MID-COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER Spring 2009www.mcmc.net

MCMC, OHSUand You

Lone PineVenture

mPowerfulProgress

MCMC, OHSUand You

Lone PineVenture

mPowerfulProgress

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Keeping You Close To Home;Keeping MCMC CompetitiveDear Neighbor,

As the region’s major healthcareprovider, our job at Mid-

Columbia Medical Center is to ensureyou have access, whenever feasible, to the medical care, services andprofessionals you need close to where you live.

It’s much more than our job,actually; it’s our mission as yourcommunity hospital. It is why weexist. We are motivated solely by our responsibility to serve you andyour family.

Because MCMC is a not-for-profitorganization, our pursuit of thismission is not encumbered by anyrequirement to return profits toprivate investors. Our only investorsare the communities we serve and towhom we belong.

So, in any year in which MCMCincome exceeds expenses, thosedollars go right back into ourorganization and our communities.

We invest in new technology andmake necessary facility improvements.We invest in new physicians orprovider practices. We add newprograms and services to help keepyou from having to leave thecommunity for care. We provide freecare to those in our communitieswithout the means to pay.

And we invest in importantcommunity programs. One recentexample is Families First, whichprovides critically importantcounseling and support services forparents of high-risk infants. MCMChas provided financial support sincethe inception of the program, and ourboard of directors just approvedanother $84,000 over the next twoyears to help compensate for dramaticcuts in state funding.

It is this mission that motivated

us to develop an exciting newstrategic partnership with OregonHealth and Science University that willexpand the availability of orthopedicand heart care in the region.

These specialty services are nowavailable to some extent in ourcommunity, provided by outstandingphysicians. But they are not availableto the extent needed to adequatelyserve the population of the Mid-Columbia region. We know this fromstatistics that show an ever-growingnumber of patients are having toleave the region for orthopedic care.

Three orthopedic specialists now practice in The Dalles; however,only one performs surgeries. Sopatients who do not want to delay — or cannot delay — their surgerieshave to travel out of town, usually to Portland.

In addition, because of thisshortage of orthopedic surgical care,emergency orthopedic coverage isnow available only six days permonth. As a result, patients withorthopedic injuries seeking immediatetreatment in the MCMC EmergencyDepartment have faced a highprobability of having to be transferredto another facility.

This problem will be solvedbeginning in March when orthopedicsurgeons from OHSU begin holdingoffice hours and performing surgeriesin The Dalles. We already are workingwith OHSU to recruit an orthopedicsurgeon to live and practice in ourcommunity full time, and we are closeto an agreement with an orthopedicphysician assistant who also willpractice here full time.

On Page 4 you can read more about our OHSU partnership,which will also bring a full-time heart specialist to our community this summer.

Regarding any concerns abouthow these activities might affect thephysicians currently providingorthopedic and part-time heartservices in our area, I want to be clearabout our intentions.

We deeply value our relationshipswith the physicians and providers whoserve this community, and could notfulfill our mission without them. Weare best able to achieve our goals in aspirit of collaboration not competition.

That said, if we are to continueserving you we must make sure weare making sound business decisionsthat position us to remain viable in an ever-changing, and often verychallenging, economic climate.

While our motive for pursuing this partnership was to fill gaps inorthopedic and heart care (just as wehave done with primary care), thisstrategy will indeed help keep MCMCcompetitive if an already challengingenvironment becomes even more so.

Hospitals are critical assets in thecommunities they serve, and we aremission-bound to ensure we remainviable — for you, your family, yourfriends and your neighbors.

MCMC’s ownership structure isthe same today as it was when it wasfounded — you own this hospital. We are among just a few smallcommunity hospitals that have beenable to remain independent. The

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Inside ScoopSpring 2009

Lone Pine Venture

mPowerful Progress

Mind Body Calendar

Won’t Get Fooled Again

Planetree SpringLecture Series

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810111416

A Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Hospital

MCMC, OHSU and YouMCMC is teaming up with the state's only healthand research university to expand and enhancehealthcare in the region. Read what this meansto Mid-Columbia-area residents on pages 4-7.

It is Our Mission…To lead and act as a catalyst in promoting health for all people.

To recognize the individual as a whole human being with different needs that must be enthusiastically met.

To communicate a vision of health, art,education, technology and create a center for healing which will continually upgrade the quality of life in

the community environment in which we live.

To empower people to become partners in their health care.

Mid-Columbia Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare organization offering comprehensive services to the Mid-Columbia Region, and is

governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees:

Robert L.R. Bailey Daniel Boldt Paul Cardosi, M.D.Duane Francis Gretchen Kimsey Carina Schmidt

Wallace Wolf, Jr., D.V.M.

