CARINGFOR YOU Fall 2019

DON’T LET ACID REFLUX keep you down Pages 6-7

New Providers Page 2

Patient Testimonial Page 3

One-stop, same-day testing for strepPage 4

Community CalendarPage 5

THERESA GUNNARSON, MDEmergency Medicine

Medical degree: University of Minnesota

Residency: Regions Hospital

Professional interests: • Geriatric emergency medicine

Favorite health tip: “Get lots of rest!”

JAKE BALDWIN, PharmDPharmacy

Doctorate degree: North Dakota State University

Professional interests: • Infectious diseases • Genetics • Oncology

Favorite health tip: “Get vaccinated.”  

AMANDA KRIESE, SLP Speech Therapy

Master’s degree: University of Minnesota

Professional interests: • Adult and pediatric

speech therapy• Cognition • Dysphasia

Favorite health tip: “Practice good oral hygiene.”  

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL Rebecca Thompson, vein procedure patient

FOUNDATION One-stop, same-day testing for strep

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Free wellness events, support groups & more!

SURGICAL SERVICES Don’t let acid reflux keep you down

2 CONTENTS

Pictured on the front cover: Sarah, heartburn patient and Dr. Shawn Olson, General Surgeon

Introducing our new providers

DAVID KELLERMAN, CRNAAnesthesia

Master’s degree: Mount Marty College of Nurse Anesthesia

Professional interests: • Comprehensive anesthetic care

Favorite health tip: “Smile!”

For more information about all of our providers, visit granditasca.org, click on “Doctors & Providers.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Free wellness events, support groups & more!

SURGICAL SERVICES Don’t let acid reflux keep you down

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL 3

“Dr. Rebecca Kuntz performed radiofrequency ablation procedures on my varicose veins, first on my left leg then my right. She and her team were great!

“I was relaxed and confident as she talked me through the procedure letting me know exactly what to expect. I am very happy that I didn’t have to undergo major surgery with general anesthesia to strip my varicose veins. The ablation procedure was not painful, the recovery was easy, and it only required a small incision. I was even able to get back to water exercise within a week!

“I am so thankful for the seamless care I received at Grand Itasca. The process was smooth and easy from the initial appointment with my primary care physician, to the diagnostic ultrasound and procedure. Everyone has a vested interest in taking care of you and does so with compassion.

“Thank you, Dr. Kuntz and team!”

— Rebecca Thompson, vein procedure patient

In your words

FREE VEIN SCREENING EVENTAre varicose veins causing you pain?

You are invited to a Vein Screening Event at Grand Itasca where Radiologists will perform complimentary vein consultations and

recommend treatment options.

Grand Itasca Clinic & HospitalMonday, October 14th - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To reserve your spot for the FREE Vein Screening Event, please call 218.999.1602

FREE VEIN SCREENING EVENTAre varicose veins causing you pain?

You are invited to a Vein Screening Event at Grand Itasca where Radiologists will perform complimentary vein consultations and

recommend treatment options.

Grand Itasca Clinic & HospitalMonday, October 14th - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To reserve your spot for the FREE Vein Screening Event, please call 218.999.1602

FREE VEIN SCREENING EVENTAre varicose veins causing you pain?

You are invited to a Vein Screening Event at Grand Itasca where Radiologists will perform complimentary vein consultations and

recommend treatment options.

Grand Itasca Clinic & HospitalMonday, October 14th - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To reserve your spot for the FREE Vein Screening Event, please call 218.999.1602

Left to right: Rebecca Kuntz, MD, Rebecca Thompson and Natalie Kruse, BSN.

NOW AVAILABLE AT GRAND ITASCA

One-stop, same-day testing for strep

4 FOUNDATION

Grand Itasca is now offering a one-stop test for quick, accurate and same-day confirmation of streptococcal bacteria (strep). “In the past, we did a screening test and then a follow-up culture to confirm the results of the screening test. Now we are able to confirm that result with a single swab, DNA-based test,” says Dennis Kersting, Lab Section Supervisor. “The analyzer we are now using to diagnose strep has a 100% sensitivity rating, meaning that it will identify a positive disease state every single time it is present.”

Reliable same-day results drastically reduce the spread of infection and mean quicker improvement of symptoms and shortened duration of illness for patients. “By being able to get patients started on antibiotics right away, we’re reducing the spread of infection in homes, schools and workplaces. This also means patients are feeling better sooner,” says Joni Morse, Director of Clinic Nursing. “Patients will either wait for their result or be called as soon as possible.”

GRAND ITASCA FOUNDATION MAKES QUICK STREP TEST POSSIBLE Thanks to a $60,000 grant from Grand Itasca Foundation, the

Grand Itasca laboratory was able to double their capacity for

testing on our Cepheid equipment, which processes tests for

influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), clostridium

difficile (C. diff), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and

now strep. Without the upgraded equipment, there was not

capacity for the more than 7,000 strep tests that are run

annually at Grand Itasca, especially at peak season.

