spring 2012 - Livingston HealthCare

Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
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504 South 13th Street • Livingston, MT 59047
the heart of community care
SPRING 2012
A
P U B L I C A T I O N
O F
L I V I N G S T O N
H E A L T H C A R E
Letter from Sam Pleshar, CEO
After a long winter in Montana, we are always anxious for spring. It’s time to really get outdoors and do the things
we love—gardening and yard work or fishing, hiking and the myriad other outdoor activities available in our great
Park County playground. The downside for some, however, are the allergies of the season. In this issue, we’ve
included tips on how to manage your allergies so you can still enjoy the season—and some alternative
therapies for allergies as well. We’ve also included some reminders about gardening and yard work so
you can safely enjoy those pursuits in the coming weeks.
Spring is also a season of change. After 31 years at Livingston HealthCare—including ten years
as CEO—I am retiring at the end of April. Livingston HealthCare is where I have spent the
majority of my career, and I am proud of the organization and the people who work here. In my
previous experiences in Chicago, Michigan, or Montana, I have never worked with staff with
the level of patient dedication and concern that I have seen here. The driving force is always
to “do what’s best for the patient.”
In my years as CEO, I have greatly appreciated the work of the Board of Directors
and medical staff and the countless hours they have given to Livingston HealthCare. They
are very generous with their time and counsel and have endured the long, winding road
to a new facility with a quiet dignity.
Livingston HealthCare will continue to serve the community in good faith and with
the highest standards. I feel confident in handing the reins over to a new leader as this is
an organization of quality and integrity, with great promise. I wish you all well.
Best regards,
the heart of community care
Cover Photo by Larry Stanley
Sam Pleshar, Chief Executive Officer
Connie Dunn, Human Resources Director
Melanie Emter, Finance Director
Sandi Marlowe, Community Development Director
Nancy Massman, Clinic Services Director
Marsha Vanderhoff, Hospital Services Director
ng
www.livi
Leadership
Tina Barker, FNP
Shawn Burwell, MD
Lindsay Carlson, MD
Paula Coleman, CPNP
Scott Coleman, MD
Laurel Desnick, MD
Michelle Donaldson, MD
Deb Elliott-Pearson, MD
Kary Engle, PA-C
Benjamin Flook, MD
Denise Helin, MD
Christopher Lee, MD
Dennis Noteboom, MD
Holly Poag, DO
Peggy Scanson, WHNP
Ted Scofield, MD
Allan Supak, MD
Douglas Wadle, MD
stonhealt
are.com
hc
2
Michelle Becker, President
Annamarie DeYoung, Vice President
Billie Kaye Harms, Secretary
Joseph Swindlehurst, Treasurer
Stanley Cornell
Glynna Freeman
Michelle Donaldson, MD
Marcene Huson
Dana Taylor
Douglas Wadle, MD
Providers
Board of Directors
Leading the Way
MORE ON THE WEB
the heart of community care
IN
THIS
ISSUE
Customizable Casts . . . . . . . . . 3
Allergies . .t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Portion Distortion . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chicken Chili Recipe . . . . . . . . 6
Safely Enjoy Yard Work . . . . . . 7
Newborns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Amanda Harms:
A Patient Story . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Empowered Patient . . . . . . . . 10
Customizable
Casts Are Here
or those with certain types of sprains, fractures,
Dr. Michelle Donaldson, orthopedic surgeon at
and broken bones, new adjustable, customiz-
Livingston HealthCare. “They are easier to put on and
able, waterproof braces may be the right fit. SPICA
take off, and they provide more comfort for the
braces from Exos are now available at Livingston
patient.”
F
HealthCare.
SPICA braces are unique because they are
moldable with dry heat. Once warmed, they are placed
on the patient and formed to the body part. If the body
part is swollen, the brace can be reformed after the
swelling has gone down. The braces are waterproof
and antimicrobial, reducing the possibility of bacterial
growth and making showering much easier. Once the
injury is healed, the brace is simply removed without
the need for a cast saw.
“These customizable braces are a great
They are also a little better looking. The braces
come in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns.
Suzie Taylor:
An Employee Profile . . . . . . . 11
Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Colorectal Cancer Screening . 13
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 14
Good Sleep Habits for Kids . . 15
Living Well is published quarterly by Livingston
HealthCare, which is a not for profit healthcare
organization providing services to the residents of Park
County and surrounding communities. Included in
those services are a 25-bed critical access hospital, 24hour emergency department, a multi-specialty physician practice, and home-based services including
home oxygen, home care, and hospice care. For more
information about Livingston HealthCare, visit
www.livingstonhealthcare.org.
This publication is not a substitute for medical advice,
diagnosis, and/or treatment. Consult a physician before
you stop, start, or change any treatment plan.
