2017
What
are the
odds? The odds a person will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their life:
1 in 18.45 The odds a person will die of colon cancer:
1 in 45.45 Want to bet your life? Beat the odds. Colon cancer is often highly treatable if it is found and treated early. The five year survival rate is 90%. Preventive services, such as a colorectal cancer screening, are covered by most health plans and Medicare without a co-payment. If you are over the age of 50, schedule an appointment today for a colonoscopy with one of our skilled and caring providers by calling:
1-800-424-DOCS
1000 Lincoln Street | Fort Morgan, CO 80701 970.867.3391 | www.ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com
HEALTHY LIVING A special supplement to the Fort Morgan Times and Sterling Journal-Advocate
Robert Leininger / Fort Morgan Times
Over 50 runners, joggers and walkers partook in the 2017 Hospital Hustle in Riverside Park. The 5K race and fundraiser benefits the nonprofit Fort Morgan Community Hospital Association. All of the money raised at the Hospital Hustle goes back into the local community, Colorado Plains Medical Center Marking Director Sally Engle said, since the Fort Morgan Community Hospital Association uses the proceeds for purchasing things for CPMC or toward major projects at the hospital.
OUR STAFF
INDEX Sterling designated “Active” city in wellness campaign ................................. Page 4 Opiod addiction treatment depends on Medicaid funding .............................. Page 6 Fresh produce delivered to your door from Paradigm Fresh ............................ Page 8 Kidney care is critical ............................................................................... Page 10 Overweight? Improper sleep may be to blame ............................................ Page 12 Skabelund brings practicality, passion to Sterling hospital .......................... Page 14 Fort Morgan getting rural residency track ................................................... Page 16 Medical clinic promotes healthy lifestyle for Cargill employees .................... Page 18 How to stay safe in summer heat .............................................................. Page 19 March of Dimes recognizes CPMC ............................................................ Page 20 Fort Morgan man gets cutting edge cancer treatment ................................. Page 22 SFSP provides free nutritious lunches ....................................................... Page 24 UCHealth provides innovative health care services ..................................... Page 25 Make blood pressure control your goal ...................................................... Page 26
Publisher Julie K. Tonsing Editors Sara Waite Robert Leininger Editorial Staff Jenni Grubbs Brandon Boles Paul Albani-Burgio Callie Jones Jeff Rice Lisa Young Advertising Andrew Ohlson Kim Francis Vicki Cline Support Staff Josephina Monsivais Heather Thomas Duane Miles
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 3
Sterling designated ‘Active’ city in wellness campaign
City joins HEAL initiative to promote healthy, active lifestyles By Sara Waite Journal-Advocate editor
O
n May 9, the Sterling City Council adopted a resolution approving membership in the LiveWell Colorado HEAL Cities and Towns Campaign. HEAL — Healthy Eating and Active Living — is a partnership between LiveWell and the Colorado Municipal League that provides assistance to communities looking to improve activity levels, access to healthy foods and workplace wellness. HEAL helps with training and technical assistance in policy development related to those goals, and membership can also open doors to grant funding, campaign director Julie George told the council in a presentation in April. Member communities are assigned one of four levels, based on the measures in place that address HEAL’s target areas: Eager, municipalities with no current HEAL policies on the books; Active, those that have at least one HEAL policy in place; Fit, municipalities that adopt a policy in each of the three policy areas after joining a campaign; and Elite, municipalities that adopt two additional HEAL policies after achieving the Fit level. George noted that it takes time to move up to the Fit and Elite levels; this year the first municipalities have reached Elite status and it has taken most of them three years to do so. Wade Gandee, director of
4 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
Sara Waite / Sterling Journal-Advocate
The city of Sterling's Parks, Library and Recreation Department's weekly Walking Wednesdays offer the community a chance to get out and enjoy one of the city's parks over the noon hour or after the work day ends. A schedule of where Walking Wednesday will be held is posted on the PLR Department's Facebook page. the city’s Parks, Library and Recreation Department, noted when the council was considering membership that Sterling already had seven of the nine points the campaign calls for in place, and said he felt it ties in well with the efforts the city is making to improve health and wellness. Since Sterling adopted the resolution, it has been assigned to the Active level. Sterling came to participate in HEAL after Gandee met George at a conference on biking and walking in Fort Collins, and Gandee said that the Northeast Colorado Health Department also encouraged participation in the program. Gandee said after joining the campaign, the next step has been evaluating what the city is already doing to promote the HEAL goals. City employees have the opportunity to participate in “Swellness,” a program that awards points and offers incentives for participation in physical activities
like 5k races, recreational sports and other active lifestyle choices. “A lot of the activities that they (the HEAL campaign) promote, we were already doing,” he said. But looking at the program through the HEAL lens has prompted some changes. Cassia Freeland, administrative assistant for the PLR Department, said they have been working on changing the menu for Swellness’ “Lunch and Learn” programs to ensure there are healthier options than in the past. “We were kind of lacking in that area,” Gandee agreed. And they have changed some of the incentives available through Swellness, focusing more on ways to promote continued activity such as exercise equipment and workout clothing. Gandee said they have also been trying to reach the community’s youth and encourage more physical activity, through events like a family fun sled-
ding day at Pioneer Park in the winter, or family bike rides in city parks that they will be implementing in July. “We’re excited about it,” he said. In addition to improving the overall health and well-being of the city employees, Gandee said he believes the program will ultimately reduce health insurance costs and result in a more productive workforce. The PLR staff is working with the campaign on developing additional policies to move Sterling up in the HEAL levels. In the mean time, they are trying to fully implement the wellness concepts within the city staff, introducing concepts such as walking and outdoor meetings. Eventually, they will reach outward and try to get more people involved within the community. Gandee said that will include looking at fresh food access and possibly re-introducing a community garden concept in the future. “The possibilities are endless,” Freeland said.
WHEN ALL THE STEAKS GET TOGETHER THEY CALL THIS ONE BOSS. 29 LEAN CUTS. ONE POWERFUL
PROTEiN.
You’ve gotta love this lean, protein-packed powerhouse. Some succulent slices of T-Bone will dish out enough delicious to feed the entire crowd come dinnertime. Learn to love all 29 tantalizing cuts of lean beef at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.