“Grand Itasca Foundation’s Board of Directors felt that

the quick strep test is another wonderful investment

at Grand Itasca. This new technology directly

impacts our patients’ experience

and helps improve staff efficiencies,”

says Kelly Kirwin, Director of

Foundation and Community Relations.

Dennis Kersting, MLS, with new Cepheid system.

Use the attached envelope to make a contribution to Grand Itasca Foundation, and help bring new equipment and technology to Grand Itasca, such as the new quick strep test.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

For a list of all other community support groups, please call 218.999.1444 or visit the ‘Events and Classes’ page at granditasca.org.

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DOC TALK Join a Grand Itasca doctor for talk about a different health topic each month. Free, light dinner will be served starting at 5:00 p.m., talk begins at 5:30 p.m. Visit our website for a list of upcoming topics. 3rd Tuesday of the month5:30-6:30 p.m.Itasca County Family YMCA, Active Living Center Classroom

Upcoming Topics: • Tuesday, Oct. 15: Breast Care, A Team

Approach with Lisa Owens, MD and Dawn Hayes, RN

No Doc Talks in November and December due to the holidays. See you in January!

VEIN SCREENINGSAre varicose veins causing you pain? Grand Itasca radiologists will perform complimentary vein consultations and recommend treatment options. Advance registration is required. To reserve your spot for the FREE Vein Screening Event, please call 218.999.1602. Monday, Oct.145:00–8:00 p.m. Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital

OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDMental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces the risk factors and warning signs of mental health illnesses and substance use disorders, builds understanding of their impact and reviews common support options. The eight-hour course focuses on the unique experiences and needs of adults over the age of 65. It will give you the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and connect them to the appropriate care.Tuesday, Dec. 38:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital,Grand Maple Conference Room

Support Groups

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP This is an opportunity to meet other members of our community who have diabetes, and share successes and experiences regarding diabetes care. For more information, call 218.999.1937.4th Thursday of the month(January – October) 6:30 p.m.Itasca County Family YMCA,Active Living Center Classroom

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Open to patients recently diagnosed, currently receiving treatment or patients who have completed treatment for any type of cancer. Caregivers, family members and friends caring for those with a cancer diagnosis are invited to join and discuss their experiences as well. This group is informal and topics will vary from month to month. 3rd Thursday of the month12:00 p.m.Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, Cancer & Infusion Center

Free Community Wellness Events JOINT CAMPJoint Camp is designed for people who are considering or are scheduled for total joint replacement surgery. The class teaches you how to better prepare for your surgery, what to expect during and immediately after surgery, and how to get back to your normal activities following surgery. For more information or to register, please call 218.999.KNEE (5633).1st Wednesday of the month3:30-5:30 p.m.Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, Grand Cedar Conference Room * Please note the January 2020 class will

be held on 1/8 due to the holiday.

Join us for the inaugural Grand Women’s Day event including marketplace shopping, women’s health educational sessions, walk-in flu shot clinic, specials at Grand Gifts gift shop, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.Saturday, Oct. 2610:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital

Call 218.999.1016 with questions or find the event on our Facebook page.

6 SURGICAL SERVICES

It’s back — that unpleasant burning sensation deep in your chest. Was it the sausage stuffing at dinner that did you in — or the cheesecake and coffee

that ended your meal? Reflux (often accompanied by heartburn) can certainly ruin a good time.

On any day of the week, 7-10% of Americans experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes along with heartburn, which occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus. “Eating often triggers the pain, but some people find that exercising or bending over sets off heartburn,” says Shawn Olson, MD, General Surgeon at Grand Itasca. “Lifestyle, weight and medications can also aggravate the condition.”

Chances are, you’ve had an episode yourself, so you know that heartburn’s symptoms can be debilitating: a searing

HEAD OFF HEARTBURN!

Don’t let acid reflux keep you down

Shawn Olson, MD, General Surgeon

pain in the lower breastbone that may radiate toward your neck, a sour or bitter taste in your mouth and a feeling that you’re about to regurgitate. Heartburn can put a snag in your social plans, wreck a good night’s sleep and zap your productivity at work.

WHEN IS HEARTBURN SERIOUS?Heartburn usually isn’t serious. Self-care measures — such as improving your diet or losing weight — often resolve the problem. Over-the-counter medications can provide quick relief.

“If you experience heartburn or acid reflux more than twice a week, or your discomfort is severe or awakens you at night, you may have GERD, a medical condition that needs to be treated,” says Dr. Olson.

