Healthy Connections - Summer 2009

Summer 2009

Healthy families start here. Finding a healthcare partner • Four new family health experts providing local care • e-Communication: new ways to make a healthy connection • Brighten your life in the blink of an eye

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Focused on your health and healing Healthy Connections is published by Winona Health to provide you with information about health, wellness and the many healthcare resources available to you, close to home. Sending you Healthy Connections is just one example of how we’re working to fulfill our mission of improving the health and well-being of our family, friends and neighbors.

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We welcome your questions, suggestions or comments about Winona Health and this publication. Please visit winonahealth.org and click on Contact Us or call Winona Health Communications/Marketing at 507.457.4157.

One value-added change has been realignment of our healthcare services into “service lines.” In this new alignment, we address our processes from the patient/resident experience rather than the regulatory, insurance or departmental perspectives (although we recognize their importance).

If you no longer wish to receive Healthy Connections, please call 507.457.4374 or send an e-mail, noting your address as it appears on the back of the publication, to [email protected].

In this issue... 2

Focused on your health and healing

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Enhancing community communication

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Making life brighter: Cataract surgery

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Healing starts here… with Winona Health’s surgeons

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Your partner for good health: your family healthcare provider

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Four family healthcare providers join the team

10 Rushford and Lewiston Clinic welcome new healthcare providers 11 Improved services mean more efficient care 12 Foundation & Auxiliary events and news

t Winona Health, my days — and the days of our board members, physicians, staff and volunteers — have been spent designing and implementing changes to ensure we deliver personalized, high quality healthcare efficiently: Using a LEAN approach, we are focused on adding value to your experiences at Winona Health.

Rachelle H. Schultz President/CEO

Therefore, our service lines better reflect how you, our customers, use our services and include: • Primary Care Clinics — Family Practice, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine providers in Winona, Lewiston and Rushford and supporting clinical services • Surgical/Specialty Care — General Surgery, Orthopedic/Sports, Eye Care, Women’s Health, Dermatology, Oral Surgery and Anesthesia providers, as well as our Surgical, Imaging/Radiology and Pathology/Laboratory services • Emergency/ Urgent Care • Inpatient/Hospital Care • Senior Services — Home Care, Hospice, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing services Our realignment allows us to offer services more seamlessly to better serve you as you go about living a healthy life—from scheduling your yearly physical or managing a medical condition … to using emergency services … or moving from our surgical specialists into our surgical suites … or being a patient in our hospital … to rehabilitating or living in our residential communities or via our community-based services. As we implement change, we do so with your health and healing foremost in our minds. We value you as partners in the healthcare of today and tomorrow.

14 News & Notes 16 Upcoming classes and events On the cover: The Thompson family makes their health a priority. Todd and Angela with their children: Cal, 12, Sommer and Sydnee, 10.

Rachelle H. Schultz President/CEO

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Communication technologies enhance community communication

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ver-changing technology has revolutionized how people communicate. To connect with the community in more ways and to increase opportunities for community members to communicate with us, Winona Health has redesigned its website and incorporated new communication tools. Winona Health’s website now provides easier-tofind resources, including information about our primary and specialty care services, events such as Healthy Kids Club and programs to help you or a family member improve your health. You also can read patient stories—or even submit a story of your own. In addition, you can find information about healthcare providers, learn about women’s health issues or sign up for a free parenting e-newsletter. “The number of people looking for information and communicating online continues to grow. Our website traffic has increased 78 percent since summer 2007,” noted Loretta Bronson, Winona Health chief communications officer. “Our goal is to maintain up-todate resources on community healthcare services and to provide reliable health-related information.” In addition to redesigning its website, Winona Health is one of about 160 healthcare organizations in the nation communicating through Twitter. A free, internetbased, social-networking tool, Twitter allows for realtime communication. Users communicate in short, 140 character messages, called “tweets,” to their friends or “followers.” Messages are sent and received through the Twitter web page and other online services, as well as through cell phones and other mobile devices. Winona Health also has developed a business page on Facebook, a popular social-networking website allowing efficient communication among family, friends, coworkers and businesses.

Winona Health’s Facebook page contains news, information about upcoming events and an overview of the organization. Winona Health “fans” post comments and receive a response from the organization on this site. By providing health information via new technology tools and maintaining an up-to-date, easy-to-navigate website, Winona Health enhances its mission to improve the health and well-being of our family, friends and neighbors.