Your comments are welcome. Contact:
Livingston HealthCare Marketing Department
504 South 13th Street
Livingston, MT 59047
406-823-6710
[email protected]
Copyright © 2012 Livingston HealthCare.
All rights reserved.
alternative to traditional casts for certain injuries,” says
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track your payments 24/7.
secure account, you can pay your bills and
3
But It Doesn’t Have to Mean Misery
I
f you fight allergies at this time of year, you are not alone. The
American Lung Association estimates that nearly 30 million people
suffer from seasonal allergies. For those who struggle with allergies,
it can be hard to enjoy the spring and summer months.
The severity of allergies varies widely as do the symptoms, which include stuffy nose,
watery eyes, sinus pressure, sneezing, and itching in the nose, throat or eyes. However, there
are many things you can do to manage spring allergies, starting with a few simple lifestyle
changes:
Did you know…
■
Keep your doors and windows closed. While fresh air is nice, you can keep two
thirds of the allergens out of your house with closed windows and doors.
■
Filter the air. Use a high efficiency furnace filter (MERV level 11 or 12) and
change it every spring. You can change it again in June or July if you need to. Use
a HEPA filter on your vacuum and get a HEPA air filter for your home or an air
conditioning unit with a good filter. In the car, use the recirculating air option
when using air conditioning or heat.
■
Watch the pollen levels. Check the pollen count and use that information to plan
activities. On a very high pollen day, you might want to limit time outdoors. Check
out www.pollen.com and sign up for email alerts or download the pollen count app.
■
Allergy-proof your home. Consider allergy-proof covers for your beds or an
allergen control mattress. Keep your bedroom free of carpet, heavy rugs, bulky
bedding, and pets, and launder bedding weekly in hot water.
■
Don’t hang bedding or clothes outside to dry. Fabrics pick up allergens while
on the line.
■
Shower or bathe before bed to wash allergens away at the end of the day.
■
Pass on the yard work. Get someone else to do yard work or wear a mask to reduce
the amount of allergens you are exposed to when gardening or lawn mowing.
According to a study in the Journal
of the American Medical Association,
growing up with cats and dogs may
reduce the risk of developing allergies. Researchers found that children
who live in a house with two or more
pets during the first year of their lives
had fewer reactions to both indoor
and outdoor allergens.
4
the heart of community care
If you find that you need to see your healthcare provider for additional help with
your allergies, prepare for your appointment. Your provider will want to know at what time
of year your allergies are worst, what your symptoms are, whether or not you have tried any
over-the-counter treatments, and if you have noticed any specific triggers.
Your healthcare provider may want to do some tests to more specifically determine
what you are allergic to. Then, you can talk in more detail about possible treatments. Your
provider may recommend over-the-counter allergy medication or a prescription. There are
also allergy shots. Be sure to discuss any possible side effects and what to do about them.
If you aren’t comfortable taking medications, you may be able to manage your
allergies with a combination of natural and alternative therapies. On the next page, Dr.
Denise Helin discusses these options, how to use them, and when you might need to take
the next step to medications.
When Treating Allergies,
Y
ou have a lot of options when treating allergies. Sorting through them and finding what works for you may
take some time, but the relief you get will be worth it.
For those who are interested in trying natural and alternative options first, there are several. Dr. Randy
Horwitz, medical director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine recommends 600 milligrams of
quercetin two times a day. This antioxidant stops the release of histamine, which sets off allergic reactions in the
body. It can take several weeks to work so start taking it as soon as allergy season begins.
Other botanical allergy treatments you can try are butterbur (50 mg four times a day) and nettle leaf
(300 mg daily). In addition, taking 2,000 milligrams a day of both vitamin C and fish oil (omega 3) may be
helpful. In fact, research has shown that a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants can reduce allergy
symptoms. Consider increasing brightly colored fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil in your diet.
Flushing your nasal passages may also help manage some symptoms by removing pollen and mucus.
A saline spray or neti pot can help you do this twice a day. Both of these can be purchased over the counter.
If you choose to also use a nasal spray, irrigate your nose first.
There is evidence that both hypnosis and acupuncture can be effective at managing allergy symptoms.
One study found that patients who learned and used self-hypnosis to manage allergies found significant relief
over the course of a year. To some degree, the effectiveness of these methods may rest on how comfortable you
are with using them.
Many allergy sufferers use over-the-counter and prescription medications. You can do this alone or in
conjunction with other treatments. Just be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any botanicals or
supplements you are taking, along with any prescription medications.
The most common treatments are antihistamines and decongestants. They can relieve allergic
symptoms and come in many forms, including pills, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Decongestant sprays can
cause rebound nasal swelling so they aren’t effective for long-term use, and decongestant pills can raise blood
pressure so they aren’t good for those with hypertension. You might have to try a variety to find what works for
you. An effective prescription option is the leukotriene inhibitor, which blocks a substance that can trigger
allergy symptoms. It is effective at controlling both allergies and asthma.
