HEALTHY
LIVING JUNE 2018
W
hen you have joint pain due to an injury, disease, or the aging process, even the simplest things in life can seem difficult—if not impossible. For those whose lifestyle has been changed by constant pain, joint replacement surgery could be the solution. Colorado Plains Medical Center is the joint replacement specialist. With experienced orthopedic physician specialists , our innetwork team of nurse anesthetists/pain management specialists, and expert support staff, we can help restore movement again. Take the next step and contact us at 1-800-424-DOCS
(3627).
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2 • JUNE 29, 2018 • HEALTHY LIVING
HEALTHY LIVING
The Body Firm
New fitness class coming for moms
Program to help women that want to shred baby weight By Brandon Boles Fort Morgan Times
Meredith Chapin is a mother of two and knows firsthand what challenges women can endure after pregnancy. With her personal experiences and background studying the topic, she is looking to help women that want to shred the baby weight with a new six-week program offered at The Body Firm in Fort Morgan. “It’s something I’ve thought about doing for a while,” Chapin said. “I hope to get some interest from women who recently had a baby or even those that haven’t for a while.” The class will begin on June 20 and will have sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Wednesday sessions begin at 12:15 p.m. and the Saturday class will be at 9 a.m. Her class was originally geared towards women just getting back to the gym shortly after a pregnancy, but she said her class is open for all women working back from a pregnancy, regardless of their personal timeline. While researching for the new class, Chapin said there is little that people may know about how to lose the weight. Factors like body type and how active someone was during their
A new class to help women lose weight and tone their body after pregnancy is coming to The Body Firm.
pregnancy can also play a role in the weight loss regime. Her class is a generic plan that is suitable for everyone, she said. “There is some knowledge missing,” Chapin said. “We don’t have a lot of direction on the best things to do as far as exercises. I’ve learned a lot from that through my own research and recovery, as well as some physical therapy.” The class will be different from the high-intensity, cardio style of classes typically offered. Most of the workouts are geared toward toning and sculpting the body at a lower intensity and pace. Bar methods, bodyweight exercises and other techniques not found in a
high-intensity workout will be utilized. “It’s going to be efficient but easier on the body,” Chapin said. In addition to the workouts, Chapin hopes that the classes will provide some insight and break some misconceptions about how to properly lose the weight after pregnancy. Some of the research Chapin did for the class showed her how the body is physically working and the things that can be detrimental to it. One of the prime examples she found was an abdominal exercise known as the plank, where you hold your body in a similar push-up position to strengthen your core.
“A lot of women believe planks are good to do, but after pregnancy it’s hurtful to the abdominal walls.”
of the worst things you can do to help strengthen core or lose the weight. We will look at what condition they are currently in and what your body still needs to recover.” The class will provide an alternative workout for the summer to help lose weight and not put extra strain on the body, she added. “It’s really an opportunity for women looking for Meredith Chapin something a little different,” program instructor Chapin said. “Some people want to tone their body “Planks are a good exam- rather than build muscle. That’s what we are gearing ple,” Chapin explained. “A lot of women believe planks the classes toward.” are good to do, but after Brandon Boles: 970-441pregnancy it’s hurtful to the 5102, sports@fmtimes.com abdominal walls. That’s one or twitter.com/FMT_Sports HEALTHY LIVING • JUNE 29, 2018 • 3
HEALTHY LIVING
New Pathways
Center provides mental health care
Facility offering addiction treatment, drug testing
By Lisa Young Journal-Advocate staff writer
We all know that mental health is vital to a person’s overall health. In addition, tackling an addiction to alcohol or drugs can make a world of difference when it comes to achieving positive mental health outcomes. New Pathways to Wellness and Recovery Counseling Center, Sterling’s newest mental health counseling center, aims at helping area clients overcome addictions and find new pathways to creating a better life. The newly remodeled facility at 216 N. Third St. features a comfortable waiting area, handicap accessibility ramp on the east side, a playroom for children, cozy family therapy room, large group meeting room, urine analysis testing clinic, and several private counseling rooms. According to owner Michelle McCauley, the practice will deliver group
and individual counseling along with education focusing on substance abuse and recovery. They will also host a variety of group meetings, including: Beyond Trauma, Seeking Safety, Relapse Prevention, Strategies for Self-Improvement and Change (SSC), Anger Management, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), DUI Education and DUI Therapy. “Right now we can do any mental health groups and any mental health treatment,” said McCauley, who added that they will offer court-ordered treatment in four to six weeks upon licensing. At present, New Pathways can provide individual substance abuse and recovery sessions with certified Colorado addiction counselors Mandi Rogers, CAC II and Chris Jutz, CAC III. McCauley, a licensed professional counselor and former counselor at Centennial Metal Health, will specialize in mental health services for individuals,
families, and group. She will provide therapy for clients dealing with various mental, behavioral and emotional problems and disorders. In the fall, the center will add a male counselor and eventually hope to have a total of six or seven therapists providing multiple services, including walk-in crisis counseling. “Every therapist who works here is required to donate one hour of their time per week for walk-ins who are in crisis, even if they aren’t a client here,” said McCauley, who added that therapists are also encouraged to limit their work load in order to make sure clients can have regular visits without long wait times between appointments. She said the counseling center uses a reasonable sliding fee scale and takes both Medicaid and other major insurance. Hours for counseling services are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to the counseling center, New Pathways
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Lisa Young / Sterling Journal-Advocate
New Pathways to Wellness and Recovery Counseling Center in Sterling.
