This time of year, most people lookforward to warmer days, buddingtrees, and blossoming flowers here inthe northeast. But for the millions ofAmericans afflicted with seasonalallergies, spring can be a season of suffering.

Seasonal allergies, immune systemresponses triggered by an allergen,usually occur suddenly and at thesame time every year, most commonly

in the spring and fall. The first allergen trouble-makers are generallytree pollens in late winter to earlyspring, followed by grass allergies inspring to summer, and ragweed andhay fever in the fall. Some people haveyear-round allergies caused by allergens like dust mites and animal dander.

How do you know if you have seasonal allergies or a cold? Accordingto Kathy Dahms (seen in photobelow), an Inland Nurse Practitionerat The Clinic at Walmart, “Symptomsof allergies occur all at once and caninclude itchy eyes, sneezing, stuffy orrunny nose (usually with a clear dis-charge), and sometimes a cough andsore throat. Symptoms of a coldappear one at a time, generally with

sneezing first then a runny nose fol-lowed by congestion. There may be afever as well.”

So what’s an allergy sufferer to do?Dahms suggests that you can try over-the-counter (OTC) medicationsto see if they make a difference. An antihistamine prevents congestion,sneezing, itchy and runny nose. A

decongestant can shrink swollen nasaltissues to relieve swelling, nasal congestion and mucous secretion.

If OTC medications don’t providerelief, there are allergy medicationsprescribed by your healthcare providerthat can help such as nasal sprays. Fordiagnosing allergies, there is a new“one poke” blood test for the mostcommon allergies in the northeast.

The Clinic at Walmart is staffed bycaring nurse practitioners from

Inland Hospital. Clinics are located inboth the Waterville and AugustaSuperCenters. For more informationvisit www.inlandhospital.org.

Inland Hospital

A season of sneezin’

Reduce your exposureto allergy triggersThere are a number of things that youcan do to reduce your exposure to thethings that trigger your allergies:

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days— the best time to go outside isafter a good rain, which helpsclear pollen from the air.

• Delegate lawn mowing, weedpulling and other gardeningchores that stir up allergens.

• Remove clothes you've wornoutside; you may also want toshower to rinse pollen from yourskin and hair.

• Don't hang laundry outside —pollen can stick to sheets andtowels.

• Wear a dust mask if you do outside chores.

From mayoclinic.com

g Todd Stapley, DO, Hospitalist, joins Inland asDirector of our Hospitalist service. Dr. Stapley isboard-certified in internal medicine and has been aphysician for more than 10 years.

g Vonzell Williams, MD, Hospitalist is the newestmember of Inland’s Hospitalist team. Dr. Williamsearned his medical degree from the University ofPittsburgh and completed his residencyat the State University of New York.

g Dale Lowe, FNP-C, Family NursePractitioner joins Inland’s walk-inClinics at Walmart.

www.inlandhospital.org

Todd Stapley, DO

Inland named TopRural Hospital

Welcome New Staff!

Dale Lowe, FNP-C

Linda Fay, MD Sandra Lawrence,RNC, NP

Sally Stothoff, FNPHugh McGowan ll, MD

Inland Hospital has been named to the prestigiousannual listing of the nation’s top five rural hospitalspublished by the Washington, DC based LeapfrogGroup.

The award focuses on survey results of four criticalareas of patient safety: the use of computer physicianorder entry to prevent medication errors; standardsfor doing high-risk procedures; protocols and policiesto reduce medical errors and other safe practices; andadequate nurse and physician staffing. In addition,hospitals are measured on preventing infections andother hospital-acquired conditions and adopting policies on the handling of serious medical errors,among other things.

“It represents an enormous commitment by theinstitution to not only measure what they do againsttough standards, but also to work for change and betransparent about it,” said Elizabeth Mitchell,Executive Director of the Maine Health ManagementCoalition. The MHMC uses the Leapfrog survey resultsalong with other national indicators to report on howwell hospitals and doctors safely provide the careexperts recommend on their website www.getbettermaine.org.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” said JohnDalton, Inland Hospital President and CEO. “We consider it a tribute to the people who are Inland andtheir dedication to putting our patients and their families first. It also recognizes the fact that our parentcompany, EMHS (Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems)has made quality and safety a top priority for all itsaffiliates.”