For some patients, the final and best option is allergy shots. Also called immunotherapy, these shots are
done in the doctor’s office and work by increasing your tolerance to certain allergens. There is a big commitment
up front, but over time you may not need the shots anymore.
Whatever options work best for you, one of the keys to effectiveness is starting early. It’s best to begin
treating your allergies before they start. Allergies create an inflammatory response in your body that can get
increasingly worse over time. Being proactive and maintaining your treatment regimen can improve your results.
For more information about any of these options and how to best treat your specific symptoms, talk to
your healthcare provider.
of tobacco? While tobacco use increases your
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5
Get a Grip on
Portion Distortion
By Jessica Williams, MS, RD, LN
A
White Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless
and skinless, diced into 1-inch
cubes
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 t salt
1 t ground cumin
1/2 t chili powder
1/8 t cloves, ground
1/8 t cayenne pepper
4 cans (15.5 oz) cannellini
beans, drained and rinsed
28 oz low sodium chicken stock
2 c frozen corn
2 (4 oz cans) green chilies
1 lime
3/4 c low fat, shredded
Monterey Jack cheese
Directions:
Heat oil in a heavy saucepan
over medium heat. Add chicken
and onion. Cook until chicken
is no longer pink, about 5-7
minutes. Add garlic and spices,
cook for 1-2 minutes. Add
beans and stock. Stir and
simmer for 25 minutes. Add
corn and green chilies. Simmer
for 5 minutes. Remove from
heat and squeeze lime into
chili. Serve with 1 tablespoon
of cheese per cup of soup. For
thicker chili, puree 1/4 of the
soup before you add the corn.
Number of Servings: 12
healthy diet can be a key part of a healthy lifestyle. It can lower your risk
of many chronic illnesses and improve your quality of life. To put a healthy
eating plan into action, you need to know what a serving size is and what it
looks like for you.
The recommended serving size is actually an amount that is based on factors like your
age, gender, height, and weight. This may not be the same as the serving size that is listed on a
product’s nutrition facts, which may be larger or smaller than the recommended serving size.
You can get recommended serving sizes for your needs from a nutritionist or through
choosemyplate.gov, a site from the USDA that bases serving sizes on your age, height and weight.
You can also use the following guidelines, which are recommended for the average adult.
.
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Chopped veggies
ked
= 1 cup raw or ½ c coo
Chopped fruit
= 1 medium apple,
banana, orange
Nuts/seeds
= 1/3 cup
Cereal/rice/pasta
= ½ cup cooked
Meat
= 3 oz cooked
In addition, these five easy tips can help you get started:
Cut back on your trigger foods: We all have foods we love and tend to overeat.
Try making gradual changes. Reduce the amount you eat slowly. If it’s pasta you crave,
eat a few bites less each time until you reach your recommended serving size.
Just eat what you see: You’ll eat what is on your plate so put less on the plate to
begin with. For example, don’t grab the whole bag of chips. Instead, serve yourself the
right amount in a bowl and put the bag away.
Use a smaller plate: Serve your food in smaller dishes to help you control portions.
Try a salad plate instead of a dinner plate until you are used to the smaller portion sizes.
Create a cue to stop eating: Develop a ritual for after meals that ends the meal and
helps you stop eating. Chew a piece of gum, have a cup of tea, wash the dishes, etc.
Figure out what works for you and stick to it after each meal until it becomes a habit.
Change the way you think: It’s time to think about your body and what you put in
it. Rethink your diet by seeing foods like fruits and vegetables as your main courses and
meats and pastas as your sides. It may help you control your portions.
If you do nothing else to change your diet, controlling portion sizes can still make a big
impact. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who reduced
portions by 25% cut 250 calories a day and still felt full. This change was enough to help them lose
a half pound a week.
Still need help? Talk to your healthcare provider or make an appointment with a
nutritionist who can develop a healthy eating plan designed for you.
6
the heart of community care
T
Safely Enjoy
Yard Work
he gardening season is on the horizon. Soon, many
people will begin mowing lawns, trimming trees and
hedges, planting gardens, etc. We tend to think of tools
like the lawnmower as simple everyday equipment. In fact,
we may not really think about these tools much at all.
However, 70,000 people a year sustain lawnmower injuries
and nearly 15% of those are children.
Despite the fact that approximately 100 people die
each year as a result of lawnmower injuries, according to a
Consumer Reports poll most people are not taking the
proper precautions with lawn equipment. Following a few
simple guidelines can help keep you out of the emergency
department so you can enjoy the fruits of your yard work
labor.
While it is nice to enjoy a beautiful yard and
garden, it isn’t worth a visit to the hospital. Keep yourself
and your children safe so you can enjoy the warm weather
season to the fullest.