also offers urine analysis (UA) testing through ICUP Drug and Alcohol Collections, operated by Rem McCauley. The collection clinic runs Monday through Friday. “We’re excited to be a part of the community in this awesome location. We all know that our community has such a drug epidemic and we’ve got to have more of these centers,” said McCauley, who previously offered similar services at Centennial Mental Health. He said New Pathways and ICUP will give the community another option for
court ordered services and allow clients to find the right fit for their needs. The male testing schedule for mornings is Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Afternoon and evening testing is Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday sessions run from 3 to 5 p.m. McCauley said ICUP also has a female staff person to assist women clients Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Lisa Young: 970-526-9281, lyoung@journaladvocate.com
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HEALTHY LIVING • JUNE 29, 2018 • 5
HEALTHY LIVING Eben Ezer Care Center
Center completes phase one of expansion
Neighbors look forward to better buildings to live in fellowship among the Eben Ezer community. This space was used for over 50 years despite its initial intention of remaining temporary. People often think of Outbreaks in typhoid and assisted living as a last other illnesses decreased resort for those they love. Between the sterility of tradi- after World War I, and it was tional nursing homes to the decided that Eben Ezer tightly wound restrictions of would transition its focus to typical care centers, care for long-term care in 1931. In 1953, the Eben Ezer board the aging can be a difficult obstacle. However, with new of trustees leased the hospiexpansions to their campus, tal facilities to the Brush community, allowing the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care hospital to grow into what it Center in Brush is looking is today and Eben Ezer to to change how people become almost exclusively a understand long term care long-term care facility. Sister for the aging. Anna Poulsen created a recA Brief History reational therapy program in The first Eben Ezer care 1957, creating more access center opened in a small to their own autonomy for house in 1903 as a tubercuthe members of the Eben losis sanatorium, taking Ezer community. Her work their first patient early in was last memorialized in 1904. They moved to their 1997 by the construction of present location in 1906 the Sister Anna Poulsen where they built their first Activity Center. building which they called Eben Ezer offers a range “Nazareth.” This building of multi-level care including included eight rooms to services from short-term facilitate both patients and rehabilitative care to full staff. In 1915, the Refectory nursing care. was created as a dining The Expansion space for patients, staff, the Eben Ezer underwent pastor, and the head deaconess as a temporary space for intensive construction last
By Adrienne Pearson Fort Morgan Times
6 • JUNE 29, 2018 • HEALTHY LIVING
year as a part of a multiphase expansion. The care center built a new building on its campus to replace one of their old spaces and expand to another. The new Dahms-Talton building includes two wings: the Pines living space was created as a replacement to the old Hansen-Madsen building for those with more traditional assisted living needs; and the Evergreens wing was built as an addition to serve those in need of lighter memory care. Neighbors were able to move in to The Pines as early as March of this year, but the Evergreens won’t open until there is sufficient staffing for both wings. This locked in the completion of phase one: adding a new and secure memory-care unit and new units to assisted living. Currently, Eben Ezer is rebuilding their nursing home rooms to include 28 private rooms for all patients regardless of pay source. The typical structure of nursing care puts those using Medicaid in shared rooms while those with private funding get their own
Adrienne Pearson / Fort Morgan Times
One of the new dining spaces in the recently opened Dahms-Talton Building on the Eben Ezer campus.
rooms; in this new building, pay source won’t mattereveryone will get private rooms. In talking with CEO Shelly Griffith, the reason for the expansion was to provide a higher level of care to the people living there. “The facility itself is state of the art.” The new living centers now include greater access to the outdoors, more physical therapy space, and kitchen space to maintain the autonomy of those in their care. “[Assisted living] doesn’t have to be a last resort!” explains Griffith. They used input from the
neighbors living at Eben Ezer when designing the space and made sure that they had a say in program changes as well in hopes of creating a more home-like atmosphere. The role of the staff is changing as well. For example, the qualified medication administration personnel were originally slated to manage medication distribution, according to the philosophies of Eben Ezer, everyone is capable of all area tasks. This means that anyone in the building is able to help as needed even if they specialize in one particular area.
