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healthWisemedical center | spring 2013Learn HowKate Lost127 PoundsGet Readyfor Shortsand SwimsuitSeasonBabyCentral:Full-ServiceMaternity Care

127 Pounds!I hit my weight-loss goal November 10, 2012—11 months and 5 days after my gastric bypass surgery.Words really can’t describe the feeling when I saw thatscale. For me, it wasn’t so much about reaching the actualnumber but the satisfaction that I finally did it.After twelve-plus years of trying to get the weight off andfailing one weight-loss program after another, it was sucha sense of accomplishment and pride that, unless you’veexperienced obesity, it’s hard to explain. I have read storiesof people climbing Mount Everest, and many have mademultiple trips never giving up because they know one daythey will make it. That day finally came for me. I defeatedthe “Mount Everest” of my weight battle, and all I felt in thatmoment was a complete sense of joy and relief.Portneuf Medical Center777 Hospital WayPocatello, ID 83201(208) 239-1000Mark Buckalew – Chair, JV Board of DirectorsPhil Joslin – Chair, Board of TrusteesNorman Stephens – President & CEO2 •KateLostTo learn more about weight-loss surgeryat Portneuf Medical Center, call (208) 239-2620.Startlosingnow!After having the da Vinci ® Surgical System for onlyone year, Portneuf Medical Center has established thebusiest robotic program in the region. The robotic surgeryprogram completed more than 250 cases in its first year andmore than 300 surgeries to date.The da Vinci robot was named “Wanda” by local schoolchildren who felt she had “magic wands that helped duringsurgery.” Physicians guide Wanda from a console in theoperating suite. The implementation of the robotics programat PMC has significantly reduced patient pain and resultedin shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times. Thanksto Wanda and our skilled surgeons, many patients are ableto return to their normal lives in days, rather than weeks.Portneuf MedicalCenter is now offeringin-room newborn photosas a special, new service forour parents. The programbegan October 1, 2012,and already 350 babieshave been photographed.No need to arrangetheir newborn shootahead of time, professionalphotographers visiteach new mother tooffer a complimentarynewborn photo sitting.The professional photosession takes place in the comfort of their own hospital rooms.Each baby is swaddled in linen, paired with adorable hatsand headbands, and placed in a basket, using a beautiful,hardwood floor as the background. All newborngalleries will be posted online the same day forviewing, sharing, andordering, but onlyparents are giventhe special codeto view photos.Wandathe RobotNewborn PhotoFor more information, visitwww.mynewbornimage.comCheck itout!spring 2013

Don’t Let Problem VeinsDrain Your Quality of LifeThe weather is warming, but one thing is preventing you frombreaking out the shorts and skirts in your closet: the sight ofthin, blue veins crisscrossing areas of your legs.Spider veins—and their largercousins, varicose veins—aren’t justunsightly problems often covered upby wearing pants; these abnormalveins can burn, itch, and throb. AtPortneuf Medical Center’s Idaho VeinCenter, simple, outpatient treatmentscan help women and men findfreedom from problem veins.When a patient visits the center—located at 444 Hospital Drive, Suite777, in Pocatello—providers determinewhether her varicose or spider veinsare a cosmetic problem or due to anunderlying venous issue.“If the problem is cosmetic, we offersclerotherapy, a series of two to three30-minute procedures performed onceevery four weeks. During sclerotherapy,chemicals are injected into the veinsto stop blood flow and allow the veinsto fade,” says Amy McKinlay, P.A.-C.,Certified Physician Assistant at theIdaho Vein Center. “For veins too smallto accommodate an injection, we canperform a series of laser procedures thatuses heat to correct abnormal vessels.”but still allowspatients to walkthe same day,” saysJulio Vasquez, M.D.,cardiothoracic andvascular surgeon atPMC and MedicalDirector of the IdahoJulio Vasquez, M.D. Vein Center. “Weperform evaluationand diagnosis of patients with arterialproblems, and these individuals return tothe Center for follow-up after receivinginterventions at the hospital.”Problem veins shouldn’t control youractivities or your wardrobe. Let the IdahoVein Center help you find a solution.Recognize YourRisk FactorsAccording to the U.S. Department ofHealth & Human Services, as many as55 percent of women and 45 percentof men in the United States live witha vein problem, such as varicoseor spider veins. Many factorscan increase your risk for theseuncomfortable conditions, including:››Excess weight››Family or personal history of veinproblems››Female hormonal changes✦››Increasing age››Pregnancy››Sedentary lifestyle››Sun exposureTreating More ThanCosmetic ProblemsSome individuals visit the IdahoVein Center with arterial, lymphatic, orvenous problems that could affect theirhealth. These issues include peripheralarterial disease, deep vein thrombosis,and swelling of the limbs related tolymphedema. The team at the Centeruses a variety of tools and proceduresto care for these patients.“In addition to our cosmetictreatments, we perform compressiontherapy for swelling of the legs—oneof the most common symptoms forwhich patients visit the Center—andambulatory phlebectomy, an outpatientprocedure that removes problem veinswww.portmed.orgIf you notice signs of vein problems inyour legs, call (208) 239-1650 to schedulean appointment at the Idaho Vein Center.Give usa call.

