June 2007
Where caring counts. Feel the difference.
TM
Vol. 23 No. 3
SCOPE
A Vision for the Family – at Mason County Eye Clinic The area’s eye clinic – Mason County Eye Clinic – was purchased last fall from long-time ophthalmologist, Mark R Corley, M.D., by Public Hospital District No. 1, the governing body of Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics and North Mason Medical Clinic. Dr. Corley had a very successful, compassionate and well-respected clinic since establishing it in 1987, when he moved here to provide medical eye care. What Dr. Corley started, Public Hospital District No. 1 plans to continue – the “Corley Quality of Care” for routine eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, treatment of glaucoma, cataract and diabetes-related
cases, emergent eye care and laser/surgical procedures. Mason County Eye Clinic is staffed by ophthalmologist Monica Vuong, M.D., Jo MacGugan, a certified ophthalmic technician, and Sally Radcliffe, office manger. Dr. Vuong specializes in surgery and diseases of the eye and brings experience in the management of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. She performs cataract surgery and laser procedures while caring for patients of all ages - from birth to seniors. To make an appointment call (360) 426-8717. Continued on page 2…
Live, Love, Laugh, and Hope Garden Given to Hospital Manager Coping with Cancer
Jo MacGugan, certified ophthalmic technician, Dr. Monica Vuong, and Sally Radcliffe, office ophthalmologist manager, help serve the hundreds of patients Mark R Corley, M.D. cared for since 1987. Dr. Monica Vuong is now the board eligible ophthalmologist on staff.
Last winter MGH’s Labor and Delivery Manager Marcia Rohlik, MSN, was told she had breast cancer. When spring time came in March, her staff, colleagues, friends and family created in just two days, a “Wellness Garden” at Marcia’s home to help lift her spirits while she goes through chemotherapy. The main organizer of the project was a member of Marcia’s staff and a Master Gardener, Kris Gaa, R.N. Continued on page 2…
What’s Inside:
Marcia Rohlik is pictured here (front, left with head scarf) with organizers of the “Wellness Garden” Cyndy Eaton, Kris Gaa, and Jeannette Webb.
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Golf Tournament Sponsors New Idea for Treating Food Allergies $5,000 Donation to Local Clinic Seeking Nominations for Award Hospital District Petition Circulating News Briefs
P A G E
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SCOPE MASON GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
2007 Quality Care Open Golf Tournament Sponsors The 13th Annual MGH Foundation Golf Tournament, under the direction of Jack Stark and Steve DeMiero, and sponsored by Little Creek Casino & Resort and Squaxin Island Tribe will be held on Friday, June 29 at the LakeLand Village Golf Course. The tournament has been sold out for months, with players coming from all over the area to participate. As of May, here are some of the sponsors: Title Sponsor Little Creek Casino & Resort and Squaxin Island Tribe Women’s Prize Sponsor Christmas Village Men’s Prize Sponsor Manke Lumber Company Contest Prize Sponsor Dynamic Collectors Tent Sponsor Mt. St. Helen’s Evergreens and the Eveland Family Golf Course Sponsor Arnold & Smith Insurance Tee Pack Sponsor Capital Business Machines Awards Dinner Sponsor LimbSaver Sims Vibration Laboratory Banner Sponsor Hiawatha Corporation Registration and Brunch Sponsor Heritage Bank Entertainment Sponsor AIG Valic - Bob and Betty Paulsen Hospitality Cart Sponsor Community Financial Center Program Sponsor Arnold & Smith Insurance
Hole Sponsors AMS Real Estate, Fred Finn Arnold & Smith Insurance Bill Schultz Insurance Brady Trucking CellNetix Pathology Coca Cola DeMiero Enterprises Green Diamond Resources Healthcare Laundry Services Jimini Construction John L. Scott Real Estate KMAS AM1030 KPS Health Plans LimbSaver Sims Vibration Laboratory Lumbermens of Shelton Mason County Title Company McCarty & Associates “a marketing firm” McComb Funeral Home Michael Bell & Company Peninsula Credit Union Shelton Health & Rehabilitation Center Simpson Timber Company South Sound Radiologists Tupper’s Floor Coverings & Interiors Michael Wittenberg, C.P.A. Major in Kind Gift Donors Coca Cola Community Financial Center Food Services of America Gillis Auto Center
3 Days, 3 Ways – Are You Ready for a Disaster? Visit: www.govlink.org/3days3ways/
Save the date for 2007 Fantasy Forest November 14 - 17 To see the 2006 event go to www.masongeneral.com/ fantasy
Eye Clinic continued from page 1 Patient Kudos – “I recently had cataract surgery at Mason General, performed by Dr. Monica Vuong, ophthalmologist. I would like to let you know that I was very pleased with not only the surgery, but also her professional conduct. Her regard for my well-being after the surgery as well as her explanation of what would occur during and after surgery was very informative, and calmed the concerns I had. Thank you.” – MGH patient
Garden continued from page 1 Marcia and her husband, Doc, came home on a Sunday afternoon to find the completed “Garden,” where once was a “scrubby space between the patio, herb garden and a lone original planted flower bed.” The words Live, Love, Laugh, and Hope appear in various beds and as steps. Whimsical touches appear throughout the Garden including a hand-welded musical sculpture (notes from the song Appalachian Spring) created by Cyndy Eaton, R.N., who also works with Marcia. The notes reflect Marcia and Doc’s love of music and jam sessions, as well as Marcia’s Pennsylvania birthplace. “No matter how rocky chemotherapy may make my life this year, this garden will be the uplifting and loving reminder that a good life is about people and community – and the best of both are right here,” commented Marcia.
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SCOPE New Idea for Treating Food Allergies A new approach for treating food allergies now being studied involves gradually reintroducing the problem food, starting with minute quantities. In one of these pilot studies, children allergic to peanuts were initially given the equivalent of 1/3000th of a peanut per day. By the end of six months most were able to eat a peanut a day with little or no reaction. It’s hoped that increasing tolerance to the problem food will help eliminate lifethreatening emergencies. Doctors warn that this is not an approach to try at home. {Source: Salynn Boyles, “Treating Allergies with Allergic Food,” WebMD Medical News, November 28, 2006}
Una Nueva Idea para el Tratamiento de las Alergias a la Comida Se está estudiando un nuevo enfoque para el tratamiento de las alergias a la comida que consiste en introducir gradualmente y en cantidades mínima la comida que causa problemas. En uno de estos estudios pilotos, se les empezó a dar a los niños alérgicos a los cacahuetes 1/3000th de cacahuetes al día. Al término de seis meses la mayoría de ellos pudieron comer un cacahuate al día con una reacción mínima o nula. Se espera el incremento de la tolerancia a la comida que causa problemas pueda ayudar a eliminar emergencias que puedan poner en riesgo la vida de las personas. Los médicos advierten que este enfoque no se debe intentar en casa.
Having a baby? Want to have it close to home? Go to www.masongeneral. com/birth.htm to read all about Mason General Hospital’s birthing plans and its physicians.
{Source: Salynn Boyles, “Treating Allergies with Allergic Food,” WebMD Medical News, November 28, 2006}
Services You Can Use as an Outpatient... Camp Physicals • Immunizations
at Oakland Bay Pediatrics
• Well-baby checkups • Free prenatal consultations • Physicals: school, sports & camp • Now offering “Electronic” medical records Call for an appointment
(360) 426-3102
Mon. - Fri. • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.masongeneral.com
247 Professional Way Shelton, WA 98584
Saad Al Alou, M.D. Board Certified
Robert Sewell, M.D. Board Certified
Meltem Karatepe, M.D. Board Eligible
MaryAnne Murray MSN, EdD, ARNP Board Certified
Laboratory Diagnostic Imaging (mammography, x-ray, ultra sound, CAT, etc.) Physical Therapy Respiratory Therapy Dietitian Services Classes: Diabetes Education, FREE Congestive Heart Failure Post-Hospitalization Clinic, and FREE Community CPR MGH and clinics are now providing all medical records electronically. This means faster and more efficient ways of sending results to your physician’s office.