Go to www.cargill.com/fort-morgan-beef or scan the URL to apply
Fort Morgan Feeding The World www.ichoosecargill.com
Funded by The Beef Checkoff ff. f
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 5
Opioid addiction treatment depends on Medicaid funding
By Brett Powell Special to the JournalAdvocate
A
new report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment includes a bombshell surprise for anyone who isn’t either in law enforcement or the health profession. In one recent year, more than twice as many lives were lost to opioid abuse as to murder. Yes, you read that correctly. In 2015, the year covered by the study, a total of 472 people died either from overdoses of prescription or natural opioids, fentanyl or methadone, or heroin, compared to 205 who died by homicide. While this is obviously a significant public health problem, it’s also a problem for law enforcement. Each year opioid addiction costs society an additional $5.1 billion in correctional facilities, $1.5 billion in police protection, and $726 million in adjudication costs. That brings me to both good and bad news. On the upside, Congress last year passed the 21st Centur y CURES Act, which provides $1 billion in grants to enable states to address opioid abuse. On the downside, comprehensive health care legislation now being considered by Congress threatens the stability of the Medicaid program, which is the main source of health care coverage for poor and workingclass people, and which provides health insurance to three out of ever y 10 people who are addicted to opioids nationwide. As a member of the nonpartisan Fight Crime: Invest 6 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
Brett Powell Logan County Sheriff in Kids organization, I am especially concerned about the impact on children of parents struggling with addiction. You don’t have to connect too many dots to see the ensuing connections to school failure and other problems that may ultimately lead these kids into a generational cycle of criminal activity. Unfortunately this is just one way that kids will be affected by the American Health Care Act now being considered by Congress. Right now, Medicaid covers about 1.4 million people, including 406,000 children in our state. If the plan passes, Colorado would lose about $14 billion in federal funding for our Medicaid program by the year 2030, according to the non-partisan Colorado Health Institute. Here’s why. Right now, funding for Medicaid expenses in Colorado is shared about equally by federal and state budgets. The first major change that’s been proposed would phase out the “expansion” of Medicaid funding that has in recent years allowed people who earn just a little more than the poverty line to receive coverage through
Medicaid. If you’ve shopped for insurance in recent years because you don’t get it through your job, you know what most of these folks will face: poor health and an uncertain future because they can’t afford health care. Secondly, the proposals aim to cap the money the federal government gives states to run their Medicaid programs. This “per-capita cap” would provide future funding based on the number of individuals who were covered as of 2016, and would provide additional funding at a much lower rate than what the Congressional Budget Office projects will be the actual need for each person covered. There would also be no increase if more people needed to enroll in Medicaid in Colorado in the future. That could be particularly difficult for law enforcement if the opioid addiction becomes more severe over time, and more problematic for everyone who would be affected by any unforeseen health emergency. These challenges are especially relevant to rural residents. According to a new
Georgetown University report, Medicaid provides health coverage to 45 percent of the children and 16 percent of the adults who live in rural areas and small towns nationwide. It’s also a lifeline for rural hospitals that already spend more than $35 billion per year on uncompensated care. With fewer people covered by Medicaid, more will seek care in emergency rooms, which will raise the costs of uncompensated care even more, thereby threatening the ability of these hospitals to remain open. As a taxpayer, I want to depend on Congress to improve its efficiency and the investment we’re making in it. As lawmakers consider health care reform proposals, I hope they maintain the program’s structure to ensure continued treatment for addiction and better health care for kids and families nationwide. Brett Powell is the Logan County Sheriff and a member of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a crime prevention advocacy group.
Never underestimate the power of a healthy woman.
Terry Groff, MD OB/GYN
Danielle McDonald, DO FM/OB
Kristin Lynch Certified Nurse-Midwife
As a woman, you wear a lot of different hats—from CEO of the household to boo-boo fixer. So we want to help you get the health care you need where you need it—right here at home.The women’s care at Banner Health Clinic is provided by three uniquely qualified clinicians to meet your varying needs including everything from family medicine to childbirth. And if your care needs include a trip to the hospital, we can serve your needs near home at East Morgan County Hospital.The hospital has outstanding birthing suites and surgical care, if needed.That way the chef/ family therapist/errand runner can keep things running smoothly.
To schedule an appointment: (970) 842-6262
BannerHealth.com
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 7
Fresh produce delivered to your door from Paradigm Fresh
Company has Fort Morgan connection By Brandon Boles Times Sports Reporter
P
aradigm Fresh Market Inc. is a relatively new service, but it is already drawing plenty of support from people in Morgan County. The company, based in Denver, delivers boxes of fresh produce to customer’s doors as an alternative to buying produce in the grocery store. Paradigm delivers a variety of produce in a box and can be set up to do it on either a weekly basis or a one-time deal. “We offer two sizes and three different options for our customers,” John Harris said. “We have a fruit box, a vegetable box, and combo boxes. They are $20 for the small box and $28 for the large one, with a $5 delivery fee.” Harris, a native of Fort Morgan, says the produce comes to the company and is examined before being placed in the boxes and delivered. “We distribute to major retailers in Denver and in the state of Colorado. It comes to us, and then it goes to the consumer,” Harris explained. “There is no distribution center and stores to go through. We know the produce is a week fresher than what you’ll see at the grocery store and it’s 30 percent less than at the general retail level.” Paradigm’s delivery service extends from the Front
8 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
Paradigm Fresh Market Inc. page on Facebook
An example of one of the boxes of produce delivered to customers by Paradigm Fresh Market Inc. Range into the eastern plains. According to Harris, Fort Morgan is becoming one of the hot spots in the state to
use their services. “I grew up there and graduated from there, so I have a lot of local support,” Harris
said. “The choices for fresh produce are limited in rural
See PARADIGM, pg. 9
PARADIGM from page 8
Colorado. There are fewer options for people there than people living in larger cities. Due to our produce being fresh and priced right and the convenience of delivering to the door, it has been very successful for us.” Harris added that the eastern Colorado market is continuing to grow in recent weeks and expects it to be a good market for the company. The support from Fort Morgan in particular has meant a lot to him. “Fort Morgan is near and dear to me. It’s where I grew up and my childhood memories are from,” Harris said. “I was in the ag and farming community out there. It means the world to me that Fort Morgan has supported me and this company. It’s great to provide people with a service they feel
Paradigm Fresh Market Inc. Location: 4823 Lima Street, Denver Phone: 7204921020 Website: paradigmfresh.com Facebook: Paradigm Fresh Market Inc. Twitter: @PFreshMarket
is meaningful to them.” In general, home delivery services are growing at a rapid rate. Many larger stores have also begun shopping online and offering free pickup. The convenience factor is the biggest reason more people are using those resources, according to Harris. In order for the company to stand out and be successful, Harris said it’s not just the convenience that Paradigm needs to provide, but also the
quality of produce it delivers. “In no way are we trying to replace the grocery store. We just want to provide fresh produce and give consumers a chance to be healthy,” Harris said. “Chances are good when the food is fresh you’ll go for that.” With produce, Harris said it can be tricky to provide all fresh produce but said the company has kept its high standards so far regarding it. “Our stuff is perishable, so
we do have times when it isn’t quite up to standards and have to make decision on putting it in box or substitute it for quality,” Harris said. “There are challenges here to have high quality of produce available to the consumer. Overall we do a pretty good job with that. Our standard is to always be perfect.” And if people are looking to do different things with their fresh produce, Paradigm has that taken care of as well. “We always provide a recipe for something out of the ordinary,” Harris said. “People seem to enjoy that every week.” WIth a click of the mouse or the push of a button on the phone, anyone can use their services and get fresh produce delivered to the front door.
