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St. Luke's Advantage Newsletter - Fall 2013

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St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa publishes a newsletter for Advantage members.
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Advantage Living Longer. Living Well. Fall 2013 We apologize for mailing problems such as duplicate copies. If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 319/369-7475 or [email protected]. Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cedar Rapids, IA Permit No. 91 1026 A Avenue NE PO Box 3026 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3026 ©2013 by UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA Connect with St. Luke’s at unitypoint.org Healthcare information on your phone or computer Upcoming LiveWell events The Lemonade Story Tuesday, October 22 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Hospital, 3rd Floor Nassif Heart Center classrooms Gayle Zinda is a mom, grammy, former nurse – and survivor of breast and lung cancer. Gayle is an author and travels the world giving inspirational and motivating programs about handling life’s challenges. Laugh, cry and add the zest back into your life with Gayle! Did You Sleep Well? Tuesday, October 29 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Hospital, 3rd Floor Nassif Heart Center classrooms Millions of Americans struggle with sleep. You know all too well if you have trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep, but would you know if you had sleep apnea? Warangkhana Wongba, MD, UnityPoint Clinic pulmonologist will explain various sleep disorders, diagnosis, treatment and why quality rest is so important to good health. Laura Lipsett, ARNP UnityPoint Clinic To register for these free events, call 319/369-7395 or register online at unitypoint.org/cedarrapids. Think of your last trip to the doctor’s office. Did you ask a lot of questions? Did your healthcare provider ask about changes in your life? Taking the time to talk about your life actually improves your medical care. You get the best advice when you receive information tailored specifically to you. Annual check-ups Routine checkups and regular screen- ings give you time to check in with your doctor and discuss ways to improve your health and prevent problems. You’ll stay on schedule with age-related screenings, such as mammograms, bone density tests, colonoscopies and prostate- specific antigen (PSA) testing and keep immunizations up to date. “It’s always nice to evaluate some- one when they’re healthy,” explained Laura Lipsett, ARNP. “When a patient is healthy we get a lot more information.” “A well-person exam is a head-to-toe visit. It’s a comprehensive update both in family medical history and any personal changes,” said Sashi Solomon, ARNP. “We’ll ask patients about changes in their bowel and significant changes in weight. We want them to report on their nutrition and exercise.” The best advice you’ll receive from your healthcare provider “We’ll also evaluate their social history – whether they’re married, not married or going through a divorce and who lives in the house,” said Lipsett. “We know that stress affects how pa- tients feel and their overall health, so we want to know about any significant life changes and stressors,” Solomon said. Establishing trust “It’s important for a person to trust and feel comfortable with their pro- vider,” Lipsett said. Your provider’s personality and philosophy should be compatible with yours so you don’t feel shy about bringing up and discussing difficult topics. “No matter what the age, I ask about sexual health,” explained Solomon. “If changes are occurring, we can offer interventions the patient isn’t even aware of. Sometimes after menopause, vaginal dryness becomes a significant problem and patients can have pain with intercourse. If we know about that, we can tell them about treatments. Males might have problems with impotence and sexual dysfunction.” Take charge It’s a good idea to bring another person to your medical exam as backup. Always ask if your provider has information in writing when you’re getting instruc- tions and important information. With electronic medical records, providers can provide a summary of your visit, so be sure to ask for one. Also, repeat back what you heard to ensure you understand it. “We’re here to help patients figure things out. We give options and resources, but they’re ultimately in charge. Their advo- cate or family member is the one helping with these decisions. Today’s patient- centered care puts patients in charge of their health,” Lipsett said. For more information, call UnityPoint Clinic – Hiawatha at 319/375-6100. “It’s important for a person to trust and feel comfortable with their provider. We’re here to help patients figure things out. We give options and resources, but they’re ultimately in charge.” Cooking with a Cardiologist Heart Healthy Harvest Wednesday, Oct. 16, Noon – 1 p.m. Join a UnityPoint Clinic cardiologist and Hy-Vee Dietitian Kimberly Proctor as they share how to reap heart-healthy benefits from fall’s bountiful harvest. Holiday Heart-Healthy Smart Carbs Wednesday, Nov. 20, Noon – 1 p.m. Join UnityPoint Clinic Cardiologist Matthew McMahon and Hy-Vee Dietitian Judy Fitzgib- bons to learn how to keep the healthy party going with creative diabetes, and heart-friendly ideas for those Thanksgiving leftovers. Heart Smart Holiday Entertaining Wednesday, Dec. 11, Noon – 1 p.m. Join UnityPoint Clinic cardiologist David Rater and Hy-Vee Dietitian/Chef Jen Heringhausen to learn how to prepare heart-friendly appetizers – perfect for entertaining and eating smart for the best cardiac health. All Cooking with a Cardiologist classes are held at Physician’s Clinic of Iowa Medical Pavilion, 3rd Floor Community Room, 202 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids. To register for this free event, visit cardiology.unitypointclinic.org/register or call 319/739-2085. stirring stories of struggle, strife and success LEMONADE Gayle Zinda Gayle Zinda Live Well events St. Luke’s
Transcript
Page 1: St. Luke's Advantage Newsletter - Fall 2013

Advantage Living Longer. Living Well.

