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Allen Hospital MRI Open HouseWe invite all Allen providers, sta� and volunteers to come see our new baby: the 3 Tesla MAGNETOM Skyra MRI. That’s quite a mouthful, we admit, but it’s an impressive piece of technology. Our new MRI includes the most powerful magnet commercially available and a 70 cm open-bore design, which is a major benefit for anyone with claustrophobia. It also means we can scan patients weighing up to 500 pounds. The images we’re seeing set a new standard for the Cedar Valley. Come see it at our open house, and we’ll tell you more. Please understand that if we need the new MRI for scanning any time during the open house, we’ll figure out a way for you to see it as soon as we’re done.

Tuesday, December 2Allen Hospital Radiology(second floor o� elevator D)

2 – 4 p.m.Refreshments

Q: Why does a health system make unhealthy drinks a primary option for patients? Sodas, diet sodas and juice cocktails? Is there a way we could o�er healthier options? Besides water, milk and the few 100% juices, there isn’t any promotion to patients to drink a healthier choice.A: This is incorrect. All of the juices we o�er patients such as apple, orange, grape, and prune are 100% juice. The only exception is cranberry, which is 15% juice because 100% cranberry juice is too tart for almost everyone. Milk options include whole milk, skim milk and low-fat choco-late milk. We also o�er both regular and sugar-free hot chocolate, regular and decaf co�ee and both tea and iced tea. We do o�er regular and diet soda. When we implemented the new menu, we con-sidered deleting soda on the menu. Other UnityPoint Health a�liates implemented the new menus without soda and quick-ly added it back to the menu to satisfy patient demand. Pop is by far the most requested beverage by our patients, and they are our guests. Unless patients are on restricted diets, we are here to serve our guests what they request – not choices we might prefer ourselves.Kelley Leonard, Dining & Nutrition

Birthdays & Hire Dates CARE Counts Classifieds EAPworks Health Beat Menus Phone Book

We answer questions as quickly as possi-ble, but it can take several weeks. If your question is more urgent, please contact the appropriate department, or call the Marketing & Communication o�ce at 319-235-3868, and we will help get you your answer sooner.

The Friday Edition will betaking a break next week,

November 28.Happy Thanksgiving!

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Q: Will Allen consider giving employees a bonus or at least points for On Point for Health if their BMI and labs are all within normal limits?

A: It will not be part of the program for 2015. Based upon feedback, there is some thought for including it in 2016.Steve Sesterhenn, HR

Q: Biometric test results are still not posted. Why can’t we get our results di-rectly from the lab like we have been able to in the past?

A: The Limeaid testing lab doesn’t o�er that option. They now estimate biometric screenings will be loaded into On Point for Health by December 12. For questions on the status of your screening data, email AskHR at benefitquestions@unitypoint.org or call 888-543-2275.Steve Sesterhenn, HR

Q: Would the Allen Cafe o�er glu-ten-free food items? Many people may prefer them.

A: We have gluten-free menu items available for patients and would be happy to prepare them for sta� upon request. Just let our cafe associates know, and we will accommodate your needs.Kelley Leonard, Dining & Nutrition

Q: Allen set up pay scales several years ago. Once you hit the top of the scale, you get a percent top-of-scale bonus each year but no real raise. Are there plans to revisit the pay scale soon?

A: We will make adjustments in the pay scales to take e�ect on January 1. This has been discussed with managers. New rang-es will be posted in the next few weeks.Steve Sesterhenn, HR

Q: Could you explain tuition reim-bursement options for UnityPoint Health employees?

A: Sure, but there are more options than we can answer here. Please call Kay Willard in HR at 235-3617, and she can identify yours. Thanks.Steve Sesterhenn, HR

CLASS CelebrationCLASS (Continued Life After Surviving Stroke) is a support group o�ered by Allen Hospital and a coordinated e�ort by Inpatient Rehab and Neu-rology department sta�. They meet the second Wednesday of each month on the 5th floor IP Rehab Unit. Survivors, community members, care givers and family members learn more about stroke recovery, rehabilitation and recurring stroke prevention. Various guest speakers are solicited through-out the year addressing medical, social and emotional components of stroke recovery. This free service runs February through November.

CLASS members with IP Rehab staff

On November 12, CLASS support sta� concluded their year with an End of Year Celebration for all its members. A fabulous fall themed spread of goodies was provided with entertaining video clips from a come-dian Stroke Survivor John Kawie. Many of our 2014 presenters joined us again and were available with information booths, including, Kara Rewerts, Music Therapist; Melissa Summers, Wellness Coordinator for the YWCA; and LuAnn Alemao, a food and nutrition educator and Blue Zones project advocate.