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 9
Kidney care is critical
DaVita provides critical dialysis care By Lisa Young Journal-Advocate staff writer
P
rior to 1995 individuals with kidney failure living in northeastern Colorado and the surrounding area had to travel to Denver or Fort Collins to receive life-saving dialysis treatment for kidney failure. Some area residents in need of dialysis were forced to move closer to the Front Range for treatment while those who could not afford to move often delayed or went without dialysis, resulting in pre-mature death. Fortunately for kidney patients living in the area, James B. Harrigan and a group of dedicated volunteers from the High Plains Easter Seal Society along with many businesses, groups and individuals from the Sterling community changed all that by raising funds to create the James B. Harrigan Center for Kidney Dialysis. Peg Peterson, former Executive Director of High Plains Easter Seal Society of Northeastern Colorado, said the effort to bring dialysis care to the region was a community effort influenced by watching Harrigan battle with kidney disease first hand. Peterson said over $200,000 was raised for the initial equipment. “We even raffled off a ’57 Chevy. We had a donated Harley-Davidson that we took to all the county fairs and we took the Pizza Hut wagon to the county fairs. It was endless,” Peterson said. The James B. Harrigan
Lisa Young / Sterling Journal-Advocate
DaVita Northeastern Colorado Dialysis is located at 603 Holly Dr. Sterling. Center for Kidney Dialysis was dedicated May 6, 1995 and was originally a clinic at Sterling Regional MedCenter. The dialysis clinic was relocated to its present location at 603 Holly Dr. to provide more space. In 1999 Banner Health purchased SRMC. The hospital, under Banner Health, continued operating the dialysis center for a number of years before deciding to sell the facility to DaVita Inc. The center was renamed DaVita Northeastern Colorado Dialysis. DaVita began full operation of the center in February of 2012.
DaVita Northeastern Colorado Dialysis
Today, DaVita Northeastern Colorado Dialysis in Sterling continues to provide patient care and education for individuals living with kidney failure. Facility Administrator Kylee Davidson said the center is operated by profession-
10 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
al DaVita team members. The Sterling center staff includes administrative personnel; patient care technicians; registered nurses; a registered dietitian; a social worker and a bio-med technician. The center provides doctors through a partnership with the Nephrology Clinic located in Fort Collins. The need for quality dialysis care is just as critical as when the center first opened in 1995. Davidson said if DNCD wasn’t in Sterling patients would have to travel to Brighton or Greeley. “DaVita strives to improve patient’s quality of life by innovating clinical care and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams, convenient health management services all here in Sterling. Our local DaVita team is dedicated to educating the community around the risks of kidney disease so it can be prevented
or delayed,” Davidson said. DNCD continues to provide both in-center hemodialysis and at-home peritoneal dialysis. There are currently 13 peritoneal patients and roughly 30 to 35 hemo patients. Incenter patients can watch movies, listen to music on their own devices, read a book or visit with other patients or visitors. For peritoneal patients, DaVita provides extensive training, education and bi-weekly checkups for labwork and clinic support. The center ser ves parts of southern Nebraska and all of northeastern Colorado. Davidson said the center is capable of growing if the need for more dialysis services arises. “Nationally the overall prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) increased from 12 percent to 14 percent between 1988 and
See KIDNEY CARE, pg. 11
KIDNEY CARE from page 10
1994 and from 1999 to 2004, but has remained relatively stable since 2004,” Davidson said. When it comes to paying for dialysis care Davidson said, “Many of our patients come into dialysis with a commercial plan that they can use to pay for care, additionally due to a special agreement by the government all kidney disease patients are eligible for Medicare.” Davidson, who was born and raised in Sterling, said she loves working for DaVita because of their values and the way they run the company with a “community first, company second” motto. “I’ve always wanted to move back home and this was a great opportunity for me to be involved in the community I grew up in,” Davidson said. DNCD is open Monday through Saturday — Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon.
predicted to have chronic kidney disease and 1 in 3 are at risk. You may be at risk if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family histor y of kidney failure or you are over the age of 60. Other factors for kidney disease can be the use of contrast dyes used in diagnostic test: MRI’s, CT scans and angiograms. The presence of an auto-immune disease may also lead to chronic kidney disease. Large amounts of pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin are known to damage the kidneys as does heavy drinking, the misuse of antibiotics and some powerful prescription laxatives. Cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and amphetamines are also dangerous for kidneys.
YOU MATTER
Simple Test
Kidney disease often has no symptoms until the later stages and can go undetected, but a simple urine test can tell if you have the disease. A urine test can determine your albumin creatinine ratio or (ARC). What Kidneys Do This test will estimate the The kidneys play a vital amount of albumin-a type of role in your health. They reg- protein in the urine. ulate your body’s fluid levels, The NKF recommends askrelease a hormone that regu- ing your doctor for a blood lates blood pressure and filter test to check the glomerular our waste and toxins in the filtration rate (GRF) to test blood. They also keep sodihow well the kidneys are um, phosphorus and potassi- removing waste from your um in balance, release the blood. hormone that produces red This test is the best way for blood cells and activate Vitadoctors to check kidney funcmin D for healthy bones. tion. A number over 90 If your kidneys aren’t func- means good kidney function, tioning properly you are at if your numbers are 60-89 you greater risk for complications will need to keep an eye on including heart disease, heart things, but if your number is attack or stroke, high blood less than 60 for a total of 3 pressure, weak bones, anemonths kidney disease is mia, nerve damage, end-stage present. renal disease (ESRD) or For more information on death. kidney disease please see the National Kidney Foundation Risk Factors for website, www.kidney.org, or Kidney Disease contact DaVita Northeastern Colorado Dialysis at (866) According to the National 544-6741, Ext. 5678. Kidney Foundation, thirty million Americans have Lisa Young: 970-526-9281, chronic kidney disease. One lyoung@journal-advocate.com in seven American adults are
to the last moment of your life
Brush Workstation (970) 842-6060 Sterling Office (970) 526-7901
Serving Northeastern Colorado
Wray Office (970) 332-4116
HospiceofthePlains.org
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 11
Overweight? Improper sleep may be to blame Colorado Plains Medical Center offers Sleep Center By Sandy Schneider-Engle Special to the Times
T
here is little argument that good sleep is fundamental to good health. One thinks better. One looks better. One even functions and performs better. As essential as the right diet and sufficient exercise, proper sleep will reduce fatigue and irritability, provide a person with faster reaction times and increase an individual’s concentration ability. For the average adult, medical experts recommend that seven to nine hours of sleep is needed. However, in a technologically geared society, a person is often consumed with “catching-up” on the latest movie or reality show episode until 3 a.m., incessantly sending emails, text messages and tweets, or playing Words with Friends into the night instead of getting a good night of quality sleep. Over the last 20 years, the choice of round-the-clock activity has become overwhelming. One can shop, pay bills and download music and software and start enjoying them without having to wait until morning. Society is bombarded with stimulation and entertainment options 24 hours a day. There are millions of individuals suffering from ongoing shortages of sleep. According to the World Association of Sleep Medicine
Colorado Plains Medical Center / Courtesy photo
This private room at Colorado Plains Medical Center’s Sleep Center is where a patient receives a sleep study. It resembles a "hotel-like" bedroom and has most of the comforts of home. (WASM), sleep problems add up to a global epidemic that affects 45 percent of the world’s population. The statistic and demographic clearinghouse, “Statistic Brain,” verifies this staggering statistic and asserts that approximately 40 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder, such as insomnia, sleep apnea or narcolepsy (a brain’s inability to regulate sleep/wake cycles normally). What some people don’t realize is that lack of good sleep can also contribute to obesity, depression, a weakened immune system and high blood pressure, as well as dozens of other health risks. Yes, even fat cells need sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Researchers have found that
12 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
not getting enough shut-eye has a harmful impact on fat cells, reducing their ability to respond to insulin, a hormone that regulates energy, by 30 percent. “Body fat, also known as adipose tissue, stores and releases energy. In storage mode, fat cells remove fatty acids and lipids from the circulation where they can damage other tissues. When fat cells cannot respond effectively to insulin, these lipids leach out into the circulation, leading to serious complications,” noted author Matthew Brady, PhD, associate professor of medicine and vice-chair of the Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition at the University of Chicago, in an October post on the National Sleep Foundation’s website.