Simple Guidelines
1. Know how to operate the equipment. Take the time
to read the operator’s manual and follow all safety
instructions.
2. Handle gas carefully. Fill up before you start and when
the engine is cold.
3. Dress properly for yard work. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry that can get caught in power tools.
Always wear slip resistant shoes and long pants.
4. Clear the area of sticks and other debris before you
mow. The most common injuries are from flying debris.
5. Wear eye and hearing protection.
6. Clear the area of people and pets. Children should stay
inside and always have proper supervision.
7. Do not allow a child under 12 to operate a push mower
or a child under 16 to drive a riding lawn mower.
8. Always start up the mower (or other power yard tools)
outdoors, not in a shed or garage.
9. Do not use alcohol, other controlled substances, or
medicines that impair judgment when using outdoor
power equipment.
10. Take your time and focus. Do not get distracted.
These tips will help you avoid injury. However, some
accidents are related to other issues so keep these tips
in mind as well:
1. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
2. Stay hydrated, especially when temperatures increase.
3. If you get tired, take a break.
4. If you have a heart condition, consider having someone
else do these chores for you. Many lawn mowing
fatalities are from cardiac arrest.
Sulphur
has outreach clinics in Gardiner, White
Did you know that Livingston HealthCare
Gyn, and
may be able to access orthopedic, OB/
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more at www.livingstonhealthcare.org.
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7
20 12
These babies were
delivered with care by
their parents, with
support from the
Livingston HealthCare
obstetrics team.
Providers:
Dr. Shawn Burwell
Dr. Lindsay Carlson
Dr. Scott Coleman
Dr. Denise Helin
Peggy Scanson, WHNP
OB Staff:
Elizabeth Beese, RN
Mary Boyd, RN
Ashley Browning, RN
Melissa Brunelle, RN
Maria Dow, RN
Katie Haeussler, RN
Theresa Hollowell, RN
Ruth Kincaid, RN
Mary Morris, RN
Sarah Scaff, RN
8
It’s a Girl
It’s a Girl
It’s a Girl
It’s a Boy
Morgan Jean Nelson, Born January 12, 2012
Wt: 7 lbs. 12 oz., Length: 21 inches
Parents: Jacquie & Tucker Nelson
Livingston
Jesse Oasis Myst Cole, Born January 15, 2012
Wt: 8 lbs. 11 oz., Length: 20 ½ inches
Parents: Bessie Davis & Shaunesy Cole
Livingston
Gracie Lynne LaForge, Born January 30, 2012
Wt: 6 lbs. 9 oz., Length: 19 ¼ inches
Parents: Amanda & Mitch LaForge
Big Timber
Kellen Jonathan Scanson, Born Feb 10, 2012
Wt: 8 lbs. 11 oz., Length: 20 ½ inches
Parents: Shannon & Justin Scanson
Belgrade
It’s a Girl
It’s a Boy
ItI’s a Girl
It’s a Girl
Ainsley Jergenson, Born February 17, 2012
Wt: 7 lbs. 2 oz., Length: 19 inches
Parents: Rachel & Luke Jergenson
Livingston
Leo Andrew Aaron Hattok, Born Feb 17, 2012
Wt: 7 lbs. 15 oz., Length: 19 inches
Parents: Katrina Amaro & Jeffrey Hattok
Livingston
Elizabeth Piper Stinson, Born February 17, 2012
Wt: 6 lbs. 9 oz., Length: 19 inches
Parents: Kimberly Stinson & Steven Barry
Gallatin Gateway
Sierra Willow Harrington, Born Feb 20, 2012
Wt: 4 lbs. 11 oz., Length: 17 inches
Parents: Sabrina Diaz & Shane Harrington
Yellowstone National Park, WY
It’s a Boy
It’s a Girl
It’s a Boy
ItI’s a Boy
Jamal Gavin Thomas, Born March 9, 2012
Wt: 6 lbs. 2 oz., Length: 19 ¼ inches
Parents: Charlene Opheim & Severn Thomas
Livingston
Pearl Rose Shipley, Born March 9, 2012
Wt: 6 lbs. 3 oz., Length: 19 inches
Parents: Renee & Rick Shipley
Wilsall
Maximus Kai Stembler, Born March 10, 2012
Wt: 7 lbs. 1 oz., Length: 19 inches
Parents: Julie Richard & Sage Stembler
Livingston
Joseph Patrick Hogg, Born March 12, 2012
Wt: 8 lbs. 15 oz., Length: 21 inches
Parents: Jessie & Tom Hogg
Livingston
It’s a Boy
It’s a Girl
It’s a Boy
Camus Lyle Menefee, Born March 17, 2012
Wt: 7 lbs. 2 oz., Length: 19 ¼ inches
Parents: Cassie Howard & Tommy Menefee
Livingston
Adalae Alizabeth Ziegler, Born March 18, 2012
Wt: 5 lbs. 11 oz., Length: 17 inches
Parents: Holli Bull & Aza Ziegler
Livingston
the heart of community care
Carl Jonathan Uhler, Born March 22, 2012
Wt: 6 lbs. 2 oz., Length: 19 inches
Parents: Christina & Joseph Uhler
Livingston
A M A N D A
H A R M S :
A
P A T I E N T
S T O R Y
A
manda Harms’ family has been in Livingston for a long time. She was born at
Livingston HealthCare, and so was her father. Then on September 13, 2011, continuing the tradition, she gave birth to her daughter Sylvia at Livingston HealthCare.
