FALL 2017 A LOCALLY OWNED QUARTERLY MAGAZINE IN IOWA’S CREATIVE CORRIDOR
WWW.CORRIDORBUSINESS.COM/BALANCE
ON THE
ATTACK
Immunotherapy progress
SCREENING
Navigating
Recommendations
Common Connection
Family Caregivers Center of Mercy provides support, respite
Uncharted Territory
Cedar
Rapids
man takes
cancer care into
own hands
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IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURES
UNCHARTED TERRITORY 5
Cedar Rapids man takes cancer care into own hands
ON THE ATTACK 8
Immunotherapy makes progress in cancer treatment therapy
COMMON CONNECTION 12
Family Caregivers Center of Mercy provides support, respite
YOUR CANCER SCREENING ROADMAP 18
Listen to body signs and get checked out
5
DEPARTMENTS
FROM THE EDITOR 4
COLUMN: PRAMOD DWIVEDI 7
Opioids: A public health emergency in Linn County
Q&A: CHIRANTAN GHOSH 10
Oncology and Hematology
HEALTH CALENDAR 11
MOVERS & SHAKERS 14
8
QUICK BITES 15 & 21
CBJ PULSE 16
Stats and data from the health care sector
COLUMN: JEAN E. ROBILLARD, M.D. 17
Academic medical centers vital to health and economy
CBJ LIST: NONPROFIT SUPPORT SERVICES 20
RECIPE CARDS 22
PICTURES OF HEALTH 23
Submitted photos of health in the Corridor
COVER PHOTO:
Survivors walk a lap at the Benton County Relay for Life held June 9 at Benton
Community High School in Van Horne. The event was held to raise money for the
American Cancer Society. Photo by Angela Holmes
12
CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 3
FROM THE EDITOR
AUGUST 21, 2017
Seasons of Change
Well, that was a quick summer. When the last issue of Balance came out, I had just planted my
garden and was planning a bountiful season. This week, I am sending my son off to high school
and harvesting the last of my tomatoes and peaches.
My garden and fruit trees weren’t as plentiful as I had
hoped, mainly because of pesky rabbits and those relentless
Japanese beetles. I did pull in a decent crop of radishes,
onions, cherries and cucumbers, and will take the
misses as a lesson learned for next year.
On a whim (after thinking about it for six months), I
signed up for a 10-week Boot Camp Challenge through
Total Balance in Vinton. I had been off the fitness wagon
for five years, and the intensity of boot camp three times
a week was the jolt my body needed, bad knees and all.
I started a blog, Balancing Act, chronicling my renewed
health and fitness journey. Check it out at www.corridorbusiness.com/balance/.
In this issue, the Balance staff takes a deeper look at
preventing, treating and coping with chronic illnesses
such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Even if you
have never received such a devastating diagnosis, you
more than likely have been affected by someone who has.
Deciding on a course of treatment is the first step to
dealing with a diagnosis. Not all treatments are the same
and not all are the right fit for every patient. For example, when Paul Cross was diagnosed
with cancer last year, he researched different treatments and ultimately decided to forego the
traditional schedule of chemotherapy and radiation. Instead, he chose an alternative route that
incorporates organic foods, supplements and other natural remedies (page 5).
Meanwhile, an emerging cancer treatment, called immunotherapy, uses the body’s own immune
system to attack cancer cells. Starting on page 8, Dr. Mohammed Milhem of the University
of Iowa’s Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center describes recent progress made in clinical
trials of immunotherapy.
In this issue’s Q&A (page 10), Dr. Chirantan Ghosh, founder of The Ghosh Center for Oncology
and Hematology, discusses his practice’s philosophy of holistic treatment and the importance
of having a good bedside manner.
Chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s can also take a toll on the patient’s caregivers. Family
Caregivers of Mercy in Cedar Rapids (page 12) helps caregivers navigate local medical, financial
and human services systems, as well as provides a respite for caregivers through free services like
music therapy, chair yoga and massage.
Of course, preventing and recognizing the signs of various diseases is the best course of action
to keeping healthy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention maintains a variety
of guidelines of what to watch for as people age, and we’ve recapped some of its cancer screening
guidance on pages 18-19.
As always, this issue of Balance also includes columns from area health care experts, spotlights
on local movers and shakers in the health care industry, a new list, recipes and a fall
calendar full of events throughout Eastern Iowa.
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Maybe I’ll run into you at a 5K or cross-country meet.
Angela Holmes
Balance Editor
angela@corridorbusiness.com
CONTACT US
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & PUBLISHER
johnl@corridorbusiness.com
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VICE PRESIDENT
Andrea Rhoades
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER &
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
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MAGAZINE & SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR
angela@corridorbusiness.com
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WRITER
Shuva Rahim
PHOTOGRAPHER
Becky Lyons
GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER
becky@corridorbusiness.com
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER
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MAGAZINE MEDIA CONSULTANT
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Adam Moore
CBJ EDITOR
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SENIOR BUSINESS REPORTER
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CBJ MEDIA CONSULTANT
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CBJ MEDIA CONSULTANT
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MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
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Corridor Business Journal BALANCE
(USPS 024-715) is published quarterly by Corridor
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VOL. 1 ISSUE 3
4 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
Uncharted Territory
Cedar Rapids man takes cancer care into own hands
STORY BY CINDY HADISH PHOTOS BY SHUVA RAHIM
When Paul Cross was diagnosed with cancer on his right vocal chord last year, he decided to forego chemotherapy and radiation and embark on his own treatment course.
Paul Cross will never forget
April 15, 2016 – the day he was
confronted with the devastating
diagnosis of squamous cell
carcinoma of the subglottic
larynx, or, in common terms,
cancer on his right vocal cord.
In the month before his diagnosis, Mr. Cross had become increasingly
bothered by the hoarseness of his voice, but was not
prepared for the treatment options he was given.
Doctors told him he could undergo 12 weeks of chemotherapy
and radiation, or have his voice box removed.
“That’s the options: poison, burn or cut,” said Mr. Cross, 48,
a systems support technician at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.
He felt rushed to make a decision, but told the doctor he wanted
time to do research and discuss alternatives with his family.
“(The doctor) looked confused and said, ‘Well, what else are
you going to do? We do the same treatments as the Mayo Clinic,’”
Mr. Cross said. “To me, it sounded like he didn’t want me to
take my insurance money somewhere else.”
That was one of several red flags he said he noticed, starting
Mr. Cross on a journey to take his care into his own hands.
Complementary approach
He has since chartered his own treatment course that includes
organic foods, supplements and other natural remedies. >
CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 5
Paul Cross has devised his own diet which includes large organic salads with spinach, kale, tomatoes and peppers, as well as raw vegetable shakes.
No definitive figures are available on how many cancer patients
choose complementary and alternative medicine over conventional cancer
treatment, but health experts say numbers are on the rise, spurred, in
part, by the Internet.
A study published last year in JAMA Oncology followed 685 women
with breast cancer. Those who were using dietary supplements and
other forms of complementary and alternative medicine were less likely
to initiate chemotherapy as prescribed, with 11 percent choosing not to
undergo the standard treatment.