Not only does this function affect obesity by regulating the hormones that trigger appetite, but the body cannot process sugar properly, thus potentially leading to diabetes. Sleep aids in recovery and improved immune system development by producing more of the growth hormones, as well, which stimulates tissue growth and muscle repair. Even risk of heart disease is lowered by keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels down through sufficient restful sleep. “It is not just the amount of sleep that is important for good health, but the right type of sleep is also needed for an individual to prevent some of these more serious health problems,” noted Paulette See SLEEP, pg. 13
SLEEP from page 12
Bass, director of Colorado Plains Medical Center Cardiopulmonary Services and sleep lab technician. “Slow brain wave sleep allows the body to restore at the cellular level. Without this cellular repair, the risk of disease increases for obesity, diabetes, depression and hypertension,” stated sleep consultant Dr. Bruce Meleski. The measurement of these brain waves, heart rates, oxygen levels and other body functions during sleep can only be diagnosed through a medical sleep study. This is available at CPMC in Fort Morgan. The Sleep Center at CPMC has shown that many patients’ side effects were caused by a sleep disorder, and now they are finally receiving the medical treatment they need. The Sleep Center provides diagnostic sleep studies and follow-up treatment for vari-
ations and generates comprehensive diagnostic reports in an expedient manner. “The first step toward getting a better night of sleep is to contact your physician,” noted Bass. “He or she will ask about your sleep problem and perform a physical exam that includes a mouth, throat, and nose check, weight reading, blood pressure check, heart rate and neck size measurement. You may also need lab tests and X-rays.” Bass added that depending on the results, a sleep study may be ordered. Colorado Plains Medical Center / Courtesy photo This may include either a Colorado Plains Medical Center can help determine if someone is suffering from an undiagnosed sleep problem, such as sleep home device that the patient apnea, narcolepsy, chronic insomnia and restless leg syndrome. will operate and return upon completion to the sleep center During patients’ sleep studies in the hospital’s Sleep Center, for further review or spending trained technicians monitor certain body functions and brain the night at the sleep clinic on waves behind this glassed room. CPMC’s campus. To learn more about the ous sleep disorders, such as leg syndrome. sleep lab services or to schednarcolepsy, sleep apnea, Computerized equipment ule a consultation, call 970chronic insomnia and restless performs detailed sleep evalu- 542-4452.
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, 2017 • 13
Skabelund brings practicality, passion to Sterling hospital New CEO has 20 years experience in health care field By Sara Waite Journal-Advocate editor
H
oyt Skabelund, the new CEO at Sterling Regional MedCenter, entered the world of hospital administration largely for practical reasons. Skabelund had originally intended to become a teacher, but while in Australia as a missionary for two years, he was advised to go into health care because of its stability as a career field. “I asked someone that I really respected, ‘What career should I choose,’ and he said, ‘Health care will always exist. Do anything in health care,’” Skabelund said. “I had never thought of health care prior to that, and that intrigued me. There’s always going to be people being born and people who are aging and there’s always going to be a need, and that seemed real to me, and it seemed meaningful to me.” But it was in his own experiences with the Australian health system that he found a passion for health care. After seeing the dysfunction of the health-care system there, he said he wanted to ensure that America has an efficient and effective medical system. What it comes down to, Skabelund said, is, “I love people and I want to do something meaningful.” Skabelund said that his reasons for enjoying his work have grown beyond the practical. “Fundamentally, we are touching people at their most
Hoyt Skabelund, the new CEO of Sterling Regional MedCenter vulnerable times, and at their greatest moments of satisfactions, and their greatest moments of tragedy, and I think that’s sacred.” Skabelund started at the Sterling hospital May 1 on a part-time basis, commuting from Nevada, where he was most recently serving the Banner Churchill Community Hospital in Fallon, Nev. to spend several days here each week as he and his family prepared to move to Colorado. He said he planned to be in Sterling full-time in July. Skabelund and his wife, Carmen, have been married 26 years. They have a son, Wayne, who attends Utah State University and has been married for a year, and a daughter, Whitney, who just completed high school and will be attending Utah State in the fall. Hoyt has 20 years of experience in health care, including three years in Banner Health.
14 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
He has a master’s in health care administration and a master’s in business administration from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified management accountant, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Utah State. After beginning his career, Skabelund discovered that American hospital administration is extremely complicated. “Everybody has their hand in it,” he said. “If we bought groceries the way we buy health care, we would struggle.” He believes that the health care system needs to change. “We’ve got to make it simple for the users. We’ve got to simplify it for the patients, and provide it in as perfect a way as we can.” Skabelund is enthusiastic about Banner Health. He noted that as a science, medicine is imperfect, in part because individuals’ bodies respond to treatment in different ways.
Sara Waite / Sterling Journal-Advocate
“We’re always learning,” he said. He feels a strength of Banner is its “outstanding” support of physicians with evidencebased knowledge and medicine. He considers Sterling fortunate to be part of the Banner system and have access to those resources. In addition to serving as the Sterling hospital’s CEO, Skabelund will take on additional duties as the CEO of Banner’s rural hospital division this fall. By filling the vacancy in Sterling, Skabelund said he is fairly centrally located among Banner’s rural hospitals. “That’s the practical reasons,” he said. But his willingness to come to Sterling isn’t all practical. “I think it’s beautiful here,” he said. “I like the rolling plains.” In addition, he said, “I don’t want to go to big cities. I love rural.”
See CEO, pg. 15
CEO from page 14
He’s familiar with small town living -- his high school graduating class had 11 students -and has no desire to “promote” above his new role. “I love being a hospital administrator, and I love the opportunity to help other rural hospitals, because I think we’re the underdogs,” he said. He also thinks that despite common perception, smaller hospitals have advantages over large, urban hospitals. “I think smaller can and should be better. You go to a large hospital, I think you have a greater chance of being a sheep being sheared,” he said. “Here, you can be a guest in our home.” He admitted that there are some services a small hospital can’t provide, “but what we do -- we’re going to be very selective of what we do -- we’re going to do everything we possibly can do very well that this community needs. And we’re going to be the best at it.”
For those things the hospital is not the best at, Skabelund said, they will refer patients to the best option available. “We’re going to be the best hospital in Colorado -- that’s the goal,” he said. “If I’m going to be the CEO of the rural division, we better be the best, because I don’t want to be a hypocrite.” Skabelund said he has inherited a situation that is already good. “We’re a better hospital today than we were three years ago,” he said. The challenge can be in erasing any negative associations people might have due to a bad experience in the past. “What’s hard about these rural settings is, if you do something wrong, it’s remembered forever -- generation after generation... It is hard to create and maintain a positive reputation. It takes years to do it,” he said. But patient satisfaction is good, and Skabelund said he is
Connie Clark
Amy Everhart
particularly proud to learn about the improvements in patient experience in the emergency department -- what he called the “front door” because it is where most patients begin their experience at the hospital -- while providing good health care. “You can provide a patient really good health care and he won’t like it,” he noted. “Clinically, we’ve delivered medicine to you in a really perfect way, but if it’s not delivered in a way that you feel good about it, then we’ve failed.” The David Walsh Cancer Center is also something Skabelund is exciting about. He said he’s grateful to the Walsh family for their gift, and said SRM has honored it by growing the program, and he plans to continue expanding services. He added that SRM is the community’s hospital. “We’re not-for-profit. … We want the
Audra Patten Spahn
community to feel like an owner of this hospital and to feel proud of (it) and to feel this is their first choice in health care.” For those who choose to get their care elsewhere, Skabelund said he hopes over the next five to 10 years to demonstrate through performancebased reviews that they are doing a great job. He noted that this is a challenging time for rural hospitals, and hospitals in general, with more hospitals closing in the last few years than in the decades prior. “It’s a difficult time to get better and to do really good, but we’re going to do that. And Banner Health makes that possible.” And he said he appreciates the welcome he has received from the community. “Sterling is a welcoming place. People have been so friendly; there’s a good culture here,” he said.
Jessica Fiscus Dawna Swan
Karla Rhodes
410 W. Main St. Sterling, CO 80751 Denise Gaynor
970-522-1302
Family owned and locally operated since 1960. Offering FREE delivery of prescriptions within the Sterling city limits.
Lydia Fitzsimons
Jacky Myers
Molly Weatherill Karla Castorena
Sabrina Davis
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 15
Fort Morgan getting rural residency track New doctors will spend first training year in Denver, come to Fort Morgan for second, third years By Jenni Grubbs Times Staff Writer
H
aving enough doctors is always a struggle in rural areas, and Fort Morgan is no different. But something happening at Colorado Plains Medical Center and Salud Family Health Center could help ease that struggle in coming years. The Fort Morgan hospital will host new doctors during the second and third years of their residency for family medicine. “After medical school, doctors go to a residency which is focused, on-the-job training for their chosen specialty,” Dr. Shaun Thompson explained. “A family medicine residency is three years” and consists of training in many areas of medicine.” He said that family doctors who serve rural areas “are asked to serve many roles, and need to have training and experience dealing with many different things. One good way to accomplish this education is to have the residents in a rural area, learning from other rural doctors.” And that is what is going to start happening at CPMC and Salud as of July 2018, Thompson said. Called the “Morgan County Family Medicine Residency Rural Training Track,” it is a
Jenni Grubbs / Fort Morgan Times
Northeast Colorado Health Department Deputy Director Trish McClain shakes hands with Dr. Nathan Schenkman as Dr. Morgan Hungenberg, left, Kathy Thompson and Pat Thompson look on at a reception June 14 at Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan. The reception was held for local health officials to meet Schenkman and Hungenberg, who will complete the second and third years of their medical residency program at CPMC. program that CPMC and Salud will be part of through the University of Colorado Family Medicine Residency program. The way it works is new doctors will spend their first year of residency in Denver and then come to Fort Morgan for the second and third years. Here, they will train with local family doctors at CPMC and Salud. “We are hoping this rural training track will help solve the shortage of physicians in the community,” Dr. Aline Hansen-Guzman from Salud said. A reception was held in midJune 2017 for local officials from CPMC, the Fort Morgan Community Hospital Associa-
16 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
tion, the Fort Morgan Community Hospital Foundation, Salud, the Northeast Colorado Health Department, the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the Williams Family Foundation and more to meet the first two doctors who will be part of this rural residency program. The two residents who will start in the rural training track Fort Morgan in July 2018 after their first year of residency in Denver are Dr. Morgan Hungenberg and Dr. Nathan Schenkman. Hungenberg was not a stranger to Fort Morgan, as her mother previously was the director of Fort Morgan Library & Museum. She grew
up in Greeley and completed her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Denver. For medical school, she went to A. T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, where she worked in the rural areas with “several diverse groups of Native American populations.” “I know about the doctor shortage from living in the area,” she said of Fort Morgan. “I first became interested in rural medicine when doing research exploring how to retain physicians in rural Colorado between my first and second years of medical school. One of the communities
See RESIDENCY, pg. 17
RESIDENCY from page 16
involved in the study just happened to be Fort Morgan. I feel like I already know the community and how great the people are. I can’t wait to practice and live in Fort Morgan as a family medicine resident and physician.” Schenkman was less familiar with Fort Morgan, but he thinks he has found the community that will be right for him and his plans for practicing family medicine. “The community just seemed like a good fit,” he said, calling Fort Morgan somewhere he “could really get involved” and have an opportunity to “be a doctor who could be involved with all sorts of care” and work with “people from all over the place.” That last part would not be strange for Schenkman. He grew up in North Carolina, traveled and volunteered in Peru and went to the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. He also has a keen interest in learning new languages. He is fluent in Spanish and French and is interested in learning other languages. “I definitely need to pick up some Somali phrases before I come out here next year,” Schenkman said. “I am very excited about joining the rural track in Fort Morgan and getting settled living and working in the town.” These two are just the first in what could prove to be a
Jenni Grubbs / Fort Morgan Times
Various Colorado Plains Medical Center officials, Fort Morgan Community Hospital Foundation Board members and Fort Morgan Community Hospital Association officials went to a reception June 14 at CPMC to meet Dr. Morgan Hungenberg, second from right, and Dr. Nathan Schenkman, right. The two doctors are recent medical school graduates who will complete the second and third years of their three-year residency in family medicine at CPMC after one year at the University of Colorado Family Medicine Clinic in Denver. long-lasting program to bring doctors to Morgan County for training in family medicine in rural areas. “Hopefully it’s going to provide us with a stream of rural medical candidates who will come here, see what a good system we have and will stay here to serve the community,” Colorado Plains Medical Center Governing Board member Greg Wagers said of the residency rural training track. “A family medicine residency will offer many benefits to our area,” Thompson said. “All doctors involved will tend to become excited about learning and be energized by the residents. There will be an increase in the number of doctors available to see patients.
Once Residents graduate they will tend to stay in the area. Recruitment of new physicians will be easier. Medical care in our community will improve.” The plan is for the Morgan County Rural Residency Training Track to have four residents based in Fort Morgan by July 2019, with two of them in their second year and two in their third year, according to Thompson. The University of Colorado School of Medicine is a major supporter of the rural residency training track. Another major supporter is the Williams Family Foundation, which has supported family medicine training and practice since the 1970s,
according to Dr. Daniel Burke, from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Department of Family Medicine. “I think it’s wonderful,” Dr. Pat Thompson said, representing the Williams Family Foundation. “We’ve been very fortunate in securing the cooperation of all these agencies” to bring the rural residency training track to Morgan County, Thompson said. “We’ve known for so long that we need more primary doctors here,” Kathy Thompson said, also representing the Williams Family Foundation. “Let’s start from the beginning. I think they’ll stay (here).”
