Looking forwardto caring for you.Clinic & Hospital
caringforyouWINTER 2015
www.granditasca.org
Find out more » pg. 4
Taking your medication as directed
Kidney stone Q&A Find out more » pg. 10
Community calendarFind out more » pg. 8
Heart-healthy changesFind out more » pg. 6
WHAT’S NEW Grand Itasca Foundation establishes Major Giving Club
HEALTHY LIVING Taking your medication as directed
HEALTHY LIVING Heart-healthy changes for the whole family
3
4
6
8
10
CONTENTS
COMMUNITY CALENDARCommunity support groups, events & classes
HEALTHY LIVING Kidney stone Q&A with your urologist
www.granditasca.org2
What can a wearable fitness tracker do for you?
If you look around the
gym or office, you may
notice that many people
are wearing fitness trackers.
“They’re a hot item right
now and a fun tool,” notes Bri
Solem, Healthy Communities
Partnership coordinator.
“They help people with their
fitness goals by providing
constant, real-time feedback,”
Solem says. “For example, if your
goal is to walk 10,000 steps, and
it’s late in the day, seeing that
you’ve only taken 7,000 steps so
far might make you decide to go
for a quick walk after dinner.
“The social aspect can be
very helpful, too,” she adds.
“If your friends and family have
compatible devices, you can have
friendly competitions. They add
to the fun and can be a great way
to stay motivated.”
Wear it Well
There are many options, from
Fitbit® trackers and Jawbone UP®
wristbands to Shine™ sensors.
Before purchasing an activity
tracker, Solem suggests you
think about the goals it can help
you reach now and six months or
a year from now.
Wristband or clip-on: You can
track distance, steps, and sleep —
as well as determine your calorie
intake with an app — using a
device worn on your wrist or
clipped to your pocket or belt.
Waterproof: Trackers that are
labeled “water resistant” can
be worn in the rain, but not
for swimming. Be sure to get a
waterproof tracker if you plan to
use it in the pool.
Social: Find
out what
kind of
trackers your
friends and
family have
if you want
yours to be
compatible.
Pictured on front cover: David Johnson, RPh, Grand Itasca Pharmacy Manager, and Kara Lokken, Pharmacy Technician.
3WINTER 2015
WHAT’S NEW
Grand Itasca Foundation establishes Major Giving Club
As one of the few remaining independent
hospitals in Minnesota, Grand Itasca Clinic
& Hospital provides crucial services and
amenities worth investing in. That’s the key message of
a new initiative by Grand Itasca Foundation to recognize
major donors and spotlight Grand Itasca projects and
scholarships needing support from the community.
Foundation board members established the Major
Giving Club in 2014 to acknowledge donors pledging
$1,000 or more annually to the Foundation, whose
names now adorn a donor wall that was recently
installed in the clinic lobby at Grand Itasca. The Major
Giving Club, part of the Foundation’s strategic plan, will
also build community support for Grand Itasca “by
heightening awareness of what an asset our clinic and
hospital is,” says Foundation Board Chair, Dale Adams.
“When people in our community look at the library or
YMCA — initiatives people are asked to support — they
support those facilities because they know that’s an
amenity they want to remain here,” says Adams, the
mayor of Grand Rapids. “Health care, something they
cherish so much, doesn’t come to the forefront as often.
But if we value our health, we need to be supportive of
Grand Itasca, which is the backbone of maintaining a
healthy community.”
“We’ve started small the first year as we define and ramp
up our goals,” says Kelly Kirwin, Grand Itasca Foundation
Director. “Major Giving Club donors are interested in
supporting projects and programs that are the greatest
need for patients here at Grand Itasca.”
“With so many annual equipment and capital project
needs at Grand Itasca, every pledge underscores
the ongoing importance of the hospital’s role in the
community,” Adams says.
“A lot of people don’t understand that we’re an
independent community hospital running on a
[small] profit margin, so any strains may impact us
to the point where we need to cut services,” he says.
“That would mean cutting critical amenities we need
in our region. The Major Giving Club can be a core to
help us push for needed funds.”
Call 218.999.1009 or visit our website www.granditasca.org/Foundation to donate.
