Issuu

December 2009

Where caring counts. Feel the difference.

H1N1 Flu Not Your Typical Flu To prevent the flu • Wash hands with warm water and soap − if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough. • Stay away from people who are sick. • Avoid large crowds. • Do not share snacks, food, drinks, or cigarettes with others.

Whoops. I have it. Now what? • Stay home from work, childcare, school, or public gatherings when sick with a fever and cough. If you have H1N1 stay home for at least seven (7) days after the start of symptoms. If you are still sick after seven days, remain home until you are fever-free for 24 hours. • Drink a lot of fluids (i.e. sports drinks) to prevent dehydration. • Cough into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues in a covered container and wash your hands. • Most people with influenza do not need to see a doctor. Call your healthcare provider if you or a family member is sick enough to need medical care. • Anyone having difficulty catching their breath should seek medical care as soon as possible. • Avoid having sick family members taking care of infants and others at high risk for complications (i.e. immune-compromised) of influenza. For more information go to: www.MasonGeneral.com and www.Co.Mason.Wa.Us/health/community_health/h1n1.php.

Remember, prevention is the key to staying well.

Vol. 25 No. 6

Mason General Offers Physical Therapy Right Here O

n the road to recovery, Mason General Hospital offers patients a direct route: its own physical therapy department. Right inside Mason General, two physical therapists, two assistants, and an occupational therapist are on hand with a facility featuring all of the standard equipment. One of these therapists has been on staff for more than 20 years. “People are getting better when they come here,” said Chris Eggers, manager of the physical therapy department at Mason General. Chris Eggers, manager of Mason General HospiPatients receive care for neurotal’s physical therapy department, demonstrates a logical, orthopedic, sport-related piece of equipment therapists use at MGH to help and even pediatric issues, often patients improve their balance. working to regain balance, flexibility and their regular functional abilities. People recovering from strokes often benefit from physical therapy. The occupational therapist on staff provides specialized therapy for hand-related injuries, as well as performing splinting, and addressing orthopedic and overuse symptoms. “Her skill set is fairly unique for this area,” Eggers said. Eggers said he enjoys his job because it allows him to assist people facing these circumstances and make the experience easier for them. “It’s just the interaction with the people and helping them return to an active lifestyle,” he said.

Strong Financial Position Allows Hospital to Move Ahead With Facility Master Plan Dear Community,

After several consecutive years of a strong financial performance, coupled with an extremely favorable climate for construction, we are pleased to announce Mason General Hospital has an extraordinary opportunity to make several high-priority improvements over the next two years in the facility. The $33 million cost of these projects will be financed by operating revenues and will not require a taxpayer bond issue. These improvements include: The addition of a new surgery wing to the existing hospital New operating suites to accommodate new technologies; which will replace existing rooms that are too small to meet current and future needs An expanded and modernized emergency department to accommodate current and future patient needs and to increase patient privacy and provide more space for waiting patients Continued on page 10…

MGH Encourages “Well” Visitors V

isitors to Mason General Hospital are being carefully monitored as the Swine Flu (H1N1) pandemic and seasonal flu are of great concern. MGH’s Birth Center, Critical Care, and the Medical/Surgical/Pediatrics departments are enforcing the visitor policy to ensure the health and protection of their patients and staff.

What Does That Mean? It means anyone with symptoms of a cold or illness is asked to stay away to prevent the spread of germs in the hospital. The Birth Center requests one adult support person for the new mom, and only the newborn’s immediate brothers and sisters will be permitted to visit – all others are asked to wait until mom and new baby come home. Children visiting must be well (free from any contagious illness) and must be accompanied by an adult who is not the birthing mother. The Birth Center at Mason General Hospital strives to provide familycentered care, with protection for the newborn and mother as their top priority. All visitors are asked to remain in the visitor lounge or patient’s room during their visit, and not to carry newborns in their arms outside of the room. The other hospital departments have similar visitor policies, with particular emphasis and restrictions in regard to the recent flu outbreak. At times like these, it is necessary to alter hospital visiting guidelines for the protection of patients whose resistance to infection is especially compromised when they are in the hospital. For the most part we encourage well visitors to keep visits brief, and remain in the patient’s room. We are committed to providing protection for all our patients at Mason General Hospital, as well as for the staff who need to stay well to care for them. Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