Labor of LuxuryGiving birth in a full-service hospital provides theoptimum in safety and comfort. The Women’s Centerat Portneuf Medical Center, with its laminate woodfloors, spacious Jacuzzi tubs, comfortable bed for dad,and spectacular mountain view, provides the comfort.The caring staff of professionals and the electronicinfant security system provide the safety as the familywelcomes their newest member.Labor and Delivery offers a spacious, comfortableroom with all the latest equipment needed for adelivery, whether mom delivers “naturally” or needsassistance, the staff is trained and experienced inmeeting the needs following the plan of care.“We also have a three-bed triage room—sort ofa mini Emergency Room for laboring mothers—as well as an eight-bed labor and delivery unit,and two rooms for mothers on bed rest, as well,”says Anita Heaney, B.S.N., Director, Women’s andChildren’s Services at PMC. “We also make sure thatthere’s a continual family presence for new babies.”Don’t WoBabyNothing is as precious or so fragile as a newborn chat a full-service hospital lends a level of safety thatday even more special.On June 11, 2012, Whitney Baumgartner of Pocatellowas enjoying an uneventful third trimester when she feltsome pain in her lower abdomen. A quick trip to PortneufMedical Center eased her pain and her worries, and shewent home in peace, celebrating her birthday the nextmorning. However, on June 13, the pain returned, and shewas back at the hospital by the early afternoon.“It was scary because the pain wouldn’t go away,” Whitneysays. “They kept administering fluids to help me, but theydidn’t want to give me anything that would hurt the baby.Even though I was scared, I felt safe the whole time.”Whitney was also surprised; her due date hadn’t arrived,her boyfriend was working out of state, and the change in hercondition necessitated an emergency Cesarean section delivery.“I had no idea I was going to give birth that day,” shesays. “I thought, when the time came, I would just have anatural labor, but when the anesthesiologist came in andstarted asking questions, it was a big reality check.”Little Emery Jean entered the world shortly after and wastaken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for specialcare. While Whitney recovered, the NICU nurses welcomeddad as he met his precious little girl.“It was definitely a crazy day, but if I had to have anothertraumatic experience, I’d want to have the PMC nurses bymy side,” Whitney observes.Safe from the StartWhitney’s story is one more example of how full-servicehospitals ease the maternity experience; it’s a call for cautionand planning to all new mothers-to-be. If unforeseencircumstances complicate a labor, a hospital is the only placewhere babies can be born by Cesarean section, and havingall the necessary equipment and experienced staff on handdispels any need to be moved in the middle of labor.4 •spring 2013