Fall 2013

We apologize for mailing problems such as duplicate copies.

If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 319/369-7475 or

[email protected].

Non Profi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDCedar Rapids, IA

Permit No. 91

1026 A Avenue NE PO Box 3026Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3026

©2013 by UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA

Connect with St. Luke’s at unitypoint.org

Healthcare information on your phone or computer

Upcoming LiveWell eventsThe Lemonade StoryTuesday, October 22 • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.St. Luke’s Hospital, 3rd Floor Nassif Heart Center classrooms

Gayle Zinda is a mom, grammy, former nurse – and survivor of breast and lung cancer. Gayle is an author and travels the world giving inspirational and motivating programs about handling life’s challenges. Laugh, cry and add the zest back into your life with Gayle!

Did You Sleep Well?Tuesday, October 29 • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.St. Luke’s Hospital, 3rd Floor Nassif Heart Center classrooms

Millions of Americans struggle with sleep. You know all too well if you have trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep, but would you know if you had sleep apnea? Warangkhana Wongba, MD, UnityPoint Clinic pulmonologist will explain various sleep disorders, diagnosis, treatment and why quality rest is so important to good health.

Laura Lipsett, ARNPUnityPoint Clinic

To register for these free events, call 319/369-7395 or register online at unitypoint.org/cedarrapids.

Think of your last trip to the doctor’s o� ce. Did you ask a lot of questions? Did your healthcare provider ask about changes in your life? Taking the time to talk about your life actually improves your medical care. You get the best advice when you receive information tailored specifi cally to you.

Annual check-upsRoutine checkups and regular screen-ings give you time to check in with your doctor and discuss ways to improve your health and prevent problems. You’ll stay on schedule with age-related screenings, such as mammograms, bone density tests, colonoscopies and prostate-specifi c antigen (PSA) testing and keep immunizations up to date.

“It’s always nice to evaluate some-one when they’re healthy,” explained Laura Lipsett, ARNP. “When a patient is healthy we get a lot more information.”

“A well-person exam is a head-to-toe visit. It’s a comprehensive update both in family medical history and any personal changes,” said Sashi Solomon, ARNP. “We’ll ask patients about changes in their bowel and signifi cant changes in weight. We want them to report on their nutrition and exercise.”

The best advice you’ll receive from your healthcare provider“We’ll also evaluate their social history – whether they’re married, not married or going through a divorce and who lives in the house,” said Lipsett.

“We know that stress a� ects how pa-tients feel and their overall health, so we want to know about any signifi cant life changes and stressors,” Solomon said.

Establishing trust“It’s important for a person to trust and feel comfortable with their pro-vider,” Lipsett said. Your provider’s personality and philosophy should be compatible with yours so you don’t feel shy about bringing up and discussing di� cult topics.

“No matter what the age, I ask about sexual health,” explained Solomon. “If changes are occurring, we can o� er interventions the patient isn’t even aware of. Sometimes after menopause, vaginal dryness becomes a signifi cant problem and patients can have pain with intercourse. If we know about that, we can tell them about treatments. Males might have problems with impotence and sexual dysfunction.”

Take chargeIt’s a good idea to bring another person to your medical exam as backup. Always

ask if your provider has information in writing when you’re getting instruc-tions and important information. With electronic medical records, providers can provide a summary of your visit, so be sure to ask for one. Also, repeat back what you heard to ensure you understand it.

“We’re here to help patients fi gure things out. We give options and resources, but they’re ultimately in charge. Their advo-cate or family member is the one helping with these decisions. Today’s patient-centered care puts patients in charge of their health,” Lipsett said.

For more information, call UnityPoint Clinic – Hiawatha at 319/375-6100.

“It’s important for a person to trust and feel comfortable with their provider. We’re here to help patients fi gure things out. We give options and resources, but they’re ultimately in charge.”

Cooking with a Cardiologist Heart Healthy Harvest Wednesday, Oct. 16, Noon – 1 p.m.Join a UnityPoint Clinic cardiologist and Hy-Vee Dietitian Kimberly Proctor as they share how to reap heart-healthy benefi ts from fall’s bountiful harvest.