H1N1 Flu Infectious after 10 Days If you get the H1N1 (Swine) flu, you may have to stay home from work or school even longer than you expected. Studies have found that some individuals continue to be infectious for 10 days after they are infected—even after their fever has passed and even if they’ve been treated with TamiFlu. With seasonal flu, patients are generally not contagious after a week. [SOURCE: Steve Sternberg, “H1N1 patients may be infectious 10-plus days,” USA Today, September 14, 2009]

MGH Supports Annual Mammography Starting at Age 40 There

has been much media attention recently regarding when and how often women should have mammograms. Women and their providers should understand that very few agencies are altering their screening guidelines based on the most recent U.S. Preventative Services Task Force modeling. Mammography continues to be an effective screening tool in the detection of small breast cancers that can be treated early and prevent death. The regional Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Washington continues to support annual screening mammography for women beginning at the age of 40. The American Cancer Society, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and The American College of Radiology support this as well. At MGH we continue to support annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. We recently acquired state-of-the-art digital mammography which increases sensitivity in detecting small cancers in younger women below the age of 50, as well as women with dense breast tissue. There is less radiation exposure and higher resolution imaging.

Most Ear Infections Clear on Own The 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for childhood ear infections advise moderation in the use of antibiotics. Even following these guidelines, according to specialists at the 2009 AAP annual meeting, too many children are needlessly getting antibiotics. Robert M. Jacobson, M.D., chair of Pediatrics at the Mayo Clinic, pointed out that acute otitis media will resolve without treatment in more than 90 percent of cases. Dr. Jacobson recommended use of topical analgesics to manage symptoms. [SOURCE: Martha Kerr, “PAS 2009; AAP guidelines for acute otitis media may encourage overtreatment,” Medscape Medical News, May 2009]

Every dollar you spend at MGH (or for other local healthcare) creates $2.40 in local business activity.

Welcoming New Lives into the World Brings Rewards Walking parents through pregnancy and

childbirth is very fulfilling for Obstetrician/ Gynecologist, Lystra Wilson-Celestine, M.D. “I feel like I have hundreds of children out there,” said the warm physician, who is on staff at Mountain View Women’s Health Clinic in Shelton, operated by Mason General Hospital and a member of the family of clinics. “It’s a very rewarding field for me,” she added. “I can empathize and Lystra Wilson-Celestine, understand what they’re going through and M.D., Board Eligible, they can be comfortable that the doctor Obstetrics and Gynecology understands what is happening to them.” Besides obstetrics, she likes gynecology, especially surgery, when she has the chance to effectively solve patients’ problems. “I guess it’s the part of me that likes to fix things and relieve pain,” she considered. Originally from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. WilsonCelestine has been practicing at the local clinic for more than two years now. She first came to the United States during her medical studies in 2002, receiving her post-graduate training in Michigan. Now boardeligible, the physician said she loves living in western Washington, because it’s green, the people are warm and friendly, and its coastal climate offers an ideal compromise between the Caribbean and Michigan. “It’s not too cold,” she said. Plus, Dr. Wilson-Celestine enjoys the comfortable pace of life in rural Mason County. In her spare time, she is active in her church, has fun reading, and likes to travel. “That’s why I’m way out here, so far away from home,” she said. “I just like to go to new places and meet new people. It’s a calling on my life to work with the women of Mason County, one that I am honored to do. I appreciate the opportunity to serve.”