At first she wasn’t sure that she would give birth at the hospital, but her first
visit with Peggy Scanson, WHNP, cinched it. “We considered home birth, but after
thinking about it we decided we would prefer to have the support you get at the
hospital,” she recalls.
She and her partner Marvin Garrett also considered giving birth at Bozeman
Deaconess since they both work in Bozeman, but again they decided that wasn’t the
right fit for them. “We liked the Livingston hospital,” he says. “We knew people there
and it has a warm, community feel to it.”
Once they made their decision, they began seeing providers at the clinic.
“I rotated through the doctors at the clinic and got to know them,” explains Amanda.
“I found I really liked Dr. Coleman, and chose him to be Sylvia’s doctor.”
Amanda and Marvin took advantage of the other services that were available
at Livingston HealthCare to help them through their pregnancy. Together, they
attended the Preparing for Childbirth class, which they found helpful. “I had worries
that a hospital birth would feel clinical,” says Amanda. “By the end of the class they
were all squelched. I knew that it would be as natural as possible and they would
support me in my decision about how I wanted the birth to go.”
It turned out that Amanda and Marvin needed the added support of a hospital
birth. On Monday morning, Amanda’s water broke. They called the hospital and were
Giving Birth to the Third Generation
at Livingston HealthCare
told to come in. Her labor wasn’t advancing so they walked around and kept
checking in. Still nothing. By Monday night, they decided to try a pitocin drip to help
move labor along, but it continued to be slow. Finally, on Tuesday afternoon she
started pushing. After a couple of hours, it became clear that they would need to do
a c-section. The baby was not going to come out on her own.
“Dr. Coleman had tried everything to support a natural birth, but finally he
said we needed to do a c-section, and after two days I was ready,” says Amanda. “We
had time to do the epidural so I could stay awake, and Sylvia was born at 6:23 on
Tuesday evening.” The family stayed in the hospital for the full four-day recovery
period. “We didn’t want to leave,” they both agreed. “Everyone was so nice, and the
nurses took such good care of us.”
After Sylvia was born, Amanda attended a newborn care class and she has
been going to the monthly breastfeeding support group. “Nothing has really been
wrong, but the support is helpful, and it reinforces that my instincts are good and we
are doing things right,” she says. “We’ve also been seeing Dr. Coleman for our
well baby checks and have been so happy with that choice.”
Marvin and Amanda aren’t sure if they will have another baby, but
they agree that if they decided to have another one, they would have it at
Livingston HealthCare. “I give everyone kudos for the great care we
received,” says Marvin. “The nurses kept apologizing for the old hospital and
small rooms, but we don’t need a condo. The hospital is fine. What we cared
about was the care we got, and it was great.”
“If someone is trying to make a decision about where to have their
baby, I would encourage them to take the Preparing for Childbirth class,”
adds Amanda. “When you take the class and meet the nurses, you get such a
good feeling from them, and I think that will help anyone make the decision
to go to Livingston HealthCare.”
9
PA RT T W O O F F O U R
Be an Empowered Patient:
Finding the Right
Medical Provider for You
If you are looking for a physician, the task can be daunting. You may literally be putting
your life in that person’s hands and you want to be sure that you find someone you are
comfortable with and trust. Ultimately, you want to select someone who is suited to your
needs.
An empowered patient doesn’t just go with the first person who is recommended by a
friend or a neighbor. Instead, an empowered patient takes the time to do some research
and test driving. Recommendations are a good place to start, but once you have some
names, follow these simple steps to find the right provider for you.
■
First, do you need a general practitioner or a specialist? You can narrow
your search by determining what type of provider you need.
■
Look at the provider’s website for biographical information, including
education, previous experience, philosophy of care, etc.
■
Is this provider Board Certified? Board certification ensures that your
provider has completed specialty-specific residency training in that field.
■
Is the provider a good fit for your approach to healthcare?
■
Is he/she a preferred provider on your insurance plan? If not, what will
your out-of-pocket cost be?
