown”. The sessions provide an opportunity for patients to make more informed choices. Classes are provided by physician referral. For more information, call 360-814-8313.

mental HealthFamily-to-Family education Program

Free 12-week course for families of adults with mental will begin in early 2010. 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. Call 360-630-0686 or 360-540-0795 for more information or to register. Space is limited.

Peer-to-Peer education Program

Free nine-week class for adults with mental illness or brain disorders to help them better understand their illness and maintain and improve their recovery. NAMI Skagit provides this program. Call Aimee Beckwith at 360-466-2192 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

nAMi Basics education Program

Free six-week class for parents or primary caregivers of a child or teen with mental illness or a brain disorder. The course helps families with communication, coping, schools and education needs, rehabilitation, recovery and advocacy. NAMI Skagit provides this program. Call Marti Wall at 360-770-5666 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

For more support, adults living with a mental illness may drop-in at the Skagit Peer Connections Center anytime, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 1115 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. There are support groups, classes, hobby time, free lunch, and always someone to talk with and keep company. For more information call 360-848-8615.



support groupsCall 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 for

current Skagit County Support Group information.

Mental Health Support Group NAMI Skagit Open Group meets on the

4th Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 p.m. in San Juan B at Skagit Valley Hospital. For more information contact Trish Rodriguez at 360-540-0795 or Marti Wall at 360-770-5666.

ostomy Support Group Second Tuesday of each month

from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Sauk Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. A support group for ostomy patients and their family and friends to provide support and information about living with an ostomy. The group is associated with the United Ostomy Association of America. More information is available at www.UOAA.org. Call Cathy Schaeffer at 360-814-2600 for more information.

Cancer Support and information

All programs are free of charge. For additional information on any of these services or events please contact Cancer Care Social Services at 360-814-8255.

Look Good, Feel BetterCancer can rob a woman of her energy,

appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. This program teaches beauty techniques to women in active treatment or those who are about to start treatment. It helps them combat the appearance related to the side effects of treatment.

The Look Good, Feel Better sessions are led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists who teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves and other accessories. Space is limited so be sure to register by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Fourth Monday of each month except May and December1 - 3 p.m. Skagit Valley Hospital Sauk Conference room enter through Kincaid St. entrance

The following are all drop-in groups held at Skagit Valley Hospital. Each is facilitated by an oncology social worker or trained instructor and may feature guest speakers. Please call 360-814-8255 if you would like additional information.

Drop-in ClassesWomen’s Cancer Support Group

Second Wednesday of each month from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Shuksan Conference Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. This group is for women who are undergoing treatment for, or have experienced breast, ovarian, uterine or cervical cancer. Facilitator: Amber Ford, MSW. Call 360-814-8255 for additional information.

Art and Healing Group First and third Mondays of each month, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Shuksan Conference Room. Our knowledgeable instructor has been doing art therapy with cancer patients for over ten years! Creating art may reduce anxiety and stress plus improve emotional well-being. It is a great opportunity to process and integrate the challenges of serious illness and treatment. Please note that artistic “skills” are not required! Instrucotr: Margaret Carpenter Arnett, BSN, ATR.

Healthy-Steps: Better Health through Movement with the Lebed Method First and Third Thursday of each month, 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in San Juan A/B Conference Rooms. The Lebed Method is a fun, gentle exercise program designed and proven beneficial for those with breast cancer, lymphedema, other cancers and chronic conditions. Lebed combines easy stretches, low-impact aerobics and relaxation techniques with great music. Lebed exercise has been found to increase range of motion, strength, physical stability and quality of life. Please join us for this fun and exciting group. Instructor: Joan Weeks-Keppel.

Grief Support Services Skagit Hospice Services Bereavement

Program provides support to anyone in our communities coping with grief and loss after the death of a loved one. Call us for information and referrals, attend a free grief support group, or borrow materials from our Resource Center. For more information, phone 360-814-5589 or 360-814-5550.

Daytime ongoing Grief Support 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Mount Vernon at the Skagit Hospice office at 819 S. 13th Street; 2nd and 4th Mondays from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Anacortes at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 9th Street.

evening ongoing Grief Support 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Sedro-Woolley at the Senior Center, 715 Pacific Street.