2014 Major GivinG Club Donors
Dale and Gayle Adams Dr. John, Kelli and Braeden Barry Dr. Kathryn and Joe Cargill Mike and Mary Ives Dr. Ron and Kathy Johnson Dr. Charles Kampen and Pam Rajala Mary Kosak Jerry and Pat Lothrop
Dr. Nathan and Diane Noznesky Dr. Lisa Owens and Jeff Johnson Cory Renchin Dr. Jan and David Rourk Andy and Kelly Shermoen Shirley Stanek Terry and Diane Weber Mike and Corinne Youso
Burggraf’s Ace Hardware Burns & McDonnell Deerwood Bank Grand Rapids Ground Round Grand Rapids State Bank
Lakehead Constructors Lockton Companies Magnetation Miskovich Dental Clinic Paul Bunyan Communications
www.granditasca.org4
HEALTHY LIVING caringforyou
Taking your medication as directed4 tips for you
Americans commonly rely on
prescription drugs to help them
live longer and have higher-
quality lives. In order to stay safe and get
the maximum benefit from those drugs,
it’s important to take them exactly as
prescribed. The following steps can help:
Understand what you’re taking and
why. Ask your health care provider the
name of any medication prescribed, what
it’s for, and how you’ll know if it’s hav-
ing the desired effect. “Many medica-
tions can be used for more than one
condition,” explains David Johnson, RPh,
Grand Itasca Pharmacy Manager. “It is
important for you to know the reason
you’ve been prescribed each medication
in case you need to share your medica-
tion list with someone besides your
primary physician. It also helps to know
if it is working for you.”
Find out how to use it. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist how much to take, how
often, and for how long. Here are some
good questions to ask: Should it be taken
Grand Itasca Pharmacy staff are looking forward to meeting your prescription and over-the-counter medicine needs.
Linda Urevig, Pharmacy Technician
5WINTER 2015
HEALTHY LIVING
before, during, or after meals? What
side effects might I have? Are there
any other medications, foods, or ac-
tivities I should avoid while taking
this medication? What should I do
if I miss a dose?
Read the label and the drug
information sheet that accompa-
nies the drug. On the label you’ll
find any special instructions for
taking and storing the medica-
tion, such as “take on an empty
stomach” or “store in refrigerator.”
Be especially careful when tak-
ing medication in the middle of
the night or when you’re groggy.
Always turn on the light and look
at the label. Johnson adds, “It is
much safer to use a pillbox to store
your medications in compartments
labeled by time or day instead of
carrying a week’s supply of all of
your medications mixed together
in one bottle.”
Maintain a list of what you take.
Include all prescription and over-
the-counter medications, and
supplements. Show your list to
every health care provider who
prescribes a drug for you. Review
it with your doctor at least once a
year, and be sure to update it when
a medicine or dosage changes.
Don’t hesitate to ask
The caring professionals at Grand
Itasca Pharmacy want to be sure
that you receive the full benefit of
your medications, so if you have any
questions about how to take them or
what to do if you miss a dose, please
ask! Also, before changing how you
take your medication because of
how it makes you feel or because you
can’t afford it, please talk to us so we
can suggest an alternative option.
Pharmacy now open in clinic lobby
The Grand Itasca Pharmacy is now
open and ready to serve you! It is
conveniently located in the clinic
lobby serving all of our patients.
Pharmacy hours
Monday – Thursday: 8 am to 6 pm
Friday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
Call 218.999.GIRX (4479) or email
[email protected] with
questions. Easy refills are available
with our mobile app “Grand Itasca
Pharmacy” or the quick link on our
website www.granditasca.org.
www.granditasca.org6
caringforyouHEALTHY LIVING
Heart-healthy changes for the whole family
Making changes to be
more heart-healthy
is important for the
whole family. The best way to
help your kids develop healthy
habits for life is to be a good role
model. Here are some great ways
to keep your and your family’s
hearts healthy.
heart-sMart habits
1. Focus on eating better. Fruits
and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean
meats and fish, and whole grains
should be the staples of your fam-
ily’s meals. Try spending most of
your time at the grocery store on
the perimeter of the store. Gather
snacks such as carrots, cherry
tomatoes, and bananas before
hitting the inner aisles. “Most
people know what they should
eat,” notes Dr. Clyde Sullivan,
Minneapolis Heart Institute®
Cardiologist at Grand Itasca.
“But you’ve got to be willing
to put effort into it.”
“The key to improving your diet is
to take small steps, get victories in
accepting those changes, and then
add on to them,” Dr. Sullivan
explains. For example, you might
cut back on the number of times
you eat out by once a week, or
start substituting water for soft
drinks. “Continue making small
changes every two to three weeks.
Then in a year or two, you will
have made dramatic changes to
your diet, but done it in a way that
your palate accepts.”