■
Is the provider in good standing with the Montana Board of
Medical Examiners (the group that licenses physicians)? Visit
http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/ and select healthcare licensing.
■
What is the wait time for an appointment? A return call from the
provider or a nurse?
■
Who covers for the provider when he/she is away from the office?
Are you comfortable with those providers?
■
Does the provider’s office process insurance claims and provide
support for insurance and billing questions?
Once you have narrowed down your options, you can schedule “interviews” with those
physicians. You may have to pay a co-pay or other charge for this, but it can be worth it.
The “interview” gives you the opportunity to ask questions and see if that provider is a
good fit before you commit.
10
the heart of community care
S U S I E
S
T A Y L O R
:
A N
E M P L O Y E E
P R O F I L E
usie Taylor has come full circle. She was born at Livingston HealthCare and now she
works there in the Food and Nutrition Services department. “I am so happy working
at Livingston HealthCare and cooking for the patients,” she says. “I feel like I am doing a
service for the community, and I can make people feel good when they are here and they are
sick or afraid.”
Susie knew early she wanted to cook. She watched her mom cooking and she took
her first cooking classes in high school. She applied to the University of Montana College of
Technology in Missoula for the two-year Culinary Arts program. She was on a waiting list for
a year and half, but she was determined. She completed the program and worked in Missoula
for a while until deciding she wanted to come home.
“I worked at Chico Hot Springs and Mountain Sky Guest Ranch briefly before
getting my job at Livingston HealthCare in 2007,” Susie recalls. “I grew up in Big Timber,
and I know a lot of the people who come here, and I think they like to see someone they
know. It makes them feel good. And I get to do something I really love.”
One Lucky Employee
Found Her Life Passions Early
Susie also really loves horses. In fact, she loves working with horses as much as she
loves to cook, and she considered both as possible careers. “I didn’t think I could make a living
working with horses,” she explains. “So I decided to make my living as a cook and work with
taking me on pack trips and teaching me about that.” Again, sometimes
she gets paid, and sometimes she does it for the experience.
“My dad raised me to be an outdoor person and to have skills
that I could use to make a living and be self reliant,” says Susie. “I
horses on the side.” And work with horses she has.
With the support of her mentor Bob O’Connell, she learned about exercising and
have taken what he taught me and combined it with my two greatest
training horses. This relationship began when a friend recommended Susie for a job at a
passions—cooking and horses. And this has enabled me to always have
ranch when she was just out of high school. “I worked there and trained with Bob until I left
a good job.” Susie knows that she will be able to find work either
for school and then worked there when I was home from school,” she says. “I still spend
cooking or working with horses and whichever she isn’t doing for work,
time with him now that he is retired, and I still work at the ranch on my days off—sometimes
she’ll still be doing for fun. “Horses and food are my passions, and I
I get paid and sometimes I do it just for fun.”
am always learning new things about both.”
Susie’s passion for horses extends beyond training and riding. She watched a friend
work on building saddles when she was in high school and was fascinated by that too. Now
she is learning from him as well. “We can fix anything for an outfitter, from saddles to
bridles to tents,” she says. “I am learning about leatherwork and carpentry, and he has been
vided exceptional care to you or a loved
pro
who
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egiv
car
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say
Now you can
in honor
s you the opportunity to make a donation
one. The Grateful Patient Program give
Livingston
you in your care. Your donation helps
of someone who made a difference to
n, visit
in Park County. For more informatio
are
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www.livingstonhealthcare.org.
11
Donors: January – March, 2012
Thank you to the generous donors who made contributions to the
Livingston HealthCare Foundation from January 1, 2012 to March 31,
2012. Your support is essential to the long-term stability and growth of
quality, local healthcare in Park County and the surrounding area.
Norma Lovely
Jean Bowlds
Carole Yost
LuVerne Briggs
Merrie Murdoch
Stanley & Roberta Adams
Roger Jolley
Robert & Gail Jockers
Mary Madden
Stanley & Roberta Adams
Jo Sykes
Mardella Whitmore
GRATEFUL PATIENT
DONATIONS
Mary Boyd
Shane & Sabrina
Harrington
Suzanne Page
Stanley & Roberta Adams
Roy Kinne
Beatrice Gorr
Shane & Tawnya Hawkins
Leilani Kinne
Terry & Judy Kinne
Donna Mayer
Salk Middle School staff
Artemas & Jeanne Taylor
Jerry Logan
Jean Bowlds
Rose Flynn
Bob & Glenda Fleming
Stan Regele
Bob & Glenda Fleming
Gary Schneider
Robert & Jean Anderson
Hugh & Sarah Knapp
David & Rose Rigler
Karen Schneider
Bessie Versland
Donald & Patricia Chaney
Sarah Scaff
Shane & Sabrina
Harrington
Lindsay Carlson
Shane & Sabrina
Harrington
Katie Haeussler
Shane & Sabrina
Harrington
Ruth Kincaid
Shane & Sabrina
Harrington
ng
stonhealt
are.com
hc
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF
Howard Carter
David & Rose Rigler
Thelma Johnson
Paul & Kay Rigler
www.livi
GENERAL DONATIONS
American Bank
Special Functions
Frances L. Stafford
Foundation
Lee & Bonnie Harry
Bernita Kemp
Montana Mental Health
Settlement Trust
Park County Cattlewomen
Sam & Patti Pleshar
Rangerette Reunion
DONATE ONLINE
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this list. However, if we have made an error or omission, please accept
our sincerest apology. Contact the Livingston HealthCare Foundation at 406-823-6710 so that we may correct our records.
