AN ONLINE PORTAL FOR PATIENTS

DON’T IGNORE SHOULDER PAIN

YOUTH SPORTS KEEP KIDS SAFE

OH, NUTS! EAT THEM FOR BETTER HEALTH

GET FIT: TRY KETTLEBELLS

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cover Image: maSTerFILe

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OTSEGO STAFF

ceo thomas r. lemon

president, board of directors mary sanders

marketing coordinator kimberly ruley

marketing & foundation director christie perdue

foundation coordinatorkim biddinger

WAINSCOT STAFF

editor in chiefrita guarna

senior editor timothy kelley

associate editorkristin colella

editorial interndiane szulecki

eat smartHealthy handful Irresistibly munchable, yet super-healthy? That’s nuts!

clinical updateA special website for patients OMH’s new patient portal makes filling out forms and paying your medical bills easier.

Seasonal healthProtect your young athlete 5 tips to safeguard children who play sports

PreventionDon’t give pain the cold shoulder Early intervention for shoulder woes can prevent further damage.

Healthy livingKettlemania Channel your inner strongman with kettlebells—old-school weights that yield big-time results.

Friends of otsegoCommunity action Local support helps the OMH Foundation purchase digital mammography units.

Otsego Health & Life is published by Wainscot media, 110 Summit avenue, montvale, NJ 07645, in association with otsego memorial Hospital. This is volume 3, Issue 1. © 2011 by otsego memorial Hospital. all rights reserved.

material contained herein is intended forinformational purposes only. If you havemedical concerns, seek the guidance ofa healthcare professional.

THE gOOd LIvIng MagazInE FrOMOTsEgO MEMOrIaL HOspITaL

SPrINg 2011health&life3

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contents

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WalnutsServing size: 14 halvesCalories: 185Benefi t: They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve brain function and protect against plaque buildup by reducing artery-clogging infl ammation. Chances are, you need the help: An estimated 60 percent of Ameri-cans are defi cient in omega-3s. Luckily, one serving of walnuts meets your daily requirement.

AlmondsServing size: 23 nutsCalories: 163Benefi t: They’re an excellent source of a type of vitamin E called alpha-tocopherol, an antioxidant that helps neutralize damaging free radicals. Foods containing vitamin E may also protect against Alzheimer’s disease and contribute to healthy aging.

HazelnutsServing size: 21 nutsCalories: 178Benefi t: Of all tree nuts, they’re tops in folate content. Folate plays an essential part in the production of cells, making it a critical nutrient for expectant moms. It protects against DNA changes that can lead to cancer, and it may also ward off depression and anemia.

PistachiosServing size: 49 nutsCalories: 159Benefi t: They contain morelutein than any other nut. Recent research suggests that nutrient can help protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration. Pistachios also supply eyesight-boosting beta-carotene.

GO AHEAD—REACH FOR THAT BOWL. A DAILY SERVING OF NUTS—ENOUGH TO FIT in the palm of your hand—packs a much-needed dose of protein and fi ber and offers a heart-health boost.

They’re cholesterol-free and low in sodium (as long as you stick to unsalted). And each type of nut shines in its own way.

IRRESISTIBLY MUNCHABLE, YET

SUPER-HEALTHY? THAT’S NUTS! handfulhealthy

SHU

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CashewsServing size: 18 nutsCalories: 157Benefi t: They’re among the few nuts containing a signifi cant amount of vitamin K, which is mainly found in leafy greens. This multi-function-ing vitamin maintains proper blood clotting, helps prevent bone-density loss and works against hardening of the arteries.

Brazil nutsServing size: 6 nutsCalories: 186Benefi t: Here a little goes a long way: One nut provides more than the recommended daily value of selenium. This mineral regulates thyroid function, supports the immune system and may help relieve arthritis symptoms. It’s also a possible cancer-fi ghter. But too much selenium can cause adverse ef-fects (abdominal trouble and hair loss, for example), so it’s best to limit your Brazil-nut intake.

PecansServing size: 19 halvesCalories: 196Benefi t: When it comes to antioxi-dants, they’re the number-one nut. The Southern treat is also in the top cat-egory of antioxidant-containing foods. That means pecans may decrease the threat of coronary heart disease, cancer and neurological diseases.