HEALTHY LIVING
Kiowa Eye Care building a better office
clinic’s offerings. “We’d like to see more patients and accommodate more people. Our current space is limiting what we Kiowa Eye Care, Fort can do,” Loomis said. “Our Morgan’s leading vision office has really enjoyed clinic, has plans to purchase land from the city of being here at this building, Fort Morgan to construct a but we’ve just seemed to building that will be nearly outgrow it.” Loomis said that Kiowa twice as big as their curEye Care has a contract rent office. The clinic is with the city to purchase now operated at the intersection of Kiowa and Pros- two acres of land in Centerpect in a leased building. point development area, The full service optomet- which is the farmland east ric office is composed of of Ace Hardware that the two doctors, Dr. Zoey city of Fort Morgan purLoomis and Dr. Becky chased for the intent of Haley. Currently, Loomis is development. working three days per “We plan to sit at the week and Haley works two. intersection of Highway 34 And both doctors see the and Saunders Road,” she need for a larger building said. “I think it will be a in order to see more great location, very easy to patients and expand the reach and we’ll have a lot By Zach Schwindt Fort Morgan Times
of visibility.” Saunders Road will be extended from north to south through the middle of the Centerpoint development area, creating infrastructure for more properties. Loomis said that they are currently working with a developer that specifically designs optometric offices as well as an architecture firm to create floor plans. “We’re looking at right around 49,000 square feet, which would double the space we have now.” She said that the clinic currently has two exam rooms, and they’re looking to put five in the new building, as well as a bigger optical and more room overall. “We want to build a high quality building that will
Zach Schwindt / Fort Morgan Times
Kiowa Eyecare has been operating at the corner of Kiowa and Prospect for 11 years. The clinic has a contract with the city of Fort Morgan to build a new 49,000 square foot building in the Centerpoint Development area.
stand the test of time, she said. “We also want to set the example for other buildings that will be developing in the area.” To contact Kiowa Eye Care, visit their office at
231 Prospect Street, call 970-867-3937, or go to www.visionsource-kiowaeyecarecenter.com. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on M, T, W & F, Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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970-867-9993
Serving Fort Morgan, Sterling, Wray and Yuma HEALTHY LIVING • JUNE 29, 2018 • 7
HEALTHY LIVING
NPRA grant supports healthy food access Hospital oncology Banner Health
Grant funds have enhanced Summer Food Service Program
gram is once again being offered at Prairie Park’s Sagebrush Pavilion. Lunch meals are serviced Tuesday through Friday now through July 27, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. By Callie Jones Lunches are also served to stuJournal-Advocate News Editor dents in the Family Resource Center’s summer program and will be provided at Ayres Elementary durRE-1 Valley School District, the ing RE-1’s summer school session. Family Resource Center and the The SFSP provides free, nutricity of Sterling have to teamed up to combat hunger and encourage a tious meals to children 18 years of age and under at approved sites in healthy lifestyle this summer. areas with high concentrations of Kids that miss out on proper low-income children. nutrition during the summer are This year the SFSP has gotten a more likely to experience learning loss and develop long-term health boost thanks to a $35,000 grant the city of Sterling recently received in consequences. To combat stupartnership with the National Recdents possibly missing out on reation and Park Association to proper nutrition with school out, support out-of-school time healthy the U.S. Department of AgriculSee GRANT, pg. 9 ture’s Summer Food Service Pro-
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8 • JUNE 29, 2018 • HEALTHY LIVING
program accredited Process demonstrates ‘commitment to safety, quality of care’ By Sara Waite Journal-Advocate Editor
Sterling Regional MedCenter has been awarded accreditation for its radiation oncology services. The David Walsh Cancer Center’s Varian linear accelerator provides precision radiation treatment for cancer patients. The hospital is one of three Banner Health cancer treatment programs in northern Colorado to receive the four-year accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx). The programs at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley and McKee Medical Center in Loveland also received accreditation. Dr. Michael Van Tuyl, the radiation oncologist at the Sterling hospital, counted receiving accreditation as one of several major achievements the cancer center has had recently. He has worked to bring in additional services to ensure that cancer patients in the region have the same access to care as those on the Front Range. Dr. Van Tuyl said including Sterling in the accrediation process was automatic when the other Banner Health facilities in the region went through it, as the three programs are all connected. “In order to be accredited, SRM had to demonstrate its commitment to high standards of safety and quality in the practice of radiation oncology and that it practices patient-centered care by promoting effective communication, coordinating treatment, and engaging patients and their families as part-
Sara Waite / Sterling Journal-Advocate
The David Walsh Cancer Center at Sterling Regional MedCenter
ners in care,” said Annika Deming, a spokesperson for Banner Health. ASTRO, founded in 1958, is the word’s largest radiation oncology society and is dedicated to improving patient care through professional education and training, support for clinical practice and health policy standards, advancement of science and research, and advocacy. APEx, an independent radiation oncology practice accreditation program, is based on 16 evidence-based standards of radiation oncology practice. These 16 standards are focused on five “pillars” of patient care: process of care, radiation oncology team, safety, quality management and patient-centered care. The accreditation process can take up to one year to complete, and includes evaluation of policies and procedures using objective, verifiable expectations for performance in radiation oncology. APEx’s distinctive program includes both a self-assessment process and a facility visit by specialists in the field. The final evaluation reports provide resources for quality improvement linked to the facility’s performance. The program assures patients that they are receiving high quality care and also helps the facility qualify for Medicare’s Merit-based Incentive Payment System.