Lab Equipment Purchased with Grant Awards
Technology is a critical part of today’s healthcare—from patient registration to the operating room, from patient
financial services to the laboratory. Maintaining and updating the array of expensive technology used at Livingston
HealthCare is a crucial task each year, balancing needs with available budget funds.
In 2011, one of the most critical priorities was replacement of the hematology analyzer, a piece of equipment
that is used daily to perform a Complete Blood Count (CBC). The CBC is a common screening test performed on
the majority of patients admitted to the hospital. Red cells, white cells, and platelets, along with several other blood
components are counted by the hematology analyzer. These results are used by the physician to determine your
general health status. The CBC is also used in diagnosing infection, anemia, clotting problems, and other diseases.
Livingston HealthCare’s hematology analyzer was over eight years old and becoming less reliable. To continue
to provide quality care to Livingston HealthCare patients, a new $70,000 machine needed to be purchased as quickly
as possible. Thanks to the generosity of the Harold G. McAlister Charitable Foundation and the Frances Stafford
Foundation, the equipment was purchased and is now in use.
“Not only are we able to do the tests that we have always done, but the new equipment enables us to report
some additional results as well,” explained Kathy Blair, laboratory manager at Livingston HealthCare. “As employees
and on behalf of the patients we serve, we are so grateful for the financial support that allowed us to purchase this.”
12
the heart of community care
nearly 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over a third of them die
Efromveryit. year
The good news is that if everyone 50 years old or older were screened regularly, 60% of the
deaths from this cancer could be prevented.
Colorectal cancer is one of the slowest growing cancers and one of the easiest to detect early. But
among men and women, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. You can
reduce your risk and increase your chances of catching this silent killer early.
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. The majority of those who are diagnosed are over
50. If you are over 50, screening can save your life by detecting precancerous polyps so they can be
removed before they become cancer and by detecting cancer early so it is easier to treat.
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING CAN
Save Your Life
According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force, there are several tests that
are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone while others are used
in combination with each other. Talk with your doctor about which test or tests are best
for you. These tests are:
■
■
■
Colonoscopy (every 10 years)
High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT), also known as a stool test (every year)
Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years) with high-sensitivity FOBT (every 3 years)
Screening should begin soon after turning 50 and continue until age 75. If you have
additional risk factors for colorectal cancer, your physician might recommend more
frequent screening, screening at a younger age, or continued screenings past age 75.
Those at higher risk for colorectal cancer include anyone who has:
■
■
■
Inflammatory bowel disease
A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis
colorectal cancer (also known as Lynch syndrome)
Colorectal cancer often shows no signs or symptoms until it is at an advanced stage,
which is why screening is so important. Symptoms for colorectal cancer may include:
■
■
■
Blood in or on the stool (bowel movement)
Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that do not go away
Losing weight with no explanation why
If you're having any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your healthcare
provider.
Questions to Ask Your
Healthcare Provider
1. Do I need to get a screening test for
colorectal cancer?
2. What screening test(s) do you
recommend for me?
3. How do I prepare? Do I need to
change my diet or my usual
medication schedule?
4. What's involved in the test? Will it
be uncomfortable or painful?
5. Is there any risk involved?
6. When and from whom will I get
results?
7. Who will do the exam?
8. Will I need someone with me?
made
red at Livingston HealthCare. So, we’ve
offe
not
e
car
zed
ciali
spe
d
nee
you
es
Sometim
rs to come to Livingston to you. Some
vide
pro
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nce
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with
s
arrangement
s via
ular schedule and others provide service
specialists travel to Livingston on a reg
tonhealthcare.org.
telemedicine. Find out more at www.livings
13
Calendar of Events
April — July 2011
APRIL 21
Ongoing
Programs
Preparing for Spring Health
Screens
Childbirth
Shields Valley
Class
Joint
Replacement
Class
Second Tuesday
of the Month
1:00 - 2:30 pm
MAY 9
Breastfeeding
Support
Group
First Wednesday
of the Month
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Ready, Set,
Grow!