2. Be active together. Plan time
for fun family activities such as
ice skating, bike rides, or games
like hide-and-seek. Also, make
sure to limit time in front of the
NEW Patient Partnership Program - Include Always
The Quality Department at Grand
Itasca is excited to announce a new
patient partnership program called
Include Always. In
partnership with
Minnesota
Hospital
Association’s
Include Always
program, participants will help shape how
Grand Itasca provides care by providing
feedback about their experiences. Patients
and families can participate on the Include
Always committee, which will meet
ongoing every quarter to develop topics
for Be Heard groups, or participate in Be
Heard, which will meet about a specific
patient-centered topic for a shorter
predetermined timeframe. Another option
for participation is to allow a member of
the Quality Department to come along for
your clinic or hospital visit.
If you are interested in participating
in any part of Include Always, simply
complete the Patient Partnership
Program Application found on our website
www.granditasca.org. Please call Kayla
Perkins, Patient Experience Coordinator,
at 218.360.4212 with any questions.
7WINTER 2015
HEALTHY LIVING
increase the distance or intensity.
Consult your physician before you
begin a new diet or exercise pro-
gram to be sure it is safe.
4. Track your success. Keep a log
of your activities and diet so you
TV or computer. “Making small
changes and setting goals works
for exercise, as well as diet,” Dr.
Sullivan comments. “Enjoying
activities with your family is a
great idea. When you involve
other people, you’re more likely to
do the activity you planned, have
fun doing it, and do it again. Plus,
it creates a nice opportunity to
talk and bond.”
3. Set reasonable expectations.
Exercise helps strengthen your
heart and has other benefits as well.
Especially if it’s been a while since
you’ve been active, start gradually
with perhaps a short walk around
the neighborhood and then slowly
An active life and healthy diet is good for your heart, and a healthy heart helps contribute to a long, healthy life for you and your loved ones. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the health of your heart, or call 218.326.7344 to schedule an appointment with Grand Itasca’s new full-time, full-scope Cardiologist, Dr. Clyde Sullivan.
can look back to see how far you’ve
come. Read the article on page 2
about wearable fitness devices to
track not only your activity, but
also what you eat. Noticeable
progress can help motivate you.
Grand Itasca is pleased to announce that Clyde Sullivan, MD, has officially joined
our medical staff. Dr. Sullivan now lives in and provides full-time, full-scope
heart care in Grand Rapids. He comes to Grand Itasca through a partnership with
Minneapolis Heart Institute®, which is recognized internationally as one of the
world’s leading providers of heart and vascular care. Dr. Sullivan will address a full
range of cardiovascular needs and is committed to improving cardiovascular care
throughout the region.
To make an appointment with
Dr. Clyde Sullivan, please call 218-326-7344.
Introducing Dr. Clyde Sullivan, Cardiologist
surgery, or cardiac ballooning. For
more information, call 218.999.1038.
3rd Monday of the month (September–May), 7 pmGrand Itasca, ARU 201
DIABETIC SUPPORT GROUPThis is an opportunity to meet
other members of our community
who have diabetes, and share suc-
cesses and experiences regarding
diabetic care. For more informa-
tion, call 218.999.1934.
4th Thursday of the month, 6:30–7:30 pm, Grand Itasca, Grand Oaks Conf Room
MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUPNational Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI) offers family and friends
of people with mental illness an
opportunity to share concerns,
compare experiences, and learn
from each other. For more infor-
mation, call 218.326.8565.
3rd Tuesday of the month, 5:30–6:30 pmGrand Rapid Public Library, 140 NE 2nd St., Grand Rapids
www.granditasca.org8
Support GroupsCANCER SUPPORT GROUPThis is a time to share stories and
concerns about diagnosis and treat-
ment for those who are dealing with
cancer. For more information, call
218.326.3815 or 218.697.2357.
1st Monday of the month, 3:30–5 pmColony Square, 1850 SE 2nd Ave., Grand Rapids
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPNOTE NEW LOCATION! Calling
all caregivers. This group provides
an opportunity to meet with other
caregivers, and share tips and experi-
ences. ElderCircle provides education,
resources, and support for all stages
of the caregiving process. Call
ElderCircle at 218.999.9233 for more
information or to make arrange-
ments for your care receiver during
the meeting.
3rd Tuesday of the month, 1–2:30 pmActive Living Center, Itasca County Family YMCA, 400 River Road, Grand Rapids
CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUPMonthly speakers cover topics
related to cardiovascular condi-
tioning, diet, and exercise, and
other areas of interest for persons
recovering from a heart attack,
bypass surgery, valve replacement
COMMUNITY CALENDAR caringforyou
GRAND ITASCA JOINT CAMP Joint Camp is designed for people
who are considering or are sched-
uled for total joint replacement
surgery. The class teaches you how
to best prepare for your surgery,
what to expect during and imme-
diately after surgery, and how to
get back to your normal activities
following surgery. If you have
questions or would like to register,
call 218.326.3401 and ask to speak
to our Orthopedic Nurse.