HEALTHY LIVING
GRANT from page 8
food access and nutritional literacy programs. The gift is part of a $1.5 million grant NRPA received from the Walmart Foundation to support out-of- school time programs in park and recreation agencies across the country. The purpose of the grant is to: 1. Increase the number of healthy meals children receive through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) or the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during out-ofschool times. 2. Provide evidence-based nutrition literacy to children and families that creates behavior change, including increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Callie Jones / Sterling Journal-Advocate
Children line up to get lunch at the Summer Food Service Program offered by RE-1 Valley School District and city of Sterling at Prairie Park.
3. Implement healthy living practices and policies aligned with the evidencebased healthy eating and physical activity standards
that increase access to healthier foods and support a healthy environment. The grant funds have been used to purchase food
transportation equipment and refrigerators to help with the food service, as well as for the purchase of physical activity equipment that is used during lunch at Prairie Park. Additionally, the grant has been used to incorporate some educational pieces into meal time. On Fridays, Sterling Public Library visits the park to provide stories and crafts related to food literacy, physical activity and the library’s Summer Reading Program theme, “Libraries Rock!” Overland Trail Museum staff have also stopped by the lunch to speak about history, including travel in the 1860s, the Homestead Act and games and activities that pioneer children
played. During summer months, these children may not have access to quality and healthy food to help them grow — making the City of Sterling’s work during outof- school times that much more critical. “The City of Sterling is excited to be working with NRPA, RE-1 Valley School District and the Sterling Family Resource Center on the Healthy Out-of- School Time Grant,” said city of Sterling Parks, Library and Recreation Director Wade Gandee. To learn more about Commit to Health, visit www.nrpa.org/committohealth. To find summer meal sites, visit kidsfoodfinder.org or text “Food” or “Comida” to 877-877.
Senior living services and skilled care from a local non-profit you know and trust. Schedule a tour and feel the difference! 122 Hospital Rd., Brush (970) 842-2861 www.ebenezer-cares.org HEALTHY LIVING • JUNE 29, 2018 • 9
HEALTHY LIVING
Banner Health
Hospital makes strides in suicide prevention
Colorado ranks seventh in the nation for suicide related deaths
By Vicki Severson Fort Morgan Times
“We’re getting more comfortable with asking the hard questions. The hard questions can mean the difference between life and death when a person is suicidal,” Ann Barton, R.N. (registered nurse) at EMCH (East Morgan County Hospital) stated, regarding the facilities new Zero Suicide Program. The Zero Suicide Program was just implemented in May, after a full year of training and preparations. “The idea of the program is to institute bold goals for definitive care of patients. To ensure no one falls through the cracks,” said EMCH social worker, Walter Powell. “We now have a set of techniques and scripts that help ease the patient into a difficult conversation in a non threatening way.” A patient, according to Powell, may come in for a broken bone but because every patient is assessed for a risk of suicide, they may end up getting help they need to avoid an attempt to end
East Morgan County Hospital in Brush is actively working to prevent suicide.