Dear Mr. Appel ,

This afternoon I attended a CPR class instructed by Sherry Curtis. Each time I go, I am glad I chose MGH. The facilities are perfect... great locations, comfortable rooms, great teaching aids. Sherry presents the material in a professional and interesting manner. She knows the subject matter well and is a warm and caring instructor. She is a gifted teacher and a wonderful asset to MGH. We greatly appreciate this class and the service the hospital provides. Thank you again. —E. Stevens, August, 2009

How Much Exercise Do You Need To Maintain Weight Loss? Regular exercise is a crucial factor in maintaining weight loss, according to data from the National Weight Control Registry. How much do you need? To prevent weight gain, most American adults need 150 to 250 minutes of exercise using 1200 to 2000 calories a week, according to guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine. After weight loss, some studies found that 200 to 300 minutes of exercise a week helped minimize weight regain, although more is better. [SOURCE: Laurie Barclay, M.D., “Guidelines updated for physical activity intervention for weight loss,” Medscape Medical News, February 23, 2009]

Caring for

Lystra B. WilsonCelestine, M.D. Board Eligible, OB/GYN

Nkem Nwosa, M.D. Board Certiﬁed, OB/GYN

Now accepting new patients. Appointments Mon - Fri Evening appointments available.

women’s health, at any stage. Physicians, Lystra B. Wilson-Celestine, M.D. and Nkem Nwosa, M.D. are on staff caring for women of all ages with gynecological and obstetrical needs. They provide obstetrical care – general and high risk; well-woman care; family planning; 3-D ultrasound; peri-menopausal/menopausal care; bone density testing; gynecological surgery; urinary incontinence and UTIs; and infertility services.

(360) 426-0955 2300 Kati Court, Ste. A Shelton WA

A Quilt Sewn for Every Baby Born at MGH Health story?

The MGH Birth Center staff shows off some of the quilters’ handiwork (l-r) Hazel Ligman, R.N., Tracie Wales, R.N., Marcia Rohlik, R.N., Jeannette Webb, CNA, Kathy Mix, R.N., and Kris Gaa, R.N.

Women from Christmastown Quilters, Matlock Homemakers Club, Ladies of the Lake, and individual quilters, crocheters, and knitters came together in October to be honored by MGH’s Birth Center. These local “quilters, crocheters, and knitters” were honored during a tea party provided and put on by The Birth Center staff. Throughout the year these ladies donate time, talent and treasure to make quilts, blankets, and baby hats for every baby born at MGH. There are more than 300 babies born a year at MGH that go home with a handmade quilt, blanket or hat.

Please consider giving the gift of healthcare this holiday season. A message from Jen Capps, Chief Development Officer, MGHF Dear Community, Your support of MGH and Clinics is needed now, more than ever before. Special events such as Mason General Hospital Foundation’s (MGHF) Annual Fantasy Forest event raises funds for much-needed medical equipment for Public Hospital District No.1 and builds community support for Mason General Hospital and its Clinics through its participants and volunteers. With our community’s support the Foundation has purchased items such as: CMAX Surgical Table Birthing Beds EKG and Ultrasound Machines Bronchoscope Lifepak Defibrillator YAG Eye Surgery Laser We encourage you to help save lives by making a financial contribution to Mason General Hospital Foundation. To make a gift to MGHF, please send a check to Mason General Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1668, Shelton WA 98584-5001. The Foundation accepts multi-year pledges, Visa and MasterCard gifts, securities or mutual funds, matching gifts from a company, and planned estate gifts. You may also call Jennifer Capps, chief development officer at (360) 427-3622 or send an email to jcapps@MasonGeneral.com. You can learn more about our annual Fantasy Forest event by visiting us on the web at www.MasonGeneral.com.