WellAware is published by Mid-Columbia Medical Center1700 East 19th Street | The Dalles, OR 97058 | (541) 296-7545

Photo Credits: Cover photo, pages 4, 5, & 6, Cory Eldridge; page 7, courtesy of OHSU; page 10, Lori Russell; page 14, Linda Stahl;

page 2, Jim Semlor, Semlor Images

Printed with Agri based inks on recycled paper, 10% post consumer.All rights reserved. No information may be reprinted without the written consent of MCMC.

reason we have not been swallowed by a gianthealthcare system run by people with no ties toour communities and no attachment to ourheritage is because we have been able to remain competitive in the face of seeminglyendless challenges, some of which come fromunexpected sources.

For example, you may have noticed theannouncement in January that an out-of-towndeveloper is partnering with a small group of local physicians to build a for-profit ambulatorycare center.

Those individuals, of course, can only realize a profit on their personal investment if they keeptheir surgery center busy. And they won’t be able to do that unless patients choose their center for surgery instead of MCMC’s outpatientsurgery department.

We don’t fear competition at MCMC. We areconfident enough in the quality of our surgicalteam and services to know we will fare well in a competitive environment. Still, every surgical patient we lose to a for-profit venture hurts ourefforts to fulfill our not-for-profit mission — toenhance our services, expand access to care, serve the less fortunate and support importantcommunity programs.

The Mid-Columbia citizens who started thishospital and the succeeding generations that havekept MCMC viable through the decades weremotivated by the same mission of service tocommunity. The strategies we pursue today notonly are intended to help us serve you better nowand in the future, they also are meant to protectwhat those who came before us worked so hard to build.

Though there are countless examples ofcommunities whose healthcare systems havesuffered when providers have chosen competitionover collaboration, it is not our job to discourageanyone from competing with us. However, it most certainly is our responsibility to keep Mid-Columbia Medical Center well positionedto fulfill our mission.

We owe that to the dedicated communitymembers who started this hospital more than a century ago, and we owe that to you today.

Duane FrancisPresident/CEO

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OHSUCloseto Home

The distance separating localpatients needing the specialized

care and expertise available fromOregon’s only health and researchuniversity just got significantly shorter.Like about 160 miles shorter.

Mid-Columbia Medical Center hasentered a new partnership with OregonHealth & Science University to expandthe availability of specialty physicianand medical/surgical care in the Mid-Columbia region.

MCMC and OHSU will collaborateon two healthcare programs over thenext six months and will continue toexplore opportunities to bring newservices to the area that fill gaps inspecialty care.

In March OHSU will beginproviding regular medical and surgicalorthopedic coverage in The Dalles.Sometime late this summer, MCMC andthe university will jointly bring acardiologist to the area, the Mid-Columbia region's first full-time heartspecialist.

Collaborating with OHSU providesMCMC with the unique opportunity tocost-effectively expand its specialtycare offerings while also connectingresidents of the Mid-Columbia to the

vast resources of the university.“We're excited to add this

component of care to the array ofskilled physicians, health professionalsand comprehensive services thatcurrently comprise our medicalcommunity,” says Duane Francis,president/CEO of MCMC. “Developingthese types of collaborativeagreements with OHSU, as needed, willenable us to improve access to care inunderserved specialty areas and inother, more highly specialized, areaswhere full-time physician coverage isnot a practical option.”

Francis says the two organizationstargeted orthopedics as the first areato address because the need for thistype of care in the Mid-Columbia farexceeds the available physiciancoverage.

“The current shortage oforthopedic coverage is what motivatedus to explore creative, affordable waysto grow to our specialty careofferings,” Francis says. “Thiscollaborative model is a great solutionin areas, like orthopedics, in whichthere is pent-up demand for care. Thisallows us to quickly bring in anorthopedist to begin meeting that

demand while a full-time physician isbeing recruited.”

Through the orthopedicarrangement, a physician member ofthe OHSU medical staff and teachingfaculty will practice in The Dalles aportion of every week. That physicianalso will spend one weekend a monthin The Dalles providing after-hours callcoverage in support of existingorthopedic specialists. A secondcomponent of the arrangementinvolves OHSU providing localphysician coverage in orthopedic sub-specialty areas as needed.

Collaborating with MCMC allowsOHSU to serve its mission of helpingimprove access to additional medicalservices in rural communitiesthroughout the state, says OHSU'sdirector of clinical outreach, MarkO'Hollaren, M.D

“We realize there is a significantshortage of physicians in many areas ofthe state, and that creates problems of

By Dick Baltus

A new strategic partnership betweenMCMC and Oregon Health & Science

University will increase local access toorthopedic and other specialized care.

access, especially for sub-specialty carethat most rural areas are not able tosupport full-time,” he says.

“This type of arrangement helpsOHSU fulfill its mission of enablingresidents of smaller communities tostay close to home for more of thecare they need. The goal is to improveaccess in ways that make sense for thecommunities we serve, and to helpsupport the healthcare providers withwhom we collaborate.

The first joint MCMC-OHSUproject not only will facilitate moreconsistent physician coverage for morecommon orthopedic conditions, butalso will provide access to orthopedicsub-specialty expertise in areas suchas complex revision spine surgery andbone tumors.