PeanutsServing size: 28 nutsCalories: 161Benefi t: These popular poppables boast a variety of nutrients, including cancer-fi ghting beta-sisterol. A 10-year study found that eating pea-nuts two or more times a week was associated with a 58 percent reduc-tion in the risk of developing colon cancer in women and a 27 percent lowered risk in men.

Eat Smart

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Clinical Update

A special website for patients OMH’s new patient pOrtal Makes filling Out fOrMs and paying

yOur Medical bills easier

In an effort to Improve the servICes offered by the otsego memorial hospital (omh) medical Group, administrators, providers and information technolo-gists at omh developed the omh medical Group patient portal using software designed by sage health. this website allows patients direct access to communicate with the omh medical Group staff, and view and pay their statements on-line when it is most convenient.

services offered through the secure patient portal in-clude appointment and prescription refill requests, limited access to your medical information, and the ability to view and pay your bill online and ask specific questions about your account status. to improve customer service and to de-crease time spent in the office filling out paperwork, patient Information forms are available online in a printable format so that they may be filled out prior to coming to the office.

“It’s easy to use and patients seem to really like that we’re offering this option,” says robert mee, D.o., omh

family practice. “patients enjoy submitting their requests and receiving response confirmation by email with direction to log on to the portal to read the status of the request.”

established patients with the omh medical Group, which include family practice, General surgery, Internal medicine, obstetrics/Gynecology, otolaryngology (ent) and pediatrics offices, as well as the omh montmorency medical Clinic, omh medCare Walk-In Clinic, and omh n’orthopedics, may request, in person, a pin number to reg-ister as a user of the portal from any omh medical Group reception staff member. to ensure privacy and security, pa-tient identification will be verified before an informational letter that includes the pin number is generated.

“Your information and privacy are extremely im-portant to us,” says howard Grosser, a software systems educator at omh. “secure personal health Information is contained on this site, and we’re going to make sure that the only person who has access to your health information

is you.”to register as a user, patients must request,

in person, an informational letter containing their unique pin number from one of the omh medical Group offices. after a letter is received, patients log on to otsego memorial hospital’s website and click on the “omh medical Group patient portal” icon. once there, patients click “register” to set up an ac-count using the unique pin. after the account is set up, the patient is now able to view a list of current and past prescriptions, allergies, diagnoses, contact infor-mation and a statement of account. the site is easy to navigate and includes specific tabs for each portal specific service.

“this is the way everything is headed, and it’s really, really cutting-edge electronic access,” says Grosser. “If you need to make an appointment for your child, and just remembered at 10 p.m., you can request an appointment online via the portal, and

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O T S E G O H E A LT H & L I F E / 5

Request the instructions needed to access the site

in person at one of our physician offi ces.

Upon your request, you will be provided with an

informational letter (which includes your PIN number

needed for online registration) and an instruction

sheet for using the Portal.

Log on to myOMH.org. Click on the “Patient

Portal” button and log in for the fi rst time by clicking

“Register” in the top left-hand corner of the Patient

Portal homepage.

How to sign up for the OMH Medical Group Patient Portal

For more information or to ask questions about the

OMH Medical Group Patient Portal, please contact

989-731-7708 or your OMH medical provider, or

email portalquestions@otsegomemorialhospital.org.

the staff will receive it and schedule an ap-pointment for you based on criteria you select.”

Patients can also request medica-tion refi lls, email their provider non-urgent questions or concerns, and pay the balance of a medical bill at anytime, from anywhere.

“Being able to pay your bill online is a new feature, but it’s just like doing any-thing else online with a credit card,” says Lonny Burns, another Software Systems Educator at OMH. “We’re really hoping that once people know that we have it, they’ll sign up to use it.”

All payment information is secure and is received directly by the billing depart-ment of the organization.

“It can be intimidating to some, but if they use email at home, they’ll be able to log on to the Patient Portal,” says Dr. Mee. “It’s really that simple.” ■

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2 VISIT A PHYSICIAN FIRST. A medical eval-uation is legally required in Michigan before

students can participate in interscholastic middle and high school or college sports. The OMH Med-ical Group offers sports physicals in June and August each year at a low cost to local students. Proceeds from the physicals are donated back to the athletic program at the student’s school. Several preparticipation evaluation forms exist to help parents and their child’s physician review relevant medical history and physical exam findings. Certain conditions require spe-cial consideration—for example, respiratory ailments; preexisting head, bone and soft-tissue injuries; or a family history of early cardiac ill-ness. Ask your physician which form will best suit your child’s needs, the sport he or she will participate in and what is required by the state.