Class member speaks withMelissa Summers about program opportunities at the YWCA

CLASS support staff: Elana Aldrich, IP Rehab Social Worker; Jodi Boyd, IP Rehab Recreation Therapist; Kate Bolick RN-BSN, RN Neurology Navigator; Maria Chao-Shepard, IP Rehab Social Worker

CLASS participants watching clips of BRAIN FREEZE by comedian strokesurvivor John Kawie

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Q: What is the Allen region you speak of in regards to On Point for Health?

A: Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, But-ler, Chickasaw, Fayette, Franklin, Grundy, Hardin and Tama Counties.Jim Waterbury, Marketing &Communications

Q: When I enrolled for 2015 benefits, the premium is shown as the higher rate. I should be eligible for the discount and if so, will the lower rate just appear on my pay stub after the biometric screening information is uploaded?

A: Yes. The rate shown is the full rate. If you met all of the criteria for a discount, it will be taken out each pay period, and your benefits deductions will reflect that on your pay stub.Steve Sesterhenn, HR

Q: I recently worked a second-shift weekend. With the Cafe now being closed after 2:00 p.m., I tried to eat from the vending machines. There was only one sandwich left and ten open spots in the machine. I think if the second-shift employees are going to be disrespected and not served food just to save a buck, the least that could be done is to keep the vending machine stocked for the week-end! Bring on that great place to work survey!

A: Easy now. We hear you. We would all be irritated at finding a vending machine empty, but sold-out sandwiches have nothing to do with respect. The sandwich machine was new that weekend, and the third-party vending company that fills our machines didn’t anticipate it would sell out that fast. We’ve added more ma-chines and more choices, and the vending company is monitoring them carefully to keep them stocked every day of the week. Please let us know how they’re doing so we can keep you happy and well fed.Kelley Leonard, Dining & Nutrition

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Live United!

Tis the Season to GiveIt’s about that time of year when many departments start thinking about how to celebrate the holidays, and many choose to support our community by ‘adopting a family’. But consider this - when you put so much e�ort and resources into one family, others miss out. That same level of time and money could be applied di�erently, resulting in MANY fam-ilies receiving assistance. Organizations like the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Salvation Army and St. Vincent De Paul have proven track records for providing e�cient assistance to families during the holiday season. While they so appreci-ate your donations of food items, toys and gifts, donations of cash can be stretched to help a greater number of people.

For example - you buy a can of green beans for $.50 at your grocery store. That can helps one family. But if you donated $1 to the food bank, they can provide up to FOUR MEALS for individuals who need help. Or you could purchase food and gifts for a family of five, perhaps spending $250-$350. If you were contribute that cash directly to the Salvation Army, they could help several families in need.

BLUECREW

Just as valuable as money is your time - these organizations depend on volunteer hours to serve those in need. Your time spent serving meals at Salvation Army, or packaging food items from the Northeast Iowa Food Bank to be deliv-ered to families in need can be a great way to spend a few hours.

Any way that you give during the holidays helps someone, and we love that our associates care enough to give to oth-ers during this season. If you want more information on how you and your department can participate in ‘paying it for-ward’, contact angela.fuller@unitypoint.org or at ext. 3868.

First, we want to give a HUGE shout out to all of the UnityPoint Health – Waterloo superheroes for the AMAZING response to this year’s United Way Campaign. Not only did we knock our original goal of $30,000 completely out of the park, but we more than doubled that support. This year, our support to United Way is……..........……drumroll please...............………………..$48,199!

Allen leaders, Blue Crew and United Way leaders delivered treats all over the hospital and o�-site locations on Wednesday. Live United!

It’s not too late – you can still be a superhero too. Our senior leaders had a bit of fun being superheroes themselves – take a look.

You can still fill out your pledge card – you have until5 p.m. today!

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OnPoint for HealthHoliday Eating Tips: Maintain - Not Gain!Lisa Woodru�, RD LD, Allen Clinical Dietitian

It’s that time again – holiday parties, family meals, and cookie exchanges! Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays and avoid weight gain this year.

Eat before going out: Never arrive at an event hungry. Snack on fruits or vegetables before you leave home. Fight the urge to skip meals during the day, as it can lead to overeating later at night. Research suggests that those who eat breakfast tend to eat fewer calories throughout the day.

Plan ahead at the bu et table: Allow yourself only one plate while going through the food line. Choose your most favorite foods and then add healthy fruits & vegetables. Use smaller portion sizes, as the goal is to enjoy your meal without becoming uncomfortably full. Take time to have a conversation while you enjoy the food.