In addition, it will allow MCMC

and OHSU to seamlessly move thepractice from part-time to full-timeonce an orthopedic physician andsurgeon has been successfullyrecruited. That individual will live and practice in the Mid-Columbia area and spend one day per week at OHSU teaching medical students,working with colleagues and providingpatient care.

Dr. O'Hollaren says the neworthopedic specialist will be connectedelectronically with OHSU forconsulting purposes, an arrangementthat also will be implementedbetween the university and MCMC'sEmergency Department staff.

MCMC ER physicians will benefitfrom real-time consultations withOHSU orthopedic specialists who willbe able to view diagnostic images,

help local staff make diagnoses anddetermine whether a patient can betreated locally or should be transferredto OHSU.

Mid-Columbia area heart patientswill be the next to benefit from an MCMC-OHSU collaboration. Thecardiology partnership between thetwo organizations will closely followthe orthopedic model with onesignificant exception — a cardiologistalready has been identified who willlive and practice full-time in TheDalles.

“In the past, patients have hadlocal access to heart specialiststhrough visiting physicians who havedone an outstanding job of caring forour patients,” Francis says. “But this isanother specialty area in which theneed for care is far greater than wecan serve on a part-time basis.

“Heart disease is a majorcommunity health issue, and we arelooking forward to being able toaddress this in a more comprehensiveway with a full-time specialist closelytied to the resources of OHSU.”

Dr. David Guarraia will move tothe area after completing a cardiologyfellowship at OHSU in July or August.

Dr. O'Hollaren says OHSU isanxious to help MCMC meet thehealth needs of the Mid-Columbiaregion, though he emphasizes theuniversity is there only for the purposeof collaboration, a point Francisreinforces.

“This is not in any way, shape orform a merger of our organizations oran acquisition,” Francis says. “OHSU ishere at our invitation to help usexpand access to care incomprehensive ways that would nothave been feasible for us to pursue onour own. We anticipate a long andgrowing relationship with OHSU, butwe will continue to move forward asseparate organizations.”

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Zachary Adler, M.D., (left) is one of only twobone tumor specialists in Oregon, both of whomare on the orthopedic staff and faculty at OHSU.

In MCMC’s Center for Mind and Body Medicine,Monica Carter lies on an exam table while a physical

therapist presses her knee toward her chest to stretchthe muscles and tendons around her recently repairedhip. The therapist, Anna Saltonstall, looks for those littletwinges – upturned lip, squint, quick inhale – that signaldiscomfort or pain. But as Saltonstall pushes, her eyes,not Carter’s, widen.

Saltonstall pushes until Carter’s thigh presses herstomach, the whole time expecting Carter to say Uncle. She never does.

“Are you serious?” Saltonstall says.Carter nods, saying, “Yeah.”“OK, when we started in October, you were here,”

Saltonstall says, holding Carter’s knee at barely a rightangle from her waist. “Now,” she moves Carter’s kneefive inches closer to her chest, “we’re here.”

Five inches hardly measures how far Carter hascome since before the hip surgery. Several years ago, herfemur began scraping apart the lining of her hip socket.

She had surgery in Seattle to fix the problem, but no physical therapy. Three years later, the problem hadreturned and worsened to the point that Carter, an avidrunner since her teens, couldn’t walk for long. Shecouldn’t even sit for more than 20 minutes, the pain was so bad.

Instead of making the long drives back and forth toSeattle, she made a shorter one into Portland and up

After orthopedic surgery inSeattle, The Dalles residentMonica Carter had to makeseveral trips to Portland tobenefit from OHSU follow-uptherapy. Now she can get the same care without leaving home.

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A Close

On the cover and above left: The Dalles resident and orthopedic

patient Monica Carter

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“The Hill” to the Oregon Health &Science University’s orthopedicdepartment.

Even with that quicker trip, themiles added up. She traveled 90 milesthere and back for the initial visit,another 180 miles to determine thetype of surgery she needed, 180 milesfor an MRI and then another, and threemore rounds before the surgery.

It was only after the surgery, whenshe began physical therapy, that Cartercould stay in her hometown of TheDalles for care.

The university provided thetreatment she needed and she liked herdoctor. Those are things which Dr. JungYoo, chairman of both OHSU’sorthopedic department and spinecenter, takes pride in. But that drive issomething he wanted to eliminate, andthe new orthopedic partnershipbetween OHSU and MCMC willaccomplish that (see article on Page 4).

“In order to really makeconnections with the community you’reserving you have to make an effort tobe out in the community,” Dr. Yoo says. “You can’t make everyone climbthe hill.”

For MCMC, and most small-community hospitals, creating andstaffing a comprehensive orthopediccenter was not practical. That doesn’tmean the care wasn’t needed. Thedemand for orthopedic care in theregion far exceeds the availablecapacity. And the need was immediate.