3 CHECK OUT COACHES. It’s a good idea to attend several practices to get a sense of a

coach’s capabilities and training philosophy. “Re-member that many coaches are well-intended parents who took a three-hour orientation safety course,” says the doctor. Beware of a coach who uses punitive strategies, such as making kids run long distances in the summer heat and humidity without water.

4 INSIST ON PROPER EQUIPMENT. Check that your young athlete will have all the nec-

essary gear—shoulder pads and leg and mouth guards, for example—and that protective equip ment is in good condition and is used properly.

5 ENFORCE A SOUND DIET. It’s important for kids to follow a balanced diet, limiting junk food.

Before a big game, they should consume carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein, but go easy on fatty foods (which can delay emptying the stomach), salty items (which can promote fluid retention) and the usu-ally healthy high-fiber foods (which can cause abdomi-nal cramping), as well as vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli (which are gas-producing).

“A good, healthy overall common-sense diet is the athlete’s friend, just as it’s anyone else’s friend,” says Dr. Noirot. n

YOu HeAR IT ON THe NewS: YOuNG ATHleTeS get hurt—a high school quarterback collapses on the field, or a middle school shortstop suffers a concussion. It’s enough to make parents wonder, as warm weather returns, how to keep kids safe when they participate in sports.

Gilbert Noirot, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at OMH, offers five tips:

1 KEY ACTIVITIES TO AgE. until about third grade, an informal approach that stresses basic skills is more

appropriate in kids’ team sports than an all-out empha-sis on victory, because young children are still developing motor skills. Younger children should be given a chance to explore a variety of sports rather than concentrating heav-ily on one, because they’re especially vulnerable to injuries caused by overuse of one joint or limb.

SeasonalHealth

For more information or to schedule an appointment

for your young athlete, please call the oMh Medical

Group at 989-731-7708.

Protect your young athlete

5 tIPS to SafeGuaRd chIldReN who Play SPoRtS

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serting the arthroscope—a small tube containing lenses and fiber optics—that allows the surgeon to see inside the joint thus allowing the orthopedic surgeon to diagnose/confirm and treat shoulder problems without having to make large incisions. Shoulder arthroscopy is usually done in an outpa-tient setting, with most patients going home the same day. The goals of shoulder arthroscopy are to alleviate pain, pre-vent further damage, repair damaged structures and restore function.

“The arthroscopic technology and equipment at Ot-sego Memorial Hospital (OMH) is state-of-the-art,” says Gilbert Noirot, M.D., of OMH N’Orthopedics, who has performed procedures on patients from Mackinaw Island to Roscommon and Alpena to Charlevoix, Michigan. “Patients are referred here by word of mouth from all over.”

At Otsego Memorial Hospital, about 250 to 300 ar-throscopic shoulder surgeries are performed each year. “These range from athletic injuries to problems caused by arthritis. Individuals seek pain relief and I assist them with their need,” says Dr. Noirot. “I perform shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle scopes for overuse injuries, traumatic injuries and sports injury.”

Arthroscopic surgery is performed with the patient asleep, and a nerve block is often given prior to the operation to provide postoperative pain relief. This less invasive procedure is appealing to those who would like to avoid potential scarring and over-night stays in the hospital. It also avoids potential complications that may arise from open techniques and procedures.

Dr. Noirot also stresses the importance of physical therapy for those who may not need sur-gery, as well as for those postoperative patients. “To be successful, physical therapy of the joint is a must,” he says. “We have a great facility here with the OMH Rehabilitation Services Department to help patients get back to a normal routine.” n

THe SHOulDeR IS THe MOST flexIble AND complex joint in the human body. With this flexibility, how-ever, comes the risk of injury, pain and instability. If you feel pain in your shoulder, it is not something to be ignored; even a small pain that seems to only come and go could be the sign of a more serious condition needing a healthcare profes-sional’s advice.

Shoulder pain can afflict anyone, with the pain being the result of sports injuries, arthritis, overuse injuries, insta-bility, tears, fractures or impingement syndrome. No matter the cause of pain or the level of pain, one should err on the side of caution by having the shoulder examined. early in-tervention may prevent further injury, and may allow the patient to avoid surgery.

