Letter from the CEO,Carl VaagenesThe beginning of fall is a wonderful time to reflect on the many exciting accomplishments Douglas County Hospital has achieved over the past several months. Let us start by welcoming three new pediatricians to our Alexandria Clinic Pediatrics department: Dr. Brito, Dr. Hanna, and Dr. Conley. They will join the ranks of the

other tremendous physicians we are fortunate to have in our clinic.

In the September issue of Consumer Reports, Douglas County Hospital was rated as one of the top 14 hospitals in Minnesota for safe surgical outcomes. In January, we once again received the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement Medical Excellence Award by CareChex, and the Blue Distinction Center for Hip and Knee Replacement from BlueCross BlueShield. None of these awards and commendations would have been possible without the support and dedication of every member of our team.

In September we also launched our new Alexandria Clinic website featuring a new design, with intuitive navigation, and easier to find information on health care providers and services.

Finally, it’s with mixed emotions that I must announce Lucie Battey’s retirement. Throughout her 33 years of dedicated service to Douglas County Hospital she was a friend to all of us, and an integral part of the growth and success of our organization. She will be retiring on November 1, 2013 to spend more time with her husband and family.

As always, we are honored to serve our community and region with the highest-quality health care, and we thank you for entrusting your health and that of your loved ones to us.

DouglasCountyHospital

Fall 2013News, Notes & Numbers

DCHNewsletter

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▶ Cardiac Support GroupPrevention is just as important as rehabilitation. If you or a loved one have experienced cardiac problems or have concerns about your heart, join DCH Pharmacy Staff in discussing cardiac medications. Family members are encouraged to attend. Blood pressure checks will be offered 30 minutes prior to the meeting. If you have questions, contact Cardiac Rehabilitation at (320) 762-6005 or Education Services at (320) 762-6094.

October 16 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

At the Douglas County Hospital, Lobby Meeting RoomCost: FreeRegistration: Not required

The Douglas Health Care Foundation was created in 1987 for the benefit of Douglas County Hospital. Its mission is to financially support the hospital to enhance facilities, technology, and medical equipment to ensure that DCH stays on the cutting edge of health care. The Douglas Health Care Foundation is a non-profit organization

Douglas County Hospital & Alexandria Clinic

Upcoming Classes and Continuing Education

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Each year the Douglas Health Care Foundation organizes a Holiday Ball to raise money for the foundation and another local non-profit organization.

In addition to being a fundraising event, the annual ball is a time we come together to celebrate our organization, honor successes of the past year, and toast to the hopes of the coming year.

DHCF Holiday Ball: December 7th, 2013 For more information visit www.dcholidayball.org

The Annual Holiday Ball

“Fun” in Fundraising

Putting the

▶ Breastfeeding ClassJoin other soon-to-be moms and learn about health benefits, suggestions and tips to help you successfully breastfeed. This class is sponsored by Douglas County Public Health and supported by Believers in Breastfeeding. Mothers and birth partners are encouraged to attend during their third trimester. November 4 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

At the Douglas County Hospital, Lobby Meeting RoomCost: $25 per coupleRegistration: Douglas County Public Health at (320) 762-3046 or email carol.meissner@mail.co.douglas.mn.us

consisting of volunteer community leaders.

The Douglas Health Care Foundation exists to support the health care needs of the residents of Douglas County and its surrounding communities, by ensuring the finest quality health care is available to all who depend on our community-based health

The Douglas Health Care Foundationcare system. We accomplish this by partnering with other area non-profits, and extending the reach of giving from the hospital to our greater community.

If you are interested in volunteering, making a donation, or becoming involved, please contact Eddie Reif at (320) 762-6194.

2012 DHCF Holiday Ball

▶ Childbirth ClassThis four-session class will provide you with information to prepare for childbirth, help you make informed decisions and minimize fears. You’ll also learn techniques to help you relax and cope with labor. Come with your birth partner, two pillows and a blanket.

Saturdays: 8:00 am - 5:00 pmOctober 12November 16, 23 and 30December 7

At the Douglas County Hospital, North & South Conference Rooms (lower level)Cost: $100 per coupleRegistration Required: Douglas County Public Health at (320) 762-3046

Tuesdays: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmOctober 15, 22 and 29

Specialty Highlight

Pediatrics

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Dr. Paula Brito (above) ▲ ◀ Dr. Sahar Hanna (left)

Dr. Justin Conley (below)▼

Healthy Kids Live HereAt the birth of a newborn, after choosing the baby’s name, one of the next and most important choices a parent makes is deciding upon a pediatrician. A pediatrician guides children through infancy to adulthood – aged birth to 18 or 21.

Children see pediatric doctors, rather than general practitioners, because they have special health care needs. Their smaller bodies have different physiology, and issues like congenital defects, genetic variance, asthma, allergies and other developmental issues that can be of greater concern to pediatricians than they often are to adult physicians. Pediatricians are also familiar with the various benchmarks and stages of growth that are an important part of your child’s health care.

Growing Up Well-CheckedOne of the chief reasons a parent will bring their child in to see their pediatrician is to have a well-child check, or well-check. Well-checks are scheduled appointments that help your pediatrician track the growth and development of your child and offer you an opportunity to ask questions and communicate concerns about your child’s health. They are also key to keeping children on track for vaccinations and immunizations.

All well-checks are important to attend, but they are more frequent and critical in the first two years. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that following the week of birth, parents schedule well-checks according to the following schedule: (right)

The Pediatrics department at Alexandria Clinic is experiencing a growth spurt. We’ve recently welcomed three new doctors: Dr. Conley, Dr. Hanna, and Dr. Brito, to our clinic.