Want to See and Hear about Mason General Hospital?
Go to www.masongeneral.com and scroll to the bottom of the home page and look for “Video.”
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F O U R
SCOPE Fund Donates $5,000 to Local Clinic
Take a step out of the main door at Mason General Hospital (and turn left and walk to the end of the building) and you will visit MGH’s “Wellness Garden,” that was donated in 2004 by the Centennial Hospital Guild. The Guild’s desire was to give family and friends a private place to sit and relax while at MGH. It contains seating and paths designed for all types of visitors to use, regardless of their physical limitations.
North Mason Medical Clinic • Belfair “Caring for the family”… just like yours. Jose Jeffrey T. Reasol, M.D. Board Certified, Internal Medicine
High Protein Diets Risky to Diabetics
Pen Hou, M.D. Board Certified, Family Practice
Robin Garcia, PA-C Certified Physician Assistant
140 N.E. State Route 300 Belfair, WA 98528 (across from QFC)
Accepting new patients… just like you.
Karen Hilburn, founder of the Karen Hilburn Breast and Cervical Cancer Fund – for uninsured and underinsured women who need diagnoses or treatment for cervical or breast cancer – is shown here donating $5,000 to local Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Jonathan A. Gold, M.D., and his practice at Mt. View Women’s Health Center. “This is a wonderful donation to our patients who need help with their medical expenses,” said Dr. Gold, upon receiving the grant. The KHB & CC Fund was established in 2004 and is a part of the Mason General Hospital Foundation. For more information on the Fund call (360) 427-3623 or go to www.masongeneral.com/hilburn.html.
MaryAnne Murray MSN, EdD, ARNP Board Certified, Family Nurse Practitioner
Terry Mallory, ARNP Diabetes Specialist
Clinic: (360) 275-4084 WIC: (360) 275-8340
Diabetic meal plans, like some popular weight loss diets, frequently call for some degree of carbohydrate counting. Controlling spikes in blood sugar requires limited intake of carbohydrates, particularly sugars and starches. Low carbohydrate programs, such as the Atkins diet, however, often allow high intake of protein – 25 to 30 percent of daily calories – which could put a diabetes patient at increased risk of kidney disease. {Source: Zachary T. Bloomgarden, “Diabetes and Nutrition,” Diabetes Care, October, 2002}
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SCOPE Foundation Seeking Nominations for County’s American Business Women Award MGH Foundation is seeking nominations for individuals to be honored at its 10th annual American Business Women’s Day Luncheon, to be held Friday, September 14, 2007, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at MGH. Tickets are $25 per person. Every year MGH’s Foundation honors three outstanding businesswomen who are or were successful in their occupations, work or have worked in Mason County, and are active and volunteer in their community. Past honorees include: 1998 – Miriam Hall, Janet Thornbrue and Patti Tupper; 1999 – Nita Bariekman, Jean Lee and Norma Taylor; 2000 – Kay Gott, Colleen Hunter and Doris Wilson, M.D.;
2001 – Beth Johnston, Betty Wolfe and Mary Helen Anderson; 2002 – Carol Hunter, Rose Nye and Cherrie Reitsch; 2003 – Janis Byrd, Carolyn Olsen and Gayle Weston; 2004 – Patti Case, Betty Wing and Catherine Ann Wolf; 2005 – Angela Wake Olsen, Michelle Schnitzer and Renee Youngs; and 2006 – Xinh Dwelley, Irene Locke and Virginia J. McCarty. Entry forms are available at MGH’s development office at Gateway Center, 2505 Olympic Highway North, Suite 460, Shelton, or online at www.masongeneral.com. Nominations are due Friday, June 29, 2007. For more information call (360) 427-3623 (from Belfair (360) 275-8614).