Separately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal
Trade Commission have issued a warning for patients to be aware of
fraudulent cancer treatments.
“Cancer treatment frauds aren’t new, but in recent years it has become
easier for the people who market them to reach the public using
the Internet,” the warning notes. “Some fraudulent cancer treatments
are harmful by themselves, and others can be indirectly harmful because
people may delay seeking medical care while they try them, or
because the fraudulent product interferes with the effectiveness of
proven cancer treatments.”
Revolving door
Mr. Cross contends, however, that the health care industry pushes treatments
that can cause harm, describing the process as a revolving door.
“Patient comes in, doctor comes in, next doctor, then the next doctor
and then it starts all over with a new patient coming in the door,” he said.
“Nothing is individualized and they have no knowledge of nutrition.”
Mr. Cross said an oncology nutritionist suggested he eat ice cream,
shakes full of sugar and “all kinds of things I wouldn’t eat normally.”
Instead, he has devised his own diet, starting with large organic salads
with spinach, kale, tomatoes and peppers topped with olive oil, black
pepper and turmeric – the main spice in curry – as well as raw vegetable
shakes and scrambled eggs with spinach, turmeric and avocado, along
with herbal teas and 10 supplements, twice daily.
He also eats organic grass-fed beef and other sources of protein and
food high in “good” fats, while avoiding processed carbohydrates.
The supplements, organic vegetable powders he uses in smoothies and
other natural remedies, can be expensive, and are not covered by insurance.
No convincing evidence
Mr. Cross is also an advocate for medical marijuana, believing that the
right course of treatment could cure his cancer. While Iowa has legalized
the use of cannabis oil, it is still difficult to obtain. Also, taking a dose high
enough to be effective would make it difficult to work, Mr. Cross said.
The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary
and Integrative Health notes that some complementary health approaches
may help to manage symptoms of cancer and side effects of
treatment, but so far, there is no convincing evidence that any complementary
health approach is effective in curing cancer or causing it to go
into remission.
“Some complementary approaches can interfere with standard cancer
treatments or have special risks for people who’ve been diagnosed with
cancer,” the center notes, adding that cancer patients should discuss any
complementary approaches with their health care providers.
Mr. Cross said the doctors he saw were not interested in the supplements
he was taking. He has dropped almost 30 pounds since his diagnosis,
bringing his weight down to 130, but said his health is possibly
the best it’s ever been, citing, for example, the blood pressure medicine
he no longer needs.
“Really, it’s mostly my voice,” he said, sounding raspy, but understandable.
“That’s hard for me because I love talking to people. Customer
service – that’s what I do.”
Mr. Cross is unsure what might prompt him to return to a doctor in
the future and doesn’t know what caused the cancer, which is more common
in teachers, singers and others who consistently use their voice at a
loud volume. He had been a smoker, but quit about a decade ago.
His son was married earlier this summer, something Mr. Cross was
grateful to see, and notices his younger son following his example with
a healthier diet.
“I want to cure this more than anything for them,” he said, adding
that keeping a positive attitude is “huge…It helps with healing.” CBJ
6 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
COLUMN
Opioids: A public health emergency in Linn County
A silent epidemic of opioids has
been engulfing our communities for
many years, but now its impact on
Linn County is so pronounced that
it’s silent no more. The situation is
truly frightful.
Opioids are a class of drugs that
are dangerously addictive and include
oxycodone, hydrocodone,
codeine, morphine, heroin and
fentanyl.
Between 2008-2015 in Linn
County alone, 218 people died of
opioid overdose. In 2015, 78 people
visited the emergency room
because of opioids overdose. Tens
of thousands of deaths are associated
with opioids use in the
United States each year. In 2015,
33,091 Americans succumbed to
opioids-related overdoses, half of
which were prescription opioids
deaths. Each day we lose 91 Americans
to opioids overdose. In addition,
$78.5 billion is the estimated
burden to the U.S. economy.
According to a report from the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), overdoses from
prescription opioids are a driving
factor in the increase in opioid
Pramod Dwivedi
Linn County Public Health
Director
Follow him on twitter @pdwive
deaths. The amount of prescription
opioids sold in our country has
quadrupled since 1999, although it
has declined in recent years thanks
to our medical community’s action
to reduce inappropriate prescription
of opioids.
In spite of the reduction in opioids
prescription, the overdose
deaths associated with opioids
continue to rise largely due to the
use of illicit opioids, such as heroin
and fentanyl.
The Linn County Public Health
department is working with numerous
partners to prevent and
control opioid-related overdoses
and death. We are working on developing
a comprehensive intervention
strategy. Our law-enforcement
agencies, hospitals and schools are
instrumental in preventing people
from becoming addicted and
changing the demand for opioids.
One important strategy for our
community is aimed at public
health surveillance, data sharing
and rapid response. Law enforcement
seizure data will help us target
the high burden areas to focus
on prevention efforts such as linkage
to treatment and access to naloxone
to reverse opioids overdose.
Our collective goal is to utilize all
available tools, skills and knowledge
at our disposal.
We are promoting programs
such as CDC’s new prescription
guidelines (prescribing only threedays’
worth of prescription painkillers
for acute short-term pain
and explore other medication and
treatment for chronic, long-term
pain) and Iowa Prescription Drug
Monitoring Program (monitoring
patients’ use of controlled substances
by authorized medical prescribers
and pharmacists).
In our community, there are
some treatment options provided
by agencies such as Area Substance
Abuse Council. ASAC uses Medication
Assistant Treatment (MAT),
which includes pharmacological
medications such as naloxone,
suboxone and vivitrol in combination
with therapy to provide a
whole-person approach to the treatment
of substance use disorder.
If you have a friend or family
member suffering from opioids
addiction and needs treatment,
Between 2008-2015 in Linn County alone,
218 people died of opioid overdose.
PEACE
OF
contact ASAC at (319) 390-4611 or
visit www.asac.us. For more information
and resources, visit www.
hhs.gov/opioids/ or http://idph.
iowa.gov/mat •
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CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 7
On The Attack
Immunotherapy makes progress in cancer treatment therapy
STORY BY CINDY HADISH PHOTO BY SHUVA RAHIM
To say advancements
in cancer treatments
are on a fast pace is
an understatement.
Dr. Mohammed Milhem,
deputy director for clinical
research and clinical services at
the University of Iowa’s Holden
Comprehensive Cancer
Center, has been placing
about 100 cancer patients
every year in clinical trials
that use immunotherapy and
combinations of treatments,
some of which show marked
improvements in survival rates.
Dr. Mohammed Milhem has an
“Iowa wall” in his office displaying
photos, messages and artwork from
patients he has treated since 2007.
8 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to
attack cancer cells.
Its use traces back to the 1890s – when bacteria were
deliberately injected into the body to stimulate the immune
system and shrink tumors – but it wasn’t until a
breakthrough in 2011 that progress in cancer immunotherapy
began skyrocketing, Dr. Milhem said.
The Food and Drug Administration that year approved
an antibody called ipilimumab, under the brand name
Yervoy to treat advanced melanoma.