Dr. Justin Conley and his wife, Dr. Paula Brito, moved to Northwest Minnesota from Florida with their family in 2006. Dr. Conley has special interests in diabetes, asthma, developmental disorders, acute illness, wellness and adolescent medicine. Dr. Brito received her M.D. and completed 2 years of a general

pediatrics residency in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She is passionate about educating young people on health and wellness. She and Dr. Conley visit local high schools to speak with health classes on various issues.

Earlier this year we welcomed Dr. Sahar Hanna to our Pediatrics department. Dr. Hanna joins us most recently from the hospital staff at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. Dr. Hanna has special interests in developmental disorders in children and adolescent

medicine, as well as contraceptive counseling. As a former youth coach and trainer, she enjoys working with older children to understand health and wellness.

Together with Dr. Brian Carlsen – who has been with the Alexandria Clinic for ten years – the pediatric department at Alexandria Clinic is better equipped than ever to help your family grow healthfully into adults.

For an appointment please call (320) 763-5123

Charting Growth

Well-Checks Schedule

• First Year - 1, 2, 4, 6 & 9 months

• 12 months

• 15 months

• 18 months

• 2-6 every year

• 8 years

• 10-18 every year

Well-checks are preventative, but also an important way for your pediatrician to become familiar with your child and your family, in order to provide the highest quality care possible for years to come.

Are you one of the 70 million Americans getting insufficient sleep? As an adult, you should be getting between seven to nine hours a night. But with our busy schedules and increasingly hectic lives, sleep is often something we neglect. Staying up a little late or waking extra early to get things done might seem productive, but in the end, it may hurt more than help. Here are a few tips about adopting healthy sleep habits, and how to make the most of your waking hours.

Keep a Schedule – If you need to adjust your bedtime or wake-up time, do it gradually, in 15 minute increments. If you need an alarm to wake up, you’re not getting enough sleep.

Develop a Relaxing Sleep Routine – Establish a ritual for bedtime, like a warm bath, reading or listening to mellow music. Avoid TV and bright screens, as some studies indicate that exposure to them just before bed may inhibit sleep.

Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink – Don’t go to bed hungry, or overly full. Avoid caffeine and nicotine late in the day. Alcohol may make you sleepy at first, but can disrupt sleep later in the night.

Encourage Your Body’s Natural Rhythms – Get enough sunshine during the day and include physical activity in your daily life. Try to avoid napping during the day, and as bedtime nears, dim the lights and relax.

Healthy Habits

Sleep TipsIf you find that you have sleep problems that require special attention – insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or narcolepsy – consider undergoing a sleep study.

A sleep study can help to diagnose and treat disorders that keep you from getting a full night’s rest, and living your life to its fullest.

To learn more, contact DCH’s Sleep Center by calling

320-762-6006.

Get a flu vaccine – While no one is crazy about getting shots, the flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza. Just remember, a quick prick is a far better alternative to getting the flu. Alexandria Clinic offers vaccinations by appointment or through their shot clinics. Visit www.alexclinic.com for a full flu vaccine clinic schedule or call for an appointment at (320) 763-2899.

Stop the spread of germs – Simple but true – warm water and soap can stop influenza dead in its tracks. During flu season, it is recommended that you wash your hands frequently, about every 2-3 hours. Though the flu virus doesn’t have legs and cannot be absorbed through a finger, it can ride along that finger and be absorbed when you scratch your eye or rub your nose. Because hand-to-face is one of the primary ways viruses spread, it’s especially important to be aware of this oftentimes unconscious habit. As a backup, keep hand sanitizer nearby while on the go. Sanitizers come in all shapes and sizes, including sprays, gels and even on keychains. Store a container in the car, your purse, or on your keyring for when you can’t get to a sink.

TIP: Don’t rush! It takes about 10 to 15 seconds to properly wash your hands — that’s about the length it takes to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice.

But most importantly, if you’re sick, try to to limit your contact with others. Stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides (without the aid of fever-reducing medicines).

Feeling under the weather? – As soon as flu symptoms arise, such as sore throat, achiness and/or a stuffy nose, get to a doctor as soon as possible. Antiviral drugs can be prescribed and help lessen the severity and duration of the virus, and these medications work best for treatment when they are started within two days of the first sign of symptoms.

Understanding & Managing InfluenzaFor many, the flu is an unpleasant inconvenience. But for some, the flu can become a serious condition, with an estimated 200,000 Americans hospitalized for it each year. By taking a few simple precautions, you can play a significant role in protecting your health and the health of our community this flu season.

On average, between 5%

and 20% of the U.S. population

gets the flu, each year. *

What are the symptoms of the flu?• A 100ºF or higher fever or

feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)

• A cough and/or sore throat

• A runny or stuffy nose

• Headaches and/or body aches

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

For more information about the flu, visit www.flu.gov

* Resources: www.flu.gov http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

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Douglas County Hospital 111 17th Avenue EastAlexandria, MN 56308 (320) 762-1511www.DCHospital.comC /DouglasCountyHospital

Understanding Colorectal Cancer: A Community EventOne of the key strategies in preventing cancer is knowledge. Come and learn the difference between colorectal cancer facts and myths, and discuss the latest technology and treatments available for this all-too-common cancer.

Preventionlives here.

Thursday, October 24, 2013 Open house from 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Tours of the DCH Cancer Center:4:00 and 5:00 pm

At the Lobby Meeting Room, Douglas County HospitalThis event is free to attend and no registration is required.

Save paper by going digital. Send an email to mjohnson@dchospital.com

to sign up for the electronic edition of the DCH Newsletter.