Loss of a Child (at any age) ongoing Grief Support 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Mount Vernon at the Skagit Hospice office at 819 S. 13th Street; pre-registration required.

in-Service education For grief and loss presentations for your organization or employees, contact the Skagit Hospice Services Bereavement Coordinator at 360-814-5589.

skagit Hospice services resource Center A free lending library open to the community

Books and other materials are available for adults, teens and children. Topics include care-giving, coping with disease, end-of-life concerns, grief and loss and inspiration for challenging times. Visitors will find a comfortable place to sit and read, browse or find materials to check out.

The Skagit Hospice Services Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Skagit Hospice office at 819 South 13th Street in Mount Vernon and after hours by appointment. A member of the hospice team can answer questions or help you find what you need. For information call 360-814-5589.


interested in helping the Skagit Hospice Foundation?

The Skagit Hospice Foundation is currently accepting applications for new board trustees. This group of volunteers works to raise funds to support hospice programs and to educate the community about available services. The goal of the board is to ensure that everyone who wants or needs hospice care receives services regardless of ability to pay. The foundation has also started planning for the 2010 annual brunch and auction and is seeking community members interested in working on a committee to make this year’s fundraiser the best ever to support hospice in our community. For information, call the foundation office at 360-814-5702.

Community News & resourcesFor easy access to community services dial 2-1-1

2-1-1 is a free, easy-to-remember phone number that connects people to what they need, whether that means receiving help, or offering it through volunteer time or donations.

By dialing 2-1-1, people will reach a trained information specialist who can help determine the service they need, and refer them to the most appropriate resource among the full range of public and private programs available.

Important! The 2-1-1 call line will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2-1-1 is not a crisis line. If the need can’t wait until the next business day, please call the CARE Crisis Line at 800-584-3578. In the event of a life-threatening emergency or a crime in progress, always call 911.

If you have diffulcity reaching 2-1-1, call 800-223-8145 instead.

Gift Shop The Skagit Valley Hospital Gift Shop has

many wonderful hand-made and retail gift items for sale. Please keep the Skagit Valley Hospital Gift Shop in mind for your gift shopping needs. The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds from the Gift Shop are returned back to help Skagit Valley Hospital in areas of need.

Speakers Bureau Need an interesting presentation for

your club or organization? Skagit Valley Hospital’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 Kaye at 360-814-2348.

Help WantedCaring People with Big Hearts

Volunteers make the difference at Skagit Valley Hospital. Our volunteers perform a variety of important jobs, from helping nurses with patient care and conducting hospital tours for school children to working in gift shops, at the information desks or in clerical positions. The Department of Volunteer Services at Skagit Valley Hospital coordinates the activities of more than 465 volunteers in support of the hospital’s operations.

opportunities for service at Skagit valley Hospital include:

• Pianists• Information Desk• Surgical Services• Gift Shop• workroom Volunteers• Mail Delivery

Guilds and Auxiliaries

• Grace Cochrum Guild• J.e.M. Guild• Skagit Valley Hospital Guild• Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary• Gale Iverson Circle of Friends

Contact usTo inquire about volunteering or request

services, please contact Steve Schultz at 360-814-2142 or contact our main information desk at 360-814-5059.

Pianists WantedSkagit Valley Hospital has a wonderful

volunteer opportunity – play our beautiful grand piano for guests of the hospital to enjoy. If you are an accomplished pianist who would like to share your talent for others to enjoy, call 360-814-2142.

Health insurance Questions?Call the SHIBA HELPLINE at 360-

814-2345. We have a wonderful group of volunteers to help people of all ages with their health insurance needs as well as assistance with understanding insurance options. SHIBA = Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors.

HealthQuest Tv on Cable-Access Television Station 10

If you are a Comcast cable subscriber in Skagit County, be sure to tune in to channel 10 at 7 p.m. each evening to watch HealthQuest TV. This half-hour show features a new guest each week showcasing our local physicians and health care professionals on a variety of topics ranging from latest treatment options for heart, cooking shows and cancer care to prevention topics highlighting local physical activity programs, grocery store tours and more.