MGH Foundation Contributors Memorialized The Mason General Hospital Foundation would like to acknowledge former contributors who are now deceased. Listed below are supporters the Foundation would like to recognize for their past support of our mission and work in the community. Please join us in acknowledging their support of the Foundation during their lifetimes. David H. Beck William Hanson Jeannette LaBresh William Lemke Ron Lind

Memorial Contributions Made to MGH Foundation Mason General Hospital Foundation has generously received donations in memory of the individuals listed below. Donors and memorialized individuals listed in this report reflect contributions made to the Foundation beginning September 5, 2009 and ending November 2, 2009. Mary Penney Alex & Idadell Kuhr Dick & Linda Shrum Glenn Roessel Roger & Linda Hoff Gwendolyn Stidd Gene H. Stidd Betty Swift Jean McCumsey Note: Every effort has been made by the Development office to ensure the integrity of this list. If we have inadvertently omitted any names, please accept our apologies and most sincere thanks for your generosity and continued support of Mason General Hospital Foundation.

A F U N D R A I S E R O F M G H F O U N D AT I O N

Co-Gala & Live Auction Hiawatha Corporation Swing Fever Gib & Sharon Johnston with loving memory of our parents, Fred & Lillian Peste Fashion Show Fred Finn/Finninsula Foundation Fantasy Laugh Factory Dynamic Collectors, Inc. Co-Candy Cane Carnival South Sound Radiology Deck the Halls Sage Book Store Senior Tea Alpine Way Retirement Apartments, Inc. Memorial Tree Christmas Village Entertainment CellNetix Pathology & Laboratories, Michael Odell, Medical Director Co-Site Decorations Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC

200

Sponsors

Thank you, to these sponsors & event chairpersons for another successful Fantasy Forest! Gas Card Masco Petroleum Event Poster John L. Scott Raffle Peninsula Credit Union Co-Volunteer Village Taylor Shellfish Farms Co-Travel Voucher Kamin Excavation; Two Noble Guys, LLC Forest Star Robert W. Johnson, PLLC; Providence St. Peter Hospital; Wittenberg, CPA, PS; Steven H. Bowers, DDS, PS; Bob and Melanie Appel; Shelton Health & Rehabilitation Center Fantasy Forest Supporters DeGarmo’s Compounding Pharmacy; Cardiology Associates, PLLC

Chairpersons Event Chair Sarah Stevens Tournament of Champions Ron Wilkes & Teresa Stevens Senior Tea Beth Johnston Father-Daughter Night Out Michele Crow Deck The Halls Marty Brooks Swing Fever Robin Williams Candy Cane Carnival Future Generations Guild Gala Sherwood Guild Live Auction Sue Patterson & The Stokes Auction Group Site Decorations Lynn Harvey

Silent Auction Sarah Stevens In-kind Donations Peg Stock Wine Rebecca Jonas; Sue Patterson Catalogue & Poster Design Woytowich Design Linens Darryl Cleveland Marketing Shelly Hargraves Catering John Cruse & Robin Williams Tree Designer Joanne Jurin Memorial Tree Zack Crow Gift Shops Karen Anderson, Karen Hilburn, & Beth Gregg

Banking & Cashiering Richard D. Thornbrue, CPA ; Stacey Scoles Raffles Merlyn Flakus Volunteers Peggy Cleveland, Sallie Faughender & Mary Anne Munson Tickets Meghan Lucas No-Host Bar Centennial Guild Publicity McCarty & Associates, Inc. “a marketing firm” Centerpieces & Greenery Hiawatha Corporation; Fantasy Laugh Factory; Sarah Stevens Fashion Show Ginger Brooks & Marian Greenberg Espresso Sunny Day Espresso; Vickie Grabicki