Inland’s sister affiliate in Pittsfield, SebasticookValley Hospital was also named as a top rural hospital.FMI: www.leapfroggroup.org

Inland Family Care Opens SoonInland Hospital is pleased to introduce Inland Family

Care - a new primary care practice opening in downtownWaterville this spring. The family practice will be locatedon the Concourse next to the Dollar Store in the building

previously occupied by Amesand will have12,500 square feet.

Family Physician John Bonney, MD and Family NursePractitioner Jennifer Penney, FNP will be the firstproviders in the new space. Their practice is presentlylocated in the Medical Arts Building attached to InlandHospital. Inland is currently recruiting several moreproviders to join the growing practice when it movesto downtown Waterville.

“We are proud to improve access to primary care in a convenient location and pleased that we will be contributing to the overall health of our community by being part of a

vibrant downtown area,” said John Dalton, Inland President and CEO.

For more information about Inland Family Care, please call 873-1036.

Inland Hospital is proud to support the QuarryRoad Recreation Area as a place to enjoy the outdoors and stay active year-round. The Central

Maine Ski Club, alsosupported throughInland’s CommunityBenefits Program,provided an after-school skiprogram for 80+local children atthe recreationarea this winter.

John Bonney, MD

Jennifer Penney, FNP

g Inland welcomes Waterville OB/GYN to our employed provideroffice network: Linda A. Fay, MD; Hugh D. McGowan II, MD;Sandra Lawrence, RNC, NP; and Sally Stothoff, FNP. Their practice is located at 325E Kennedy Memorial Drive. FMI: 873-5665

Inland Hospital

Vonzell Williams, MD

Community Partnerships

A P R I LMid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Business toBusiness Showcase Wednesday, April 6, 2 – 7pmAlfond Youth Center 126 North Street, WatervilleStop by Inland’s booth forhealth information, a bloodpressure check, and a chanceto win a prize! FMI: midmainechamber.com

American Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday, April 30,9am - 2pmInland HospitalGive the gift of life! Call1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit americanredcross.org to sign up today. Please bring a photo ID: walk-ins also welcome.

M A YDo you Know YourNumbers? Look for Inland throughoutthe community during May,High Blood PressureAwareness Month for freeblood pressure screenings!For dates and locations visitinlandhospital.org orcall 861-3292.

Prescription for NatureWalks beginning Monday, May 2 Take the trail to fitness! Joinlocal KMTrails volunteers forguided walks offered severaldays a week throughout thesummer and fall! Meet at theInland Woods Trail behindInland Hospital every Mondayat 8am for a moderately challenging walk. Free; allwelcome. For other walk locations and times, visitkmtrails.org or call 861-3292.

Move More Walking ClubTuesday and Thursdayevenings, May 3 – 26 5 – 6pm First class/walk: meet atNorth Street Playgroundpicnic tables Join Inland and our MoveMore partners to discoverlocal walking routes and trailsin the Waterville/Winslow areaand enjoy the benefits ofwalking. Cost is just $15.To register, call Mid-MaineRegional Adult Education at 873-5754.

4th Annual Children’sHealth & Safety Fair Saturday, May 14 9am – 1pmMessalonskee MiddleSchool, School Bus DriveOaklandBring the family to learnabout healthy food choices,fun ways to get physically fit,safety, and the benefits of ahealthy lifestyle. Hosted bythe Kiwanis Club of GreaterWaterville. FMI: KarenRodrigue 314-1375

Free Surgical Weight LossInformation SessionFriday, May 20, 2 – 4pm Medical Arts ConferenceRoom, Inland HospitalIf you are 75 pounds or more overweight with obesity-related health issuesand cannot lose weight bytraditional means, surgicalweight loss might be a goodoption for you. Call EMMC at973-6383 to register for thisfree information session.

