Feeling withdrawn, angry or hopeless?

16 Pages·2017·15.02 MB·English

GUNDERSEN
KIDS &
SPORTS =
Risk for strains, sprains
and broken bones
Feeling
withdrawn,
angry or
hopeless?
MARILYN
JOHNSON
Smiling made easy with Teeth in a Day®
contents
Volume 6, Issue 3 To view or request the online version
FALL 2017 of Gundersen Magazine visit
gundersenhealth.org/magazine.
2 6 9 12
Dr. Atherton, joins 4 reasons to wear Get the happiness CMN Hospitals miracle
Black River Falls Eye Clinic sunglasses in the winter you deserve baby: grown up and
giving back
3 7
10 14
Get an annual Helping
flu shot young athletes 3 myths about When to get your next
your metabolism Pap test?
4 8
11 15
Robotic surgery helps Gundersen
Jo get back to living life Tri-County has relief for ‘Teeth in a Day’ takes Tips to stay healthy
foot pain dental exhaustion away this winter
Gundersen Health System has
the following locations in your JUSTIN
area. For a complete listing visit
gundersenhealth.org.
ATHERTON, OD
Black River Falls
• 601 West Adams Street joins Black River Falls
Gundersen Eye Clinic [phone]
Eye Clinic
Blair
• 420 South Peterson Avenue
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and
Justin Atherton, OD, comes as an experienced
Clinics Blair [phone]
eye care professional. He cared for our nation’s
Independence military veterans and now provides primary eye
• 35791 Osseo Road
care, treatment and management of ocular disease,
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital
and Clinics Independence contact lenses care and more.
[phone]
“I am happy to be back in a small community and
Whitehall
to be building on the strong practice that Dr. Bruce
• 18606 Ervin Street
Lahmayer has established,” says Dr. Atherton. “I was
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital
drawn to optometry at Gundersen because of its
and Clinics Whitehall
Medical Clinic: reputation for exceptional medical care.”
[phone] or [phone]
Gundersen Eye Clinic Dr. Atherton provides the full range of optometric
[phone] medical services, including:
Gundersen Behavioral Health • Family eye examinations and well-vision
[phone] or
screenings
[phone], ext. 52287
• Laser vision correction evaluations
• 18601 Lincoln Street
Gundersen Tri-County • Eye disease diagnosis, treatment and management
Hospital and Clinics
• Emergency eye care
Hospital: [phone]
Gundersen Tri-County Senior Living To schedule your appointment, call the Gundersen
[phone]
Eye Clinic Black River Falls at [phone].
2 Gundersen Magazine
an AED just may be the
LIFE OF THE PARTY
It can happen in a blink of an eye. Each year sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes more
than 350,000 people in the U.S.—anyone, at any age.
The most effective treatment for restoring a life-sustaining heart rhythm during SCA is an
automated external defibrillator (AED). This portable device checks the heart’s rhythm and,
if needed, delivers an electrical shock (defibrillation) to help re-establish a normal
heart rhythm.
An AED has incredible life-saving power because almost anyone can operate
the device. No medical background is needed, but AED training, along with
CPR training, is always encouraged. To see an AED demonstration visit
gundersenhealth.org/aed.
AED Loaner Program
Even with the excellent response times of first responders in our area, in the case
of SCA, each minute defibrillation is delayed reduces the chance of survival by about
10 percent. It’s important to use CPR and an AED as quickly as possible.
Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance offers a free AED loaner program. You can borrow an AED for community and
family group events such as reunions, concerts, golf outings, group nature hikes, races, festivals, weddings and
large church gatherings. Visit tristateambulance.org for more information on the program.
‘Tis the season
Get a flu shot - for yourself
and those you love
WHO? The Center for Disease Control
recommends everyone 6 months and older
should get a flu vaccine every season.
WHY? It keeps you healthy, and it keeps
those around you healthy, including those
who are vulnerable to serious flu illness,
like babies and young children, older
adults and people with certain chronic
health conditions.
Fall 2017 3
Less pain, shorter
recovery
Robotic surgery helps
gynecologic cancer patients
get back to living life
After Jo Froegel was diagnosed with uterine cancer
in February, she began a treatment plan that
included surgery to remove her uterus, fallopian
tubes, ovaries and some surrounding pelvic lymph
nodes.