To communicate with Winona Health and learn about our services and events, become a fan of Winona Health at http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Winona-Health/69048733401 or follow us on http://twitter.com/winonahealth. To learn more, visit the Winona Health website at www.winonahealth.org.

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Improve your view Cataract surgery makes life brighter

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fter 54 years of marriage, Joe and Shirley Kamrowski see each other more clearly now than they have in a long time—and they enjoy the view even more. Until recently, both had cataracts and the resulting blurred and cloudy vision. “It got to the point where I didn’t want to drive at night,” said Joe. “I really had to focus on the white line on the edge of the road.” But that was before, first, Shirley then, Joe had cataract surgery with Winona Health ophthalmologist Laurel Quinn, MD. “A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye and it leads to increasingly blurred vision and glare. This can be especially noticeable at night, as Joe began experiencing,” explained Dr. Quinn. “Because cataracts usually develop

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Enjoying improved vision — Joe and Shirley Kamrowski had cataract surgery performed by Winona Health ophthalmologist Laurel Quinn, MD. Both agreed that “there’s really nothing to it!”

very gradually, people often do not realize how much their color perception has deteriorated until they have one cataract removed and then they compare and notice how much more brilliant colors look through their surgically corrected eye.”

Many cataract patients have great

improvements and excellent outcomes in terms of vision clarity, color perception, reduced glare and

reduced dependence on glasses. Laurel Quinn, MD Ophthalmology

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Cataract surgery removes the patient’s cloudy lens. At the time of surgery, that lens is replaced with a plastic intraocular lens implant to replace the power of the lens that was removed.

Dr. Quinn noted some patients are surprised that, unlike some types of eye surgery, surgery to remove cataracts cannot be done with a laser. However, that doesn’t mean that the procedure is painful. Joe said he had “no pain” throughout the procedure on either eye. And after? “It made everything look brighter and so much better. Now, I even can drive without my glasses, and it’s easier to do just about everything.” “There’s really nothing to it,” agreed Shirley. “Dr. Quinn is just wonderful and she explained things so well. Everything went smoothly, and I didn’t feel a thing. Everyone was

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super during the surgery and the surgery area is very nice and up to date.” Dr. Quinn explained that with cataract surgery, each person’s cataract surgery outcome is dependent on the health of the rest of the visual system, including the cornea, the retina, the optic nerve and the brain. “These things can be evaluated pre-operatively, so the expected improvement can be anticipated for each patient,” she said. “Many cataract patients have great improvement and excellent outcomes in terms of vision clarity, color perception, reduced glare and reduced dependence on glasses.” To say that Shirley is pleased with her outcome is an understatement: “I see 100 percent better, but I told Dr. Quinn that I’ve worn glasses all my life and I still want to wear glasses.” She added, “I think I might get something a little funky next time.” For more information about cataracts and cataract surgery at Winona Health, see Dr. Quinn’s responses to Frequently Asked Questions online: winonahealth. org/eyecare. Or call the Winona Health Eye Care Center for an appointment: 507.474.4760.

Winona Health Surgical team here for you — (pictured above, clockwise from front left) Matthew Broghammer, DO; Gary Hayes, DDS; Laurel Quinn, MD; Hans Zinnecker, MD; J. David Rowekamp, MD; Troy Shelton, MD; Richard Romeyn, MD; Tim Gabrielsen, MD; Satya Gorty, MD ; Ruth Moes, MD; Scott Birdsall, MD.

Healing starts here W

inona Health’s surgical team puts patients—and their family members—at ease with detailed information, answers to all of your questions, and personalized, compassionate care. A wide range of general and specialized procedures are performed right here in our community for patients of all ages. Services range from general surgery to the latest women’s health procedures, and from eye surgery to ligament reconstruction, shoulder and knee arthroscopy and total knee and hip replacements. You’ll find more information about surgeons and surgical services at winonahealth.org/surgery.