People Are Talking About Us... “I would come here again! All of my worries and fears were put to rest! I was very surprised and impressed by almost all of the services at MGH. Thank you!” – Ambulatory Surgery “The entire staff is very professional and attentive to my needs. The doctor is a good physician! Thanks to all!” – Emergency Department “My nurse was great! A real professional! Most residents of Mason County underestimate how fortunate we are to have your facility. Thank you!” – Emergency Department “I was so impressed with how fast I was seen. The doctor was kind and thoughtful. The staff was wonderful! Great setup; HIPAA would be pleased. I already do recommend Mason General Hospital. My family and I have always received good care.” – Emergency Department “The nurse was awesome! The physician was great!” – Emergency Department
P A G E
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SCOPE UPDATE OF RE-DISTRICTING EFFORTS
Hospital District Petition Circulating in North Mason A petition concerning the proposed forming of a new Mason County Public Hospital District (PHD) for North Mason is now available to gather signatures of support. This is in response to the widely-publicized efforts of Mason County Public Hospital District No. 1 to withdraw certain areas of North Mason from the existing district. According to the North Mason Chamber of Commerce website, residents of the areas to be removed have the opportunity to form a new Public Hospital District. With the approval of a new PHD, Kitsap-based Harrison Memorial Hospital plans to open a brand new medical clinic with expanded services in the Belfair area, without raising the current tax rate. Based on input from the community, Mason General Hospital (Shelton) and Harrison Medical Center (Bremerton) are working together to continue quality healthcare in the north end of Mason County. Proposed New District Boundaries The proposed district does not overlap any other hospital district. The new Public Hospital District would encompass the following properties: all parcels lying within the boundaries of the voting precincts of Belfair #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, Tahuya and Dewatto. This effort would give the area that is to be withdrawn from Public Hospital District No. 1 a large enough tax base to form another
Eating for Stress Reduction
hospital district (Mason County Public Hospital District No. 2) and support new clinic services in the Belfair area. Harrison Medical Center has been in several meaningful discussions with the Belfair community, and plans to contract with them to operate a new clinic to serve the people of North Mason County. The petitions are available for signing at the North Mason Chamber of Commerce, Petersen Chiropractic, Ehresman Chiropractic, Kitsap Physical Therapy, Belfair Chiropractic, Belfair Physical Therapy, Nelson Chiropractic, McLendon’s Hardware, Curves, and many other locations throughout town.
What is Next? MGH will continue to operate the NMMC in Belfair through 2008 or until the new clinic is open – whichever comes first. Mason General Hospital and Harrison Medical Center are working together to make this happen with the active involvement of members of the community. The shared vision is that this will be done in a positive manner to expand healthcare services for the people living in North Mason County. For more complete and up-to-date information on dates and places of meetings, go to www.northmasonchamber.com.
Comer Para Reducir el Estrés
Over the holidays or any other time, a person who is under a great deal of stress usually tends to skip meals, eat on the run, overeat and fill up on junk food. That strategy is counterproductive and bound to lead eventually to weight gain and health problems. A better approach, according to Judith Wurtman, author of the book, Managing Your Mind & Mood Through Food, is to focus on low-fat or no-fat carbohydrate foods, such as a handful of pretzels, at least 30 grams worth at a time. Wurtman’s research has led her to conclude that such carbohydrates boost production of serotonin, a hormone that tends to reduce feelings of stress and depression. This effect, however, lasts only about two to three hours, so she advises several small meals or snacks rather than one or two large ones.
Las personas que tienen mucho estrés tienen la tendencia de saltarse comidas, comer apresuradamente, comer demasiada especialmente comida poco nutritiva durante las fiestas y durante la vida diaria. Esta estrategia es contraproducente ya que tiende a provocar una subida de peso y problemas de salud. De acuerdo a Judith Wurtman, autora del libro Controlando su Mente y Estado de Animo con la Alimentación, es más saludable concentrarse en alimentos bajos en grasa o hidratos de carbono sin grasa como por ejemplo 30 gramos de pretzels. Gracias a su investigación Wurtman ha llegado a la conclusión de que estos hidratos de carbono incentivan la producción de seratonina que es una hormona que tiende a reducir el estrés y la depresión. Sin embargo el efecto solo dura de dos a tres horas, por eso recomienda ingerir pequeñas cantidades varias veces al día, en lugar de ingerir grandes cantidades dos veces al día.