Often, an orthopedic surgeon will prescribe a combi-nation of rest, physical therapy, medication or strengthening exercises to a patient, and the patient’s shoulder pain may subside, or resolve completely. However, if these modalities do not alleviate pain, the patient may be a good candidate for shoulder arthroscopy.

Over the last 10 to 15 years, the technology and use of arthroscopy has become the norm for many shoulder prob-lems. Arthroscopy involves making small incisions and in-

EArLy InTErvEnTIOn FOr SHOuLdEr wOES cAn prEvEnT FurTHEr dAmAGE

Don’t give pain the cold shoulder

For more information about shoulder arthroscopy, or to

schedule an appointment with an oMh orthopedic surgeon,

contact oMh N’orthopedics at 989-732-1753.

A physician at OMH

performs shoulder

arthroscopy, a

minimally invasive

procedure that

involves only small

incisions.

Prevention

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Healthy Living

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KettlemaniaChaNNel youR INNeR StRoNGmaN wIth kettlebellS—

old-SChool weIGhtS that yIeld bIG-tIme ReSultS

What they areKettlebells are large hunks of cast iron, each with a thick handle. Per-haps the ultimate retro fitness rage, they were originally used by 18th-century Russian bodybuilders—and kitsch lovers may recognize them as the quintessential “old-time” weights seen in strongman photos of yore.

Why the resurgence? In a nutshell: They’re effective and effi-cient. “You can get a great workout in just 20 minutes,” says personal trainer Joe Walker, who holds Rus-sian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) certification—considered the gold standard among kettlebell certifica-tions. “And since the moves combine cardio with strength training, you kill two birds with one stone.”

Then there’s the fun factor: Many kettlebell exercises involve swinging the weights around your body—moves that are way more enjoyable than simply pounding the treadmill or curling a barbell.

What they workArms, abs, legs, glutes—and every-thing in between. “Kettlebells really provide a total-body exercise, toes to fingertips,” says Walker. “The exer-cises help you build a nice, strong core and lower back, which helps if you suffer from low-back pain.”

Swinging the

kettlebell back

through your legs

and then up to

eye level engages

several different

muscle groups.

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Kettlebells can up the intensity of tra-ditional strength-training moves like curls or presses. That’s because, unlike with dumbbells and barbells, the weight is centered a few inches below the handle, making your body work harder to control it.

But it’s not all about the brute force: Because the weights are so com-pact, you can swing them between your legs, over your head or around your torso. “You could never swing a barbell between your legs,” notes Walker, “and if you tried it with a dumbbell, you’d likely smash your legs with it.” The re-sult is a workout that combines strength, velocity, dexterity and concentration.

“Because there’s so much going on, kettlebells help improve coordination and enhance flexibility in your hips and shoulders,” Walker adds.

Brian Ravettine, 40, a student of Walker’s who takes 1-hour kettlebell lessons twice a week, has noticed signif-icant results: “I just don’t have the time to spend two or three hours in the gym,” he says. “Kettlebells give me a full-body workout, and my core is so much stron-ger now. They’re also not as taxing on my joints as loading weights onto a bar.”

Another plus: According to a study conducted by the American Council on Exercise and researchers from the University of Wisconsin, a typical kettlebell workout can burn a whopping 20 calories per minute.

How to use ’emYou can start slow with traditional strength-training moves

like overhead presses and bent-over rows. But the real fun comes from swinging these babies around. Fittingly, a favorite move is the two-handed kettle-bell swing: Stand about a foot behind the kettlebell with your legs shoulder-width apart. Squat down a bit and grab the bell with both hands. Keeping your weight on your heels, abs tight and back straight, swing the weight backward between your legs past your hips, then stand up and swing it forward to eye level, driving your hips forward. Repeat 15 to 20 times.

For the tactical lunge, stand up straight holding the kettlebell in your right hand. Take a step, placing your left

leg back into a lunge position, then pass the weight between your legs to your left hand. Return to starting position and repeat on the opposite side, aiming for 10 reps.

Other moves involve punching your arm overhead, letting the bell rotate around your wrist. Because proper form can be a tricky thing with kettlebells, it’s a good idea to seek out professional instruction to avoid injury. And as with any exercise, get your doctor’s OK before starting. n

“Kettlebells give me a full-body

workout, and my core is so

much stronger now. They’re also not as

taxing on my joints as loading

weights onto a bar.”