The new strategic partnershipbetween MCMC and OHSU solved thatproblem in a hurry. Beginning in March,OHSU will send an orthopedic specialistto MCMC every week to provide the

care and expertise in short supply in thearea. The two organizations already arejointly recruiting an orthopedicphysician and surgeon to practice andlive full time in the community.

Dr. Yoo believes the partnership willbenefit residents of the Mid-Columbiaand beyond and could help promoteeconomic development in The Dalles.For example, patients from communitieslike Hermiston and Pendleton will beable to venture to The Dalles forspecialized orthopedic services, ratherthan drive into Portland.

“In order toreally makeconnectionswith thecommunityyou’re servingyou have tomake an effortto be out in thecommunity.”

— Jung Yoo, M.D.

In addition to convenience,the partnership now willseamlessly connect MCMCpatients into a broader, morespecialized network of carewithout disconnecting them fromtheir familiar local one.

Instead of receiving aspecialty referral and entering anew, unknown institution, apatient will move amongorthopedic specialists andtherapists who are workingclosely with one another.

With a stroke of luck, Carterwas able to get those closeconnections even before thecollaboration. Saltonstall, hertherapist, worked at OHSU untillate last year, treating manypatients seen by Carter’sorthopedist. She then joinedMCMC the week of Carter’ssurgery.

Now the two joke and kidwhile they work at the seriousbusiness of making sure that therepairs made by the surgery don’tcome undone because of inaction.

After more than five years ofpain, Carter’s surgery didn’tmiraculously wipe away thediscomfort. It’s just not nagginganymore; it’s not constant andsharp; and she can walk withouthurting.

Carter says those six drives toOHSU were well worth it. Butshe’s happy to know that, if shehas to deal with anything like this again, the drive to OHSU’sexpertise will just be across town.

er ConnectionBy Cory Eldridge

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Mid-Columbia Medical Center will soon addanother innovation to its long list of unique

programs and services. Call it health and wellness carewith a view.

Plans are on the drawing board for on a state-of-the-art medical building on The Dalles riverfront. The three-story, 59,000-square-foot facility will be theanchor tenant for Lone Pine Village, the residential andcommercial community being developed between I-84and the Columbia River, just west of The Dalles Bridge.

MCMC will partner in the building, which isexpected to open late this year, with Lone Pine Villageand Integrity Structures, a Seattle contracting companywhose CEO, Gabe Duus, is a native of The Dalles.

Existing and expanded MCMC programs will occupythe majority of the new facility. However, hospital CEODuane Francis says MCMC will soon completenegotiations with another tenant that will occupy thethird floor of the building and provide comprehensivemedical and surgical services, many of which are notcurrently available in the Gorge.

MCMC programs that will relocate to the newbuilding include the hospital’s growing physicalrehabilitation program. Now located in two sites, on thehospital campus and on Fourth Street in downtown TheDalles, MCMC’s physical, occupational and speechtherapy services will be combined to expand and

MCMC announces a new waterfront

center that willoffer a mix of

existing and newprograms andservices – not to mention a

fabulous view ofthe whitecaps.

CurrentsEvent

By Lori Russell

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enhance the care of patientsrehabilitating from a range ofconditions, from sports injuries to hip replacements.

“Offering rehab services in twolocations is not ideal,” Francis says.“For example, patients rehabbing atone of our facilities may not haveeasy access to equipment that may beavailable at the other facility. At theLone Pine site, we’ll be able tocombine all of our services, add newprograms and equipment and makesure all of our rehabilitation patientsare benefiting from the same breadthof care in one convenient setting.”

The Lone Pine setting providesMCMC with the ideal opportunity tomeet its patients’ request for moreconvenient outpatient medicalservices. With parking at a premiumon the hospital campus, the newbuilding will offer easier access torehabilitation and other patientswhose conditions may presentmobility challenges.

In addition to outpatientrehabilitation services, MCMC willrelocate its busy, four-bed sleep centerto the new facility to offer a non-threatening setting away from thehospital where patients can spend acomfortable night while beingevaluated for sleep disorders.

The building also will houseMCMC’s Cardiac Rehabilitation,Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Medical

The building at Lone Pinerepresents MCMC’s first newconstruction project since thecompletion of Celilo CancerCenter in early 2001.

two others who will be recruited to the new space.

The building at Lone Pinerepresents MCMC’s first newconstruction project since thecompletion of Celilo Cancer Centerin early 2001. Francis says itslocation away from campus, in a unique and vibrant newneighborhood, is a good fit forMCMC’s long-standing belief in the importance of caring for allaspects a person’s health.

“This setting enables us tofulfill that mission in an innovativenew setting that will help uspromote healthy lifestyles andoptimal healing,” Francis says.

Nearing the completion of itsfirst phase of homes and townhomes, Lone Pine Village will beganconstruction on the MCMC facilityshortly, after financing has beensecured. Simultaneously,construction will continue on moreresidential properties, mixed-usebuildings and infrastructure forfuture phases, including aroundabout on Highway 197.