“I don’t think it was for lack of trying,” Dr. Milhem
said of the previously slow progress in immunotherapy.
“But we have not understood the immune system.”
Checkpoint inhibitors became one of the keys to that
understanding.
Cancer tumors are sometimes able to evade an immune
system attack by “disguising” themselves as normal
cells, Dr. Milhem said, but checkpoint inhibitors can
“uncloak” the cancer cells, allowing them to be recognized
as cancerous and unleashing the immune system
to attack those cells.
and sarcoma, a rare cancer that affects bone and soft tissue,
among other types.
Dr. Milhem, who also serves as Holden Family Chair
in Experimental Therapeutics, noted that the cost of immunotherapy
drugs are high, with the price of a single
dose running up to $24,000. Drugs that are FDA-approved
are usually covered by insurance, while patients
do not pay for drugs in clinical trials.
An “Iowa wall” in his office displays photos, messages
and artwork from patients he has treated since arriving at
the University of Iowa in 2007.
“These are my heroes,” Dr. Milhem said of the patients,
who not only stand to improve their own survival,
but contribute to the understanding of the therapies involved
in clinical trials for other patients.
The number of immunotherapy doses – generally given
intravenously or injected directly into a tumor – can
vary, but could be weekly for as long as it is effective, Dr.
Milhem said.
Side effects are typically less severe than conventional
chemotherapy, which can result in fatigue, hair loss,
Dr. Milhem, who
also serves as
Holden Family Chair
in Experimental
Therapeutics, noted
that the cost of
immunotherapy
drugs are high, with
the price of a single
dose running up to
$24,000.
Since 2011, other types of cancer immunotherapy also
have been approved. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
lists the following types available:
• Monoclonal antibodies: Manmade version of immune
system proteins that boost the natural immune
response
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors: These help the immune
system kill cancer cells by making it more difficult
for cancer cells to avoid the immune system; a
common type is called PD-1 inhibitors
• Cancer vaccines: Put into the body to start an immune
response against cancer
• Cellular therapy: Involves taking immune cells out of
the body and manipulating them so they are more effective
at fighting cancer. One form of cellular therapy
is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.
The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center uses clinical
trials – research studies that examine whether medical
treatments are safe for humans – to explore new combinations
of therapies, as well.
For example, Dr. Milhem pointed to the use of immunotherapy
in combination with radiation and surgery in
increasing patients’ survival rates.
Immunotherapy doesn’t work for every type of cancer,
but has shown promise in the skin cancer melanoma,
nausea and other reactions. Immunotherapy can result
in diarrhea, skin rashes and attacks on the liver and other
organs, but Dr. Milhem said side effects usually occur in
less than 10 percent of patients.
Denver Dvorsky, 74, of rural Toddville, underwent immunotherapy
at the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical
Center after having a tumor removed from his bladder.
Mr. Dvorsky previously had a kidney removed and
was being monitored to see if the cancer spread when the
tumor was discovered in his bladder last year.
He was given the option to have his bladder removed
or undergo Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy,
known as BCG.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, which also is used as a tuberculosis
vaccine, is injected directly into the bladder through
a catheter in treating early-stage bladder cancer, and is one
of the older immunotherapy treatments for cancer.
Mr. Dvorsky said his weekly treatments for six weeks,
followed later by three more treatments, left him with flulike
symptoms, including a high fever. He was bedridden
for 12 hours after each session, but described the side
effects as minimal, and so far, checkups have shown no
recurrence of the cancer.
“It’s a very innocuous treatment, compared to what
people think of as chemotherapy,” he said. “It seems to
work so far.” CBJ
CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 9
Q&A
Chirantan Ghosh
ONCOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGY
Dr. Chirantan Ghosh is founder of The Ghosh Center for Oncology
and Hematology, a cancer and blood disease treatment center in Cedar
Rapids. He was born in Calcutta (now known as Kolkata), India, and
received his medical degree from Calcutta National Medical College
before coming to the United States. He completed his residency at the
Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration in Illinois and his fellowship
at University Hospitals of Cleveland in Ohio. He began practicing in
Cedar Rapids 27 years ago and is board-certified in internal medicine,
medical oncology, hospice and palliative medicine and hematology.
Q. How does The Ghosh Center differ from other cancer centers?
A. In many ways. We take care of the patient as a whole. We support their
social and emotional and spiritual needs. It’s all about putting the patient
first and following the Patient’s Bill of Rights. It’s a law that says this: ‘As a
patient, you have the right to understand your diagnosis and have this information
explained to you in everyday language; understand why tests, X-rays
and procedures are ordered and how they are going to help you; understand
your options, benefits and risks explained in everyday language; and make
the final decision regarding your care.’ We give treatments in an effective way
that follows the medical literature and looks at the data. And we do everything
up front with a financial counselor so our patients can access financial
help. This office has never taken anyone to a collection agency.
Q. Your center offers an approach called “prehab.” What
does that involve?
A. We know in studies of orthopedic procedures, if you get the
patients stronger, they go through treatment better. The same
thing is true with oncology patients. We provide yoga, nutrition
classes, meditation, fitness and other classes. That
decreases the complications and the cost of health care.
Q. Press Ganey has ranked your center in the top
1 percent nationally for patient experience and
you’ve been re-certified by the Quality Oncology
Practice Initiative. Why should rankings and
certifications matter to your patients?
A. We know we do a good job, but that’s not enough.
The ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology)
collects data for the QOPI certification. To apply,
you need to score at least 75 percent on key quality
measures. We scored 94 percent. This shows the
patients that they are getting the best care and that
we’re meeting the highest standards.
Q. You were recently named the Non-Resident
Indian of the Decade in your home country for
your contributions that include construction of
an ER and services to villages for safe water
and child education. Why is it important to give
back to India?
A. Usually when I go back, it’s for a project. I was
last there for (the award) for seven days in February.
I was born in Calcutta and I basically received a
free education there, with the idea that with limited
resources, that person would grow and take care of
the country. That was the concept. I use that concept
to give back.
Q&A PAGE 21
PHOTO BY SHUVA RAHIM
10 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
HEALTH CALENDAR
AUG. 25-27
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times,
by Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality
Center, 120 E. Boyson Road,
Hiawatha. This two-and-a-half-day
course with Debra Reis is offered by
the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy
(ISHA). Learn how essential
oils affect the body, mind and spirit,
and focus on integrating essential oils
with heart-centered healing techniques.
Cost: $450. For more information,
contact ISHA at www.ISHAhealing.com
or (865) 357-1541.
AUG. 26
Bring the Noise 5K Run/Walk, by
Vinton Noon Kiwanis, Benton
County Courthouse, 111 E. Fourth
St., Vinton, 9-10:30 a.m. Proceeds
of annual event during Boomtown
Festival go toward children’s
initiatives in the community and a
current fundraiser for a Splash Pad
at Kiwanis Park. Cost: $25 through
Aug. 24; $30 after. To register, visit
http://bit.ly/2tJTyAI.
SEPT. 3
NewBo Run – Half Marathon &
10K, by Corridor Running and
NewBo Run, NewBo City Market,
1100 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids,
7:30-11 a.m. Everything at the
event is local including custom
race medals, craft beer, lots of
food, post-race party and NewBo
arts festival following the race.
Cost: $40-$50. For more information,
visit http://newborun.com/.
SEPT. 24
Step Up for Down Syndrome 5K/
Walk, by Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome
Association, Sag Wagon Deli
& Brew, 827 Shaver Road NE, Cedar
Rapids, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The team with
the best costume will receive a small
prize during the opening ceremony
along with the largest walk team
and the team that raises the most
money. Cost: $15-$45. For more
information, visit www.crowdrise.
com/HADSA.
SEPT. 29
The Glo Run – Cedar Rapids, by
The Glo Run and All Community
Events, McGrath Ampitheatre,
475 First St. SW, Cedar Rapids,
7:45-10 p.m. Run through five
neon luau-themed zones in this
evening event that raises money
for the American Heart Association
and American Stroke Association.
Cost:$60-$66.99.For more information,
visit www.theglorun.com.
SEPT. 30
Corridor Running Swamp Fox 5K
and Little Fox Mile, by Corridor
Running and Marion Parks and
Recreation, Marion Square Park,
1107 Seventh Ave., Marion, 7:30-10
a.m. This family event is part of the
citywide Swamp Fox Festival. Cost:
$20. To register, visit http://bit.
ly/2v60qMm/
OCT. 14
Hurts Donut Run, by Hurts Donuts,
200 E. Park Road, Iowa City, 10 a.m.-
1 p.m. This 5K is open to people of
all ages and abilities. Hurts Donuts
will be waiting at the finish line.
Cost: $20-$35. For more information,
visit www.hurts5k.com.
Submit health care calendar events to
news@corridorbusiness.com, subject line
“Health Calendar.” Please include date, time,
location and a brief description.
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Common Connection
Family Caregivers Center of Mercy provides support, respite
STORY BY CINDY HADISH PHOTOS BY SHUVA RAHIM
Carole Butz leads a support group at the Family Caregivers Center in Cedar Rapids.
The center provides resources and support for those caring for an adult family member.
CEDAR RAPIDS – Carole
Butz and her husband,
Mick, marked 50 years of
marriage in June, but it
was difficult to celebrate
their milestone.
Mr. Butz was diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s disease in 2008 and
while he still recognizes her, “I’m
not sure he knows I’m his wife,”
said Ms. Butz, who retired from
her job at Coe College to become
her husband’s caregiver.
12 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
Having insight into such challenges is one of many reasons Ms.
Butz creates a special connection to other caregivers as she serves
multiple volunteer roles at the Family Caregivers Center of Mercy.
The center, at 901 Eighth Ave. SE, opened in December 2015
as a resource for family caregivers of adults, regardless of their
hospital or physician affiliation.
“It’s a community resource,” said Kathy Good, director of the
center. “We don’t care where you’re receiving your medical care.”
Chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and
Parkinson’s disease are among the reasons that lead a spouse,
son, daughter or other family member to becoming a caregiver.
In Linn County alone, 3,200 residents have Alzheimer’s disease;
a number expected to triple by 2050.
With that in mind, and after hearing about a caregivers center
in New York, Tim Charles, president and CEO of Mercy Medical
Center, set the wheels in motion for the Family Caregivers Center
of Mercy.
“He was concerned about
the numbers,” Ms. Good said.
CAREGIVING
FACTS
n 42.5 million family
caregivers in the
United States.
n 34.2 million family
caregivers care for
someone 50 or older.
n 52,000 family
caregivers live in
East Central Iowa.
n 1.4 million Americans
are diagnosed with
cancer every year.
Source: Caregiving in the
U.S. 2015 report, AARP Public
Policy Institute
“He thinks the health care community
was not ready to deal
with that tsunami.”
Ms. Good was a caregiver
herself after her late husband,
David Good, a Sixth Judicial
District Court judge, was diagnosed
with early onset Alzheimer’s
at the age of 56. He lived
at Mercy’s Hallmar Care Center
for nearly four years before his
death in 2015.
She recalls his sense of humor,
love of kayaking and other
outdoor adventures and his extensive
bow tie collection as Ms.
Good keeps his memory alive,
at the same time she strives to
make it easier for other caregivers
to cope with adversity.
Even with her knowledge of
services available in the community as a social worker, “I often
felt alone and overwhelmed,” Ms. Good said of the time after her
husband’s diagnosis. “That’s common.”
Mr. Charles approached Ms. Good about using her expertise
to lead the center.
“He asked if I was interested, and I said, ‘absolutely,’” she said.
More than $2.6 million was raised to endow the Family Caregivers
Center of Mercy before it launched. The center employs
just one staff member, office coordinator Mary Rink; others, including
Ms. Good and Ms. Butz, are volunteers.
Find more information at: www.mercycare.org/services/
family-caregivers-center and on the Family Caregivers
Center of Mercy Facebook page, or call (319) 221-8866.
The Mercy Foundation continues to raise funds to support the center and its
many services.
Those include helping caregivers navigate the medical, financial and human service
systems with the help of “caregiver coaches,” such as Ms. Butz, in order to help the
caregivers find the assistance they need and determine their eligibility.
The center also helps care for the physical, mental and emotional needs of caregivers
through services such as music and art therapy, chair yoga and massage, all of which
are offered for free.
A resource library at the center offers books about chronic conditions, care giving,
grief and loss, as well as a quiet spot to read, while educational sessions offer advice on
topics such as financial planning and VA benefits.
As of earlier this summer, nearly 500 caregivers had been served at the center. Most
of the caregivers are women, with about one-fifth men, and generally are age 45 and
older and caring for a spouse.
The center offers connections to hourly, overnight and in-home companion respite
care, with financial assistance on an as-needed basis for those who qualify.
Support groups, including a Male Caregiver Coffee and “The Mindful Caregiver”
book study and support group led by Ms. Butz, are among other ways the center helps
caregivers find answers and solace.
“We have wisdom for one another,” Ms. Butz said. “I don’t think there’s an emotion
or any kind of feeling that I haven’t experienced on this journey, so I’m able to tap into
that. I hope I can give them the gift of understanding.” CBJ
WATCH RODGER’S VIDEO
www.corridorbusiness.com/balance
Rodger Burnett has been taking care of his wife, Marlene,
full-time since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in
2009. Photographer Shuva Rahim gives a glimpse of the
Burnetts’ life together at their Hiawatha home.
CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 13
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Kathy Wilden has been
named emergency management
and safety specialist in the
Department of Security and
Environmental Safety at Mercy
Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.
April Golwitzer, of UnityPoint
– St. Luke’s Hospital, was
awarded Kirkwood Community
College’s 2017 All Stars of the
Creative Corridor workforce
award.
Sara Wattnem, of Virginia
Gay Hospital Clinics, was
awarded Kirkwood Community
College’s 2017 All Stars of the
Creative Corridor workforce
award.
Matt Lapka, of MediRevv, was
awarded Kirkwood Community
College’s 2017 All Stars of the
Creative Corridor workforce
award.
CC Lee has joined Mercy
Medical Center as medical
director of cardiac, thoracic and
vascular surgery services.
Melissa Coulter, of
UnityPoint Health, was awarded
an Iowa Hospital Education
and Research Foundation
scholarship.
Michelle Pappas, of
UnityPoint Health, was awarded
an Iowa Hospital Education
and Research Foundation
scholarship.
Erin Roberts has been
appointed total joint program
manager at UnityPoint Health –
St. Luke’s Hospital.
Roberta Bean, nursing
department administrative
assistant at Mount Mercy
University, received the
Distinguished Staff award.
Jennifer Schulte joined the
American Heart Association as
the development director for
the Cedar Rapids Go Red For
Women luncheon and Heart Ball.
Stephanie Wilson joined the
team of health care providers at
MercyCare North Urgent Care.
Jeffrey Westpheling joined
MercyCare Occupational Health
at Prairie Creek in Cedar Rapids.
Send Movers & Shakers to
news@corridorbusiness.com
Include name, title, company,
brief description and a high
resolution (300 dpi) head and
shoulders photo.
Keeli Irwin, of Mercy Pediatric
Clinic, was named 2017 Nurse
Practitioner of the Year by the
Iowa Association of Nurse
Practitioners.
Diane Smith joined the
American Heart Association as
the development director for the
Iowa City Go Red For Women
luncheon and Heart Ball.
Dilli Bhurtel joined UnityPoint
Health-Cedar Rapids Cardiology
Clinic as a pediatric cardiologist.
14 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
QUICK BITES
Health Solutions
acquires CarePro
Worksite Wellness
Cedar Rapids-based Health Solutions
LLC in July acquired CarePro
Worksite Wellness, a provider of corporate
wellness programming under
the CarePro Health Services umbrella.
The two companies offer many of
the same services, including health
risk assessments, biometric screenings,
health coaching and wellness
plan design, although Health Solutions
officials said the merger will
offer CarePro customers an expanded
range of wellness technologies
and predictive data analytics.
“This integration will allow
Health Solutions to grow our footprint
within our community, offer
enhanced services to the CarePro
clients, provide the opportunity to
CarePro team members to do what
they are passionate about with expanded
resources, and support
and allow CarePro to expand their
clinical services,” Health Solutions
Founder and President Jen Musick
stated in a press release. “It is a winwin
for both organizations.”
CarePro Health Services, one of
the largest health and wellness firms
in the Corridor, will now focus on
its other lines of business, including
pharmacies, home medical equipment
sales and home care services.
Health Solutions was founded in
2004, and has grown to around 60
employees from its home at 151 Fifth
Ave. SE in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
PCI to build new
facility in Cedar
Rapids’ MedQuarter
Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa is moving
forward with plans to build a second
facility on the current PCI campus
in the downtown Cedar Rapids
Medical District.
“Our physician shareholders are
not only committed to health and
wellbeing in Cedar Rapids, they’re
committed to the economic development
and growth of the MedQ,”
Michael Sundall, PCI CEO, stated in
a press release. “These new construction
plans come at a critical time for
the MedQ, as the district advances
through a strategic plan to become a
regional medical destination.”
Initial plans approved by the
group are for a 98,000 square-foot,
three-story medical facility and a
new 400-plus space parking ramp.
“These new facilities will accommodate
PCI’s continued growth and
attract other non-PCI health and
wellness-related services,” Mr. Sundall
continued. “When we opened
the first medical pavilion four years
ago, the intent was to fill the space
over five years. It was full after just
three years, making additional expansion
a priority.”
The planned medical facility will
be constructed on the PCI campus
on what is currently a parking lot
south and west of Firestone Tire, between
Second and Third avenues SE.
It could potentially house PCI specialties,
tenants and a sports rehabilitation
and performance center.
The 400-car parking structure
will be located on the south side of
the PCI campus, along Third Avenue
SE. Current plans are to connect the
new medical facility to the existing
parking structure via walkway. Covered
walkways will be constructed
from the new parking structure to
the existing PCI Medical Pavilion.
Mercy’s Hiawatha
Medical Park opens
Mercy Medical Center opened the
new 60,000-square-foot Hiawatha
Medical Park at 1195 Boyson Road
in July.
The Hiawatha Medical Park consists
of three separate components.
The third floor of the building is the
site of Mercy’s new outpatient surgery
center, where eye surgeries are
performed. Included on that floor
are 11 pre-op and post-op rooms
and two operating rooms, with additional
space for future expansion.
The second floor is home to Wolfe
Eye Clinic, offering multi-subspecialty
medical and surgical eye care.
The building’s first floor is scheduled
to open later this year as an
extension of Mercy’s clinic services.
Those services will include an Urgent
Care, pharmacy, imaging and lab.
“We are responding to significant
demand for conveniently located
and more accessible care,” Tim
Mercy Medical Center’s Hiawatha Medical Park, which opened this summer, includes
Mercy’s outpatient surgery center, Wolfe Eye Clinic and Mercy Urgent Care.
Photo Mercy Medical Center
Charles, Mercy president and CEO,
stated in a press release. “The needs
and wants of our patients are evolving.
There’s been a push for many
years to provide more treatment on
an outpatient basis.”
Mercy is leasing the space for the
Hiawatha Medical Park from a local
developer. The site was previously
occupied by Duffy’s Collectible Cars.
Helping older adults
remain independent.
Call Today: 319.398.3644
www.abbehealth.org
Services for older adults
and caregivers.
Healthy Aging programs
and activities.
Adult Day Health Centers
in Cedar Rapids, Marion
and Iowa City.
CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 15
Stats and data from
the health care sector
Despite recent
declines, opioid
prescribing is still
high and inconsistent
across the country.
The Amount Of Opioids Prescribed Per Person
Varied Widely Across the U.S. in 2015
The amount of
opioids prescribed
per person was
3X
HIGHER
in 2015 than in 1999.
SOURCES: Automation of Reports
and Consolidated Orders System
(ARCOS) of the Drug Enforcement
Figure Administration; 4.2 displays 1999. the percentages QuintilesIMS of deaths due to the selected chronic diseases. By examining the leading causes of
Transactional Data Warehouse; 2015.
death, statewide and local programs can determine which interventions, prevention activities, and messages are needed for
various groups to prevent deaths prior to reaching life expectancy and to improve health across the state. Of all deaths,
approximately 28% were due to diseases of the heart; over one in four Iowans died of heart disease.
Percent of Selected Chronic Disease-Related
Deaths, Iowa Residents, 2006
Figure 4.2 Percent of Selected Chronic Disease-related Deaths,
Iowa Residents, 2006
Morphine Milligram
Equivalents (MME)
MME PER PERSON
Insufficient data
0.1 - 453
454 - 676
677 - 958
959 - 5,543
SOURCE: CDC Vital Signs, July 2017
Some characteristics
of counties with higher
opioid prescribing:
general atherosclerosis
1%
kidney disease
1%
hypertension &
hypentensive renal disease
1%
all other
20%
heart disease
29%
> Small cities or large towns
> Higher percent of white residents
> More dentists and primary care
physicians
> More people who are uninsured or
unemployed
other circulatory system
disease
1%
all infective & parasitic
disease
2%
> More people who have diabetes,
arthritis, or disability
influenza & pneumonia
3%
diabetes
3%
chronic lower respiratory
disease
6%
SEPTEMBER
National Childhood Obesity
Awareness Month
stroke
7%
cancer
26%
SOURCE: Healthy Iowans: Chronic Disease Report
World Suicide Prevention
Day is September 10th
16 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
COLUMN
Academic medical centers vital to health and economy
As the national debate about health
care continues, it is important to
understand the vital role of academic
medical centers, like University
of Iowa Health Care, in the
national and local health system
and economy.
Academic medical centers
(AMCs) bear the responsibility
not only for providing all levels of
patient care, but also for educating
and training the nation’s doctors
and associated health care providers,
and conducting biomedical research
that leads to new treatments
and cures to share with the world.
Beyond those missions, AMCs also
provide important services through
community benefit services.
UI Health Care, which includes
Jean E. Robillard, M.D.
UI Health Care
Vice President for Medical Affairs
and surgeries to basic primary
care. Like other AMCs, UI Health
Care provides critical community
services – such as trauma and burn
centers – that are often not available
elsewhere. UI Health Care
also provides health care to Iowa’s
vulnerable populations through
charity care and state and federal
health programs.
The impact of UI Health Care’s
education mission is also significant
to Iowa’s physician workforce,
with the UI Carver College of
Medicine graduating 140 new physicians
every year, and more than
700 resident and fellow physicians
in training at UI Hospitals and
Clinics. Our data show that Carver
College of Medicine students who
of more than $231 million and
644,381 persons receiving services,
including free medical care for uninsured
patients, health screenings
and other preventive care, public
seminars on health topics and population-based
research.
In addition to societal benefits,
AMCs have a substantial positive
economic impact. The most recent
report (2012) by the Association
of American Medical Colleges
(AAMC), conducted by Tripp Umbach
of Pittsburgh, showed that UI
Health Care had a total employment
impact of 32,598 people, supported
more than $277 million in revenue
for the state, and provided a total
economic impact of $4.6 billion.
Looking to the future, there
are several key issues confronting
academic medicine, including the
availability of affordable, accessible
insurance; status of scientific research
funding; viability of learning
and teaching methodologies; and
caring for the well-being of the
health workforce and an increasingly
diverse nation.
To ensure that we preserve the
strengths of the nation’s AMCs and
their role in improving the health
of all Americans, it is incumbent
on those of us working in academic
medicine and our policy makers
at both state and federal level to
carefully evaluate these issues and
design solutions for these pressing
issues. •
UI Health Care had a total employment impact of 32,598
people, supported more than $277 million in revenue for the
state, and provided a total economic impact of $4.6 billion.
University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics, the UI Carver College of
Medicine and the University of
Iowa Physicians, is the only comprehensive
AMC in Iowa, and one
of about 125 in the United States.
As a major employer in the Corridor,
we contribute to the growth
of the local economy, while also
working to improve the health and
well-being of all area residents.
This has included extending our
patient care mission to businesses
through the Work-Related Care
Management program which
provides several services to assist
employers with solutions for improving
the health and wellness of
all team members
Through UI Hospitals and Clinics,
patient care ranges from highly
specialized, complex treatments
do residency training in Iowa are
nearly four times more likely to
enter practice in Iowa than those
training outside the state.
As the research engines of the
American health system, AMCs
conduct more than half of all
extramural research sponsored by
the National Institutes of Health
(NIH). In fiscal year 2016, the UI
Carver College of Medicine garnered
more than $229 million in
external funding, including 254
grants totaling more than $105
million from the NIH.
Like other AMCs, UI Health
Care faculty and staff members go
beyond these mission-driven activities
to provide community benefit
programs or activities that promote
health and wellness. In fiscal year
2015, we recorded a contribution
Getting YOUNGER Every Day
Feel Better. Move Better. Look Better.
Live an active satisfying life.
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u Up to 5 people in each small group
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CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 17
Your Cancer
Screening Roadmap
Listen to body signs and get checked out
BY CINDY HADISH
Carla Vawter
Carla Vawter – known in the Corridor as Carla Davis on the radio
and as an on-field hostess at Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball
games – spent years tanning as she worked in the public eye.
“I had heard the
dangers, but after
many years of doing
it, I had this, ‘it
won’t happen to me’
mentality,” she said.
“Several years later, I
noticed I had a bump
on my nose that
wasn’t going away.”
Ms. Vawter went
to a pre-cancer
screening, where several
areas of concern
were noted, followed
by an appointment
with a dermatologist.
She was diagnosed
with basal
cell carcinoma on her back and arm, both of which were removed,
and actinic keratoses – rough, scaly patches – on her
face, which were frozen off with liquid nitrogen.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer – the type Ms. Vawter had – is
the most common cancer in the United States, but while early
detection of the more deadly melanoma is less likely to cause
death when treated early, health officials do not recommend
regular skin cancer screenings for people not at high risk.
Navigating cancer screening recommendations from various
agencies can be confusing as not all are the same. The
American Cancer Society, for example, offers guidelines that
differ from other entities.
Experts note that the best course of action is to watch your
body for changes and discuss concerns with your doctor.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention offers
the following cancer screening recommendations from the
Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of national experts in
prevention and evidence-based medicine. CBJ
BREAST CANCER
n A mammogram, an X-ray of the breast, is the best way to
find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before
it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular
mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
n Women who are 50-74 years old and at average risk for
breast cancer should get a mammogram every two years.
n Women ages 40-49 years old should talk to their doctor or
other health care professionals about when to start and how
often to get a mammogram and should weigh the benefits
and risks of screening tests when deciding whether to begin
getting mammograms at age 40.
n Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnets and
radio waves to take pictures of the breast. MRI is used along
with mammograms to screen women who are at high risk
for getting breast cancer. Because breast MRIs may appear
abnormal even when there is no cancer, it is not used for
women at average risk.
LUNG CANCER
n Yearly lung cancer screening with low-dose computed
tomography is recommended for people
with a history of heavy smoking, who smoke now
or have quit within the past 15 years and are between
55-80 years old.
n Heavy smoking means smoking one pack a day
for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years.
n Lung cancer screening has at least three risks:
false-positive result that can lead to follow-up
tests and surgeries that are not needed and may
have more risks; cases of cancer that may never
have caused a problem for the patient and
radiation from repeated tests can cause cancer in
otherwise healthy people.
n Annual screenings can stop when the person turns
81, or has not smoked in 15 years, or develops a
health problem that makes him or her unwilling or
unable to have surgery if lung cancer is found.
18 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
COLORECTAL
(COLON) CANCER
Adults ages 50-75 should be screened for colorectal cancer
on an annual basis or up to once every 10 years, depending
on which screening method is chosen.
OVARIAN CANCER
There is no evidence that any screening
test reduces deaths from ovarian cancer.
STOOL TESTS
The fecal occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test
are done once per year, using a test kit to obtain a small
amount of stool that is checked at a lab. With a FIT-DNA
test, an entire bowel movement is collected and sent to a lab
to be checked for cancer cells and done once every one or
three years.
FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY
The doctor puts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your
rectum to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and
lower third of the colon; performed every five years, or every
10 years with a FIT every year.
COLONOSCOPY
The doctor uses a longer, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check
for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon
and can find and remove most polyps and some cancers;
performed every 10 years.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) COLONOGRAPHY
(VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY)
X-rays and computers are used to produce images of the
entire colon, which are displayed on a computer screen for
the doctor to analyze; performed every five years.
n Adults ages 76-85 should ask their doctor if they should be
screened.
n People at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer
should talk to their doctors about when to begin screening,
which test is right for them and how often to get tested.
n Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous
polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum.
Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so they can
be removed before they turn into cancer and can find colorectal
cancer early, when treatment works best.
CERVICAL CANCER
n Women should start getting regular Pap tests at
age 21. The Pap test, which screens for cervical
cancer, is one of the most reliable and effective
cancer screening tests available.
n Women ages 21-65 should be screened with a Pap
test every three years, or, for women ages 30-65,
every five years with a Pap test in combination with
human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.
n The Pap test can find abnormal cells in the cervix
that may turn into cancer. Pap tests also can find
cervical cancer early, when the chance of being
cured is very high.
n The only cancer for which the Pap test screens is
cervical cancer. It does not screen for ovarian, uterine,
vaginal or vulvar cancers. So even if you have a
Pap test regularly, if you notice any signs or symptoms
that are unusual for you, see a doctor to find
out why you’re having them.
SKIN CANCER
PROSTATE CANCER
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
has concluded that there is not enough
evidence to recommend for or against
routine screening (total-body examination
by a clinician) to find skin cancers
early for people who do not have a history
of skin cancer and who do not have
any suspicious moles or other spots.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends
against prostate specific antigen (PSA)-based screening
for men who have no symptoms.
CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 19
CBJ LIST
NONPROFIT SUPPORT SERVICES
................................................................................
Abbe Center for Community Mental Health
Designed to encompass emotional, physical and social
well-being through integrated health approach
520 11th St.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
(319) 398-3562
www.abbemhc.org
................................................................................
The ALS Association, Iowa Chapter
A full range of services to guide and assist families through
their journey with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
3636 Westown Parkway, Ste. 204
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 369-2572
www.alsaiowa.org
................................................................................
Alzheimer’s Association
East Central Iowa Chapter
Offers education programs for the caregiver, individual
with disease, health care professional, workplace and
general public
317 Seventh Ave. SE, Ste. 402
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 294-9699
www.alz.org/eci
................................................................................
American Cancer Society
Covers everything from cancer research to education,
prevention to diagnosis and treatment to recovery
4080 First Ave. NE, Ste. 101
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 866-7100
cancer.org
................................................................................
American Heart Association
Offers advocacy and research efforts to prevent heart
disease and stroke
1035 N. Center Point Road, Ste. B
Hiawatha, IA 52233
(319) 378-1763
http://heart.org/easterniowa
................................................................................
Area Substance Abuse Council
Provides comprehensive services to prevent substance
misuse and address substance use disorders
3601 16th Ave. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 390-4611
www.asac.us
................................................................................
................................................................................
Children’s Cancer Connection
Enhances quality of life for families affected by childhood
cancer by providing programs for education, recreation,
and support
401 10th Ave.
Coralville, IA 52241
(515) 243-6239
www.childrenscancerconnection.org
................................................................................
ChildServe
Offers pediatric therapy and family support services to
children with developmental delays and disabilities
1552 Mall Drive
Iowa City, IA 52240
370 W. Cherry St.
North Liberty, IA 52317
(319) 351-5437
www.childserve.org
................................................................................
Community Health Free Clinic
Provides free medical, dental, vision and prescription
services for people without access to or the ability to pay
for health care
947 14th Ave. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 363-0416
www.CommunityHFC.org
................................................................................
Eastern Iowa JDRF
Funds type 1 diabetes (T1D) research with mission to
accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent
and treat T1D and its complications
1026 A Ave., Ste. 113
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
(319) 393-3850
www.jdrf-org/easterniowa
................................................................................
Gems of Hope
Provides cancer patients and their families support and
resources to inspire hope
420 Sixth St. SE, Ste. 140
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 393-9681
www.gemsofhope
................................................................................
His Hands Free Clinic
Provides medical, dental, chiropractic, women’s health,
mental health, physical therapy, prescription assistance,
durable medical equipment and patient advocacy
services for the under- and uninsured
400 12th St. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 862-2636
hishandsclinic.org
................................................................................
................................................................................
Iowa City Hospice
Provides patient-centered palliative care and grief
support to anyone affected by a terminal illness
1025 Wade St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
(800) 897-3052
Iowacityhospice.org
................................................................................
Iowa KidSight
Screens young children throughout Iowa for free and
educates the public about risks of undetected vision loss
431 Coral Court, Ste. 5
Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 353-7616
www.IowaKidSight.org
................................................................................
Prelude Behavioral Services
Offers youth prevention programming, mental health
counseling, substance abuse treatment and transitional
housing for families in recovery
430 Southgate Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 351-4357
www.preludeiowa.org
................................................................................
Red Shamrock Foundation
Raises awareness of health care needs of childhood
cancer survivors, and supports survivorship programs and
research
3016 Raven. St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 530-1981
www.redshamrock.org
................................................................................
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern
Iowa & Western Illinois
Provides families accommodations including housing,
meals, transportation, laundry and shower facilities while
their child receives treatment at a local hospital
730 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 356-3939
www.rmhc-eiwi.org
................................................................................
Team Breast Friends
Raises money to make a positive impact in the lives of
individuals impacted by breast cancer
1153 Hampton Court
Iowa City, IA 52240
teambreastfriends.org
................................................................................
20 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
QUICK BITES
Ronald McDonald
Family Room opens at
UI children’s hospital
Ronald McDonald House Charities
of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
(RMHC-EIWI) in June opened
the Ronald McDonald Family
Room at University of Iowa Stead
Family Children’s Hospital.
The service is designed as a respite
for visiting families of a child
being treated in the hospital’s Pediatric
Intensive Care Unit or Pediatric
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
The Ronald McDonald Family
Room at UI Stead Family Children’s
Hospital is made up of five
spaces: the Family Room Proper,
which includes a kitchenette,
dining area and living room; the
Family Shower Suite; a Family
Sleep Room for overnight stays
and naps; a Parent Respite Room;
and a lounge with snacks and
basic services provided at all times.
The Family Room also provides
self-serve breakfast and lunch and
serves fresh, homemade dinners
every night, prepared by volunteers.
“By the time a parent steps foot
in the Ronald McDonald Family
Room, they’re exhausted,” RM-
HC-EIWI Executive Director Barbara
Dee Werning stated in a press
release. “After spending a stressful
day surrounded by equipment and
doctors, it’s invaluable to have a
quiet, home-like space where you
can get away from the chaos and
take care of yourself.”
RMHC-EIWI increases the ability
of parents to spend more time
with hospitalized children, interact
with the clinical care providers and
participate in care decisions. Research
shows that RMHC bolsters
a family’s psychological well-being
by keeping them close together and
providing emotional and physical
comfort and support.
Iowa City VA Health
Care awarded for
environmental
excellence
In recognition for achievement and
innovation in health care sustainability,
the Iowa City VA Health
Care System received the Top 25
Environmental Excellence Award
from Practice Greenhealth, an organization
dedicated to environmental
sustainability in health care. The
award is one of the Environmental
Excellence Awards given each year
to honor environmental achievements
in the health care sector.
As a new addition to Practice
Greenhealth’s Top 25 award
winners, the Iowa City VA Health
Care System excelled in various
efforts, ranging from energy and
water conservation to reducing and
recycling solid wastes. For example,
the facility’s medical waste stream
was reduced by 24 percent from
2012-2016, and the facility’s overall
recycling rate in 2016 was 32 percent.
Further, with a goal to reduce
water consumption by 36 percent
by 2025, water reduction is a must
for all VA facilities. As a result, lowflow
faucets, shower heads, urinals
and toilets have been installed
wherever feasible.
“The Iowa City VA Health Care
System is committed to sustainable
practices in our day-to-day
operations and our planning for
the future,” Heath Streck, associate
director for operations, stated in a
press release. “It’s an honor to be
recognized for our commitment
to the health and safety of our
patients, staff, environment and
community.”
The award was presented May 18
at the conclusion of Practice Greenhealth’s
CleanMed Conference &
Exhibition in Minneapolis.
Q&A FROM PAGE 10
Q. You’re also well-known
for your philanthropy
in Cedar Rapids, such
as starting the Anna
Purna Ghosh Foundation
and providing financial
incentives for students
to take end-of-course AP
examinations. Why is that
important to you?
A. I know two things: health
care and education, so I focus
on those two things. It’s
an extension of the best way
to take care of the patients;
the community and society at
large need to improve. Quoting
from verses attributed to
Mother Teresa and framed on
the wall at The Ghosh Center,
he adds: “The good you do
today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway. Give the best
you have, and it will never be
enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is
between you and God. It was
never between you and them
anyway.”
- Cindy Hadish
Dr. Chirantan Ghosh makes a point to give back
to the community and encourage education.
Photo Shuva Rahim
CBJ BALANCE
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opportunity. Advertise in the Balance enewsletter and on the Balance website. We
cover everything from local health care providers and facilities to emerging research on
wellness, and includes a look at health care developments from around the web.
Contact Judith to get your business
in your customer’s inbox today!
319.665.NEWS or
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CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 21
RECIPE CARDS
RECIPE
WATERMELON,
FETA AND
MINT SALAD
6 SERVINGS
SOURCE:
WWW.MIDWESTLIVING.COM
4 cups 1- to 2-inch chunks seedless red
and/or yellow watermelon
4 ounces feta cheese, coarsely crumbled
1/4 cup loosely packed mint leaves, torn
into rough pieces
2 tablespoons extra virgin-olive oil
Ground black pepper
RECIPE
GARDEN
CAPRESE
SNACKS
6 SERVINGS
SOURCE:
REALHOUSEMOMS.COM
2 tomatoes, sliced
4-8 basil leaves
½ cucumber
8 ounces fresh mozzarella
Balsamic glaze
DIRECTIONS
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine
watermelon, feta cheese, mint
and oil. Season to taste with
pepper. Cover and chill 2 to 4
hours before serving.
Slice mozzarella into eight
slices. Slice cucumber and
tomato into eight slices
each. Layer mozzarella, basil,
cucumber slice and tomato
slice. Drizzle balsamic glaze or
reduction over the top.
NUTRITION PER SERVING: Calories 120, Sodium 210 mg, Fat 9 g,
Carbohydrates 9 g, Cholesterol 17 mg
NUTRITION PER SERVING: Calories 130, Sodium 215 mg, Fat 8 g,
Carbohydrates 9 g, Cholesterol 13 mg
RECIPE
MIXED
VEGETABLE
GRILL
6 SERVINGS
SOURCE:
WWW.MCCORMICK.COM
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 asparagus, spears, ends trimmed
1 medium red bell pepper, cut lengthwise
into 6 strips
DIRECTIONS
Mix brown sugar, basil, salt,
garlic powder and pepper in
small bowl. Drizzle oil over
vegetables in large bowl; toss
to coat well. Add seasoning
mixture; toss to coat well. Place
vegetables in grill basket, grill
rack or thread onto skewers.
Grill over medium heat 10 to 12
minutes or until vegetables are
tender, turning occasionally.
NUTRITION PER SERVING: Calories 105, Sodium 215mg, Fat 5g,
Carbohydrates 13g, Cholesterol0 mg, Protein 2g, Fiber 3g
22 CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017
PICTURES OF HEALTH
s HEALTH CARE DISCUSSION
From left, Steve Baumert, president and CEO of Methodist Jennie
Edmundson in Council Bluffs; Tim Charles, president and CEO of Mercy
Medical Center in Cedar Rapids; Kirk Norris, president and CEO of the Iowa
Hospital Association; Cindy Mann, partner of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips; Ted
Townsend, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Cedar Rapids;
and Mike Myers, CEO, Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon, discuss the
American Health Care Act at press conference June 7 at the DoubleTree by
Hilton in Cedar Rapids.
s HEARTFELT GIFT
Coralville-based MediRevv presented a $10,000 gift as part of its 10th
anniversary initiative to The Bird House (Hospice Home of Johnson County)
at the Second Annual Bird Bash held April 20 at Big Grove Iowa City. From
left are Carol Tippe, home coordinator of The Bird House; MediRevv Human
Resources Director Nicki Brick; and MediRevv CEO Chris Klitgaard.
s RESTFUL ROOM
Representatives from Ronald McDonald House Charities of
Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, University of Iowa Stead Family
Children’s Hospital and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
held a ribbon cutting May 24 at the new Ronald McDonald Family
Room at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
DOCTORS’
DEDICATION u
Dr. Melissa Kahler and Dr.
Daniel VandenBosc cut the
ribbon at an open house and
ribbon cutting at the new
UnityPoint Clinic-Westdale
held June 10 at 4325 Williams
Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids. The
new Westdale Clinic offers new
services to the area including a
Pediatric Clinic, X-ray (imaging
services), laboratory services
and Therapy Plus.
CBJ BALANCE - FALL 2017 23
St. Luke’s is the area’s heart hospital.
53,227 OPEN HEART SURGERIES AND PROCEDURES
Dr. Hajj, UnityPoint Clinic Cardiology & St. Luke’s Cath Lab team
Since 1978, over 50,000 open heart surgeries and procedures have been performed
by the area’s most experienced and largest heart care team at St. Luke’s Hospital –
the most in Linn County.
More experience leads to better results. Choose, St. Luke’s.
Located in the MedQuarter.
unitypoint.org/heart
002256a1-1 06/17 CS
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