their life. The hospital uses a group of techniques and questions called a CSSRS (Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale). The scale presents a series of six questions to the patient, which help open up a nonthreatening or judgemental conversation. At the same time this helps the provider assess the patient’s mental state. Since implementing the program less than two months ago, the hospital has already seen some patients benefit from it. In addition to this, Powell has seen it help people in his personal life. “I would say my highest moment has been utilizing the techniques I have learned in a situation more personal to me. I was able to talk
1420 S. 3rd Ave. Sterling, CO • 970-522-2933 10 • JUNE 29, 2018 • HEALTHY LIVING
to someone in my personal life using the strategies and through a non-threatening communication. I learned that they were indeed having suicidal thoughts. I helped them get the care they needed and that was the most rewarding feeling,” said Powell. The program was developed in compliance with Colorado’s “Zero Suicide Law,’ which was adopted in 2016 by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. According to statistics, Colorado ranks seventh in the nation for suicide related deaths. This adds up to a total of approximately 19 suicides per 100,000 residents. According to a national study, 45 percent of those who die by suicide have seen a primary-care physician within a month of their death. “Suicide is a preventable loss of life,” said Barton. “It can be an uncomfortable subject to talk about but if we have those talks, it is preventable.” So what happens if a patient says they have been having suicidal thoughts? Well, according to Powell and Barton, the proverbial ‘men in the white jackets’ are not coming to get them, as many fear. “If a patient exhibits signs of feeling suicidal, we simply contact our affiliates at Centennial Mental Health, who are on call 24/7,” said
Barton. “ They come to the hospital within two hours and chat with the patient or sometimes we even do the talk through what we call a Telemed avenue, where they are face-to-face on a screen, remotely.” The main thing the program wants the public to know, according to Powell, is that suicidal thoughts and depression are very common. Depression is no longer a taboo subject. In fact, it has become much more common place, akin to things such as diabetes. According to Powell, patients should know they are not alone. Should a patient call the hospital or 911 on behalf of themselves or someone else who is contemplating suicide, the hospital, EMS (emergency medical services) and law enforcement are all trained to help. “We’re all on the same team and that is the team of the patient,” said Powell. “The goal is just to keep people safe. They see this situation they are in as hopeless, we’re here to keep them safe until they can see that there is always an answer,” Barton said. If a patient is having a struggle with depression because of outside factors, such as domestic violence, financial woes or other issues, Banner Health collaborates with many other organizations in Morgan County to get them the practical help they need. “We want the public to know there is a team of people who are here for them. We care and they are not alone and are definitely not the first or the last to struggle with suicidal thoughts. The main point we have is that suicide is preventable and we have taken on the bold goal to prevent 100 percent of our patients from succumbing,” Powell said. “It’s a bold goal but it is what we are striving for.” For more information on the Zero Suicide Program visit www.zerosuicide.org.
HEALTHY LIVING Colorado Plains Medical Center
Express Care gets new hours, location
Non-emergency, walk-in option moves inside hospital from the main lobby, and is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday. That provider likely will be family nurse practitioner TifFor the last couple years, local folks who need to see a fany Jorgensen, who now is doctor quickly without an the main provider for appointment, but for nonExpress Care. She is assistemergency situations, have ed by certified medical assishad the option of heading to tant Maria Marrufo. the Express Care clinic at The goal of Express Care Colorado Plains Medical is offering people “conveCenter (CPMC) in Fort nient care” for things like Morgan. coughs, sore throats, cold/ The Express Care clinic flu symptoms, allergies, earnow is operating inside aches, abdominal pains, CPMC in the same suite of minor bumps and bruises, offices as the Colorado strains, fevers and stomach Plains Physicians Group. It flu. is located inside the hospital, Colorado Plains Medical straight back in the corner Center CEO Dr. Gene By Jenni Grubbs Fort Morgan Times
O’Hara said he thinks the new location and proximity to the physicians group will make it easier for people to get in to see a doctor when they need services from Express Care. O’Hara said that there could be a possibility of expanding the Express Care’s hours to include Saturdays if another provider is found. He said Express Care is definitely busy enough to warrant hiring another provider, but finding someone is Jenni Grubbs / Fort Morgan Times not easy. Family nurse practitioner Tiffany Jorgensen, left, is the new Express Care provider at Colorado Plains Medical Center and Jenni Grubbs: is assisted by Maria Marrufo, a certified medical assistant. jgrubbs@fmtimes.com
Quality, affordable Primary HealtH Care Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Dental Services, Pharmacy, Behavioral Health, Pregnancy Care & Delivery, Physical Exams (Sports, Schools, INS), Family Planning, Health Education, Laboratory, Ultrasound, Well-baby Check-ups, Family and Pediatric Dentistry, Preventative Services and Education, Emergencies.