Symptom Reduction and Living HealthyWith Diabetes programs. All of thoseprograms incorporate MCMC’s mind-body approach to patient care bycombining traditional medical approacheswith integrated therapies such asmassage therapy, yoga and tai chi. Thefull complement of MCMC’s movementprograms and integrated therapies willbe offered in the new building.

The Lone Pine venture also willbetter position the hospital in itsongoing efforts to expand access tointernal medicine care. Space has beenreserved in the new building for acomprehensive internal medicinepractice that will house two providerscurrently practicing in The Dalles and

Architect renderings of the exterior and interior(left and above) of MCMC’s new waterfront center

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In his 33-year teaching career, Ed Eddy helped shape the minds

and bodies of thousands of youngstudents.

Whether teaching math to fourthgraders or sharing his passion forsports as a P.E. teacher, he made alife’s work out of motivating studentsto overcome obstacles.

Since a near-fatal motor vehicleaccident in November 2007, the 72-year-old resident of The Dalles hashad obstacles of his own toovercome. The impact of the crashseparated his ribs from his sternum,destabilizing the protective cage ofbone that covers his heart and lungs.

He was transported by Lifeflightto Emanuel Hospital in Portlandwhere he underwent surgery to inserta titanium plate to which his ribswere then attached.

For two months Eddy wassedated in a medically induced comato prevent him from moving while hischest healed.

“When I came to, I didn’t knowwhere I was,” he says.

Since then he has piecedtogether the story of his survival fromhis family’s accounts and journalentries made by doctors, nurses andloved ones.

With the titanium plate in hischest, Eddy had to learn to breathedifferently. He also had to deal withthe effects of a stroke that occurredeither during the accident orsometime afterward. That left himwith limited use of his left side anddamage to the optic nerves thatcontrol his vision.

Nearly seven months after hisaccident, Eddy was admitted to Mid-Columbia Medical Center’s mPower

unit, the only inpatient rehabilitationprogram in the Gorge.

“When Ed came here, he couldhardly hold up his left hand,” saysoccupational therapist Leslie Reagan.“Now he can move and stack objectsand put his shoes and socks on.”

Physical therapist Janell Wyattworked with Eddy on walking andnegotiating on his own with his limitedvision. “Ed’s vision has improved whilehe was here but it will be a long-termissue,” she says. “He can now use awalker or cane, negotiate the elevatorand walk over to the fitness center inthe building next door.”

Eddy admits the role of student canbe boring. “I do as much as I can to getbetter faster,” he says.

The mPower staff works with morethan 100 patients a year who are tryingto regain their optimal lifestyle afteraccidents or illnesses like stroke, trauma,brain and spinal cord injuries,amputations, hip fractures, burns,rheumatoid arthritis and severeosteoarthritis.

A stay on the unit can range fromfive to 30 days.

The center uses a team of healthprofessionals including physical,occupational and speech therapists, anurse, a social worker, a psychologist, a dietitian, a recreational therapist, apharmacist and a certified nursingassistant. The program is supervised bymedical director, Trey Rigert, M.D., aspecialist in physical and rehabilitativemedicine.

“Our goal at mPower is to getpatients back home and back intocommunity,” says Sharla Weber, whocoordinates community education forthe center.

Eddy left mPower after 24 days andmoved to Flagstone Senior Living Center,where he continued his rehabilitation asan outpatient. In October, just a fewweeks short of the one-year anniversaryof his accident, he moved back to hisproperty to live with his daughter Kimand her family.

He now uses a cane and works outtwice a week at the gym. While hisvision has not improved greatly, Eddysays he can see well enough to getaround.

Despite the limitation, he enjoysfishing, boating and attending hisgrandchildren’s sporting events.

Eddy says he is grateful for the care he received at mPower and for hiscontinued progress toward healing. “I’ve been very blessed — except for a wreck or two.”

To request information about themPower Acute Inpatient Rehabilitationprogram, call 541-506-6901.

After a near-fatal accident, Ed Eddy makes acomeback with the help of family, friends and the mPower Rehabilitation program

By Lori Russell

mPowerful Progress

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Mind, Body HealingUPCOMING EDUCATION PROGRAMS FROM THE CENTER FOR MIND & BODY MEDICINE AT MID-COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER

&Exercise Movement

Pre-registration required; please call 296-7202to register unless otherwise indicated.

Spring 2009

T’ai Chi for BalanceTUESDAYS & THURSDAYS1 p.m., Celilo Cancer CenterIf you are interested in improving yourbalance and reducing your risks offalls, you may qualify for our free T’aiChi classes. Participants must be 60years of age or older, have a disabilityor are living with a chronic disease.This program is open to all ColumbiaRiver Gorge residents. For moreinformation, please contact BarbRobison at the Center for Mind & Body Medicine, 541/296-7414.

T’ai Chi is an ancient mind/bodydiscipline of relaxed movement. Itinvolves gentle, meditative exercise forindividuals of all ages and fitnesslevels. Participants will enjoy increasedbalance, flexibility, coordination andimproved well being, while reducingstress and associated pain and fatigue.