According to Dr. Olson, symptoms of GERD may include:• Persistent acid regurgitation, with or

without heartburn• Sore throat or hoarseness• Difficulty swallowing• Chest pain• Coughing or wheezing

Left untreated, GERD can cause serious complications such as ulcers, bleeding and narrowing of the esophagus. Ten to 15% of people with GERD may go on to develop a serious condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which involves changes to the lining of the lower esophagus. When this happens, the risk for developing esophageal cancer increases.

PREVENTING HEARTBURNKeeping track of the foods or circumstances that trigger your discomfort can help you avoid future episodes. You can also curb heartburn and acid reflux by making these lifestyle changes:• Lose weight if you need to. Carrying

excess pounds puts pressure on your stomach and diaphragm, forcing the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus to open and acids to flow upward.

• Stop smoking. Smoking stimulates acid production and inhibits saliva, which protects the esophagus lining.

• Improve your diet. Limit foods that trigger your heartburn, such as fatty foods, tomato products or chocolate. Control your portion sizes and eat smaller meals more often.

• Elevate the head of your bed. Use blocks or try foam wedges (available at drugstores and medical supply stores) to raise your mattress so stomach acid stays put. A 4- to 6-inch incline works well.

• Let your food digest. Avoid exercising, lying down or bending over soon after eating.

• Wear clothes that fit comfortably. Avoid tight belts and clothes that put pressure on your stomach.

FOODS THAT SPELL DISTRESSMany people find that one or more of these foods can trigger heartburn:

• Fried and fatty foods

• Citrus fruits and juices

• Tomatoes and

tomato-based foods

• Chocolate

• Peppermint

• Vinegar

• Raw onions and garlic

• Spicy foods

• Coffee and

caffeinated drinks

• Alcohol

SURGICAL SERVICES 7

HEAD OFF HEARTBURN!

Don’t let acid reflux keep you down

• Talk to your doctor about your medications. Some antidepressants, antibiotics, sedatives and other prescription medications may contribute to heartburn. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also cause heartburn.

WHEN LIFESTYLE MEASURES AREN’T ENOUGHIf your symptoms fail to improve with lifestyle changes, Dr. Olson suggests one of the following over-the-counter medications:

WHAT CAUSES HEARTBURN?Heartburn occurs when the lower

esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle at

the base of your esophagus relaxes

and releases stomach acids up into the

esophagus. Doctors aren’t clear about

what causes the LES to slacken but

believe it could be a combination of

what you eat and your own physiology.

Pregnant women and obese or

overweight individuals may be more apt

to develop heartburn since excess weight

puts more pressure on the stomach and

diaphragm, forcing the LES to open.

If you have asthma, diabetes or a condition

such as a hiatal hernia or a peptic ulcer,

you may also have a greater tendency to

experience heartburn. Connective tissue

disorders, problems involving delayed

stomach emptying and excess production

of stomach acids can all contribute to

the condition.

• Antacids neutralize stomach acid. They’re good for rapid — but short-term — relief.

• H-2-receptor blockers reduce stomach acid. These work slowly but have longer-lasting effects.

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) shut down active acid pumps in the stomach.

Prescription options include stronger H-2-receptor blockers or PPIs and prokinetic agents that help your stomach empty more rapidly.

When medications don’t bring relief, your doctor may order tests. “A barium X-ray can reveal a hiatal hernia, a growth or esophageal narrowing,” shares Dr. Olson. “An endoscopy can help your doctor detect ulcers or inflammations. Ambulatory acid (pH) probe tests measure the amount and frequency of acid reflux.”

Surgical procedures and less-invasive measures that tighten the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus to prevent reflux are available for patients with extreme cases of GERD that don’t respond to medication and lifestyle changes.

For extreme cases of GERD, surgery may be required.

If you suffer from frequent heartburn, talk to your doctor. Call 218.326.7344 to make an appointment.

FLU SHOTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT

GRAND ITASCAIt’s important to protect yourself and your family

against the flu each year. The best way to lower your risk of getting and spreading the flu is to get

vaccinated.

Schedule your flu shot appointment at Grand Itasca’s main clinic today by calling 218.326.7344

1601 Golf Course RoadGrand Rapids, MN 55744

GRAND ITASCA CLINIC & HOSPITALPhone: 218.326.3401Appointments: 218.326.7344 Email: granditasca@fairview.orgWeb: granditasca.org

Main Clinic Hours:Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Rapid Clinic Hours:7 days a week, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Grand Itasca Pharmacy Hours:Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Email: gip@fairview.org

Emergency Room:Open 24 hours a day

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING111 SE Third StreetGrand Rapids, MN 55744

Professional Building Hours:Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday, 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

YMCA CLINIC400 River RoadGrand Rapids, MN 55744

YMCA Clinic Hours:Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.,1:00-4:30 p.m.This publication does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Websites not belonging to this organization are provided for information only. No endorsement is implied. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional. Images may be from ©iStock and/or ©Fotolia. ©2019 Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital.