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FamilyHealthN o r t h f i e l d h o s p i t a l & C l i N i C s

Spring 2011 • Vol. 16, No. 2 651-460-2300

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Vaccinations key to preventing childhood diseases

Dan Faber, MD, a pediatrician and internist at FamilyHealth Medical Clinic in Farmington, advises parents to keep infant and childhood vaccinations current.

The recent measles outbreak in Hen-nepin County is a cautionary reminder of what can happen when childhood immuni-zations rates fall. According to the Minne-sota Department of Health, only 82 percent of our children are fully protected.

Dr. Faber says vaccines remain the cornerstone of good pediatric care. Well-child checks are essen-tially organized around the vaccination schedule. Thus there are frequent checkups and vaccines dur-ing the first two years of life; these gradually space out with kindergarten entry (4-6 years) and seventh grade entry (11-13) being other milestone visits.

Vaccines work by using the body’s natural de-fense mechanisms against a disease-causing virus or bacteria.

After finishing a vaccine series, a child will be armed and ready to produce antibodies and other helper and killer cells that can immediately combat the actual disease-causing bacteria or virus when it is encountered.

“Vaccinations are the best preventive care you can provide your children,” said Dr. Faber. “The fact that the recent outbreak of measles is an anomaly is evidence that vaccines do protect our children from

serious disease.”Minnesota’s School Immunization Law requires

that children have the certain vaccines to attend preschool and school; the required list is detailed in www.health.state.mn.us/immunize.

“VACCINATIONS ARE THE BEST PREVENTIVE CARE YOU CAN PROVIDE YOUR CHILDREN.”

– DR. DAN FABER

3New CT scanner will benefit patients

6Eating for the right reasons?

4Eye surgery changes lives

2

N O R T H F I E L D H O S P I TA L S E R V I C E S

Northfield Hospital & Clin-ics plans to redesign space in the hospital’s main corridor to pro-vide for the clinical expansion of Infusion Services/Chemotherapy and Sleep Medicine.

The $2 million remodeling project will create customized outpatient clinic space for those services, improving the patient experience with better access and more privacy. Work is ex-pected to get underway in July with completion coming in the first quarter of 2012.

With the expansion of these outpatient services in the hospi-tal’s main corridor, the admission desk will be moved closer to the front entrance of the hospital, a conference room will be expand-ed to allow for training functions and the Northfield Hospital Aux-iliary’s gift shop, Kaleidoscope, will be moved next to the hearth waiting area

Juliana Sayner, RN, BSN and OCN, clinic coordinator of Infu-

sion Services, said the objective is to create a therapeutic envi-ronment designed specifically for oncology patients and non-oncology infusions. There will be space for consultations with oncologists, nutrition therapists, and Social Services. The clinic will be more accessible to pa-tients, just a short walk from hospital parking, and it will allow oncology patients with compromised immune systems to avoid other patient popula-tions. Therapy rooms will have

windows that provide a restful, scenic view of the nature area on the St. Olaf College campus.

The new space for Infusion Services will serve as a comple-ment to Mayo Clinic’s new radia-tion oncology center, which is scheduled to open in July.

Sleep medicine is another service that is expected to grow. Creating customized space for diagnostic sleep studies will po-sition the hospital to be accred-ited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Hospital plans expansion of clinical services

Juliana Sayner, RN, BSN and OCN, clinical coordinator of Infusion Services, be-gins a therapy regimen for Ellis Lysne.

THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE WILL BE ENHANCED WITH NEW, DEDICATED SPACE FOR CHEMOTHERAPY AND IN-FUSION SERVICES.

Northfield Hospital & Clinics offers prepared childbirth classes periodically throughout the year. The four-session program meets on Tuesday evenings at Northfield Hospital. The next open sessions are: July 5 through July 26 and Septem-ber 6 through September 27.

The weekend series – Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. – are also open. The next available sessions are: June 11 and 12 and August 6 and 7.

For more information or to register, call Nancy at 507-646-1035 or e-mail her at moen@northfieldhospital.org.

Prepared childbirth classes offered

H O S P I TA L N E W S

3

Emergency air service is just seven minutes away from Northfield Hospital.