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News Briefs... ...Congratulations to MGH “Employee of the Month” for November – Lisa Jacobson, laboratory; and December – Michael Olels, emergency department. ...Treasures Thrift Store recognized “Volunteer of the Month” for September – Jo Walters; October – Judy Lucero, November - Robert Hyack. Congratulations! ... MGH family of clinics has a new addition — MGH Family Health. Christopher Penoyar, D.O., board-certified in family medicine, and his staff joined the Mason General Hospital family of clinics in November. Dr. Penoyar will continue to provide expert care in family health. “Doctor Penoyar has been a vital part of the medical community for many years, and patients have appreciated the excellent care and attention provided,” said Bob Appel, CEO of MGH. “We are delighted to have Dr. Penoyar be a part of the MGH family of clinics, and happy to provide him with the support and structure to allow him to continue providing excellent personal care for the community.” It is ‘business as usual,’ with the same clinic location and hours, and acceptance of most insurance plans. …This year’s “Denim and Diamonds” Masked Affair at Steven’s Fine Dining in October was the most successful in six years. “We were so overwhelmed by the community’s generosity to the Karen Hilburn Breast and Cervical Cancer Fund,” said Karen Hilburn, founder and president of the KHB&CCF. “We want to give a heartfelt THANKS to all of those merchants and individuals who donated to this event. They made it possible for us to help more Mason County women with their medical expenses associated with breast and cervical cancer diagnoses and treatment.” ...MGH’s Women’s Health Forum held in October was a huge success. According to organizer Karry Trout, licensed mammographer, more than 30 qualifying women received free mammograms and a breast examination by Lystra Wilson-Celestine, M.D., obstetrician-gynecologist; and some women received a gift for arriving early. The event was made possible by Susan G. Komen, Washington Breast and Cervical Cancer Program; and the Karen Hilburn Breast and Cervical Cancer Fund.

Safety & Environment of Care Committee Earns Honorable Mention

embers of MGH’s Safety and Environment of Care Survey Committee – (l-r) Andrew Bales, environmental services; Tim Sperry, safety control officer; Claudia Hawley, human resource director; and Bob Appel, CEO, recently received a check for $250 for receiving honorable mention in the “2009 Safety Appreciation Contest” from Mike Leary of the Washington Hospital Workers Compensation Program Trust. It was through the efforts of these two teams that improvements were made at MGH in the handling of sharps (needles), work station ergonomics, hazardous waste handling, pharmaceutical monitoring, infection control, and patient handling. Others on the team include Keith Geary, Linda Geary, Marie Gofigan, Dave Pearch, Rosie Noah, Elaine Wolle, Jeannette Webb, Kris Davies, Lisa Sandoval-Cox, Maria Rigolo, and Yvonne Jorgensen.

Classes & Support Groups ...Congestive Heart Failure Support Group to Meet. As part of MGH’s strategic initiatives to ‘develop and offer programs that maximize health and independence for those with chronic healthcare needs,’ and in conjunction with the ‘Transforming Care at the Bedside Institute for Healthcare Improvement,’ MGH created a new support group – HEART HEALTHY CLUB – to meet January 7, 2010 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Ellinor room at MGH. Snacks will be provided. ... Next “Living Well With Diabetes” 2day class is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, February 2 and 3, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day in the Ellinor Room at MGH. Advanced registration is required. Diabetes education is a covered service under most insurance plans. To register call (360) 4261611, ext. 3301 (Allyn (360) 275-8614, ext. 3301).

Employee Focus: Live, Learn, Work at MGH Connie Covert, R.N., B.S.N., house supervisor Connie has worked “on and off” at MGH since it first opened in September 1968. Her total years of service have been nearly 35 years over the past 41 years. “What has kept me here, and coming back all these years were the people I work with. We have an absolutely great staff and management. Everyone helps each other, from staff to administration. We have the best equipment for patient care and a staff that is fun to work with. I look forward to coming to work, as this is best place I have ever worked.”

Circle the date! For Mason General Hospital’s Centennial Guild

“Goldsborough Creek Fun Run & Walk” Have fun with family & with friends and at the same time support MGH! –A Forest Festival event.

Saturday, June 5, 2010 MGH Family Health Dr. Christopher Penoyar, and staff – now known as “MGH Family Health” – recently joined the Mason General Hospital family of clinics!