Anesthesiology • Satya S. Gorty, MD • Ruth L. Moes, MD General Surgery • Matthew J. Broghammer, DO • J. David Rowekamp, MD • Hans Zinnecker, MD Ophthamology • Laurel Quinn, MD Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery • Gary W. Hayes, DDS Orthopaedic Surgery • Tim Gabrielsen, MD • Richard Romeyn, MD Obstetrics/Gynecology/ Women’s Health • Scott B. Birdsall, MD • Troy J. Shelton, MD Healthy Connections • Summer 2009

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From the Cover

Your partner for good health: your family healthcare provider “The benefits of having a regular family healthcare provider are huge,” said Lynette Lamp, MD, a Winona Health family physician. “Studies have shown that people who have a regular healthcare provider stay healthier and their overall medical costs are lower.” Tom and Suzie Pfingsten, parents of Ethan, age 3, and Kaitlyn, 4 months, have found that having a regular healthcare provider “encourages a more collaborative approach so that our feelings and preferences about our health and lifestyle are taken into account.” Suzie added, “It allows me to have more trust and confidence that those providing our care are truly interested in our family’s health.” Parents Todd and Angela Thompson agree. “We’ve found that establishing a relationship with one or two doctors increases our comfort level and trust when taking the kids in for an appointment—or when going in ourselves,” said Todd.

Gardens lead to healthy eating The Thompsons and their three children Activity, nutrition and sleep — Staying active, eating healthy food — 12-year-old son, Cal, and 10-year-oldand getting a good night’s sleep are keys to good health. Cal, 12 and 10-yeartwin daughters, Sommer and Sydnee — get old-twin sisters, Sydnee and Sommer are involved in a variety of activities. regular physicals and the recommended Their parents make good nutrition and getting a good night’s sleep a priority for their family. well-child check-ups. This active family also focuses on eating healthy foods. “We The Pfingstens also started a garden in their back yard. have a garden and enjoy fresh vegetables all “We enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, and this does summer and can or freeze a lot of our food,” said Angela. seem to help us eat more of them,” Suzie said. “We also “In addition … we make it a habit to get a good night’s put only milk or water on the table for lunch and supper, sleep—that just helps all of us function better.” 6

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Exercising and family activities are also important Beyond good nutrition, Dr. Lamp recommends that individuals and families exercise: “Turn off the television and the computer,” she said. “Limit the time your family is involved in these sedentary activities. The benefits of exercising — any kind of exercise — are farreaching and not all are visible. For example, regular exercise decreases heart disease and stroke.”

good health habits start early — Tom and Suzie Pfingsten and children Ethan, 3, and Kaitlyn, 4 months, make nutritious meals the rule rather than the exception.

so that we get our calcium and are not tempted to drink juice, pop or other sugary beverages.” She continued, “With my son, the biggest challenge has been that he dislikes almost all fruits and vegetables. I have gotten good advice from Dr. [Mary] Michener on how to hide different veggies in recipes, and I’ve gotten my son to love cooked spinach by putting it in green eggs and ham, thanks to a recipe in the ‘Deceptively Delicious’ cookbook.”

She encourages parents to have children try a variety of activities so they can learn which ones they enjoy. “The key is finding activities each member of your family enjoys, and then staying active doesn’t feel like a chore,” she stated.

Spending time together is also good for family members’ health. “There are health benefits to having a close family…” said Winona Health family physician Jonathan Knight, DO. “Instead of going separate directions after work or school, make it a goal to spend a certain number of evenings taking a walk together or going on a picnic. And if you don’t have family close by, find more ways to be social with friends—it really is good for your health.” (continued on page 8)

HPV Vaccine explained

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o you have questions about the HPV vaccine and its appropriateness for you or your daughter? Christina Nitti Velasquez, CNP, in Winona Clinic’s Family Practice Department, provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the HPV vaccine. To view these FAQs, visit winonahealth.org/family.

To schedule an appointment with a Family Practice provider, call:





• Winona Cinic: 507.457.7648 • Lewiston Clinic: 507.523.2127 • Rushford Clinic: 507.864.7726

Christina Nitti Velasquez, CNP, Family Practice

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(continued from page 7) When setting family health goals, Dr. Lamp recommends setting a specific goal. “It will serve you better than a vague one,” she said. “For example, setting a goal to take four 30-minute walks each week will serve you better than a vague goal such as ‘I’m going to start exercising more.’” Whatever your health status is today, your family healthcare provider guides and encourages your efforts to maintain or improve your and your family’s health. If you’re looking for a family healthcare provider, see the following pages or visit winonahealth.org/family to learn more.

Set a family health goal The “Making a Change Guide”— an interactive web tool designed for teens but of benefit to people of all ages—helps you set a realistic and specific goal, provides prompts for determining steps to achieve it, and helps you determine strategies to stay motivated and overcome setbacks. Go to winonahealth. org/kidshealth and search Making a Change Guide. For a printable copy of a family goals chart, visit winonahealth.org/family. Have a tip to share for keeping your family healthy? Send it to marketing/[email protected]. We’ll select tips to post at winonahealth.org/family.

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Winona Health welcomes H

aving a healthcare partner not only can help you improve your health, but it also can create peace of mind because you and your family have a familiar go-to person when you need him or her most. If you haven’t found a regular healthcare provider for you or your family yet, below is an opportunity to meet our area’s newest Family Practice providers: Jonathan Knight, DO, was drawn to Winona because, “there is a great sense of community and because of Winona Health’s progressive administration and staff. I’m looking forward to building relationships with patients and families in Winona,” said Dr. Knight.

Dr. Knight cares for individuals of all ages in Winona Clinic’s Family Practice Department. A board-certified physician since 1995, he earned his medical degree from the Chicago (IL) College Jonathan Knight, DO of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Family Practice residency at Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois. Most recently, he provided care in the Elkader, Iowa, area. He and his wife [Lynette Lamp, MD, see opposite page] have two daughters. In his free time, Dr. Knight enjoys motorcycles, being outdoors, boating and farming. Mary Kramer, RN CNP, provides comprehensive care for individuals of all ages at the Lewiston Clinic. A nurse practitioner since 1989, Kramer has cared for families most recently in Wells and New Richland, Minnesota. She grew up in Winona and is happy to be back in the area closer to her family. “I love the recreational opportunities this area offers,” said Kramer. “I’m looking forward to caring for and getting to know Mary Kramer, RN CNP area families.” In addition to offering preventive and acute care and managing chronic illnesses, Kramer’s interests include women’s and adolescent health. She received her Bachelor of Science in

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comes four new Family Practice providers Nursing from Winona State University and her Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner from Winona State University, Rochester Campus. In her free time, Kramer enjoys spending time with her daughters’ families that include four grandchildren, hiking, biking and gardening. Lynette Lamp, MD, was drawn to Winona by “the opportunity to practice in a well-run health system with many other people also striving to be the best they can possibly be,” she said. “The community appears to be a very supportive environment with excellent schools and a beautiful setting.” She cares for people of all ages in Winona Clinic’s Family Practice Department, with a strong focus on preventive care. Dr. Lamp’s Lynette Lamp, MD special interests are women’s health, colposcopy and acute care. “I really enjoy taking care of the whole family, including multiple generations,” she said. Dr. Lamp knew she wanted to be a physician since she was 12 years old. She earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City and completed her Family Practice residency at Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois. Most recently, she provided care in the Elkader, Iowa, area. Dr. Lamp and her husband [Jonathan Knight, DO, see opposite page] have daughters ages 10 and 8. Her personal interests include writing, reading, traveling, cooking, playing the cello, gardening and taking nature walks and boating with her family. Nicholas J. Modjeski, MD, also cares for patients in Winona Clinic’s Family Practice Department. “My professional interests include men’s health, office

procedures and lifestyle and preventive medicine,” said Dr. Modjeski. “I enjoy the continuity of care that being a family physician provides. As a family physician, I am privileged to take care of people across the lifespan. I also value the family unit and especially enjoy taking care of young families.

Nicholas J. Modjeski, MD

Dr. Modjeski and his wife have three children. “We enjoy hiking and playing at the park,” he said. Other activities include mountain biking, playing basketball, softball, chess and guitar. He has also been a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. He is from the Winona area and is happy to begin caring for community members in his hometown. Dr. Modjeski completed the United Family Practice Residency Program in St. Paul, MN, and received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in Minneapolis. These four providers join Winona Health’s Family Practice providers listed below:

• E. Allen Beguin, MD, Winona Clinic • David A. Christenson, MD, Winona Clinic • Donna J. Kamann, CNP, Winona Clinic • David J. Lofgren, MD, Rushford Clinic • Mary A. Michener, MD, Winona Clinic • Christina M. Nitti Velasquez, NP, Winona Clinic • Joy Stevens, PA-C, Rushford Clinic • Robert P. Wilfahrt, MD, Winona Clinic

Have you scheduled your child’s sports physical? To make an appointment, call:

Winona Clinic: 507.457.7648 Lewiston Clinic: 507.523.2127 Rushford Clinic: 507.864.7726

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Rushford Clinic opens in new location Rushford and Lewiston Clinics welcome new providers