As someone who enjoys being active and spending
time outdoors—especially taking care of her
garden—Jo wasn’t looking forward to a lengthy
recovery after surgery. She soon learned that she
needn’t worry about being off her feet for long.
Gynecologic surgeon Dana Benden, MD, performed
Jo’s surgery in March with Gundersen’s robotic da
Vinci® Surgical System, which enables surgeons to
perform complex and delicate procedures through
very small incisions with unmatched precision. The
minimally-invasive technique means that patients
experience less scarring, less pain and shorter
recovery times, among other benefits.
“I had very little pain,” Jo says. “I was tired, but the
pain was amazingly minimal.”
In fact, the pain was so slight that Jo went grocery
shopping the following day—something she
hadn’t expected to be able to do so soon after the
procedure.
While robotic surgery allows patients to recover
faster and with less pain, different methods also can
help surgeons more precisely pinpoint the most
important lymph nodes to check for cancer, allowing
them to remove fewer than with open surgery.
4 Gundersen Magazine
KNOW THE SIGNS
“The most important reason for the Jo’s surgery last spring revealed cancer
Gynecologic cancers have
surgery is to remove the cancer, in several of her pelvic lymph nodes,
varying symptoms. Some of
but it also is necessary to look at which were removed. This finding led
the most common include:
surrounding lymph nodes and make her to start chemotherapy several
sure the cancer hasn’t spread,” says weeks later. Jo’s cancer is now gone,  Cervical: Abnormal
Dr. Lori Weinberg, a gynecologic but to help prevent a reoccurrence, vaginal bleeding or
oncologist and gynecologist. she began radiation treatment earlier discharge.
this fall.
 Ovarian: Abnormal
Dr. Weinberg specializes in diagnosing
vaginal bleeding or
and treating all types and stages Having her daughter, April Anderson,
discharge; feeling full
of gynecologic cancers, including by her side throughout treatment and
quickly or having difficulty
cervical, endometrial/uterine, ovarian, working with her team of specialists
eating; pain or pressure
vaginal and vulvar cancers, as well as has made her journey easier, Jo says.
in the pelvis; a more
premalignant conditions that lead to “Everyone has just been wonderful.
frequent need to urinate
gynecologic cancer. If I ever have any questions, I can ask.
and/or constipation;
feeling bloated; pain in
The pain was so slight that Jo went the abdomen or back.
grocery shopping the following day—  Uterine: Abnormal vaginal
bleeding or discharge;
something she hadn’t expected to be pain or pressure in the
pelvis.
able to do so soon after the procedure.
 Vaginal: Abnormal vaginal
bleeding or discharge;
She works closely with Dr. Benden If the person I ask doesn’t have the a more frequent need
and her other partners in Gynecology, answer, they will find somebody who to urinate and/or
as well as Gundersen radiation does,” she says. constipation.
oncologist Patrick Conway, MD, and
 Vulvar: Itching, burning or
a multidisciplinary team of cancer Jo is hopeful for what the future
tender vulva; changes in
specialists, to develop treatment holds—and looking forward to
vulva color or skin such as
plans for patients, perform in-office experimenting in her garden again
a rash, sore.
procedures and minimally invasive next year.
Contact your provider
surgeries, evaluate progress and offer
today if you have a
medical guidance. “That’s my thing to do,” she says. “I
suspicion of gynecologic
change it up every year. This year I
cancer.
“I get involved in the care of women did tomatoes and green peppers and
with reproductive cancers from day onions and flowers all around the
one. I stay involved through the house. I plant different things every
whole process involving surgery, year to see what works.”
chemotherapy and/or radiation and
palliative treatments. I also help
coordinate the care of patients who
are being treated with chemotherapy
closer to home,” says Dr. Weinberg.
Fall 2017 5
focused
ON EYEWEAR
With the Internet there are now more options for For best results, your lenses should be fitted by an
buying prescription eyewear. While it might be optician, especially multi-focal lenses or specialty
tempting to purchase online, you’d be missing eyewear. This should be done while wearing your
something important: the expertise of a professional selected frames. Once your glasses are ready they
optician. should be checked again to see that your prescription
is correct and the frames fit comfortably. You won’t
Gundersen’s board-certified opticians have extensive
get that from online vendors.
training to fit today’s high-tech eyeglass lenses and
frames. They have the skill and experience to help you Gundersen opticians also fit glasses for children,
select the eyewear style and technology to fit your dispense low vision aids and repair broken
prescription, comfort, aesthetics, lifestyle and budget. glasses. Find your nearest Gundersen Eye Clinic at
gundersenhealth.org/eye-care.
4
REASONS TO WEAR
SUNGLASSES IN WINTER
1PROTECT FROM HARMFUL UV RAYS, which contribute to
cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose sunglasses that
block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
2 REDUCE GLARE for safer, more comfortable vision when driving, skiing or snowmobiling. In
winter, the sun is lower in the sky—often shining directly into eyes. In addition, snow and ice
reflect up to 85 percent of the sun’s UV rays, compounding the problem.
3 BLOCK THE WIND to reduce moisture 4 REDUCE EYE FATIGUE AND HEADACHES caused by
loss and prevent blowing debris, snow squinting and pupil constriction—your eyes’ natural
and ice from irritating eyes. response to bright light.
To learn more about sunglasses visit a Gundersen Eye
Clinic or gundersenhealth.org/eye-care.
6 Gundersen Magazine
Helping young
athletes stay
IN THE GAME
Kids who compete in sports are always at risk maximal level of function through exercise,
for strains, sprains and broken bones. When posture instruction, body mechanics training,
an injury occurs, parents can breathe easy and joint and soft tissue mobilization.
knowing there is a certified athletic trainer
“Receiving quality physical therapy close to
on site and physical therapy available at
home saves athletes from traveling an hour
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics in
to appointments so they can focus on other
Whitehall.
aspects of their life,” says Kelly Mohr, DPT,
“Athletic trainers are medical experts in OCS, physical therapist at Gundersen Tri-
preventing, recognizing, managing and County. KRISTIN MULL,
rehabilitating injuries that result from MS, LAT, PED
When an injury occurs, athletic trainers
physical activities,” explains Kristin Mull,
and physical therapists communicate with
MS, LAT, PES, a certified athletic trainer at
a student’s medical team to create and
Gundersen Sports Medicine. “We work
implement rehabilitation and reconditioning
closely with the coaching staffs to introduce
strategies. “We use our experience and
and encourage injury and illness prevention
education to make decisions when it is
techniques.”
safe for a student to return to participate,
Kristin provides athletic training services for which takes the pressure off coaches and
students at the Whitehall and Blair Taylor school districts,” comments Kristin. “We
schools; her colleague, Garrett Bennett, really love the coaches, student athletes and
REDUCE EYE FATIGUE AND HEADACHES caused by LAT, provides services at Arcadia and communities where we work and feel like we
squinting and pupil constriction—your eyes’ natural Independence schools. are part of their teams.”
response to bright light. KELLY MOHR,
Physical Therapists are medical experts who For more information on physical therapy
DPT, OSC
rehabilitate athletes after injury. They help close to home, contact Gundersen Tri-
patients decrease pain and return to their County Rehabilitation at [phone].
Fall 2017 7
FOOT PAIN?
Gundersen Tri-County has relief
Devin Simonson, DPM, draws parallels Plantar fasciitis is another foot problem Dr. Simonson
between his experiences in north sees often among patients, which has a variety of
central Minnesota and communities in treatment options, depending on the severity of the
Trempealeau County. patient’s condition.
“I’m from the Midwest. The Whitehall “This is a common overuse injury of a ligament on
area reminds me of Mille Lacs the bottom of the foot that helps support the arch.
County, Minnesota, where I have Patients with plantar fasciitis will often notice sharp
family,” Dr. Simonson says. “It has that pain in their heel when they first rise to their feet in
comfortable feel.” the morning or after they have been seated for a long
DEVIN
period of time at work, for example,” Dr. Simonson
SIMONSON, DPM
The Gundersen Health System Podiatry says.
specialist brings a comfortable approach to care for
patients at Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics Dr. Simonson also offers same-day surgery for
the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. conditions like hammer toes, where one or more
toes bend or curve abnormally, and bunions, painful
Dr. Simonson offers treatment for common foot bumps that can form at the base of the big toe.
ailments, including ingrown or infected toenails;
tendonitis; ankle sprains; and soft-tissue growths, like “We offer newer technologies, like an implantable
warts and cysts. device to straighten the toe, to get patients back
into regular shoes and back to normal activities in a
matter of weeks, depending on their recovery plan,”
Dr. Simonson says. “It’s also nice to save patients the
PLANTAR FASCIITIS PAIN? TRY THIS! drive from the Whitehall area to La Crosse and give
them care close to home.”
• Stretch your calves to ease the strain on the
bottom of your foot
And Dr. Simonson says his colleagues are a big part of
• Replace shoes regularly and wear sturdy shoes
the comfortable care that reminds him of home.
around the house (No sandals or bare feet!)
• Ice you heel (Pro tip: Try rolling your heel and arch “The staff at Gundersen Tri-County is just
over a frozen water bottle) phenomenal. They are there to take care of people,
and that feeling is contagious. It’s an atmosphere
• Over-the-counter pain medication can reduce
where I really appreciate practicing.”
inflammation.
• Arch supports are available at Gundersen Tri-
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Simonson,
County Whitehall, along with taping techniques
call Gundersen Tri-County Specialty Services at
and other treatments
[phone].
8 Gundersen Magazine
Get the happiness you deserve
with improved mental health
Are you feeling withdrawn, “Often people are very reluctant to reach out for help
angry or hopeless, but due to the stigma associated with mental illness,” Dr.
you don’t know why? Freier shares. “They may believe something is ‘wrong’
Does it seem like a chore with them, and that is not the case at all.”
to even get out of bed
or shower every day? If At your first visit with a Gundersen behavioral health
you’re experiencing these professional in Whitehall they will:
or similar symptoms, help 1. Perform a complete assessment
isn’t far away. 2. Suggest treatment options based on your
condition or situation
“Having the best mental 3. Discuss your treatment preferences
KRISTEN
health is as vital for us as
FREIER, MD
having the best physical While therapy appointments are done in-person,
health,” says Kristen Freier, MD, behavioral health psychiatry follow-up appointments can occur via
professional with Gundersen Health System. Dr. Freier telemedicine. Telemedicine at Gundersen Tri-County
and several colleagues offer services at Gundersen uses interactive video, audio and a secure, high-speed
Tri-County Hospital and Clinics in Whitehall. That connection to link you—in real time—with your
means you get the care you need, close to home. provider at Gundersen in La Crosse or Onalaska. It
saves you time, money and any stress associated with
A mental illness impacts a person’s thinking, feeling traveling to out-of-town appointments.
or mood, and may affect their ability to relate to
others and function daily. Research suggests genetics, “If you’re struggling, the most important thing
the environment and lifestyle can influence whether to do is reach out for help,” Dr. Freier urges. To
someone develops a mental health condition. request an appointment or contact Behavioral
Health in Whitehall, call [phone].
Fall 2017 9
MYTH #1: I can’t
change my metabolism
Fact: Genetics play a role in determining
your metabolic rates, but so do eating and
exercise habits. Spacing meals and snacks
every three to five hours throughout your
3
day supports a healthier metabolism. The
opposite is also true: skipping meals, especially
breakfast, can slow your metabolism.
A leaner, more muscular body burns more
calories to function than a body with a
higher percentage of fat. Achieve a
healthier balance of lean muscle and
fat with regular exercise, including
MYTHS ABOUT YOUR strength training.
METABOLISM
Metabolism is the process by which you convert the
calories you consume into energy so your body can
function. Some people believe something must be
wrong with their metabolism if they struggle with
their weight. But is this the case?
MYTH #3:
Eating past 7 p.m. will
MYTH #2: I can
ruin my metabolism
speed up my
metabolism with certain
Fact: Eating a snack after 7 p.m. won’t ruin your
foods or supplements metabolism. However, eating that snack when
you’re not hungry are added calories your body
Fact: Specific foods like hot peppers or doesn’t need. It’s eating out of boredom, stress or
broccoli are reported to boost metabolism, cravings that contribute to weight gain.
but the best way to fire up your metabolism
If you’re interested in taking an easy, painless
and keep it burning throughout the day
metabolism test or want more advice on
is to eat a structured and balanced diet.
revving up your metabolism, call Gundersen
Include plenty of “whole foods,” including
Nutrition Therapy at [phone] or visit
fruit, veggies and whole grains.
gundersenhealth.org/nutrition to schedule
There’s also no evidence that supplements an appointment with one of our
boost metabolism. These products aren’t registered dietitians.
regulated, so you never know what you’re
ingesting. Save your money.
10 Gundersen Magazine