y,ild. Having a babymakes the joyous“When you think of afull-service hospital, you’re thinkingof a place that can handle any scenario, even thoughthe plan, of course, is to have a routine labor and delivery,”says Anita Heaney, B.S.N., Director, Women’s andChildren’s Services at PMC. “The key to preparation isbeing able to keep the mom, baby, and family togetherwhile an expert team is available to recognize and acton critical events.”Mom’s Plan PlusGiving birth in a full-service hospital offers choicesand provides the safety that the family expects. The laborand delivery team at PMC respects family preferences,including choices of obstetricians, family practicephysicians, pediatricians, and certified nurse midwives,and using alternative pain relief methods to epidurals.Throughout the experience, the labor and delivery nurseassists the provider and maintains the care plan whilemanaging the labor. NICU nurses attend each deliveryto manage the baby care.“Our nurses are very experienced and attend all deliveries,whether they are high or low risk, because at any momentthe status could change,” Heaney says.The care continues as new moms move from labor anddelivery to postpartum. Newborn babies come safely fromthe nursery to their mothers’ arms, while moms are securein the hands of proven care providers.Signup for aclass.Provide for your baby’s safety before the bigday by signing up for a prenatal class. Registeronline at www.portmed.org/classes/women-and-children.Whitney Baumgartner with daughter, Emery JeanYou’ll Never ForgetThis DayPortneuf Medical Center offers in-room photo sessionsto capture the magic and beauty of a child’s first days.Our photographer can memorialize the size of tiny feet,the joy in a dad’s face, and the overwhelming senseof wonder that a new family embodies. New parentsget studio-style photography with a personal touch.www.portmed.org• 5

Comprehensive ✦Care for ✦Aging Minds✦For older adults living with behavioral or mentalhealth issues, Portneuf Medical Center’s HealthServices offers the area’s only comprehensiveGeroPsychiatry Program.According to a report by the Institute of Medicine, anestimated 8 million Americans age 65 and older struggle with a mentalhealth condition or substance abuse disorder. For aging adults andtheir families, finding ways to balance age-related health issues witha mental health condition can be overwhelming.“As we age, our bodies and our reactionsto medications can change,” explains ZacharyMorairty, M.D., Geriatric Psychiatrist on staff atPortneuf Behavioral Health Services. “This, coupledwith the fact that many conditions, includingParkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, can bemistaken as mental illness because they presentpsychiatric symptoms, means older patients mightneed specialized help to discern physicalhealth issues from mental health issues.”Zach X. Morairty, M.D.A Therapeutic EnvironmentPortneuf Behavioral Health Services offers a holisticapproach to treating patients, beginning with a completeevaluation that determines an individual’s psychiatric,physical, psychosocial, and medical status. Patients can bereferred to the Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry Program bytheir primary care physician, nursing facility, or as theyare admitted through the Emergency Department.“The Portneuf Medical Center Geriatric PsychiatricUnit has assembled an interdisciplinary team ofprofessionals specifically trained for geriatrics to createone of the few units of its kind in the country,” saysEunice Gardner, Ph.D., Geriatric Psychologistat PMC. “This approach—shown to improvepatient outcomes—is especially importantwhen working with older adults as manymedical, psychosocial, and functionalissues often need to be addressedsimultaneously. I help patients andtheir families navigate these difficulttransitions, working as a part ofthe interdisciplinary team toprovide individualized care.”Signs of TroubleFor more information on the GeroPsychiatricProgram part of Portneuf Behavioral HealthServices, call (208) 239-1710 or visitwww.portmed.org/clinics/behavioral-health.Many of life’s stressors can be difficult for agingadults with behavioral or mental health issues toprocess on their own. Depression in older adults isoften combined with physical illness, chronic pain,or physical disability. Side effects from prescriptiondrugs or other medical problems related todementia may also cause a depressive state.Changes in social behaviors, such as unwillingnessto leave home, lack of personal hygiene, physicalaggression, or extreme mood swings, may allpoint to signs of a mental health disorder.It is important for family caregivers and friendsto be aware of these situations that may triggerdepression or suicidal thoughts in their loved ones:››Adjusting to aging-related changes such asmoving to an assisted living facility››Coping with chronic or terminal illness››Death of a loved one, friend, or pet✦››End-of-life care››Fear of change or death››Feelings of regret, guilt, or grief››Financial stress››Living alone or feelings of isolationWe canhelp!6 •spring 2013