Limit the sweets: Wait a few hours after a meal to serve dessert. Limit yourself to one small plate and only go through the dessert line once. Eat slowly to savor each bite. The strategy of avoiding holiday goodies completely often backfires and can lead to overin-dulging. Give yourself permission to enjoy a treat and practice portion control this year.

Get more physical activity: Consider spending 10 more minutes at the gym or adding another workout to your week to account for increased calories from eating. If you do not currently exercise, try adding a 15-minute walk to your day or start using the stairs at work. Make it a family tradition to walk together after holiday meals.

Holiday Recipe: Modified Broccoli SaladUsing light mayonnaise and cutting back on the bacon will help reduce calories and unhealthy fats. Broccoli is a great source of fiber and the sunflower seeds provide heart healthy fats. Try this healthier version of the traditional broccoli salad and enjoy!

Serving Size: ½ cupServings per Recipe: 13

Ingredients:6 cups broccoli, chopped2 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled4 green onions, chopped1/3 cup sunflower seeds, unsalted1/3 cup dried cranberries1 cup light mayonnaise2 Tablespoons vinegar2 Tablespoons sugar

Directions1. Combine broccoli & green onions in a large bowl.2. Whisk mayo, vinegar, & sugar together in small

bowl. Pour dressing over broccoli.3. Before serving, add nuts, bacon, & dried cranber-

ries into broccoli mixture. Toss gently.

Nutrition Information per Serving104 Calories, 7 grams Total Fat, 1 gram Saturated Fat, 10 grams Carbohydrates 2 grams protein, 2 grams Fiber, 184 mg Sodium

Vegan Broccoli Salad: Omit bacon. Substitute vegan egg-free mayonnaise.

Happy Holidays from UnityPoint Health – Waterloo!We want to wish all our associates a wonderful holiday season this year. We have a specialmeal planned on December 9 to thank you for the hard work you’ve done all year. Visitthe café for lunch between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner will be served 4:30-6 p.m. and therewill be a third shift meal served at 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Please remember to wear yourUnityPoint Health ID badge (guests and visitors will be charged $14.99). Seniorleadership will be serving a delicious meal of sliced turkey, spiral ham and all the fixings(make sure you save room for pie!).

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Front (l to r): Keri Britton, Lab; Chiquela Harris, 4 Surgical/3 Medical; Kristi Allison RN, OB; Sara Youngblut, Therapy

Back (l to r): Nikki Werning, Women’s Health; Sydney Glazier, Sterile Processing; Myra Smith, ED; Dylan Kaisersatt RN, 3 Heart; Amanda Murray RN, ED; Kyle Tucker, Cafeteria

Welcome New Team Members

Empower RetirementNew Name for JP Morgan/Great West 401k Record-keeper

Empower Retirement is the new name for the com-bined organization including Great-West Financial Retirement Plan Services, J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services and Putnam Investments. The newly formed organization will continue to be our 401k record-keep-er. Empower plans to gradually transition their materi-als and website by March, 2015.

Employees can continue to access their 401k plan information through www.retireonline.com. To learn more visit www.empower-retirement.com.

Congratulations to Chris Mattingly, Radiologyon passing the Certified Radiology Administra-tor (CRA) boards! The CRA credential focuses on management ofhuman resources, assetresources, finance,operations andcommunications. We’re proud of you, Chris!

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On November 3, seven Allen College nurse practitionerstudents, three community nurses, and Allen College faculty member Dr. Ruselle DeBonis went to a remote village in the central plateau of Haiti for a week-long medical mission. According to Dr. DeBonis, all returned safely after accom-plishing much and learning even more. During their stay in Haiti the group completed 301 health assessments on children participating in local feeding programs and applied tooth varnish to 200 children. During 2½ days of clinic time students saw 264 patients, made 44 referrals and scheduled 51 follow up visits. Medications for the clinic were purchased with funds that were raised by students and the College.

The mission took place at United Christians International (UCI) University where Dr. DeBonis taught a health assess-ment class to approximately 50 pre-med students. Other highlights included a visit with a former witch doctor, a serenade by a 30 piece men’s choir from the local church, and a meeting with Dr. Guy Theodore who was the Ameri-can College of Surgeon’s inaugural recipient of the Surgeon Humanitarian Award.

Allen Nurse Practitioner Students Serve in Haiti

Congratulations toLynn Blythe on her selection as a 2014 20Under 40 honoree! This recognition honors 20 indi-viduals under the age of 40 for their professional and volunteer accomplishments. She's pictured here (third from the left) with some of her coworkers from Grundy County Memorial Hospital and Allen Hospital. We're so proud of you, Lynn!