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, Private Insurance, CHP+ and sliding fee scale payment. Insurance enrollment assistance available Fort Morgan Salud Family Health Center To schedule a medical or dental appointment Call: (303) MYSALUD (697-2583) 729 Railroad Avenue Or (970) 484-0999 Fort Morgan, CO 80701 HEALTHY LIVING • JUNE 29, 2018 • 11
HEALTHY LIVING
Sterling Regional MedCenter
Sleep center sees revival with new supervisor
Hospital coordinates with center in Loveland for patients needing study
ning Nov. 21. “We basically revamped our whole system,” Dutton said. “We needed to get this done because of changes in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rules.” Dutton said without the new accreditation, the hospital would By Lisa Young either lose valuable government Journal-Advocate staff writer reimbursements or face closing down the sleep center altogether. Shuttering the Sterling sleep lab The newly re-accredited sleep would mean patients in the area lab at Sterling Regional MedCenwould have to travel to the Front ter is experiencing a re-birth Range for valuable sleep treatthanks to the hard work of Chad ment. Dutton, Cardiopulmonary and The sleep team at SRM is made Sleep Supervisor. According to up of Dr. David Kukafka, Medical Dutton, the team at SRM worked Director based at McKee Medical diligently to regain their sleep accreditation through the Accredi- Center in Loveland; Wade Tyrell, tation Commission for Health Care SRM Chief Nursing Officer; Chad Dutton, SRM Supervisor of Car(ACHC). The accreditation will diopulmonary and Sleep and SRM run for a three-year term begin-
From the simple to the serious, we have your family covered. Feel better right in your hometown. When you’re not feeling your best, East Morgan County Hospital and the physicians of Banner Health Clinic are nearby to get you back to good health. From school physicals to a serious medical emergency, we are here to meet your individual needs when and where you need it. East Morgan County Hospital (2400 Edison St. • Brush): Emergency care, diagnostics and imaging, cancer care, heart care, minimally invasive surgery, rehabilitation and more Banner Health Clinic (2400 Edison St. • Brush): Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery Banner Health Clinic (909 E. Railroad Ave. • Fort Morgan): Family Medicine
Brush clinic appointments: 970-842-CARE Fort Morgan clinic appointments: 970-842-CARE
12 • JUNE 29, 2018 • HEALTHY LIVING
Lisa Young / Sterling Journal-Advocate
Chad Dutton, Cardiopulmonary and Sleep Supervisor at Sterling Regional MedCenter, at the SRM sleep lab.
Sleep Technician and Respiratory therapist Joshua Robbins. Sleep labs provide the necessary information to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, a serious medical condition. Symptom of the disease often include snoring, morning headache, feeling tired throughout the day, being easily irritated, depression and/or panic attacks, difficulty remembering things or maintaining attention, low energy level, decreased ability to handle stress and frequent heartburn. According to Dutton, Dr. Kukafka works closely with the Sterling staff and reviews every case before any scheduling takes place to determine which study a patient needs, thus avoiding duplication of services. SRM is set up to host inhouse sleep studies or patients may also be assigned an at-home study. The SRM sleep lab has two fully equipped in-house sleep rooms and a control room to monitor patient’s sleep. In order to streamline the overall sleep lab process, scheduling for SRM services are done at McKee Medical Center. The sleep lab process begins with a patient’s doctor ordering a sleep test; the orders are then sent to Dr. Kukafka for review, then McKee schedulers contact the patient to set up an appointment for either an inhouse study or an at-home study. In-house studies are typically
scheduled for Tuesday or Thursday evening at SRM; patients check in from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. through the Emergency Room and are taken to a sleep room where they are prepped for the test and their sleep is then monitored during the night. “Once you meet certain criteria, we switch the patient over to a CPAP machine and the rest of the night we use to find the proper numbers to get the patient into proper sleep,” said Dutton who noted that CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. SRM also offers home studies for patients who qualify. Dutton said the difference between being assigned an in-house or at home study depends on a patient’s past medical history. Sometimes, Dutton said insurance companies will start patients with at home studies first. Once they see the numbers, they may have a patient schedule an in-house study. According to Dutton about 30 percent of home study patients will have an in-house study follow-up. Sleep studies completed at SRM are sent to Dr. Kukafka for evaluation and the test results are then returned to the Sterling sleep lab to be distributed to the patient’s doctor. The sleep lab at SRM began in 2005; over the years the program experienced a number of ups and downs. One problem plaguing the lab was the slowness in processing reports. Dutton said prior to his arrival it would often take 40 to 60 days to get results back to patients. Now, the lab can get test results back to doctors in four to five days. In 2017, Dutton said the SRM sleep lab performed 183 studies with over 100 being at-home studies. Dutton said one of his main tasks was to grow the outpatient sleep lab service in the area. Since the first of the year, Dutton said they have performed 55 in lab and 54 home studies.