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ushford Clinic’s newly expanded staff is pleased to be caring for the community in its new location at 109 Jessie Street. After the August 2007 flood, like most Rushford businesses, Rushford Clinic was devastated. After providing care in a temporary location, the staff is very pleased to be in the new clinic. “We are committed to the Rushford Community and have been eager to begin providing healthcare services in our new location,” said Joy Stevens, PA-C. “This is a community filled with strong people and we’re pleased to be here to help make sure it stays that way.” A full-time Family Practice physician has joined Stevens and the Rushford Clinic staff. David Lofgren, MD, has been seeing patients in Rushford on a limited basis and recently joined the Rushford staff. “Dr. Lofgren feels very much at home and enjoys caring for individuals and families in Rushford. He’s looking forward to expanding his practice and providing care for the Rushford community.” said Marti Bollman, director of primary care clinic operations for Winona Health. In addition, Mary Kramer, RN CNP, joined Winona Health and the staff at Lewiston Clinic. She also will be in Rushford a half day each week.

Healthy starts here for Rushford — Joy Stevens, PA-C, and David Lofgren, MD, see patients in Rushford Clinic’s new location at 109 W. Jessie. The new clinic opened June 8.

Rushford and Lewiston Clinics provide a wide range of primary care services for people of all ages including: • Well-child check ups • Care for injuries and illness • Immunizations • Physicals and a variety of health screenings • Women’s health services • Chronic disease management • Laboratory services • Access to diagnostic radiology services • Referral to specialty services at Winona Health or other medical centers To learn more about healthcare providers at Winona Health, visit winonahealth.org and click on Find a Provider. To make an appointment in Rushford or Lewiston, call: Rushford Clinic at 507.864.7726 or Lewiston Clinic at 507.523.2127.

First appointment in new location — Joy Stevens, PA-C, cares for Herb Highum on June 8, opening day of the new Rushford Clinic. Highum has long ties to healthcare in Rushford, and he serves on the Winona Health board of directors.

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Winona Health appreciates assistance from JMW with the Clinic’s temporary location and the work of all the people and businesses that assisted with building the new Rushford Clinic. For a list of local and regional business involved in the project, visit winonahealth.org/Rushford.

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Laboratory integration: efficient care

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inona Health recently integrated clinic and hospital laboratory services in order to provide the most efficient care to patients. The lab integration, which is still in process, is the result of a thorough study of patient flow and lab processing conducted in the hospital and clinic labs. The outpatient draw area is now located near the Winona Clinic entrance. Outpatient lab hours are: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Community members needing Winona Health laboratory services should use the Clinic’s South Entrance. Lab staff now go directly to patients at Winona Health’s clinics and hospital. Other key changes resulting from the integration include: • Improved patient access with one centralized outpatient lab location • One main lab for processing lab specimens • Enhanced mobile laboratory services for patients throughout the entire campus • Improved physical design within the laboratories for better work flow “The streamlined process will help centralize and standardize our services to benefit both the patients and our organization,” stated Sara Gabrick, RN MSN, surgical/specialty services administrator. “We remain focused on providing excellent care for our community for years to come.” Winona Health laboratory staff perform nearly 2,000 laboratory tests on more than 350 patients each and every day. Most tests are completed within 1-2 hours of specimen collection. For questions about laboratory services, please call 507.457.4361.

One-stop and on your way — Dawn Selleck, RN, takes a blood sample from Bob Gronewold. Gronewold said that the Anti-Coagulation Clinic’s new point-of-care service has made his appointments faster and easier.

Anticoagulation (Coumadin) Clinic provides point-of-care service The Anticoagulation Clinic (AC Clinic) has relocated from the first floor of Winona Clinic to the second floor. It now provides point-of-care service for long-term, stable patients, so patients can see the AC nurse, be tested, get results, learn whether an adjustment to their medication is necessary, have their questions answered and be on their way—usually all within 30 minutes. Because of new equipment in the AC Clinic, most patients can be tested with a simple finger prick test instead of needing separate lab services for a blood draw then waiting for results. So patients give just a drop of blood versus a tube of blood. To implement this new service, nurses and lab technicians collaborated to make the process possible. Nurses received special training and passed all testing. In addition, the process was reviewed and approved by Richard Ferris, MD, AC Clinic medical director and Carl Szczesniak, MD, medical director of the Laboratory. Winona Health nurses also care for AC Clinic patients through our Home Care, Rushford Clinic, Lewiston Clinic and area long-term care residences.

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Foundation & Auxiliary News

When can dancing help our community? When you attend the Winona Health Auxiliary’s annual Birthday Ball. The Winona Health Auxiliary’s 47th Annual Birthday Ball will be Saturday, September 19, at Signatures Restaurant and Visions Event Center in Winona. This year’s theme is Venetian Masquerade. The annual formal dinner and dance is open to the public. If you’ve never attended the Ball, call to add your name to the invitation list and you’ll receive all the details. Birthday Ball festivities include pre-ball parties, dinner and dancing to the band Incognito. Plus, there will be an exciting raffle with several great prizes including a beautiful one-of-a kind necklace.

The perks of volunteering — Laura Eddy and Sue Wolfe, Birthday Ball menu chairwomen, sample desserts at Signatures Restaurant to select the perfect menu for this year’s Winona Health Auxiliary Birthday Ball “Venetian Masquerade.”

Telehealth provides connection between home and healthcare Telehealth services provide a way for individuals with chronic health issues to live safely and comfortably in their own homes. Thanks to the Winona Health Auxiliary, Telehealth will be more readily available in our community, as the Auxiliary volunteers are dedicating a portion of this year’s fundraising efforts to support it. “This is a fun opportunity to join together with friends, have a great time and enjoy it even more knowing that you’re supporting local healthcare services,” said Autumn Herber, CAVS, volunteer coordinator at Winona Health. “Auxiliary volunteers work countless hours to plan a very special evening.” Proceeds from this year’s Ball will help fund scholarships for those seeking a healthcare career, provide improvements to Winona Health’s Senior Service Manors, and assist in funding the Telehealth initiative (more information at right). For more information or to receive an invitation, contact Autumn Herber at 507.457.4394 or visit www.birthdayball.org. 12

Telehealth uses in-home technology to support an individual’s effort to manage chronic illnesses. “It’s like a virtual house call,” explained Mary Miller-Hyland, Winona Senior Services administrator, “Clinicians work with patients and their primary care providers to tailor services, including the frequency of interaction, to meet the patient’s specific needs. The goal is to improve access to services and support an individual’s desire to maintain control over their care.” In addition to providing a link to healthcare services, Telehealth has the potential to positively impact an individual’s desire to access their provider team for support while allowing them to remain in the familiar surroundings of home. Individuals do not have to be computer savvy to take advantage of Telehealth services. Winona Health Home

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Care clinicians will set up the “telestation” in the individual’s home and provide education on its use. Healthcare professionals can then help monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, changes in weight and other data to assist the patient and at-home caregivers. If the data raises concern, healthcare professionals can provide early intervention through various methods. Winona Health and area residents are fortunate to have forward-thinking volunteers supporting this effort to increase healthcare options for our community.

Nancy Iglesias receives Community Service Tribute Nancy Iglesias received the 2008 Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute Award at a dinner held in her honor on Wednesday, April 22. Executive director of Habitat for HumanityWinona County since 1995, Iglesias has helped 34 Winona County Nancy Iglesias families, including a total of 100 children, build and move into their own homes.

Ben & Adith Miller Classic set for Monday, August 10 Annual fundraiser helps community members through Patient Care Fund

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he Ben & Adith Miller Classic — an annual golf event to raise funds for the Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund — is scheduled for Monday, August 10. The Classic features a full day of activities at Cedar Valley Golf Course, including the 18-hole Main Event, the 9-hole Green Monster Challenge and an early morning 9-hole tournament for youth ages 11 to 18. The Youth Tournament and the Green Monster Challenge are sponsored by Merchants Bank. This year’s event also features golf pro John Harris, an American professional golfer who has played the PGA and Champions tour. Harris won the Minnesota State Amateur four times, the Minnesota State Mid-Amateur five times and the 1993 U.S. Amateur at the age of 41. The Golf Classic is the largest fundraiser for the Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund, which helps pay medical expenses for members of our community who cannot afford them. As Winona Health Foundation board chair Steve Blue noted, “The Patient Care Fund is not about other people. It’s about our people…our neighbors…and our friends.” In 2008, the Patient Care Fund provided $744,377 in aid to 294 individuals.

In recognition for her work, Hugh and Vera Miller and RTP Company donated $25,000 to the Winona Health Foundation’s Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund in Iglesias’ honor.

For additional information on the Golf Classic or the Patient Care Fund, contact the Winona Health Foundation at 507.474.3328 or Nancy Brown, executive director of development, at [email protected].