1st Wednesday of the month, 3:30–5 pm, Grand Itasca, ARU 202
MS SUPPORT GROUPThis group is open to those
diagnosed with MS, as well as
family members, caregivers, and
friends to offer support, awareness,
and education about the everyday
traumas, challenges, and hardships
for those afflicted with the chronic
disease. For more information,
please call 218.326.1371.
2nd Thursday of the month, 11 amSt. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 315 SW 21st St., Grand Rapids
SPINA BIFIDA/HYDROCEPHALUS SUPPORT GROUP INTEREST MEETINGPlease join us for an informal meeting to talk about whether we should
establish a regular support group for parents caring for children with
these conditions. For more information, call 218.244.5726 or 218.259.8347.
March 10th, 7–8 pmGrand Itasca, Grand Oaks Conf Room
9WINTER 2015
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF THE ITASCA AREANOTE NEW LOCATION! The
support group provides educa-
tion, networking, and support for
people diagnosed with Parkinson’s
disease, their spouse, and/or care-
givers. For more information, call
ElderCircle at 218.999.9233.
2nd Wednesday of the month, 1–2:15 pm, Active Living Center, Itasca County Family YMCA, 400 River Road, Grand Rapids
PROSTATE EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUPLearn of treatment options and
lifestyle impacts of prostate cancer
from men who have been diagnosed
with the disease. Spouses and other
family members are welcome and
encouraged to attend. For more
information, call 218.999.9384.
2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30 pm Grand Itasca, Grand Eatery (meal together) & ARU 202 (education and discussion following meal)
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUPAccess North conducts meeting to
discuss issues effecting those with
traumatic brain injuries and ways
to resolve them. Caregivers also
encouraged to attend. For more
information, call 218.245.0251.
2nd Monday of the month, 2–3:30 pm Central Square Mall Community Meeting Room
ClassesCHILDBIRTH PROCESS CLASSThe weekend class is designed to
help prepare parents for child-
birth, and includes a tour of the
labor delivery, and nursery area of
the hospital. Cost is $45 for mom
and coach (fee includes all class
material and refreshments). Call
218.326.7344 to register.
April 11, June 6, August 1, 9 am–4 pm, Grand Itasca, ARU 202
INFANT CARE/BREASTFEEDING CLASSThis class is designed to help
prepare you for some of the
changes that occur once your
baby enters the world. Breastfeeding
techniques and benefits will also
be covered. Class offered free of
charge. Call 218.326.7344 to register.
April 18, June 13, August 8, 9 am–1 pm, Grand Itasca, ARU 202
WELLNESS & LIFESTYLE WOMEN & GIRLS EXPOThe Wellness & Lifestyle Women & Girls Expo is back at the new and
improved Itasca Community College campus on Saturday, February 28!
Doors open at 9 am for a fun day of health, education, and fashion.
Don’t miss Grand Itasca Break-out Sessions
Come hear Grand Itasca’s OB/Gyns put a funny spin on some of the
not-so-fun-to-talk-about topics.
Doc Talk I – Dr. Kevin Gildner, OB/Gyn – 9:30 am
You’ll pee your pants laughing as Dr. Kevin Gildner, OB/Gyn at Grand
Itasca, talks with you about incontinence and other common women’s
health concerns.
Doc Talk II – Dr. Derek Beyer, OB/Gyn – 11:45 am
You’ll get flush laughing about menopause as Dr. Derek Beyer, OB/Gyn
at Grand Itasca, talks with you about menopause and well-woman care.
Have some blush-worthy questions?
There will be plenty of time to address
them, with an option to ask anony-
mously if you prefer.
Saturday, February 28, 9 am–3 pmItasca Community College, Grand Rapids
10 www.granditasca.org
caringforyou
Kidney stone Q&A with your urologistFeaturing Dr. Ryan Novak
Q. What are kiDney stones?Though there are different types of kid-
ney stones, the most common stones are
calcium-based. They are basically a collec-
tion of solid material that forms in the kidney. Think
of salt in water as an example. Salt usually dissolves in
water, however, if there is not enough water in a glass
the salt will “fall out of solution” or not dissolve. This is
similar to how we think about kidney stones.