New Procedure ZapsCancerwith No Cuts RequiredPortneuf Medical Center’s latest advancement in oncology services—stereotacticradiosurgery—allows physicians to treat cancer without making a single incision.Stereotactic radiosurgery—which was originally developedto treat brain tumors—is nowused at PMC to target tumorsthroughout the body. With thistechnology, physicians use fourdimensionalcomputed tomography(CT) scans combined with otheradvanced imaging techniquesto accurately target the tumorsite within the patient’s body.Allowing for movement and evena patient’s breathing, physiciansdeliver high doses of radiation tothe tumor site with great precision.As a result, physicians are able todestroy cancer cells while protectinghealthy surrounding tissue andcritical structures.“Our patients don’t have to travelout of state for highly specializedtreatment,” says Steven Todd, M.D.,radiation oncologist at PortneufCancer Center. “The addition of ourstereotactic radiosurgery program hasallowed us to effectively treat tumorsin just a handful of sessions ratherthan the weeks or months associatedwith traditional radiation therapy.”To learn more aboutthe services offered atPortneuf Cancer Center,visit www.portmed.org andselect “Cancer Center” under“Clinics & Departments.”Stayclose tohome.“The Portneuf Steven Todd, M.D.Cancer Center is a fullystaffed, multidisciplinaryendeavor. We house medicaloncologists, radiationoncologists, certified oncologynurses, social workers,surgeons, and more all in oneconvenient center. That’s a bigdeal in a small community likeours, allowing cancer patientsto stay close to home.”—Steven Todd, M.D., radiation oncologist at Portneuf Cancer CenterA Joint Effort at ExcellenceIn May, the Total Joint Center at Portneuf Medical Center celebrates one year of outstandingjoint replacement care.Staffed by specialists trained in the nuancesof orthopaedic care, the Total Joint Center catersexclusively to the needs of joint replacement patients.“The Center is unique, not onlyin training of the medical staff, butthe way patients are cared for before,during, and after surgery,” saysAaron Altenburg, M.D., Director ofOrthopaedics and Total Joint Surgeryat PMC. “Our goal is to give patientsa phenomenal experience from startto finish.”Aaron Altenburg, M.D.The experience begins with JointSchool, which brings patients and theirfamilies together with nurses, physical therapists, and casemanagers to answer questions about surgery, recovery, andhome-care options.So far, the Center has served more than 500 patients,who stayed an average of 2.5 days—half as long as lowervolume facilities.“Our multi-disciplinary approach streamlines therecovery process,” Dr. Altenburg says. “Coordinatedorthopaedic care minimizes complications and gets peopleback on their feet faster.”The Total Joint Center ranks in the 99th percentilenationwide in patient satisfaction. The Center’s growingreputation is already attracting patients from neighboringstates and as far away as Alaska.“We are truly becoming a regional center for major jointsurgery,” Dr. Altenburg says. “People don’t need to driveto Boise or Salt Lake City for advanced joint replacementcare—we have that expertise right here.”Visit ourwebsite.To learn more about the Total Joint Center,visit www.portmed.org/clinics/total-joint-center.www.portmed.org • 7

777 Hospital WayPocatello, ID 83201prSRT StDUS PostagePAIDportneufmedical center24506This publication in no way seeks to serve asa substitute for professional medical care.Consult your physician before undertakingany form of medical treatment or adoptingany exercise program or dietary guidelines.✦Your Very Own✦Health CoachEveryone needs a primary care provider—a physician who oversees a patient’s overallgeneral health, while making referrals tospecialists for specific medical needs.“While specialists look at you piece by piece,primary care providers look at the way all your systemswork together,” says Mark Mansfield, M.D., familypractice physician at Portneuf Medical Center. “Primarycare providers act as your safety net, making sure all theimportant issues are covered.”Often caring for families through the years, primarycare providers approach their patients with a soundunderstanding of their medical histories and personalsituations.Finda doctorhere.To find a primary care provider, visitwww.portmed.org and click “Find a Doctor”or call our physician referral line at 1-877-721-6673.Be a Team PlayerDr. Mansfield suggests the following ways people canmake the most of each and every primary care visit.»»Before you go to your provider’s office, make a list ofyour medications and medical history. (You may notbe able to remember everything off the top of yourhead in the waiting room.)»»Come with two or three questions or areas of concernyou wish to discuss.»»Have a preventive wellness exam every year, whetheror not you feel sick.“Your physician can remind you about importantscreenings and tests,” Dr. Mansfield says. “Frequently, wepick up on issues you may not have noticed, but whichcould make a big difference in a few years.”