T’ai ChiTUESDAYS5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Celilo Cancer Center$45 per 8-week sessionThis class is geared for adults who areinterested in beginning or advancingthe practice of T’ai Chi.

T’ai Chi Yoga All LevelsMONDAYS & THURSDAYS5:30 to 7 p.m., $40 for 5 sessions,$60 for 10 sessions or $10 drop-in

Unwind and rejuvenate your mind and body with yoga stretching, breathingexercises and relaxation. This class isdesigned for all ages and levels of fitness. Increase your flexibility, strength and balance.

Gentle Yoga WEDNESDAYS8-9 a.m., $40 for 5 sessions, $60 for 10 sessions or $10 drop-in

This easy-does-it class is perfect forbeginners or people with limited mobility. Stretch, breathe and ease your way into greater flexibility.

Flow Yoga WEDNESDAYS5 to 6:30 p.m., $40 for 5 sessions,$60 for 10 sessions or $10 drop-in

Flowing from pose to pose, this yogaclass is a moving meditation that helpsrest the anxious, stressed mind whilebringing strength, flexibility and balanceto the body. No previous experiencenecessary.

Yoga NidraWEDNESDAY, FEB. 255 to 6:30 p.m., $10

This introductory class is suitable for both beginners and advanced yoga ormeditation practitioners. Gentle body-sensing yoga is followed by guidedmeditation which leads to deeprelaxation of body and mind. Developedby Richard Miller, PhD, this protocol is being used around the world for the treatment of various conditions including post-traumatic stress,depression, anxiety, self-esteem, pain control, insomnia, and non-medically responsive illnesses.

A Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Hospital

ALL YOGA CLASSES ARE HELD AT CELILO CANCER CENTER

BRINGING EDUCATION TOTHE WORKPLACE

Mind Body staff members are available for educational presentationsat your place of employment. We are happy to work with

your staff to tailor presentations based on your specific needs. Topics can be as diverse

as stress management, nutrition, aromatherapy, fitness, yoga, T’ai chi,

and lung and heart health.

Contact Barb Robison, Director, Center for

Mind & Body Medicine, 541-296-7414

Yoga

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Workshops & ClinicsMind Body Healing

Journal WritingEVERY WEDNESDAY, 11 a.m.Meditation Room, Celilo Cancer CenterSusan Erikson, InstructorFreeYou will be guided in journal writingtechniques designed to help you processlife events and to open to inspiration.

Guided Relaxation with HarpWEDNESDAYS10:15 to 11 a.m.Meditation Room, Celilo Cancer CenterSusan Erikson, InstructorAnna Fiasca, HarpistFree

This 45 minute session can help youreduce stress and relax with the use ofguided imagery and beautiful music.

Open Meditation PracticeTHURSDAY, Feb. 267:15 to 7:45 a.m., Celilo Cancer CenterFree

This session is geared for people whowould like to engage in meditationwithin a group setting. Each session willvary in style and will be led by MCMCstaff. For those new to Meditation,Introduction to Meditation isrecommended prior to attending.

Managing Your Cholesterol for LifeTUESDAY, Feb. 24, 3 to 4:30 p.m.Fitness Center classroom$10 (fee includes one support person)

If you have been told by your doctor thatyou have high cholesterol or you would like to know about the relationship betweennutrition and cholesterol, join our dietitian,Jennifer Zimmerman and learn how dietchanges can be a big part of managing yourcholesterol. This clinic will help you todevelop a plan that is safe, sane andpromotes disease prevention.

Breathe Your Way To Better HealthPart 1 WEDNESDAY, March 18Part 2 WEDNESDAY, March 257 to 8 p.m., Celilo Cancer Center$20

Learn simple breathingtechniques that canhelp lower bloodpressure and pulse,decrease stress andanxiety, improveimmune function, easeinsomnia, improve digestion and speedhealing time. Wear loose comfy clothing.

Introduction to MeditationPart 1 WEDNESDAY, April 1Part 2 WEDNESDAY, April 87 to 8 p.m., Celilo Cancer Center$20

Mounting research is showing the benefitsof relaxation practices. In this basic classyou will learn the history of meditation, themedical benefits and simple relaxationtechniques that you can use in yourpersonal plan of good health.

MONDAYSMedical Center Office PlazaMarch 2, 9 & 161 to 4 p.m.May 4, 11 & 186 to 9 p.m.

Living Healthy with Diabetes SelfManagement Classes

The Diabetes Self-Management class isa comprehensive learning experiencewhich teaches the many differentaspects of diabetes management.Covered by most insurance plans. Pre-registration is required. Weencourage a support person to attend,at no additional fee. This classpromotes patient wellness and, througheducation, will help you live healthywith diabetes. Please call 296-7319 formore information.