Second Friday
of the Month,
8:30 am – 10:30 am
the heart of community care
APRIL 24
MAY 10-11
MAY 11-12
Caring for Blood Drive Spring Health
Newborn
Screens
Livingston
Class
JUNE 16
JULY 12-13
Outreach
Clinics
OB/Gyn
Bozeman
Fridays,
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Orthopedic
Big Timber
White Sulphur
Springs
Preparing for Blood Drive
Childbirth
Class
Rehab
Services
Gardiner
Wilsall
t
S P R I N G H E A LT H S C R E E N S
Livingston HealthCare is offering its annual Spring Health Screens to local residents in
Shields Valley on April 24 from 6:00 - 9:00 am and in Livingston on May 11 and 12
at the Civic Center from 7:00 - 9:00 am. The blood profile test checks for diabetes,
measures thyroid, kidney, and liver function, tests cholesterol, and much more. This is
a fasting blood test so participants should consume nothing but water from 8:00 pm
the night before.
The cost of tests are $40 for blood profile testing, $18 for prostate specific antigen,
and $4 for colocare kits. If you are unable to attend these local events, the same test
is available at the hospital for the same cost on a walk-in basis.
14
the heart of community care
“Our role is to promote good health.
This is a simple way to get an annual
check up on some key health indicators.”
Sam Pleshar, Livingston HealthCare CEO
For more information, call 823-6710
or visit www.livingstonhealthcare.org.
Creating
GoodSleep Habits
for your kids
W
hether you are a new parent or you’ve been at it for a while, you probably know the
importance of developing good sleep habits. The quality and quantity of sleep a child gets
affects the well-being of the whole family.
The total amount of sleep a child needs can vary from one child to the next, but
most experts agree on the average amount of sleep time children need. Use the guide to
the right to help manage your child’s sleep routine.
Normal sleep is broken down into two stages, REM (rapid eye movement) sleep
and non-REM sleep. REM sleep is much lighter and is when night awakenings occur.
Infant sleep includes a greater percentage of REM, making them more likely to awaken
frequently. The strategies below can reduce waking and help children put themselves back
to sleep.
You Can Help Your Child
Become a “Good” Sleeper
Newborns will sleep when they sleep, but
starting at around 2-3 months an infant can be
assisted in establishing a good sleep routine.
Try these tips for children of all ages:
■ Put
your child to sleep where they will be
sleeping during the night.
■ Make
■ Play
sure your child is sleepy, but not asleep.
How Much
Sleep Does
Your Child
Need?
Every child is different, and sleep times do
vary, but these estimates may be helpful in
ensuring that your child is getting enough
sleep.
Age
Total
Sleep
(hours)
Nighttime
Sleep
(hours)
Naps
(hours)
Birth-2
months
16-18
8-9
(3-5 naps)
2-4
months
14-16
9-10
(3 naps)
4-6
months
14-15
10
(2-3 naps)
6-9
months
14
10-11
(2 naps)
9-12
months
14
10-12
(2 naps)
12-18
months
13-14
11-12
(1-2 naps)
18-24
months
13-14
11
(1 nap)
2-3
years
12-14
10-11
(1 nap)
3-5
years
11-13
10-11
(naps stop
age 5)
5-12
years
10-11
10-11
0
white noise such as a fan or music.
■ Using
a pacifier can help children sleep. If
your child isn’t already using one, you might
consider this option. However, do not put
your baby to sleep with a bottle.
older infants and toddlers, include a
favorite blanket or stuffed toy.
7-9
4-5
■ For
■ Start
setting a regular bedtime hour at an
early age.
■ Start
a bedtime routine that fits the child’s
age. For infants it may be a bath or a
massage. For toddlers it may be a book.
a wind-down time for toddlers and
older children in the routine.
4-5
3-4
2-3
■ Include
As your child gets older, the routine will be more and more important. Lack of
sleep can cause problems at daycare or school. Sleep-deprived children can be
hyperactive, inattentive, and bad tempered. To help your children enjoy school
and be successful, stick to the established bedtime and pre-sleep routine. Remind children
30 minutes prior and again 10 minutes prior that bedtime is coming. Ignore delay tactics
like needing a drink of water. If you stick to your guns, your whole family will be happier
in the long run.
If you try these tactics and are still having problems, there could be other
issues—some medical and some not—that could be interfering with sleep. Don’t hesitate
to seek help from your healthcare provider if your child has an ongoing sleep problem.
2-3
2
1-2
0-1
15
After
31 years,
Sam Pleshar
is retiring
from
Livingston HealthCare
The Livingston HealthCare Board of Directors
and employees want to thank Sam for his
service to the community, for all he has
done to promote and ensure quality local
healthcare, and for his role in fostering a warm
and caring employment environment.
We wish you the best in your retirement.