Q. What Causes kiDney stones? I tell patients that there are five main
factors that lead to kidney stones:
dehydration, diet, other medical diseases
(such as diabetes), genetics, and bad luck.
Q. hoW Do i knoW if i have a kiDney stone?
Oftentimes, patients know they
have stones due to flank pain
(pain near the kidneys) that leads to a
CT scan, but this is not always the
case. Other patients are told they
have kidney stones as an incidental
finding when having a CT scan
performed for different reasons.
Q. When Do i neeD to see a DoCtor? If you are experiencing flank pain it is
important to be evaluated.
I also recommend seeing a urologist if you have a
history of recurring stones. Your urologist can perform
a metabolic work-up and evaluate for modifiable risk
factors leading to the stones. The work-up includes
special tests of the urine and blood, as well as a stone
analysis of a previously passed or treated stone.
Q. What are My treatMent options for kiDney stones?
Patients have the option of observation or
active treatment, depending on multiple
factors. The first option for active treatment is
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which
involves X-ray technology that breaks up the
stone with targeted energy shock waves.
The second type of treatment is
ureteroscopy, or passing a small
telescope to the kidney, using a
laser fiber to break up the stone,
and then individually pulling
pieces out of the kidney.
The third, more invasive treatment
option, used for larger stones not able to
HEALTHY LIVING
Dr. Ryan Novak, Urologist
WINTER 2015 11
HEALTHY LIVING
be treated with either of the above options, is called
percutaneous nephrolithotomy. It involves making a
quarter-sized cut through the back into the kidney to
use larger, more effective equipment to treat and remove
the stone. This requires an overnight hospital stay.
Q. What Can i Do to keep kiDney stones froM reoCCurrinG?
Patients who experienced a stone event
have a 50 percent chance of forming
another stone in the next five years. By talking with
your urologist, based on the type of stone you form,
he or she can offer advice for reducing your risk of
stone reoccurrence.
Everyone can benefit from increasing daily fluid
intake. About 2.5 liters of urine production daily is the
goal to manage the risk of reoccurring stones. Because
it is not practical to measure urine volume, I suggest
that patients drink an additional glass of water prior
to each meal, as well as trying to keep their urine
light yellow to clear.
to learn More
If you have any questions about kidney stones or have
other urologic concerns, call 218.326.7344 to schedule
an appointment with Dr. Ryan Novak, Urologist at
Grand Itasca.
Erectile dysfunction – a potential sign of another issue
Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man can no longer get
or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily
a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an
ongoing problem, it may cause stress, relationship
problems, or affect your self-confidence.
Even though it may seem awkward to talk with your
doctor about erectile dysfunction, go in for an evaluation.
Problems getting or keeping an erection can be a sign
of a health condition that needs treatment, such as
heart disease or poorly controlled diabetes. Treating an
underlying problem may be enough to improve your
erectile dysfunction.
Talk to your primary care provider or make an appointment
with Dr. Ryan Novak, Urologist, to discuss your options for
overcoming erectile dysfunction.
12 www.granditasca.org
Looking forwardto caring for you.Clinic & Hospital
1601 Golf Course RoadGrand Rapids, MN 55744
Grand Itasca Clinic & HospitalAppointment Line: 218.326.7344Main Line: 218.326.3401
Email: [email protected]: www.granditasca.org
Clinic Hours:Monday through Thursday 8 am-6 pmFriday 8 am-4:30 pm
Rapid Clinic Hours:Monday through Friday 2-8 pmSaturday and Sunday 12-6 pm
Pharmacy Hours:Monday through Thursday 8 am-6 pmFriday 8 am-4:30 pm
Emergency Room:Open 24 hours a day
Professional Building111 SE Third StreetGrand Rapids, MN 55744218.326.3401
Professional Building Hours:Monday through Thursday 7 am-6 pmFriday 8 am-5 pm
This publication does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Websites not belonging to this organization are provided for information only. No endorsement is implied. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©iStock, ©Fotolia, ©2015 Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital.
IntroducingDr. Clyde SullivanYour Cardiovascular Specialist
Contact us at 218-326-3401 | Find us on the web at www.granditasca.org | Like us on Facebook
Dr. Clyde Sullivan, who comes to Grand Itasca through a partnership with Minneapolis Heart Institute®, now lives in and provides full-time, full-scope cardiovascular care in
our community.
Whether you or your loved one needs routine cardiac care or requires sudden, unexpected care, Grand Itasca’s
experienced cardiology team is here for you, close to home.
Healthy hearts. Healthy people. Healthy communities. That’s what Grand Itasca is all about.
ROOTED HERE. GROWING HERE.