JOHNSON CHIROPRACTIC, P.C. “Where Your Health Is Our Main Concern” Neck and Back Pain Relief for NE Colorado
Call our offiCe for your CDl PhysiCal by a member of the NatioNal registry of CertifieD meDiCal examiNers Michael R. Johnson, D.C. / Tanner C. Johnson, D.C. 501W. Main Street
970-522-3260
Sterling, CO 80751
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 17
Medical clinic promotes healthy lifestyle for Cargill employees By Brandon Boles Times Sports Reporter
C
argill Meat Solutions in Fort Morgan is seeing benefits with its near-site medical facility for employers to use and to promote a healthy lifestyle and wellness habits. The meat plant has partnered with Marathon Health, a national chain based in Vermont, to open and run the facility near the plant. Allen Boelter, the General Manager for Cargill, spoke highly of the partnership. “Cargill engaged in the process to look for a third party contract to take care of this clinic,” Boelter said. “We worked with organizations not only locally but nationally – like Marathon Health – to find the best fit. “The reason we picked (Marathon Health) is because of the flexibility to adapt to our site and other sites, the ability to help us grow if need be, and the willingness to work to find specific solutions to our needs,” Boelter added. “Marathon Health has a track record of proven results.” Tracey Moran, the Director of Marketing at Marathon Health, echoed the excitement to be selected during the vendor search from Cargill to be in charge of the project. “Cargill was working with a consultant (Towers Watson), and they did a search of vendors who offer worksite health centers to large employers,” Moran said. “We were included in that bid process. I believe they responded to our approach, technology, and model for demonstration to the health population.
The fab floor at Cargill in Fort Morgan. “These decisions are not made quickly and for good reason. Health care is important for employees,” Moran said. After being selected for the project, Marathon Health went to work to open the facility. This process included hiring a staff, ordering the technology for the facility, and working with local health affiliates. Some of the other businesses Marathon Health is affiliated with include New Balance, Chico’s, and Carnival Cruise Lines. Boelter said a big driving force for Cargill to look at creating the facility was to promote a healthy lifestyle for its workforce and to help its
18 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
employees feel comfortable when they go to see a doctor. “What we’ve seen from our employee population is that over time we understand a significant number of employees are not seeking health care,” Boelter said. “The problem is that can turn into a chronic illness and impact work and life.” One of the biggest goals for the clinic is to find undiagnosed conditions to improve the well-being in the workforce. Moran said some of the things noticed from the work population in Fort Morgan were a number of undiagnosed conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The goal is to not
Fort Morgan Times file photo
only diagnose these conditions, but to also work on getting ahead in terms of prevention and treatment. “People are already telling us they didn’t know they had something or had not been to a doctor in 30 years,” Moran said. “At the end of the day, we like to change lives in a positive way.” The clinic is not something Cargill is mandating its employees to use. It is offered as a benefit of employment, and Boelter said the numbers were good right away when the facility opened. “We have 10 people seen per day on average,” Boelter See CARGILL, pg. 19
CARGILL from page 18 said. Those people who have used the facility can get screenings, go through lifestyle clinics, and coaching and guidance to make better decisions so they are healthier. Family members of the employees are also allowed access to the facility. “These are not quick appointments,” Boelter said. “These stress and focus heavily on wellness. We intend for these visits to take longer than the average clinic. “When we work with patients, they say I work with this (other) doctor regarding something. We can fill in the gap and have greater understanding and more knowledge to provide to our patients. They are able to make greater advances in controlling their health rather than seeing a specialist ever y six months,” he said of working with other
local health care providers. Boelter sees a bright future and hopes the clinic becomes an important and well-used benefit for the current workforce and to be a strong recruiting tool for potential employers as well. “This is a great collaboration and demonstrates the importance Cargill puts on its workforce,” Boelter said. “We want to raise the bar in Fort Morgan. As for Moran and Marathon Health, they are happy to take part in this project and look for ward to continuing to make an impact in Morgan County. “The companies we work with are pro-employee,” Moran said. “We are excited to do it. Ever y company we work with has seen similar results and benefits.” Brandon Boles: 970-4415102, spor ts@fmtimes.com or twitter.com/FMT_Spor ts
How to stay safe in summer heat By Sandy Schneider-Engle Special to the Times When the summer season is in full swing, it means that one needs to watch out for one of Mother Nature’s most dangerous elements: heat.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of water and salt and is unable to cool itself. If left untreated, heat exhaustion could lead to heat stroke, which is why it is important to know the signs and symptoms. They are: •Headache •Nausea •Dizziness •Weakness •Irritability •Thirst
•Heavy sweating •Elevated body temperatures •Decreased urine output
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness, requiring immediate medical attention. Heat stroke occurs when the body has lost excessive water and salt, and has become overwhelmed by the heat. Signs and symptoms include: •Confusion, altered mental status or slurred speech •Loss of consciousness •Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating •Seizures •Very high body temperatures
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, 2017 • 19
March of Dimes recognizes CPMC Hospital honored for giving more babies a healthy start in life By Sandy Schneider-Engle Special to the Times
C
olorado Plains Medical Center (CPMC) has been recognized by the March of Dimes for its work to give babies a healthier start in life. The hospital in Fort Morgan earned this recognition after successfully reducing to less than 1 percent the number of elective inductions and cesarean deliveries performed before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy. The March of Dimes says this is a tremendous accomplishment and one that will give more babies the right start in life. “We’re proud of our expert team of physicians and nurses who recognized the problem of unnecessary early deliveries in our hospital, and put in place practices and processes to avoid scheduling cesarean sections or inductions before 39 weeks of pregnancy except when medically necessary,” notes Sonya Bass, CPMC chief nursing officer. “This achievement is a testament to our strong commitment to making communities healthier.” As part of LifePoint Health, a leading health-care company dedicated to Making Communities Healthier®, Colorado Plains Medical Center joins a group of 29 other LifePoint facilities that also reached this milestone. “The last weeks of pregnancy are important, as babies aren’t just putting on weight; they are undergoing important development of the brain, lungs, and other vital organs,” says Edward R.B. McCabe, MD, PhD, March of Dimes
Colorado Plains Medical Center has been recognized by the March of Dimes for its work to give babies a healthier start in life. senior vice president and chief medical officer. “We commend Colorado Plains Medical Center for being a champion for babies with their quality improvement efforts.” Even babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants, according to the March of Dimes. Although the overall threat is small, the risk of death more than doubles for infants born at 37 weeks of pregnancy when compared to babies of all races and ethnicities who are born at 40 weeks. Babies who survive an early birth often face lifelong health challenges, such as breathing problems, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. Bass says the March of Dimes has been helping to get the word out that “Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait”,
20 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
and the hospital was eager to help support this important community message. “This campaign urges women to wait for labor to begin on its own if their pregnancy is healthy, rather than scheduling delivery before 39 weeks,” comments Bass. “We fully support this effort and have been proud to partner in this important work.” The March of Dimes offers both professional and consumer education materials about the critical importance of a fullterm pregnancy to the health and well-being of babies. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and informa-
tion, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Colorado Plains Medical Center has offered delivery services since the hospital’s inception in 1952. The Paul E. Woodward Birthing Center, which houses five family birthing suites and an additional four post-partum rooms, was recently renovated. A surgical C-section suite was also added at this time. Approximately 400 to 500 babies are delivered annually at the Paul E. Woodward Birthing Center by a team of 18 obstetrics nurses with more than 200 years of combined experience. The hospital has two full-time OB/GYN physicians as well as a family medicine physician with additional obstetrics and delivery training experience on its medical staff who deliver the community’s newest residents.
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 21
Paul Albani-Burgio / Fort Morgan Times
Radiation Oncology program manager Patrick Schooley places a 3-D bolus onto cancer patient Marvin Rosten at the David Walsh Cancer Center in Sterling.