Locally Owned, Operated and Loved
WE ARE YOUR FULL SERVICE PHARMACY!
Wouldn’t you like to be the patient of the only Pharmacy in N.E. Colorado who can provide In-Home Antibiotic and Pain Iv Medicine? • Daily Delivery Throughout N.E. Colorado and… be Taken Care of by Four Registered Pharmacists?
THEN BARNES PHARMACY IS THE ONE FOR YOU!
Front row, left to right: Nate Totten, Dorothy Wisdom, Jenae Lorenzo Totten RPh, Barb Lorenzo, Wanda Berg, Shannon Stewart, Roxanna Flaco
Back row, left to right: Don Gertge, Josh Galvin, Shreaf Khattab, PharmD Missing from photo: Heidi Lund PharmD, Ron Schroeder, Peyton Cagle, Mark Newcomb, Courtney Medeles,
Tony Tonche, Alisha Hutt, Darrel Parker, Michele Peck, Jo Shepard PharmD, Clay Unrein, Cathy Wilson, Nan Galvin
Barnes Pharmacy also provides these services: • Home Infusion • Compounding of Medicines • Home Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) • Wound, Ostomy and Urology Supplies • Home Medical Equipment • Diabetic Shoes and Breast Prosthesis 422 Main St. Sterling, CO
970-526-9415
Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat., 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Come in and explore at Sterling’s Premiere Gift Store! • Women’s and Children’s Clothes • Home Décor Galore • Candles of All Kinds • Dips, Sauces, and Treats • Jewelry and Unbelievable Bling • Beautiful Scarves and Shawls • Custom Gift Baskets
Barnes Pharmacy 422 Main Street Sterling, CO
970-521-0190 tel; 970-522-1432 fax Hours: Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat., 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
HEALTHY LIVING • JUNE 29, 2018 • 13
HEALTHY LIVING
Eye Care
Optometrist sees his dreams realized
Dr. Jeff Wiedrich takes the helm at Fort Morgan Eye Care
By Vicki Severson Fort Morgan Times
“In optometry you have the rare opportunity to see the inner workings of the body. In the eye you can detect things like high blood pressure, signs of diabetes and even brain tumors. The most challenging thing about my job is often times being the first person to give the information to the patient,” explained Dr. Jeff Wiedrich when describing his profession. Recently, Wiedrich has acquired his own practice in Fort Morgan. Fort Morgan Eye Care is located at 1100 Main Street. The office has been established in the community for 43 years and was originally opened in 1974 by Doctor Tom Stevens. Wiedrich has been practicing optometry for just over 10 years, and recently bought the business. “Dr. Stevens ran a great practice in a great location and we love the area, so it all worked out. I heard he was rather picky as to who he wanted taking over his practice, so I am truly honored that he choose me to take over the care of his patients,” said Wiedrich. “Realizing the dream of owning my own practice is special for my wife and I. It has been something that we have worked towards
Dr. Jeffery Wiedrich is pictured with his wife, Jennifer.
for years. So far it has been great and all the patients have made it worth the effort.” Wiedrich graduated from the University of Nebraska in 2004. Wiedrich then attended optometry school in Memphis, Tennessee at Southern College of Optometry and graduated in 2008. Wiedrich was inspired to become an optometrist because of his struggles with his own vision. “I chose optometry because I myself have always worn glasses or contact lenses since from an early age and I was amazed at the difference it can make in people’s lives,” said Wiedrich. “The most
14 • JUNE 29, 2018 • HEALTHY LIVING
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
The Wiedrich’s four children on a family vacation.
rewarding part of my job is seeing kids who had never worn glasses before pick up their first pair and see better. The gratitude the patients have is definitely the best part.”
Wiedrich was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota and was the fourth of six kids. At the age of two, his father got a job coaching football at Weld Central High School, so his family
relocated to Keenesburg.. “I lived and grew up in Keenesburg until I was about 10. We’ve lived all over growing up but northeastern Colorado has always felt like home,” Wiedrich said. Wiedrich and his wife are high school sweethearts and married shortly after graduation. Wiedrich and his wife have four children together. “My wife and I have two girls who are 15 years and 7 years and two boys 11 and 10. We enjoy hiking, singing, swimming, and traveling. My 15 year old daughter plays tennis at Fort Morgan High School. My two sons play football and basketball and my 7 year old girl loves all things girly,” said Wiedrich. The family attends church and serves often in the church in different capacities. Wiedrich also enjoys playing guitar and singing in his spare time. The practice is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wiedrich can see patients of any age from pediatrics to geriatrics and treats a number of diseases, as well as conducting eye exams and glasses and contact fittings. Wiedrich can also give referrals for Lasik eye surgery for his patients who are good candidates for the surgery. The practice accepts Medicare and VSP vision insurance, as well as most major medical insurance. Payment can also be made by cash, check, credit card or even care credit plans. For more information call 970-867-3046.