J U N ENational Trails DayCelebration Saturday, June 4Save the Date!Inland Hospital and our community partner, Kennebec

Messalonskee Trails invite thecommunity to enjoy a trailscelebration and walk. Fordetails about the event, visitwww.kmtrails.org or call 861-3292.

Prepared Childbirth ClassesTuesdays, June 7 – July 56:30 – 9pm Ford Grant ConferenceRoom, Inland HospitalInformation and support for expectant parents in arelaxed, caring environment.Pre-registration required;register on-line atinlandhospital.org or call 861-3392.

Beginners’ Mountain Bike RideMonday, June 13, 5:30pmInland Woods/Pine RidgeTrailsJoin Inland and the CentralMaine chapter of the NewEngland Mountain BikeAssociation for a free skill-building, introductory mountain bike ride. People ofall ages on full-size bicycles welcome; helmets required.Meet at Inland Woods trailhead behind InlandHospital. For more information, call 861-3292 oremail ewells@emh.org.

Small Steps. Big Rewards Monday, June 20 9 – 10:30am Medical Arts ConferenceRoom, Inland HospitalType 2 diabetes and otherrelated health problems canbe prevented or delayed bylosing a small amount ofweight through a low-fat,reduced calorie eating plan,and by increasing physicalactivity. Join us, we’ll help you develop a game plan for better health! Free;pre-register by calling 861-3392.

J U L YMen’s Maintenance at Inland Hospital Wednesday, July 20,4 – 7:30pmSave the date for this freecommunity event offeringhealth screenings, cook-out,great gifts and prizes, andmore! FMI: inlandhospital.orgor 861-3392

calendar of eventsWellnesswatch

www.inlandhospital.org

women sworld of

wellness

Free community eventfeaturing health screenings,exhibits, pampering samples,cooking and excercise demo’s, prizes and more! Join us for a wellness talk that will encourage you to takeThe Comfort Zone Challenge, and a panel of doctors willtake your questions about all things female!FMI: inlandhospital.org or 861-3392

Saturday, April 2 9am – 2pm

14th annual

Thomas College Waterville

200 Kennedy Memorial DriveWaterville, Maine 04901207-861-3000www.inlandhospital.org

Inland Hospital

C O R N A N D B L A C K B E A N B U R R I T O S

Directions:Preheat over to 350 °F. Combine scallions, celery, and corn in asmall saucepan. Add just enough water to cover. Cover, bringto a boil, and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 5 minutes,until vegetables soften. Drain vegetables. Set aside to cool.Combine avocado, cilantro, and beans in a large mixing bowl.Add cheese and salsa, and mix. When corn mixture has cooledslightly, add to avocado mixture. In a large non-stick pan overmedium heat, warm each tortilla for about 15 seconds on eachside. Place each tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon 1⁄3 cup of themixture into the center of the tortilla. Fold the top and bottomof the tortilla over the filling. Fold in the sides to make a closedpacket. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. When all tortillasare wrapped, continue heating in the oven 5 minutes, until allare warm and cheese is melted. Tip: Serve with extra salsa onthe side.

Nutritional analysis:Yield: 12 servings; Serving size: 1 burritoEach serving provides: 189 calories; 3 g total fat; 0 g saturatedfat; 0 mg cholesterol; 257 mg sodium; 3 g total fiber; 8 g protein; 34 g carbohydrates; 205 mg potassium.

Keep the Beat™ recipe from US Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. For more heart-healthy recipes, visit the Community Wellness page at inlandhospital.org.

www.inlandhospital.org

These easy to make burritos are high in flavor and nutrients!Ingredients:• 1⁄4 cup scallions (green onions), rinsed and sliced into 1⁄4-inch

wide circles, including green tops• 1⁄4 cup celery, rinsed and finely diced

• 1 1⁄4 cup frozen yellow corn

• 1⁄2 ripe avocado, peeled and diced

• 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped (or substitute 2 tsp. dried coriander)

• 1 can (15 1⁄2 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1⁄4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• 1⁄4 cup salsa or taco sauce (look for lowest sodium version)

• 12 (9-inch) whole wheat tortillas