Christopher Penoyar, D.O. F.A.A.F.P., F.A.O.F.P. Board Certiﬁed, Family Medicine

Dr. Penoyar and staff will continue to be a full-service, family medical clinic providing osteopathic care and a full range of family medicine care, including pediatrics, adult, and geriatric care, plus gynecology. He will continue to provide the same excellent care to patients in the Shelton area that he has served since 1989.

Call for an appointment: (360) 426-3862 MGH Family Health 1812 N 13th Loop Rd., Shelton, WA Hours: M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Centennial Guild Celebrates 20th Anniversary This fall marked the 20th anniversary of the creation of Centennial Guild – an affiliate of the MGH Foundation. What started out as a way for friends to help our community hospital has now become a valuable fundraising arm of the Foundation. Co-founders Margo Otto and Gin McCarty were active members in Sherwood Guild and saw the vision of expanding the guild system to include additional women. Charter members back in 1989 included: Nan Brimmer, Sheryl Waite, Gin McCarty, Claudia Schroeder, Patty Rhoades, Sharee Waite, Connie Davidson, Jill Himlie, Linda Shrum, Margo Otto, Sandy Miller, Nancy Hoff, Mary Ann Sullivan, Joan Bennett, Lora Ott and Janet Thornbrue. Over the years the Guild raised money to give a substantial donation to the digital mammography; implement the MGH Wellness Garden, and most recently – the fountain; fund both the original reader board and the new LED reader board on North 13th Street; plus numerous pieces of medical equipment. Current members include: Patty Rhoades, Gin McCarty, Connie Davidson, Linda Shrum, Margo Otto, Juli Tuson, Jackie Rhodes, Sheryal Balding (president), Amanda von Jentzen, Diane Satak, Linda Reimen, Kim Keeler, Michele Crow, Barb Herrick, Leslie Peterson, Shelly Hargraves and Kristy Armstrong. Other members who have been in the Guild over the years include: Robyn Lockwood, Michele Evans, Cheryl Weston, Leslie Jensen, Linda Godwin, Sheri Burgess, Jenny Morgan, Mary Gardner, Pam Hibbert, Nancy Bayley, Kathleen O’Neill, and Debbie D’Bruler. Some of the fundraisers the Guild has hosted over the years include: • Making and raffling of a quilt • Decorating a Christmas tree at Harmony Hill • Selling poinsettias • Organizing the ever-popular “Buddy Bus” shopping trips to Portland and Seattle • Working Fantasy Forest for a number of years as waitresses and bartenders • Tree decorating and designing for Fantasy Forest’s Live Auction • Sponsoring the Forest Festival dance • Oysterfest’s “Got Shrimp?” • Forest Festival Fun Run/Walk • Working the concessions at Safeco Field during the baseball season • Rummage Sales “We don’t just work to raise money all the time, however,” added Sheryal Balding, president. “We have fun times together which have included Bunko parties, golfing, movie and dinner nights, boating, Christmas parties, summertime parties, and just enjoying the company of some incredible women we call friends.” If you are interested in learning about creating your own guild to help support Mason General Hospital, call Gin McCarty at (360) 426-8374 for more information.

Mary Penney Receives 2009 Flame Award

Mary Penney

Mary Penney, the late wife of local den-

tist and community pillar, Dr. Jim Penney, was selected as the 2009 Fantasy Forest Flame Award winner, posthumously. Mary passed away in May 2009. She and Jim, together, added much to the Shelton Community — schools, hospital, and many other facilities. Mary’s work with MGH began in the mid 1980’s, when under Mary’s leadership, a group of women in a guild that benefitted Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, decided to form a local Guild Association in Shelton to help our expanding community hospital — Mason General. The Association charter was completed, and Sherwood became the first Guild in the Association, followed by Centennial, and Future Generation. Mary was an original member of the board of the Mason General Hospital Foundation and the Mason General Arts Commission. She remained active in both the Sherwood Hospital Guild and the MGH Arts Commission until her death in 2009. Mary also served many years on the MGH Physician Recruitment team. Joined by her husband, Jim, they worked with the rest of the team to bring many physicians and hospital professionals to Shelton to join the Mason General Hospital family of physicians. Mason County and the greater Shelton community benefitted from Mary’s volunteering and civic activism through bond and levy-raising efforts; her instrumental work in the funding and completion of the Shelton Clock Tower; and in the formation of the Shelton Presbyterian Church and its successful efforts in financing and constructing its own church building, which opened its doors in late fall of 2008.