Fort Morgan man gets cuttingedge cancer treatment
northern Colorado hospitals, came up with the idea to produce a 3-D printed block to more precisely direct dosages heat. Cows. Cutting of radiation in the treatment of edge cancer treatsuch cancers. A 3-D printer is ments? Colorado’s used to produce the hollow, eastern plains may be known plastic block, which is called a more for farming than x-ray technology but doctors at Ster- bolus. The bolus is created ling Regional Medical Center’s from a mold of the patient’s face and is then fitted across David Walsh Cancer Center before x-ray radiation is adminhave recently been making istered in order to pinpoint and waves—literally—by using molds produced by a 3-D print- evenly distribute the dosage of radiation. er to treat cancer patients In the past, Walsh’s Radiaundergoing radiation therapy. Fort Morgan resident Marvin tion Oncologist Dr. Michael Rosten, who has carcinoma in Van Tuyl said doctors typically treated such superficial his nasal passage, is the first patient to be treated in Sterling tumors using a skin tissue equivalent material to help using the mold. Dr. Alex Markovic, the Med- deliver radiation. The trouble ical Physics Program Director with that process is that the varied contours of the body for Banner Health’s three 22 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING By Paul Albani-Burgio Fort Morgan Times
W
made it difficult to perfectly lay the material over the area needing treatment. The use of the 3-D printer allows doctors to create a mask of the material which perfectly fits over the body and allows doctors to more accurately and exactly direct radiation. It takes 12 hours to produce the 3-D mold from a CT scan. “What this is all about is delivering a good dose all across the structure,” Program Manager of Radiation Oncology Patrick Schooley said. “In the past there would be air gaps that would make that difficult but this technology does away with that problem.” The location of Rosten’s tumor in his nose in close proximity to his eyes and other body parts that could be dam-
aged by radiation meant treating him using a 3-D bolus made sense. “When you are dealing with something here in the front part of the face where you’ve got eyes and the optic nerve and you want to be able to give your dose right where you want it and not anywhere else. This technology allows us to do that much more accurately.” Van Tuyl said he and the staff at the Walsh Cancer Center are very proud Walsh is one of Banner’s three Northern Colorado facilities to offer treatment using the bolus technology. He says that those hospitals are the only ones in the Banner system to currently
See 3-D, pg. 23
Paul Albani-Burgio / Fort Morgan Times
Schooley monitors the administration of Rosten’s radiation.
3-D from page 22
offer treatment using the 3-D bolus although he says other system hospitals are in the process of adopting the technology and he eventually expects it to spread to facilities around the country. “This is the latest technology in our field and to have something you would only have at major cancer centers. To be in Sterling and be one of the first to have it is pretty outstanding,” he said. “To bring this kind of accuracy and state-ofthe-art care to rural Colorado is huge.” Rosten, who has previously been successfully treated for
skin and prostate cancer, said he is excited to be part of the pioneering treatment. “When it comes to cancer you do what you’ve got to do,” he said. “But it’s pretty cool to see how treatment has changed and be a part of something like this.” Doctors say they will be able to fully evaluate the success of Rosten’s treatments two to three months after he has completed his 35 rounds of treatment. “Having had cancer myself and having met kids that have had it - anything that can be used to help them is some-
Holistic Health Center • Nutritional Consulting • Supplements • Stress Management • Chi Machine • Self-Hypnosis
thing I want to be a part of,” he Paul Albani-Burgio: 970441.5103, said. “I just want to be able to paul@fortmorgantimes.com help somebody else.”
STERLING 126 North 2nd Street 970-425-7272
DIZZINESS? VERTIGO? FALLING? HEADACHES? NAUSEA? VNG TESTING (Videonystagmography):
a non-invasive technology used to identify and treat balance disorders
Our Sterling location is the only provider of VNG Testing in Northeastern Colorado, and our therapist is specifically and uniquely trained to perform vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
Jo-Anne Rohn-Cook
305 Main Street, Fort Morgan, CO 80701
Office: (970) 867-4852
Home: (970) 483-6286 • www.joannerohncook.com
Call ApexNetwork Physical Therapy today for Balance & Fall Prevention and Treatment!
FREE SCREENING www.apexnetworkpt.com
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 23
SFSP provides free nutritious lunches Over 200 million free meals to be served this summer By Callie Jones Journal-Advocate news editor
F
or some children, a school lunch may be the only meal they get all day. To help ensure children don’t go hungry while school is out, area school districts have partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide free meals through the Summer Food Service Program. According to the USDA website, www.fns.usda.gov, the USDA plans to serve more than 200 million free meals to children 18 and under at approved SFSP sites. This is the second year the RE-1 Valley School District has partnered with the city of Sterling and USDA for the SFSP. Free lunches are served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, through July 27, at the Snack Shack (Sagebrush Pavilion) at Prairie Park, 808 Elm St. The city of Sterling was happy to partner with the district when they came to them with the idea last year and again this year. Wade Gandee, city of Sterling Parks, Library and Recreation Department director, called it a “win-win partnership” at the time. When the Journal-Advocate visited the Snack Shack recently, it was bustling with children were eager to get their hands on that day’s meal, which included pizza, fruit and milk. After the children finished eating, they were able to get some activity in, playing on the playground. Along with the Snack Shack site, RE-1 will also serve free morning snacks from 8:30 to 9
Callie Jones / Sterling Journal-Advocate
Stephanie Monroe hands out lunches to eager children at the Snack Shack (Sagebrush Pavilion) at Prairie Park Wednesday, June 7. RE-1 Valley School District has partnered with the city of Sterling and U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide free lunches for children and teens under age 18 through the Summer Food Service Program. a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, July 11-28, at Ayres Elementary, 1812 Robin Rd. Sites in Morgan County include: • City Park, 414 Main St., with lunches available at the gazebo from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 28, except on July 4. They’re free for kids or $3 each for adults accompanying their children. Info: 970-3706102. • Columbine Elementary School cafeteria, 815 West St., with lunches available at the gazebo from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 28, except on July 4. They’re free for kids or $3 each for adults accompanying their children. Info: 970-3706102. • Thomson Primary School, 422 Ray St., with breakfast available from 8 to 10 a.m. and lunch available from 11 a.m. to
24 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
1 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 28, except on July 4. Info: 970-842-5176. • Brush Memorial Park, 500 Ellsworth St., with lunch available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 28, except on July 4. Info: 970-842-5176. • Jaycee Park, 520 Southridge Road, in Fort Morgan, with breakfast available from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and lunch available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 28, except on July 4. Activities also will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19 to July 26. Info: 970467-2933. • Sol Naciente, 322 Linda St., in Fort Morgan, with breakfast available from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and lunch available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 28, except on July 4. Activities also will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 19 to July 26. Info: 970467-2933. • Log Lane Village park pavilion, with breakfast available from 9:30 to 10 a.m. June 19 to July 28, and lunch available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 28, except on July 4. Activities also will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19 to July 28. Info: 970467-2933. • Weldon Valley School, Weldona, in the ag shop, with breakfast available from 9:30 to 10 a.m. June 19 to July 28, and lunch available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through July 28, except on July 4. Activities also will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19 to July 26. Info: 970467-2933. • High Plains Park, 509 Second Ave., in Wiggins, with lunch available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 28. Info: 970-467-2933.