Since 2009, North Memo-rial Air Care has had a flight base in Lakeville, making air ambulances more accessible to hospitals in the south metro area.

Northfield Hospital Emer-gency Department flies a minimum of five patients a week to Level I hospitals in the Twin Cities or Rochester. North Memorial transports more than half of them.

Deb Maestri, RN, manager of Northfield Hos-pital Emergency Department, says the air services’ base in Lakeville has made a big difference.

“It’s really decreased the transport time a lot,”

she said. “We make one phone call and they are here.”

North Memorial air ambulances’ top speed is 180 mph. They can travel to metropolitan hospitals in 20 minutes or less.

Air transport is close at hand

Northfield Hospital is add-ing a new high-end Computed Tomography System (CT) to its diagnostic imaging repertoire in June. The 64-slice system promises higher quality images with less radiation exposure for patients. It will also expand the number of diagnostic procedures that can be done at Northfield Hospital, reducing the need for patients to travel out of town for their health care.

Sandy Mulford, director of Diagnostic Imaging at Northfield Hospital & Clinics, said this scanner will help create a better patient experience. The ability to

scan 64 slices at one time makes the scan very fast, so a patient can get on with their day more quickly. In addition, the donut that surrounds the patient during the scan is larger in cir-cumference to accom-modate larger people, reducing a patients’ sense of confinement.

Because of the advanced technology of the system, patients will be exposed to less radiation during the procedure. A special software program that the hospi-tal has purchased will reduce the radiation dose up to an addition-

al 68 percent, Mulford said.Computed Tomography

is available 24 hours a day at Northfield Hospital. Emergency Department physicians com-

monly use it to evalu-ate abdomen and chest pain, rule out blood clots in the lungs and to evaluate other parts of the body. With the addition of a 64-slice scanner, Northfield

Hospital will be able to also perform CT angiography, a non-invasive way to look specifically at the arteries in the body, brain and extremities.

New CT scanner will benefit patients

MRI

1,229Mammograms

1,753Ultrasounds

3,775CT Scans

4,005Patient Imaging

Servicesfor 2010

4

S U R G I C A L S E R V I C E S

“I wanted to be able to see their faces, so I could see how much in love they were,” said Sharon, a retired Human Devel-opment Advisor at Laura Baker Services Association.

Michelle Muench, MD, an ophthalmologist with Northfield Eye Physicians & Surgeons, made it happen. She operated

on Sharon’s right eye days before the wedding. Sharon was able to witness the momentous event in all of its radiant clarity.

“It was a beauti-ful wedding,” Sha-ron remembers.

Dr. Muench said she is constantly

impressed at how life-changing cataract surgery can be.

“People ask me all the time: ‘When is it time to have cataract surgery?’ said Dr. Muench. “I say have your surgery when your vision starts to interfere with the things you like to do.”

That could be night-time driving for some; for others it would be sewing or reading the sports scores crawling across the bottom of the television screen. For Sharon it got to the point

where she could no longer read her Bible or follow the flow of her weekly card games.

“I just hadn’t realized how bad it was and what a difference surgery could make,” Sharon said. “I played cards yesterday, and I could see the cards laying in front of my partner.”

It’s not unusual for cloudy vi-sion to sneak up on a person. A

cataract develops when aging tis-sue or an injury begins to cloud the lens, scattering the light that passes through the eye and preventing a clear, well-defined image from reaching the retina.

The surgery involves remov-ing the clouded lens and re-placing it with an artificial lens implant. The procedure is well tolerated and the recovery time is brief.

Sharon saw results right away. Her vision was clear and colors were more vibrant. She can see

Eye surgery can be life-changing experience

Dr. Muench

“I SAY HAVE YOUR SURGERY WHEN YOUR VISION STARTS TO INTERFERE WITH THE THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO.”

– DR. MICHELLE MUENCH

LensRetina

Cornea

Iris

Iris

Sharon Collins’ one wish was to see her grandson get married – in living color, not through the muted tones and cloudy veil imposed by her cataracts…

5

S U R G I C A L S E R V I C E S

Eye surgery can be life-changing experience“I JUST HADN’T REALIZED HOW BAD IT WAS AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE SURGERY COULD MAKE.”