It is the 20th consecutive year that the Miller Family has sponsored the Winona Health Foundation’s Ben & Adith Miller Tribute to benefit the Patient Care Fund. Since its inception, the fund has helped more than 1,700 people pay for almost $3.5 million in healthcare expenses.

From a community member helped by the Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund “Thank you so much for the generous financial assistance… I was absolutely speechless and so appreciative when I was informed of the good news. It has been very difficult to make ends meet… With your help with our out-of-pocket medical bills, our burden will be lessened. Thanks again so much for this gift.” Healthy Connections • Summer 2009

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Winona Health News & Notes Holly Fratzke, CNP, Winona Health’s Center for Women’s Health, successfully completed the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Program and exam certifying her to perform colposcopies. Colposcopy is used for diagnosing cervical Holly Fratzke, CNP abnormalities after an abnormal pap smear. She is also a certified childbirth educator with a special interest in reproductive health. Fratzke provides well-women exams and addresses a variety of women’s health concerns. Ann F. Olson, NP, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) on June 20, 2009 during the AANP annual meeting in Nashville TN. She is the first NP from Minnesota to be inducted. The organization’s Fellowship Ann F. Olson, NP program was established in 2000 to recognize nurse practitioner leaders who have made outstanding contributions to health care through clinical practice, research, education, or policy. Olson received her PhD from the University of Arizona-Tucson in December 2008. Her dissertation: “Perimenopausal Women’s Intended and Actual Behavioral Response to Bone Health Interventions” received the 2008 Health Seeking Behaviors Section Award for Dissertation Research presented at the Midwest Nurses Research Society annual conference. In partnership with Winona Health and Winona State University, Olson conducted a bone density study that has been presented at several regional and national conferences. Healthy starts here for businesses and employees Winona Health’s Occupational Health staff assists employers in maintaining and improving the health, safety and well being of their employees. Services 14

include physicals, injury/illness care, work rehabilitation, worksite/office ergonomic assessment, immunizations, screening/assessments (pre-employment and return to work) and training (safety & health). Cathy Johnson, RN, BSN, COHN-R, COHC, a member of the Occupational Health team, is now certified as an Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC). Certified hearing conservationists conduct audiometric testing to help prevent hearing loss. For more information about Occupational Health services, call 507.474.3212 or visit winonahealth.org/occhealth. Four registered nurses from Winona Health’s Intensive Care Unit recently received Critical Care certification, earning the credentials CCRN: Mary Volkart, Laura Cummings, Michelle Olson and Lisa Burkhalter. To be eligible to take the exam, nurses must have spent 1,750 hours in direct, bedside care of acutely or critically ill patients during the two years prior to applying. The Minnesota Hospital Association recognized Winona Health’s outstanding performance on its SAFE SITE initiative with the Patient Safety Excellence Award. The award indicates that Winona Health has implemented more than 90 percent of the suggested best practices in the SAFE SITE roadmap to a Comprehensive Safe Site Procedure Program. Winona Health has again earned national Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) Hospitals earning the QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services. Winona Health congratulates Family Medicine of Winona for receiving a Certificate of Superior Performance from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Family Medicine was recognized as a Better Performer in the Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups. MGMA is a national association that benchmarks group practices in business measurements and performance.

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Local nurse receives Clarus Award Carole Gorden, RN, in the Winona Health Emergency Department, received the 2009 Clarus Award from the Zumbro Valley Emergency Nurses Association. “Receiving the award been a most humbling and rewarding experience, because it is an award from my peers, and I’ve heard from patients I’ve cared for through the years,” said Gorden. “I’ve always admired Carol Gorden, RN the people who have received the award in the past and it was so surprising to hear my name announced.” The Clarus Award honors an outstanding Emergency Nurse nominated by her peers. Nominees must: • Care for others in a holistic sense, responding to the needs of body, mind and spirit of their patients, families and their peers. • Exhibit respect for the individual and acts as an advocate for patients. • Incorporate the professional and ethical standards of nursing into their daily practice. • Share his or her knowledge, guidance, and insight with peers and with those aspiring to the nursing profession. According to her nomination, “Carol has committed her skills, dedication, leadership, ideas and passion for Emergency Nursing to her community hospital. Any facility would be fortunate to have her on their team.” Rebecca Lamberty, RN, Emergency Department director, added, “Carole is an experienced leader in our department who is focused on quality care for our patients. She has a wealth of knowledge and strength of spirit that leads her to excel in the Emergency Department.” Gorden recently celebrated her 30th anniversary with Winona Health.