Healthy Weight SolutionsWEDNESDAYS6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Call for class schedule

This outpatient program is a unique8-week progressive weight loss andwellness clinic that will provide a safe and supportive environment forweight loss achievement, stressreduction and disease prevention. The program will focus on a holisticsolution to weight management. The multi-disciplinary team includes a dietitian, registered nurse andphysician. The curriculum will include research based integrativestrategies that are simple, practicaland lifelong.

Guided Relaxation, Music and AromatherapyWEDNESDAYMarch 1812:15 to 12:45 p.m.Celilo Cancer CenterFree

Experience 30 minutes of total relaxation.Relaxation expert, Susan Erikson,aromatherapist, Barb Robison and music-thanatologist, Anna Fiasca will lead you in a guided imagery and aromatherapyrelaxation technique, using pure essentialoils and music. Leave this session feelingcalmly refreshed!

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call 541-296-7202.

Individual Yoga ConsultationIndividual Fitness ConsultationIndividual Nutrition Consultation

PERSONALIZED HEALTHAND WELLNESS

For class schedules and registration information,please contact 541-296-7202.

&Core Health

Many insurance companies and Medicare will cover all or a portion of the clinic fee.

We will assist you to determine your insurancebenefits. Physician referral may be required.

OUTPATIENTTHERAPYSERVICESPhysical Therapy Occupational TherapySpeech TherapyTwo Locations: Westside: 115 W. 4th St.298-8985 MCMC Campus: 1810 E. 19th St.296-7202

Cardiac Rehabilitation ClinicMedical Symptom Reduction Clinic

Living Healthy with DiabetesPulmonary Health Services

Better Breathers Support Group

Fitness for HealthMONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS5:30 to 9 a.m. & 4 to 7 p.m.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS5:30 to 11 a.m. & 4 to 7 p.m.

FRIDAYS5:30 to 9 a.m. & 4 to 6 p.m.

SATURDAY7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Fitness Center – Medical Center Office Plaza$30 per month$55 monthly for couples

Begin or maintain a personalfitness program using state-of-the-art equipment with theassistance of a fitnessinstructor. Attend anycombination of times that isconvenient for your schedule.

Fitness

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Wellness Clinics

Lymphedema Treatment and Therapy Celilo Cancer Center

The treatment of lymphedema, or swelling of an extremity, consists of manual lymphdrainage, compression bandaging, skin careand gentle movement exercises delivered byour healing therapist’s hands. These stepsare part of a therapy program that will helpminimize and manage the symptoms oflymphedema. With a physician’s referral, this therapy is covered by most insuranceplans. Please call 541-296-7202 to schedulean appointment.

AcupunctureTherapyCeliloCancer Center

Acupuncture isone disciplinetaken from the

heritage of Chinese medicine. Thetechnique involves the insertion of veryfine needles at specific points in thebody which have been shown to beeffective in the treatment of variousconditions. Call 506-6998 forappointments or for more information.

Massage TherapyCelilo Cancer Center

Massage therapy is one of the oldestforms of health practice. It has beenused to enhance healing and generalwell being since ancient times. Thistherapy manipulates the skin, musclesand joints for muscle relaxation,improved circulation and stress relief.The therapists at Mid-Columbia MedicalCenter offer a variety of massagetechniques tailored to your specificneeds. To schedule an appointment or purchase a gift certificate for amassage, call 541-506-6998.

Therapeutic Body Work

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Diane Chase didn’t want toadmit she was having a heart

attack when she woke up one nightin November 2007 with tightness inher chest.

“It felt like my chest cavity wasexpanding and my ribs wereconstricting,” she says. “I thought Ihad eaten something funny.”

Alone at her home in The Dalles,Chase took some antacids and triedto go back to sleep. When the painbecame sharp, she decided to callthe emergency department at MidColumbia Medical Center.

“The nurse I talked to knewimmediately that I was probablyhaving a heart attack,” Chase says.But she still didn’t believe it.

She didn’t have high cholesterol,diabetes or high blood pressure. Sheworked out at the gym. “I’m acowboy up kind of girl,” she admits.

Like many women, Chaseassumed that because she was nothaving sudden crushing chest pain,she was not having a heart attack.Yet, according to the American HeartAssociation, heart attack symptomscan differ from person to person.

Over the next several hours,Chase’s pain continued to worsen. By the time she did arrive at thehospital, she was breathless andlightheaded.

Chase’s cardiac symptoms wereserious enough that she had to betransported to a Portland hospital fortreatment.

The two most common causes ofa heart attack are the build up offatty deposits, called plaque, in theheart arteries or when a piece ofplaque breaks off an artery and aclot forms around it blocking theflow of blood. Without oxygen-richblood, a portion of the heart musclebegins to die triggering the pain of aheart attack.

Chase was lucky; the damage toher heart was mild. Even so, onceshe returned home she feltexhausted just walking across aroom. Her doctor recommended sheenroll in Cardiac Rehabilitation atMCMC. In the program a team ofnurses, physical therapists,nutritionists and a social worker help patients who have had a heart

Though she wasexperiencingmany of the

signs of a heartattack, Diane

Chase wouldn’tbelieve it.