Doctors List Barriers to Wait and See

Is Overeating Contagious?

Guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend an observation approach for many uncomplicated ear infections in children older than two and even in some younger children. The number one barrier to such an approach is parental reluctance or expectation of antibiotic therapy, according to doctors responding to a survey. Other top barriers were “cost and time needed for follow-up visits” and “provider concern about degree of symptoms.” [SOURCE: L. Vernacchio, R.M. Vezina and A.A. Mitchell, “Management of acute otitis media by primary care physicians: trends since the release of the 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics/American Academy of Family Physicians clinical practice guidelines,” Pediatrics, 2007;120:281-287]

John V. Butler, M.D. Board Certiﬁed Family Practice

How much weight you gain over the coming holidays may depend in large part on your family. Studies have long shown that adults tend to eat more when they’re in the company of family and friends. And recent research indicates that overweight children and adults are more likely to overeat when they are around other overweight individuals. One study that collected data over 30 years from an interconnected network of 12,000 adults found that one person’s risk of becoming obese was 37 percent higher if his or her spouse was obese, and 40 percent higher if a sibling was obese. Conversely, studies have found that overweight individuals eat Monday - Friday (except holidays) less when they are dining 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with thin persons.

Located in the south entrance lobby. All proceeds support medicallyrelated scholarships.

Bonnie J. Davis, M.D. Board Certiﬁed Family Practice Timothy J. Weber, M.D. Board Certiﬁed Family Practice

(360) 426-2653

Doris H. Wilson, M.D. Family Practice

[SOURCE: Shahreen Abedin, “The social side of obesity; you are who you eat with,” Time, September, 2009]

Resa Delany, PA-C

939 Mountain View Dr., Ste. 100, Shelton Hours: M-F: clinic opens at 8 a.m. Call for evening & weekend hours.

Katie Hackney, PA-C

La Inﬂuenza H1N1 (gripe porcina) se viene a quedar con nosotros por una temporada. ¿Que puede hacer? Para prevenir la Influenza Lávese las manos con agua y jabón frecuentemente. Si no dispone de agua y jabón, utilice desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol. Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz o la boca Trate de evitar el contacto cercano con personas enfermas Evite las multitudes Avoid large crowds. No comparta meriendas, comida, bebidas, ni cigarrillos con otras personas.

Tengo Tos. ¿Que hago ahora? Si se encuentra enfermo con fiebre y tos, quédese en su hogar, no vaya al trabajo, la guardería, escuela o lugares públicos. Si tiene la Influenza H1N1, entonces quédese en su hogar por lo menos siete (7) días despues del comienzo de los síntomas. Si despues de los siete (7) días aun sigue enfermo entonces, permanezca en su hogar durante 24 horas despues de que la fiebre haya desaparecido.