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The OTsegO MeMOrial hOspiTal (OMh) Foundation has been part of the army participating in the fight against breast cancer for some time, but in 2010, they moved to the frontlines with their Digital Mammography & Cancer prevention Campaign. Throughout the course of the year, the OMh Foundation rallied the support of communi-ty members, employees, fellow nonprofit organizations and local businesses to help bring digital mammography technol-ogy to patients of Otsego Memorial hospital. This campaign raised a total of $371,500 to purchase two digital mammogra-phy units for the radiology Department at OMh.

This incredible feat was accomplished through net-working, and because of the community’s desire to cham-pion high quality, technologically current care for patients seen at OMh. as word spread about the Foundation’s ef-forts, numerous players stepped up to make sure this dream became a reality. The OMh Foundation’s annual golf out-ing, held this past June, raised funds solely for digital mam-mography, netting more than $45,000. lisa MacFarlan and her organization, the Trailing for Triumph Foundation, inc. of Boyne City, offered their support by donating funds raised from their trail rides, while Judi Martenson of gaylord and her dedicated committee organized a summer golf outing from which $15,000 was donated to the OMh Foundation’s campaign. The 45 percent of OMh employees who donate annually to the OMh Foundation also made an impact on this campaign, showing their support for both the hospital and for the community members they serve by collectively donating more than $50,000.

“We are so grateful for the support of all of the em-ployees, community members and organizations who have donated to this effort,” says Christie perdue, OMh Founda-tion and Marketing Director. “You are all champions for bet-ter health, and what we are doing for OMh would not have been possible without this great community effort.”

LocaL support heLps the oMh Foundation purchase digitaL MaMMography units

an anonymous matching gift of $25,000 was received by the OMh Foundation in early October, and as part of the matching gift opportunity, gifts received by the OMh Foundation during October and November were matched by the anonymous donor up to $25,000. This gift propelled the campaign into its final stage, and helped the OMh Founda-tion reach its goal of $371,000.

in an effort to continue a campaign for oncology ser-vices at OMh, Johnson’s propane of gaylord painted one of their trucks pink to send out on the road to fill propane tanks and spread the word about cancer services. Kevin Johnson, president of Johnson’s propane and fourth generation gay-lord resident, understands how important it is to give back to his local community, especially when it comes to cancer services, because his father passed away as a result of prostate and pancreatic cancer.

“it’s so important to give back and support your com-munity,” Johnson says. “i have a wife and two daughters, and i want them to have the best technology possible.” proceeds from the pink truck will be donated to the OMh Foundation to continue enhancing oncology services.

in December, the second annual rivals rally for a Cure basketball game took place between gaylord st. Mary’s and Johannesburg-lewiston high school girls’ basketball teams. The event netted $14,000, which was donated to the OMh Foundation. More than 500 people attended the game, which featured a special half-time presentation honor-ing those who have fought or are currently fighting cancer. n

For more information about any of the oMh Foun-

dation’s fundraising efforts, or to learn how you can

support oMh as it celebrates 60 years of service in

2011, please call 989-731-2342 or visit the founda-

tion’s website at myoMh.org.

Johnson’s Propane of Gaylord’s pink truck helps spread the word about cancer services. The Gaylord St. Mary’s and Johannesburg-

Lewiston high school girls’ basketball teams pose at a special fundraiser game to benefit the OMH Foundation.

Community action

Friends of Otsego

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Otsego Memorial Hospital leads the way in orthopedic care. In fact, we’re the most preferred

and referred hospital in the region.

Our orthopedic surgeons will be your champions throughout your treatment

and recovery. From arthroscopic procedures to hand surgery, joint

replacement, hip fracture care and sports medicine, OMH N’Orthopedics

offers the expertise and comprehensive care that will help shape a better you.

Learn more at myOMH.org, or schedule an appointment by calling 989-732-1753.

Otsego Memorial Hospital leads the way in orthopedic care. In fact, we’re the most preferred

and referred hospital in the region.

Our orthopedic surgeons will be your champions throughout your treatment

and recovery. From arthroscopic procedures to hand surgery, joint

replacement, hip fracture care and sports medicine, OMH N’Orthopedics

offers the expertise and comprehensive care that will help shape a better you.

Learn more at myOMH.org, or schedule an appointment by calling 989-732-1753.

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