– SHARON COLLINS

Sharon Collins can now enjoy her weekly card games again thanks to her cata-ract surgery done by Dr. Michelle Muench.

the television and read better. It’s like discovering a whole new world.

“I’m noticing something new everyday,” she said.

Sharon said the staff at Northfield Hospital was a wonderful help, comforting and thorough, something she’s come to expect from the hospital. Dr. Muench says she receives compliments all the time on the good work done by the staffs in Same-Day Surgery and the Operating Room.

“I appreciate the personal-ized care my patients receive at Northfield Hospital,” said Dr. Muench. “I grew up in North-field, and we all appreciate that our patients are our neighbors, and we are looking for the abso-lute best outcome for them.”

Dr. Muench sees patients in clinic at River Valley Vision Centers and

operates at Northfield Hospital.

6

Don’t let your eating patterns control youAre you eating for the right reasons? Is it

nutrition or comfort?In this age of abundance, where we

are confronted at every turn with highly-processed foods, more and more people are overeating. Courtney Eby, RD, LD, a nutrition therapist at Northfield Hospital & Clinics, says many are eating for the wrong reasons. Their food consumption has taken on an addictive pattern that masks deeper psychological issues.

There is not yet an accepted medical definition of a food addiction. But Eby says it is present when someone is overwhelmed by their cravings for food and have lost the abil-ity to regulate their food consumption.

The biochemistry is similar to that asso-ciated with alcohol and drug addiction, she said. Today’s processed foods are engineered

with fats, salts and sugars to appeal to the brain’s pleasure centers. When food becomes your primary source of comfort, you have a problem.

“We see people eating all day,” she said. “They are trying to push back those feelings of anxiety, depression or bore-dom.”

Women seem to be more susceptible than men to a food addiction. Some of the warning signs of an addictive pattern are:• Being obsessed with meal preparation, food shopping, recipe collecting;• Eating in secret;• Hiding and hoarding food;• Feelings of guilt over eating pat-

terns;• Requiring food for comfort.• Exhibiting strong physical cravings for food.

“You have to learn to consume foods for nour-ishment rather than comfort,” Eby said.

She recommends people work with both a nu-tritional therapist and a behavioral therapist to get a handle on a pattern that will eventually compromise a person’s health. People need to observe their hab-its and develop strategies to control their use of food. Strategies include having a structured meal plan, controlling portions, learning to cope with cravings and avoiding situations where you will be tempted.

Eby suggests approaching food consumption in a studied manner. If you have questions about addic-tive eating or other nutritional issues, call 507-646-1410 and ask for Courtney Eby or Kristi Von Ruden.

Tips for becoming a mindful eater: –[ reserve at least 20 minutes for each meal

–[ eat while sitting down

–[ chew food well, don’t inhale it

–[ put down your fork between bites

–[ keep food out of your car, don’t eat while driving

–[ be present while eating – take time to taste the food and take in the whole dining experience

H E A LT H U P D A T E S

Eby

“YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO CONSUME FOODS FOR NOURISHMENT RATHER THAN COMFORT.”

– COURTNEY EBY

H O M E C A R E

7

Northfield Home Care makes house calls.

Sometimes its because pa-tients are transitioning from hospital to home. Sometimes its because they are recovering from surgery. Sometimes its because they have a chronic condition but want to live out their lives in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. All will find home care staff at their doorstep.

Take Kay Costa for instance. This Northfield woman recently had knee replacement surgery. During her recovery, she ben-efited from the full complement of home care services. Home care nurses were there for education and medication management. Home care aides provided per-sonal care and light housekeep-ing. Kay had physical therapy in her home twice a week, and an occupational therapist provided information and wise counsel to help her navigate her home in safety.

“I received more than I ex-pected,” Kay said. “Each of the providers seemed to anticipate

my every need and graciously offered sug-gestions to solve my dilemmas.”