Talking to your child about HPV Gardasil is a vaccine, approved in 2006, to protect against strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that have been implicated as a necessary pre-condition of cervical cancer. Since the vaccine is recommended for young females before they begin sexual activity, it creates a somewhat awkward situation for parents. As one doctor explained, the goal is to prevent cancer deaths. While the vaccine can be a good way to start a conversation about sex, the focus can and should be on cancer prevention. The vaccine will do nothing to prevent pregnancy nor any other STD except HPV. Sometimes associated with genital warts, HPV is extremely common, affecting about 80% of persons who have ever had sex. The strains most implicated in cervical cancer usually have no symptoms and can be passed even with the use of condoms (rarely) and even with anal or genital contact that does not include intercourse. [Source: Angela Townsend, “Vaccines show promise against cancer-causing HPV, but questions still linger,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 22, 2009]

Tome muchos líquidos para prevenir la deshidratación Tosa en la manga de su camisa, o cúbrase la boca y nariz con un kleenex cuando tosa o estornude. Deseche el kleenex sucio en un basurero y lávese las manos. La mayoría de las personas que tienen la influenza no requieren atención médica. Si usted o un miembro de su familia se encuentran muy enfermo y requiere asistencia médica, entonces llame a su proveedor de asistencia médica. Cualquier persona que tenga dificultades para respirar debe de buscar asistencia médica lo antes posible. Si algún miembro de su familia se encuentra enfermo, evite el que cuide de sus niños o de personas que estén a alto riesgo de complicaciones (por ejemplo deficiencia inmune) con la influenza.

Recuerde, la clave para mantenerse saludable es la prevención.

Prevent… Detect… Correct… Comprehensive care from MGH Eye Clinic • Eye surgery: cataracts, eye lid & internal eye • Routine eye exams • Diagnoses & treatment of eye diseases: glaucoma, cataracts & diabetes • Emergency care @ MGH Call for an appointment: (360) 426-8717

Monica Vuong, M.D. Board Certiﬁed Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon

Keren Yang, O.D. Optometrist

2300 Kati Court, Ste. C, Shelton, WA

ANKLE & Foot on hidden layer for revision

Approved by the Joint Commission 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 and Clinics. Published six times per year. Editor: McCarty & Associates, Inc. “a marketing firm”. 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. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) visiting hours: special hours on a patient-by-patient basis, call for Unit hours. Located at:

901 Mountain View Drive, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584-5001, (360) 426-1611, from Allyn (360) 275-8614. Serving the medical needs of Mason County since 1968. Accredited by the Joint Commission. TTY/TTD: (360) 427-9593. Translation Services Provided. Se habla español. Equal Opportunity Provider. Administration: Bob Appel, chief executive ofﬁcer; Eric Moll, chief administrative ofﬁcer; Saad Al Alou, M.D., chief of staff; Nancy Trucksess, commissioner/president; Scott Hilburn and Don Wilson, commissioners.

AARP Driver Safety Classes @ MGH Plan to attend one of the 2-day driver safety classes below, from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days. Preregistration is required as classes fill up on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, please call (360) 426-5239. For more information call (360) 426-0590. January 25 and 26 February 22 and 23 March 29 and 30

Facility Plan …continued from page 1 Upgrades to inpatient rooms and waiting areas to better accommodate patients and families and provide privacy for confidential meetings between doctors and families. These improvements will implement top priorities in MGH’s facility master plan, that is part of Mason General’s ten-year strategic plan, and increase the hospital’s flexibility that will enable it to respond to future changes in care delivery. We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to the added value to the community’s healthcare. Bob Appel, CEO

Feel at ease Vanni C. Manthiram, M.D. Board Certiﬁed, General Surgery

Welcome our new surgeon, Eldie L. Cruz, M.D.

Eldie L. Cruz, M.D. Board Eligible, General Surgery

about your surgery... have it close to home in the comfort and convenience of Mason General Hospital with MGH Surgery Clinic’s Dr. Vanni C. Manthriam and Dr. Eldie L. Cruz.

MGH Surgery Clinic clinic specializes in men’s and women’s breast issues, thyroid, colon, hernia, cancer surgeries, and laparoscopic procedures. Our surgical team will take care of your surgical needs so you can get back to your life soon!

Have your surgery close to home and…

Get Back to Your Life Again! Seeing new patients. (360) 426-4142

1710 N 13th Loop Rd., Shelton, WA