Join us to learn more about how to improve your health and health care options in our area.

need a Physician?Call our free Physician Referral

Line at 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850 from Stanwood or Camano Island. The Physician Referral Line is open weekdays between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

HealthQuest Winter2010 | 37


• Acute Care• Administration• Breast Care Center• Camano Community Health Clinic• Cancer Care• Cardiac rehabilitation• Cardiac electrophysiology• Cardiac Catheterization lab• Care Center• Care Management• Chemotherapy• Children’s therapy Program• Clinical education• Clinical Services/Infection Control• Computed tomography Imaging (Ct

Scan)• Critical Care• Diagnostic Imaging• echocardiography • electrophysiology• emergency trauma Center• endoscopy• Family Birth Center• Food Services • Gift Shop• Health Information Management• HealthQuest• Heart & Vascular Institute• Hospice Care• Hospitalists on site 24/7• Interpreting - translating• IV therapy• Kidney Dialysis - outpatient and

inpatient

• laboratory• library• Magnetic resonance Imaging (MrI)• Materials Management• Medical Staff Services• nuclear Medicine• nursing Administration• nutrition Counseling• oncology• outreach and Development• Pastoral Care/Chaplains• Patient Advocate• Pet/Ct• Pharmacy• Physical, Speech & occupational

therapy• Physician referral Services• Positron emission tomography (Pet Scanning)• Psychiatric Care/Counseling• Quality Management• radiation therapy• rehabilitation Services• respiratory therapy• Skagit Hospice Foundation• Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation• Sleep Center• Statewide Health Insurance Advisors

(SHIBA)• Sunrise Inn• Surgical Services• ultrasound• Volunteer Services• wound Healing Center• X-ray

Skagit Valley Hospital provides a full continuum of care to our community, ranging from outpatient diagnostics and rehabilitation services to surgery and acute care. Learn more about the following services by going to www.skagitvalleyhospital.org.

List of services atskagit Valley Hospital

ABove: Dr. Morrie Johnson, a general surgeon with Skagit Valley Medical Center, performs a procedure in one of Skagit Valley Hospital’s six state-of-the-art operating rooms. The hospital offers a full range of surgical services including day surgery and total joint replacements. For more information, go to www.skagitvalleyhospital.org.



refund PolicyA full refund will be granted if the

class is cancelled or if you cancellation is received at least three working days in advance of the class date.

Cancellations received within two working days of the class date will be charged a $10 processing fee.

total amount enclosed:

name: _______________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________

Day Phone: __________________________ Home Phone: ______________________________

e-mail address:________________________________________________________________

Check (make checks payable to SVH-HealthQuest)

Mastercard VISA

Credit Card number: ____________________________________

expiration Date: _______________________

Signature:____________________________________

tYPe oF PAYMent (Please do not send cash)

registration FormPlease complete the following information (use one copy for each participant - feel

free to duplicate this form or register on our Web site, www.skagitvalleyhospital.org and click on Calendar)

ClASS or SCreenInG DAte Fee

Questions on registration?Call Skagit Valley Hospital at

360-814-2424, from Stanwood and Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or for hearing impaired, please call TTY 360-814-2219

No refund will be given after the class has begun.

To request a refund, call 360-814-2424 or in Stanwood/Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or TTY 360-814-2218, then submit a written request to the adjacent mailing address.

Class registration 4 Easy WaysMailHealthQuest Skagit Valley Hospital P.o. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, wA 98273Fill out this form and include your check or charge card number.

Phone24 Hours a day, 7 days a WeekCall 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 Call us anytime day or night and leave your detailed course information with your name, address and phone number in our voice mail, or with the scheduler. You will receive a confirmation in the mail.

internet24 Hours a day, 7 days a Weekgo to: www.skagitvalleyhospital.org Click on Calendar

Fax24 Hours a day, 7 days a Week360-814-8222Complete this form and fax it to the number above.

Skagit Valley HospitalP.O. Box 1376Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376

Sponsored by Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSAM INC

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Excellence Award

™

Cor

onary Intervention

2010

2010 Winter HealthQuest

Documents

Transcript of 2010 Winter HealthQuest