[SOURCE: Vicki Haddock, “Beating Holiday Stress,” WebMD Feature, October, 2001, medically updated October 11, 2004]
[SOURCE: Vicki Haddock, “Beating Holiday Stress,” WebMD Feature, October, 2001, medically updated October 11, 2004]
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SCOPE EMPLOYEE FOCUS Tabatha Fair diagnostic imaging Tabatha Fair has been at MGH since October 2005, and finds the hospital to be “a really great place to work.” She did her diagnostic imaging training at Tacoma Community College and her clinical training at MGH. She then went to work at an Olympia hospital, while waiting for a position to become available at MGH. “I love working here,” she said. “Everyone is so nice and supportive and we have the time to give our patients one-on-one attention. In the larger hospitals it is so busy and rushed, it is hard to give patients the time they need.” Tabatha does vascular ultrasound, which means that most of her patients are elderly. “I really like being able to talk with them and help. I love taking the time to explain everything. They have so many concerns and questions,” she added.
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www.masongeneral.com/BillingQuestion.htm
News Briefs ...Congratulations to MGH “Employees of the Month”: May - Craig Thurston, surgery tech; and June - Gerry Repar, R.N., ICCU ...Treasures Thrift Store recognized “Volunteers of the Month” for March - Kitty Castellano, and April - Bonnie Beatty. Congratulations! ... Community Blood Drive 2007 – Tuesday, June 19, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the south parking lot at the hospital. Open to the community! ... The next “Living Well With Diabetes” class offered by Mason General Hospital is set for three evenings, Tuesday through Thursday, June 26, 27, and 28, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Ellinor Room at MGH. According to Sue Barwick, R.N., certified diabetes educator and coordinator of the class, “Diabetes selfmanagement can be improved with proper knowledge and skills, and most people with diabetes can lead a healthy, active life.” MGH has a team of healthcare providers that teach the class. Studies show that effective self-management of the disease is beneficial for the patient and their family. Content of the class includes diabetes diagnosis, proper meal planning, diabetes medications, exercise, prevention and treatment of complications, stress management, living with diabetes, and the use of support people and a healthcare team. To register call Mrs. Barwick at (360) 426-1611, ext. 3301 (from Belfair (360) 275-8614, ext. 3301).
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Our Mission: We take every possible action to protect and promote the health of the people in Mason County while extending respect and compassion as we serve each individual. Published by: Public Hospital District No. 1 for Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics, North Mason Medical Clinic and Mason County Eye Clinic. Business Office: Office hours: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Spanish Translator Available. Located at Gateway Center, 2505 Olympic Hwy N., Suite 460, (360) 427-9547 Mason General Hospital: Visiting hours: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., daily. Located at: 901 Mt. View Drive, Building 1, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584-5001, (360) 426-1611, from Belfair (360) 275-8614. Serving the medical needs of the entire county since 1968. Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. TTY/TTD: (360) 427-9593. Translation Services Provided. Se habla español. Equal Opportunity Provider. Oakland Bay Pediatrics: 247 Professional Way, Shelton, WA 98584, (360) 426-3102 North Mason Medical Clinic: 140 N.E. S.R. 300, Belfair, WA 98528, (360) 275-4084, from Shelton (360) 426-8405 Mason County Eye Clinic: 2300 Kati Court, Suite C, Shelton, WA 98584, (360) 426-8717 Administration: Bob Appel, chief executive officer; Eric Moll, chief financial officer; Diane Stillman, chief operating officer; Bonnie J. Davis, M.D., chief of staff; Nancy Trucksess, commissioner/president; Scott Hilburn and Don Wilson, commissioners. Scope: Published six times per year. Editor: McCarty & Associates, Inc. “a marketing firm”
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