Outstanding local care I decided to choose a local doctor last December, due to my health issues and medical problems, and the difficulty traveling to get to La Crosse. From the available choices on the Winona Health Website, I was searching for a new, younger doctor, who would still be around when I’m not, in Internal Medicine. Dr. Bryan Reed was my choice since he is also an osteopath. My first appointment was the end of December and I knew instantly that I had a winner. One of my concerns was that I was used to RNs working at a high level, who would take my phone calls and relay messages to my doctor. He called his assistant, Cheryl, into the room at the end of the appointment for me to meet. Early in February, on a Saturday morning, I found myself in Winona Health ER. Dr. Turner and the RN on duty were great! February — Now I really have a team—Dr. Reed ordered tests, re-engaged [a specialist] on my behalf, Cheryl is making things happen and I am …very, very impressed with the communication skills of Dr. Reed and Cheryl. At the end of April, things went downhill for me physically and by May 5th, via Winona Health ER, I ended up in the ICU for most of the week. Dr. Ferris was the hospitalist and I could not have had a better, more caring doctor anywhere. The staff in the ICU that took care of me were outstanding! They were empowered AND they didn’t stand around the ICU nursing center just randomly chatting with each other. As a patient, I could never explain to them how much the quietness meant to me. The food was excellent, even for someone with no appetite. The food staff who came to help choose a menu were so kind and helpful. The lab folks, x-ray staff, and any other staff with whom I came in contact were outstanding. These people really cared about me and my comfort. They liked their jobs and their employer. We have a real gem sitting right here in Winona, thanks to people who care.

— Joyce P.

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Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Winona, MN Permit No. 72

PO Box 5600 • 855 Mankato Ave. • Winona, MN 55987 • winonahealth.org

Events, classes & support Groups For a complete calendar of events by date and for more information about our services and programs, please visit our website: winonahealth.org. We welcome your questions and comments. American Red Cross Blood Drive August 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium Alzheimer’s Support Group 2nd Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. WH, Parkview Conference Room 507.457.4560 Breastfeeding Class July 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. September 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required, $10 per participant/couple 507.457.4338 Childbirth Education Class 6-week course, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 9–August 13 (Thursdays) August 5–September 9 (Wednesdays) September 3–October 8 (Thursdays) September 23–October 28 (Wednesdays) WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required 507.494.7384 Childbirth Education Weekend Class Weekend class held Friday, 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. August 28-29 October 23-24 WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required 507.494.7384

Healthcare CPR Recertification 3-hour course offered: July 7, 5-8 p.m. July 16, 7:30-10:30 a.m. July 28, 5-8 p.m. August 4, 5-8 p.m. August 13, 7:30-10:30 a.m. August 20, 7:30-10:30 a.m. August 25, 5-8 p.m. September 17, 7:30-10:30 a.m. September 22, 5-8 p.m. October 6, 5-8 p.m. October 15, 7:30-10:30 a.m. WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required, $40 507.457.4491 Healthcare CPR Certification July 21, 4-8 p.m. WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required, $40 507.457.4491 Healthcare Directives Informational sessions: July 20, 9:30-10:30 a.m. September 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Working sessions: July 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m. September 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m. WH, Parkview Conference Room 507.457.3328 Little Ones Remembered Outreach Group June 16, 6:30-8 p.m. July 21, 6:30-8 p.m. August 18, 6:30-8 p.m. September 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Watkins Manor, 175 E Wabasha St.

Look Good, Feel Better Class June 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m. August 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. WH, LWM Classroom Call American Cancer Society 800.227.2345 MOM Support Group (Mother’s Own Milk) Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Women’s Health Library, 3rd floor, medical office building on the WH campus, 859 Mankato Ave. 507.453.3700 Public First Aid August 11, 5-7:30 p.m. WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required, $25 507.457.4491

Winona Health Foundation & Auxiliary Events Birthday Ball Saturday, September 19 Visions Event Center & Signatures Restaurant Annual dinner, dance and fundraiser Advanced registration required 2009 Ben & Adith Miller Golf Classic August 10 Cedar Valley Golf Course Registration required Call 507.474.3328 For more information about Auxiliary and Foundation events, call Winona Health, 507.474.3328.

WH = Winona Health • 855 Mankato Ave. • Winona, MN

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