HEALTHY LIVING
Genesis Massage and Spa
Massage therapy center a ‘place of healing’
New owner of practice inspired by faith
She attended the Healing Arts Institute in Fort Collins for nine months, taking night classes while working as a dental assistant in the day time. Kerr decided to make the switch from dentistry to massage after finding that dental patients By Lisa Young were experiencing high levels of stress during the Great Recession of Journal-Advocate staff writer 2008 -2010. “We were seeing a lot of patients Chris and Janae Kerr are the new clenching and grinding their teeth owners of Genesis Massage and Spa because of stress,” Kerr said. “So, located at 131 Hamilton in Sterling. the dentist would refer them out for The Kerrs purchased the previous jaw massage to help manage and get business, Back in Balance, from the stress level down.” Gary and Connie Nelson on April Kerr said that’s when she decided 25. to pursue massage therapy. A regisThe modest home converted to an tered massage therapist in the state office once served as a law firm and of Colorado, Kerr began her masthen transformed into Back in Balsage therapy business from home, ance about 20 years ago, according where she grew her clientele from to Janae Kerr, who said the Nelsons mainly friends and family. After havdecided to sell the business for per- ing her first child, Kerr decided she sonal reasons. needed a new, larger space for her Kerr, who was born and raised in business. Sterling, left the area after graduat“It was time to start growing more ing from Sterling High School and clients and get back into the work Northeastern Junior College. She field after having a baby,” Kerr said. attended the University of Northern She said one of the more difficult Colorado, where she studied biolobusiness decisions was coming up gy before going to work at a denwith a name that she and husband Chris could agree on. They finally tist’s office as a dental assistant.
Front lobby at Genesis Massage and Spa
settled on “Genesis Massage and Spa,” a name that Kerr says reflects both “new beginnings” and their faith. She said she wants to set an atmosphere of peace, tranquility and a “bit of paradise.” “We are working on getting an aquarium up and going. We want to create a nice soothing place to come in to, a place of healing where you feel safe,” Kerr said. Genesis Massage and Spa has two massage therapists to choose from: Mandy Grippin, who has stayed on at the location as an independent contractor, and Kerr. The new business is in the market for a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist who would be able to do facials, waxing, body wraps and other spa-related work. The spa, Kerr said, is not currently up and going but they’re fully ready and open for massage sessions.
“There are all types of massage modalities and techniques,” Kerr said. “I like to customize my techniques to fit what the customer needs.” Kerr said she likes to mix several different methods into one massage. She said they use grape seed oil and some olive oil for messages to avoid allergies. Essential oils can also be added into the massage experience. Services are by appointment only. Kerr is available Monday through Friday during normal business hours and Grippin is available in the evenings for clients who want later hours. Massage sessions are half an hour, hour or 90 minutes in length. For more information call 970-5802060 or check out their Facebook page, Genesis Massage and Spa. Lisa Young: 970-526-9281, lyoung@journal-advocate.com
Courtesy Photo / Sterling Journal-Advocate
HEALTHY LIVING • JUNE 29, 2018 • 15
1000 Lincoln Street ● Fort Morgan, CO ● 970-867-3391 Www.ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com
At Colorado Plains Medical Center we see it all, every day—from bike accidents to care accidents and from the unexpected broken finger, to the fear of a failing heart. Our highly skilled emergency physicians and nursing teams stand ready to handle whatever emergency life brings your way. We are a state designated Level III Trauma Center as well as an accredited Chest Pain Center through the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. We can provide this quality care fast, too, with some of the lowest ER wait times in the region. * More importantly, though, we are dedicated to provide you and your family with efficient, safe, and compassionate care. Feel better, sooner, at Colorado Plains Medical Center. Check our ER Wait Time online at ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com *Faster than national average as found on medicare.gov/hospitalcompare This facility and its affiliates comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingűística. Llame al 1-970-867-3391. CHÚ Ý: Nêu ban nói Tiêng Viêt, có các dich vu hô tro ngôn ngũ miên phí dánh cho ban. Goi sô 1-970-867-3391
16 • JUNE 29, 2018 • HEALTHY LIVING