Holiday Heart-Healthy Smart Carbs Wednesday, Nov. 20, Noon – 1 p.m.Join UnityPoint Clinic Cardiologist Matthew McMahon and Hy-Vee Dietitian Judy Fitzgib-bons to learn how to keep the healthy party going with creative diabetes, and heart-friendly ideas for those Thanksgiving leftovers.

Heart Smart Holiday Entertaining Wednesday, Dec. 11, Noon – 1 p.m.Join UnityPoint Clinic cardiologist David Rater and Hy-Vee Dietitian/Chef Jen Heringhausen to learn how to prepare heart-friendly appetizers – perfect for entertaining and eating smart for the best cardiac health.

All Cooking with a Cardiologist classes are held at Physician’s Clinic of Iowa Medical Pavilion, 3rd Floor Community Room, 202 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids.

To register for this free event, visit cardiology.unitypointclinic.org/register or call 319/739-2085.

stirring stories of

struggle, strife

and success

Pink Lemonade®

PRESENTATIONS LLC

stirring stories ofstirring stories of

struggle, strife

and successLEMONADE

Gayle Zinda

Gayle Zinda

Refresh yourself!

Gayle Zinda is a professor of hope. Her message is a gift

to those impacted by cancer. It touches hearts and minds,

and stirs souls. Whether it is a group of cancer patients,

survivors, medical professionals, or

family members, Gayle is the one

speaker that can make an immediate

difference in their attitude, outlook

and future.MARK LEBLANC,

owner, Small Business Success

President, National Speakers

Association

When the going gets

tough, the tough get going!

That adage surely was written for Gayle.

As she shares her adventures of turning lifes’ lemons

into lemonade, you’ll be inspired to find purpose and meaning

in your own life. Pink Lemonade will make you laugh, cry, and move

you forward with determination. Gayle Zinda has learned how to live

life abundantly, and is one of the best guests we’ve ever had on Living

the Life. Her book is a “must read”!

TERRY MEEUWSEN and LOUISE DUART, co-hosts of Living the Life

Pink Lemonade and Gayle Zinda have

done more to help people on a daily

basis than most ever do in a lifetime.

This is a special book from an extraor-

dinary person.

BRIAN KILMEADE, host of Fox News

Channel’s FOX & Friends, and best-

selling author of The Games Do Count

Zig Ziglar reminds me that

“Duty makes us do things well, but

love makes us do things beautifully.”

Gayle’s sense of duty, coupled with her love and

compassion, make this book beautiful. Her story is relevant

and inspiring and I know God has had a hand in its writing.MICHAEL NORTON, President, Ziglar, Inc.

I devoured Pink Lemonade! Gayle’s message will give you hope; and

inspire you to be bold, break ranks, and love more.LAURIE BETH JONES, author Jesus, CEO; The Path, and The Four Elements of Success

LiveWellevents

St. Luke’s

fall 2013.indd 1 9/20/2013 10:37:21 AM

Page 2: St. Luke's Advantage Newsletter - Fall 2013

Ask the Expert: How do my medications and kidneys a� ect each other? How do my medications and How do my medications and kidneys a� ect each other? kidneys a� ect each other?

cocaine and ecstasy, increase blood pressure and can cause damage to blood vessels in your brain, heart and kidneys. Heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure or even death is possible. Even after the fi rst use.

Kidney disease often doesn’t have no-ticeable symptoms until it is very severe. If you’re taking medications known to a� ect kidneys or if you have risk factors for developing kidney disease, your doctor can request a blood or urine test to check for kidney disease. If the medications you’re taking are causing kidney damage, your doctor can often switch to di� erent medications or lower your dosage to protect your kidneys. If you have decreased kidney function a nephrologist can help discover why and work with you to protect your remaining function.

Learn more about Dr. Cogdill online at multispecialty.unitypointclinic.org and click on nephrology or call 319/363-3565.

Jason Cogdill, MD, nephrologist UnityPoint Clinic

Medicare Part D open enrollmentOpen enrollment for next year’s Medicare Part D begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, 2013. You can review the new plans beginning Oct. 1. Medicare Part D helps to cover the costs of your prescription drugs. Medicare-approved private insurance companies o� er prescription drug plans, also called PDPs. If you have Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B, you are eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage.

St. Luke’s Hospital’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) o� ce has trained volunteer counselors to help you analyze your drug list with Medicare Part D drug plans. It is important to complete this process to ensure you are enrolled in a drug plan that provides you with the best coverage at the lowest cost. You’ll want to compare:

Drug coverage – Each plan has a list of covered medications called the formulary.

Monthly costs – The average monthly cost for coverage is $30 in 2013. If you pay signifi cantly more than this be sure to compare your plan with new plans.

Deductibles – Many Part D plans waive or reduce deductibles but may cost more each month, so make sure you do the math.

Copayments – Some new plans may reduce the amount of copayments.

Call St. Luke’s SHIIP o� ce for an appointment and with ques-tions or concerns: 319/369-7475.

Medicare Part D Medicare Part D open enrollmentopen enrollmentOpen enrollment for next year’s Open enrollment for next year’s Medicare Part D begins Oct. 15 and Medicare Part D begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, 2013. You can review the ends Dec. 7, 2013. You can review the new plans beginning Oct. 1. Medicare new plans beginning Oct. 1. Medicare

Why your doctor isn’t going to the hospitalWhy your doctor isn’t going to the hospitalWhy your doctor isn’t going to the hospital

Amanda O’Connor, DO UnityPoint Clinic Hospitalist

The doctor is in… your pocket It’s an age-old question – should I see the doctor now or wait and see? Instead of worrying about the state of your health, go ahead and make a quick consult with your smartphone. St. Luke’s has partnered with iTriage to give you a downloadable application that provides you with reliable medical information.

The free app can help you evaluate signs and symptoms, learn about possible causes for your illness and research specifi c information about thousands of diseases and medical procedures.

“We’re excited to bring iTriage to Cedar Rapids to increase the accessibility of accurate medical information for residents throughout the region,” said Joshua Pruitt, MD, St. Luke’s Emergency Department doctor. “At St. Luke’s, we fi rmly believe in educating patients about the care they receive so they become active participants in their treatment. By giving patients on-the-go access to health information, they are better prepared to seek care when time is of the essence and locate a provider qualifi ed to treat their needs.”

On iTriage, you can fi nd nearby ERs and urgent care clinics with wait times listed, as well as doctor’s o� ces and pharmacies. When you fi nd the location you want, use the iTriage turn-by-turn GPS directions to get there.

To download iTriage on your smartphone or hand-held device, visit iTriageHealth.com for the app’s mobile version or log onto itriage.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids.

Kidneys clear many medications from our bodies. As we age, kidney function often decreases making us more vulnerable to complications from medications. It’s impor-tant to inform your doctor about all of your medications, even over-the-counter drugs.

• Over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and especially NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen and more), may damage your kidneys if you take them regularly and often. Called analgesics, these medicines lower blood fl ow to the kidneys. Don’t take them daily or regularly without fi rst consulting your doctor. Excessive amounts of these medications can destroy your kidneys.

• Antibiotics, when not dosed or taken correctly, can have severe consequences. People with kidney disease need to take lower doses than those with healthy kidneys. Some antibiotics are absolutely avoided with kidney disease. Only take medicines prescribed by your doctor.

• Illegal drugs can cause devastating e� ects. Street drugs, including heroin,

Why your doctor isn’t going to the hospitalThe new norm when you’re in the hospital is to see a hospitalist, a doctor who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients. Internists and family doctors are able to focus on patients at their o� ce practice knowing their patients in the hospital are being seen by a hospitalist team, including hospitalists and nurse practitioners, who provide coverage 24/7.

“Most of a patient’s healthcare takes place in the outpatient setting, not the hospital,” explained John Roof, MD, UnityPoint Clinic regional medical director and a primary care doctor. “To provide the best care, we see hospitalists as our ‘hospital partner’ in the spectrum of a patient’s care experience. The complexity of conditions that drive patients into the hospital is increasing and data shows patients are benefi tting from the hospitalists’ expertise.”

Hospitalists can be more focused on the immediate, sudden and severe illnesses that require hospitalization. “These doctors are trained with an emphasis on the condi-tions for which patients require hospitalization. They do it often enough that they are experts at managing conditions that primary care doctors may not have taken care of in a couple of years. It is safer, and there is 24-hour, on-site availability,” said Dr. Roof.

“Being in the hospital all the time, hospitalists can promptly respond to patients’ needs,” agreed Mandeep Gill, MD, medical director, St. Luke’s Hospitalist program. “St. Luke’s Hospitalist team can be considered an extension of each patient’s family doctor. Com-munications are done by way of phone calls and sending summaries and test results to the family doctor’s o� ce. Our care coordination team ensures the important information has been passed on so a family doctor can take over once a patient leaves the hospital.”

Electronic health records have supported the team approach. “Within 24 hours of discharge, hospitalists provide updates, including a summary of the hospital care, events that were addressed and labs that both took place and need follow-up when they see their primary care provider. We also have instant access to review charts, EKGs, or other tests,” Dr. Roof said.

Read about St. Luke’s Hospitalist team at unitypoint.org/cedarrapids.

“ Being in the hospital all the time,hospitalists can promptly respond to patients’ needs. St. Luke’s Hospitalist team can be considered an extension of each patient’s family doctor.”Mandeep Gill, MD, medical director, St. Luke’s Hospitalist program

fall 2013.indd 2 9/20/2013 10:39:04 AM


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