Lorraine Tabor’s was a differ-ent story. A victim of polio in her

teens, Lorraine spent 60 years in a wheelchair. She died last year at the age of 80 in her home as she

wished. Lorraine was able to stay in

her home because of Northfield Home Care. She was a patient for 15 years. Home care staff saw her four times a day. They got her up in the morning, checked on her twice during the day and helped her into bed at night. Aides helped with shopping, cleaning, cooking and laundry.

Steve Hanson, a friend, said Lorraine’s desire was to stay at home. “She couldn’t have done this alone,” he said.

Kathy Bengtson, Northfield Home Care director, said Lor-raine considered the home care aides her family.

“She always used to say to me: ‘Kathy, it’s because of you girls that I’m able to be at home.’”

Home care sees a wide range of patients, for varying lengths of time. It’s cost effective and most patients do better at home.

“Without Home Care I would not have had the comforts of my own home and especially my own bed,” Costa said. ”I think my friends felt more comfort-able visiting me at home. There is something about the laughter and conversation of friends that speeds recovery as well.”

For more information about services provided by Northfield Home Care, contact

Kathy Bengtson at 507-646-1457.

Home care meets patients needs at home

Kay Costa

Tabor

“EACH OF THE PROVIDERS SEEMED TO ANTICIPATE MY EVERY NEED.”

– KAY COSTA

N o r t h f i e l d h o s p i t a l r o u N d u p

FAMILYHEALTH is published as a community service for households served by Northfield Hospital & Clinics. Addi-tional copies are available by calling Community Relations, 507-646-1034.

MarkHenke DixonBond President and CEO Chair, Board of Trustees

RandyReister,MD ScottRichardson Clinic Medical Director Editor

Information in FAMILYHEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.

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Our focus is to provide a positive and healing environment that is patient centered. If you are interested in becoming a memberof our highly-skilled and compassionate staff, please view our employment opportunities at www.northfieldhospital.org.

The 50th Great Northfield, Minne-sota Book Raid, the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary’s annual book sale, will be Tuesday, April 26, to Saturday, April 30, at the Northfield Ice Arena.

Sale hours will be 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 27-April 29; and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.

The Hospital Auxiliary is dedicating funds raised this year to the expansion of clinical space for Infusion Services/Chemotherapy at Northfield Hospital.

FamilyHealth Medical Clinic – Northfield507-646-1494

2000 North Avenue Northfield, Minn. 55057

8 to 8, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday8 to 5, Wednesday and Friday

9 to 12, Saturday

FamilyHealth Medical Clinic – Lonsdale507-744-3245

103 15th SELonsdale, Minn.

8:30 to 5, Monday through Friday

FamilyHealth Medical Clinic – Farmington651-460-2300

4645 Knutsen DriveFarmington, Minn. 55024

7:30 to 6, Monday and Wednesday7:30 to 5, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

FamilyHealth Medical Clinic – Lakeville952-469-0500

9974 214th St. WestLakeville, Minn. 55044

8:30 to 5, Monday through Friday8 to noon, Saturdays

Women’s Health Center507-646-1498

2000 North AvenueNorthfield, Minn. 55057

8 to 4:30, Monday through Friday

Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic507-646-8900

1381 Jefferson DriveNorthfield, Minn. 55057

8:30 to 5, Monday through Thursday8:30 to 4, Friday

Northfield Eye Physicians & Surgeons507-645-9202

2019 Jefferson RoadNorthfield, Minn. 55057

8 to 4, Tuesday and Thursday

Clinic office hoursAuxiliary announces book fair dates

Great Northfield, Minn. Book Raid

50th

Mayo Clinic vascular special-ist Rajiv Gulati, MD, is now seeing patients at the Mayo Clinic Heart Clinic on the Northfield Hospital campus.

Dr. Gulati will provide consulta-tion on circulatory issues that may include symptoms of: peripheral arterial disease; renal artery steno-sis; carotid artery disease, including

transient ischemic attacks; upper extremity arterial disease; angina, myocardial infarction; and coronary artery disease.

Patients may make an appoint-ment directly by calling Family-Health Medical Clinic (507-646-1494) or can be referred by their primary physician.

Vascular specialist seeing patients at Northfield Hospital