UCHealth provides innovative health care services Behavioral health combines with medical services to provide best care for patients By Callie Jones Journal-Advocate news editor
I
f you’re looking for innovative health care, look no further than UCHealth, in Sterling. UCHealth’s care team includes Dr. Richard Lamb, an internal medicine doctor who has been in Sterling for a number of years. It was his decision to sell his private practice to a family health system that brought UCHealth to Sterling. Other care providers include Dr. Soper, who went to the clinic from Banner Health in 2015; Dr. Katherine Hoekstra, who provides acupuncture services in space leased to her by the clinic; and Nicole Showalter, the clinic’s physician assistant, who joined UCHealth in May 2016 right after completing school. The clinic also has another provider that has committed to come to here in the summer of next year, who has roots in Sterling. Dr. Daniel Lambrecht is a board certified internal medicine provider and a board certified pediatrician. Specialty services offered by UCHealth include: Healing balance medical acupuncture; cardiology; cardiothoracic surgery; electrophysiology; pacemaker interrogation and device checks; on site sonographer; ear, nose and throat; and the Nephrology Clinic. Also, CUHealth partners with Colorado Plains Medical Center to provide the following services in Sterling: OB/GYN; general surgery; and orthopedic surgery. UCHealth does have plans to
grow in this community, so that they can offer more service. One of the most interesting services that UCHealth does provide right now, along with medical services, is behavioral health services. Dianna Haas, a licensed clinical psychologist, was brought on at the clinic about a year ago. “It has been an incredible year. The things that she is Courtesy photo doing alongside our providers The care team at UCHealth’s Sterling clinic include, from left: and the things that we have Richard Lamb, M.D., Katherine Hoekstra, M.D., Thomas Soper, seen change in the lives of peo- D.O. and Nicole Schowalter, PA-C. ple have been so incredibly amazing,” said Diane Calvert, manager for clinic operations, at a recent Rotary Club meeting. Haas commented that it is wonderful to have the expertise of the medical doctors right there are for them to have her right down the hall to refer to and vise versa. As part of her services, Haas Over 30 Years of Exceptional Hearing Care for Northeast Colorado started a support group for individuals who are caregivers for family members with Alzheimer’s or any other alterAt Columbine Audiology and Hearing ing condition where a family Aid Center, we’re dedicated to providing member becomes a caregiver. the highest level of medically oriented UCHealth also has a diabetic diagnostic and treatment services for education class, conducted by hearing loss. It’s our focus to provide state the clinic’s care manager, and of the art hearing aid technology with plans to start other groups, professional care at affordable prices you such as groups for loss and deserve and expect. grief. Dr. Terry Cummings Board Certified Doctor of Audiology “I really feel like when someone comes into our clinic they’re really getting the full deal, they get everything, they Main Office: Columbine Medical Building get attention from every direc108 Delmar Street – Sterling tion,” Haas said at the Rotary 970-522-8622 • www.columbineaudiology.com Club meeting. Specialty Clinic: East Morgan County Hospital CU Health is located at 620 2400 Edison Street - Brush Iris Dr. and can be reached at Dr. Hilary Wisdom Specialty Clinic: Melissa Memorial Hospital 970-522-7266. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology
Hear for life.
1001 East Johnson Street - Holyoke
HEALTHY LIVING •JUNE 29, 2017 • 25
Make blood pressure control your goal By Sandy Schneider-Engle Special To The Times
A
ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure affects approximately 67 million American adults.
This condition, also known as hypertension, is considered the silent killer and often leads to more serious conditions, permanent disabilities or even death. The National Institutes of Health notes that only 68 percent of those with hypertension are aware of their condition and only 27 percent have it under control. High blood pressure can cause harm to arteries by damaging the arteries’ inner lining. The walls become thick and stiff. This disease it called arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Fats begin to collect in the damaged cells and blood flow is blocked to the heart, kidneys, brain, arms and legs. The condition can result in a heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, chest pain (angina), peripheral arterial disease and aneurysms.
Fort Morgan Times file photo
Getting blood pressure checked regularly is important for maintaining one’s health. Shown here, a man has his blood pressure taken at a Fort Morgan Community Health Fair. age) can result in blurred or distorted vision, bleeding within the eye, or even vision loss.
occurs when the heart relaxes in between beats. If you have high blood pressure, there are steps you can Somewhat surprising are problems of sexual dysfunction take to get it under control. • Quit smoking or don’t in men, bone loss (osteoporostart smoking. sis) and obstructive sleep apnea. These conditions also • Achieve and maintain a may be attributed to high healthy body weight. Consequently, getting into blood pressure. • Participate in 30 minutes the habit of monitoring blood of moderate physical activity An ideal blood pressure pressure and also controlling it on most days of the week. reading is a systolic blood if it is too high are important pressure (SBP) less than 140 steps to take, according to • Eat a healthy diet that is and a diastolic blood pressure high in fruits and vegetables medical professionals. (DBP) less than 90. In hyperand low in sodium, saturated Sight can be affected, too. tensive patients with diabetes fats, trans fat and cholesterol. Tiny delicate blood vessels or renal disease, the goal is Make sure you are getting supply blood to the eyes. Like less than 130/80. enough potassium and vitamin other vessels, they can be damaged by high blood presSystolic pressure is the force D, as well. • Manage stress. sure. Conditions such as retin- on the blood vessel walls when opathy, choroidopathy (fluid the heart beats and pumps • Limit the amount of alcobuild-up under the retina) and blood out of the heart. Diastol- hol you drink (no more than optic neuropathy (nerve damic pressure is the force that one drink each day for women 26 • JUNE 29, 2017•HEALTHY LIVING
and two for men). • If you have been prescribed blood pressure medicine, take it as directed. Although anyone can be affected by high blood pressure, certain risk factors make an individual particularly susceptible to the condition and include: age, family history, race, being overweight, lack of physical activity and use of tobacco products (including exposure to second hand smoke). Medical experts recommend that a person get his or her blood pressure checked every two years starting at age 18. This should be done more frequently if an individual exhibits signs of high blood pressure or is at risk for hypertension.
more than a school of dental medicine
an eXcePtiona al Patt ient eXPerience Why Choose A Dental School For Care?
The CU School of Dental Medicine provides high quality care in a state-of-the-art facility just like a great private practice, but there are some differences and many advantages: Price – Our fees are up to 50% less than local private practices. While each patient’s cost will vary, these examples show typical savings. Average Private Student Practice Fees Clinic Fees Crowns $900-1200 Crowns $500-700 Dentures $1600-2000 Dentures $1600-2000 Cleaning $90-150 Cleaning $60-80
Care – Receiving care in an educational setting means you receive the highest standards of care based on the latest techniques and technology. Dental students and residents work with expert faculty to provide your dental care. Appointments will last longer, but you get the attention of a team to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Convenience – Through our 7 clinics, we offer comprehensive care for all your dental needs. With board certified prosthodontists, periodontists, oral surgeons, general dentists and more under one roof, we provide services ranging from fillings, crowns and orthodontics to dentures, implants and even oral surgery all in one convenient location.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
www.ucdenver.edu/dentalmedicine l 303-724-6900
THANKS TO OUR
We’re one of America’s Hospitals
Our medical team works hard to prevent infections, double-checks medications, and keeps patients free from harm. Safety is a big problem in hospitals across the country, which is why we are so proud that Colorado Plains Medical Center earned an “A” from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for being one of the safest hospitals in America for both Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. Our staff is a big reason for that distinction, and we thank them.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is an elite designation from The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent watchdog that sets the highest standards for patient safety in the United States.
1000 Lincoln Street ● Fort Morgan, CO ● 970-867-3391 Www.ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com
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