UCI plans to start a health clinic on campus to provide experience for its’ medical students while serving the com-munity. Until then, Allen College and UnityPoint Health will be sending teams to the area every three months. A team of providers and nurses is already preparing to return in February. This team, which includes a nurse midwife, will focus on maternal child health but will also provide follow up to patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. Allen College is proud of the work done by this first team of students who have addressed a critical need in Haiti.

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Date Place TimeMonday, November 24 AMH MR6 Noon - 1:00pm

Thursday, December 4 UMP 11:30 a.m.

Here’s the schedule of upcoming dates:

This is your opportunity to meet over lunch with Pam Delagardelle to talk about what’s happening atUnityPoint Health in general and Allen in particular.

Luncheons are open to all Allen associates. Eachluncheon is small – only 12 people – so everyone will have a chance to talk. The setting is relaxed, the food will be great and we’ll pick up the tab.

Enroll in NetLearning. Enter “pizza” into Enroll in Class, and schedule your Pizza With Pam today. Please enroll just once.

DATE & TIMECHANGE

Diversity @ WorkLearning Centers A & B

Friday, December 58 - 9:30 a.m.

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Submit articles to: Robin.Nicholson@unitypoint.orgDeadline for submissions: noon Thursday

CURRENT ISSUES Gastroenterology & Hepatology2014

Thursday, Dec. 4 | 5 to 9 p.m.Park Place Event Centre | Cedar Falls, IA

unitypoint.org

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CEU Credit:This program has been approved for 0.30 CEUs through Allen College, Iowa Board of Nursing provider #127. This educational activity has been submitted to the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. for approval. TheSociety of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associ-ates, Inc. is accredited as an approver of continu-ing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accredi-tation. Participants must attend entire session to receive credit.

Registration:Registration fee is $25. Preregistration is required by Nov. 27, 2014.

Mail to:Allen College - UnityPoint HealthContinuing Education Event Registration1825 Logan Ave., Waterloo IA 50703

Register online:unitypoint.org/waterloo/classes-and-events

For more information:Please contact Lisa Sparks atLisa.Sparks@unitypoint.org or(319) 234-5990.

Special Needs:This program fully intends to comply with the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabil-ities Act. If any participant is in need of accom-modation or dietary needs, please provide this information by calling (319) 234-5990.

Disclosure:Allen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, marital status, age, national origin, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or handicap.

CURRENT ISSUESGastroenterology & Hepatology 2014

Purpose:To educate and inform nursing professionals in the Cedar Valley about emerging issues in gastroenterology.

Audience:Nurses, nurse practitioners and other interested healthcare professionals.

Objectives:Upon completion of this program, the partici-pant should be able to:1. Discuss evolving changes in treatment of

hepatitis C.2. Distinguish between acute and chronic

hepatitis C.3. Describe defecation disorders and identify

patients that can benefi t from biofeedback therapy.

4. Describe data from randomized controlled trials supporting the conclusion that bio-feedback therapy provides sustained improvement in bowel function.

5. Explain the indications for FMT: What is re-current Clostridium diffi cile infection (CDI)?

6. Categorize the diff erential diagnosis of diverticulitis and diverticular hemorrhage, and discuss evaluation and possible compli-cations.

7. Consider specifi c medical, endoscopic, and surgical treatment options for diverticulosis complications and controversies in manage-ment.

AGENDA5 p.m. Registration

5:30 p.m. Welcome

5:45 p.m. Barbara Burkle, ARNP Allen Digestive Health Center

Topic: Making a Diff erence in the Fight Against Hepatitis C

6:30 p.m. Ana Huerta Alardin, MD Allen Digestive Health Center Topics:

• Anorectal Manometry and Biofeedback Therapy

• Fecal Microbiota Trans-plantation (FMT)

7:45 p.m. Patricia Raymond, MD, FACG Assistant Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School

Topic: Diverticulitis: Popular Misconceptions and New Management

8:45 p.m. Closing Remarks

REGISTRATION FORMCURRENT ISSUES

Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2014Registration fee is $25.Pre-registration is required by November 27, 2014.

PLEASE PRINTName:Address:

City:State: Zip:

Employer:Work Phone:Home Phone: Physician Nurse OtherLicense #:To receive CEU credits, the registration form must in-clude your nursing license.

Payment:

Check (payable to Allen College – UnityPoint Health)

Credit Card � Mastercard � VISA � DiscoverCredit Card #:Expiration Date:Cardholder’s name:Cardholder’s signature:Payroll Deduct Employee #:(Allen Associates or Cedar Valley Medical Specialists)

Alternate meal: � vegetarian � gluten free

Mail completed form and payment to:Allen College – UnityPoint HealthContinuing Education Event Registration1825 Logan Ave., Waterloo IA 50703Fax: (319) 226-2051

Register online:unitypoint.org/waterloo/classes-and-events