Now she knows better.

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Diane Chase

Won’t Get Fooled AgainBy Lori Russell

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attack build a lifelong commitment to heart health. The program uses education, counseling and

behavioral modification to help participants reach theirgoals.

Chase’s initial reluctance to participate changed assoon as she met the program’s director Pat Visser, R.N. “I was resentful of the cardiac invasion in my life, but Pat won me over,” she says.

“Diane did phenomenal work,” says Visser. “She issomeone who faces her fear and struggles. She gave it atry and made major changes in her life.” (Visser retired asdirector of cardiac rehab last spring, but remains involvedwith the program.)

Like many women, Chase assumed that,because she was nothaving sudden, crushingchest pain, she was nothaving a heart attack.

During the eight-week program, Chase learned thather family history of heart disease put her at higher risk of a heart attack. She also discovered that stress can causea heart attack.

As Chase began looking at the stressors in her life, sherealized that, like many women, she was spending moretime and energy caring for others than for herself.

She learned to be more mindful about the choices shewas making. Although she still works a full-time job andcares for family and friends, Chase has learned to assertherself and to pay attention to her own needs.

“I’m a spiritual person,” she says. “I knew God tookcare of me, and I want to take care of other people. Now I know I can’t be of help to anyone if I am dead.”

Chase has changed what and how she eats and nowgoes to the gym regularly. “Before, I felt busy in my head,but I was not busy physically.” She uses a technique called“belly breathing” to relax when she encounters stressfulsituations at work and home.

Chase participated in the Go Red for Women event in February, something she was too sick to do last year.MCMC is a sponsor of the event. She also plans to travel to New Orleans with a group from the local Rotary chapter to help build houses for families displaced byHurricane Katrina.

“I get to do all of this because I’m healthy,” she says. “My heart attack was mild, but it was a genuinewake-up call for me.”

Know the Signs Of a Heart AttackThe signs of a heart attack aren’t always easy

to recognize, and they aren’t always the samefrom person to person.

Heart attack symptoms can include discomfort,tightness, uncomfortable pressure, fullness orsqueezing in the center of the chest that lasts morethan a few minutes, or comes and goes. Pressureor pain can also spread to the shoulders, neck,upper back, jaw, or arms.

Some people experience dizziness, shortness of breath, clammy sweats, heart flutters, palenessor feelings of anxiety, fatigue or weakness —especially with exertion. Others complain ofnausea, stomach or abdominal pain. Even peoplewho have suffered a previous heart attack mightnot recognize the next one because they may haveentirely different symptoms. The only way to knowfor sure is to be examined by a doctor.

THE ABCs OFHEART DISEASE PREVENTION

A = Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco smoke can wreak havoc on your heart andblood vessels, making them more vulnerable tonarrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), whichcan lead to a heart attack.

B = Be More Active

Regular physical activity can reduce your risk offatal heart disease by nearly 25 percent. Federalguidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to60 minutes of moderately intense physical activitymost days of the week. However, even shorteramounts offer heart benefits; so keep moving.

C = Choose Good Nutrition

Eat less fat, less salt, fewer calories and more fiber.

Remember your ABCs; in the long run, they spell better heart health.

NON-PROFITU.S. Postage

P A I DMID-COLUMBIA

MEDICAL CENTERPermit #161

CURRENT RESIDENT

1700 E. 19th St., The Dalles, OR 97058A Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Hospitald l d

Tuesday, Feb. 24

Food for Thought: Colon Cancer PreventionCancer of the colon is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. When caught early, it is often curable. Join JamesStoller, M.D., surgeon with Mid-Columbia Surgical Specialists,as he explains what’s new in diagnosing and treating colon cancer as well as what’s tried and true. He’ll also discuss the important steps you can take to keep your colon healthy.

Tuesday, March 3

Fore! Get Your Golf Groove On!

Tired of winter? Ready to hit the links? If you want to get fit forgolf, are recovering from an injury or just want to have an injury-free season, this program is just the ticket. Zachary Chown, PT, DPT,of MCMC’s mPower Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, willshare pointers on how you can have a healthy season of golf!

Tuesday, March 10

Woman2Woman: Breast Health at Every AgeEach year women focus on breast cancer which is very important. Yet what can a woman do to keep her breasts healthy? Most womenexperience breast changes at some time in their life. Your age,hormone levels and the medicines you take may cause lumps, bumpsand discharges. Ann Harris, M.D., surgeon with Mid-Columbia SurgicalSpecialists, talks about breast health throughout the lifespan. Comelearn what you need to know to prevent breast health problems.

SPRING 2009Planetree Health Resource Center Health Lecture SeriesInformative Discussions on Your Good Health — All lectures are freeand open to the public. Lectures are held in the Medical Office BuildingConference Room at Mid-Columbia Medical Center, 1810 E. 19th St., TheDalles. All programs are from 7pm to 8:30 pm. Your on-time arrival isappreciated. Phone 296-8444 to pre-register. We look forward to seeing you.