Looking forwardto caring for you.Clinic & Hospital

caringforyouSPRING 2012

www.granditasca.org

Sleep Disorders Can Lead to Long-Term Health Troubles » pg. 6

Help Your Child

Build a Strong Funny Bone

Grand Itasca Awards GrantsFind out more » pg. 7

Sleep Disorders Long-Term Health Troubles » pg. 6

Understanding AllergiesFind out more » pg. 2

COLORECTAL CANCER Screening Saves Lives

HELP YOUR CHILDBuild a Strong Funny Bone

SLEEP DISORDERS Can Lead to Long-Term Health Troubles

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6

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CONTENTS

FOUNDATION FEVERGrand Itasca Foundation Awards More than $9,000 in Grants

COMMUNITY CALENDARCommunity workshops and support groups

WHO’S NEW AT GRAND ITASCA

www.granditasca.org2

Rashes, Sniffles, Itches, and More

Understanding Allergies

Does doggie dander make

you sneeze? Can freshly

cut grass bring tears to

your eyes? Are you rashy, itchy,

congested or wheezy? If so, you

may have an allergy. An allergy

results when the body’s immune

system has an abnormal reaction

to a trigger (the allergen).

“The tendency to have allergies

seems to be genetic and lifelong,”

says Cathy Cleary, MD, family

physician. “People tend to develop

allergies to the common plants in

their area.”

Common allergens include pollen,

dust, insect stings, animal dander,

mold, medications and latex. Allergies

to particular foods – most often

peanuts, eggs and shellfish – are

not unusual. Some individuals

react to dairy products, wheat and

other foods, but medical tests are

necessary to determine if these

are true allergies or simply an

intolerance.

“The good news is that most people

can control their symptoms with

a combination of lifestyle changes

and medications,” Dr. Cleary says.

1 Talk with your health care

provider if you suspect you are

suffering from allergies. A simple

series of tests may help pinpoint

your particular allergens.

2 Take steps to prevent or mini-

mize reactions by avoiding the

allergen and, if appropriate, using

over-the-counter or prescription

medications to address specific

symptoms. Antihistamines may

help with sneezing and wheez-

ing, and decongestants can help

> continued on page 11

Achoo! Scents and Perfumes Can Trigger Allergies, Too

Perfumes and scented lotions that

smell lovely to you can be overpower-

ing to others nearby – in the waiting

room at the clinic, at church, at sports

games or concerts, etc. “People should

remember that allergies to scents are

common and can cause very uncom-

fortable symptoms, such as an allergy

attack or migraine headache,” Dr.

Cleary says.

Tip: Please be considerate to those

around you who may be sensitive

to scents, and avoid wearing scents

in public places where people are in

close proximity.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

Some colorectal cancer screenings

can help prevent, as well as detect cancer,

by finding polyps so they can be removed

before they become cancerous. “The

gold standard for colorectal cancer

screening is colonoscopy,” says Lisa K.

Owens, MD, a general surgeon at Grand

Itasca Clinic & Hospital. “It permits us to

look at the colon and identify abnormali-

ties, and remove them at the same time.”

During a colonoscopy, the rectum and

entire colon are examined using a

lighted instrument. “The most common

thing I hear after a colonoscopy is,

‘That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would

be!’” Dr. Owens says. “Most people are

pleasantly surprised at how easy the

procedure is.”

There are other types of colorectal can-

cer screenings. “Most of the other tests,

can tell us if there are polyps, but we

can’t remove polyps at the same time,”

explains Dr. Owens. “For most healthy

people, colonoscopy is the best screen-

ing option. But people should talk to

their doctors to determine which

test is right for their situation.”

3SPRING 2012

HEALTHY LIVING

Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Most people aren’t

comfortable discussing

issues relating to their

colon or rectum. That’s OK.

What isn’t OK is letting that

discomfort prevent you from getting

screened for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is one of the few

cancers that can not only be detected

in its early stages by screening, but

can actually be prevented. These

cancers almost always develop from

polyps in the colon or rectum. “Colon

polyps can grow without causing any

noticeable symptoms,” says Lisa K.

Owens, MD, FACS, a general surgeon

at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital.

“About 1 in 3 people will have a colon

polyp by the age of 50. Not all of the

polyps will turn into cancer but some

of them will,” Dr. Owens adds.

“If you don’t have any other factors

that increase the risk, then the

recommended age for having a

colorectal cancer screening is 50,” says

Dr. Owens.

Risk FactoRs

Certain factors increase the risk of

developing the disease. According

to the National Cancer Institute,

they include:

• Age. Most people who develop

colorectal cancer are over age 50.

• Polyps. Most polyps are

noncancerous, but the majority of

colorectal cancers develop in polyps.

• Personal history of colorectal

cancer. Women who have had

ovarian, uterine or breast cancer

also have a higher risk.

• Family history of colorectal cancer.

• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

• Diet. Eating a lot of red and

processed meats.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Smoking.

Get scReened

If you’re embarrassed to talk to

your doctor about colorectal cancer

screening, do it anyway; you’ll get

over it. The same may not be true

of cancer.

To schedule an appointment, call

218.326.7344.

www.granditasca.org4

HEALTHY LIVING caringforyou

Help Your Child

Build a Strong Funny Bone

A diaper on the head.

A raspberry on the

belly. A funny face. No

matter the source, a child’s first

laugh signals the beginning of

a new developmental stage, one

which requires nurturing and

encouragement. Kids are not

born with – or without – a sense

of humor. They must learn it. “It

takes learning the social cues and

enjoying the unexpected to develop

a sense of humor,” says Patty

Carlin-Janssen, MD, FAAFP. But

the benefits can last a lifetime.

A well-developed sense of humor

can improve reading skills, boost

creative-thinking and increase

self-esteem. Those who appreciate

humor also tend to be better

liked by their peers, and are more

socially active and adept at putting

others at ease. “Older kids who have

a good sense of humor seem to

handle peer pressure and bullying

better,” Dr. Carlin-Janssen says.

A sense of humor can also help

individuals of all ages manage

their emotions, sustain a positive

attitude, cope with stress and

challenges, and deal with conflict.

“There is a physical advantage,

too,” says Dr. Carlin-Janssen. “Kids

with a good sense of humor have

lower heart rates, lower blood

pressure, better digestion and a

stronger immune system.”

know YouR audience

Anyone who has tried telling

a teenager a knock-knock joke

can attest to the importance of

matching the type of humor to a

child’s developmental stage. Babies

tend to react to unexpected or

out of the ordinary things, such

as Mom mooing like a cow or Dad

sucking on baby’s bottle. “One of

the first sense of humor games for

babies and toddlers is peek-a-boo,”

Dr. Carlin-Janssen says. Toddlers

may enjoy rhymes and nonsense

words once their language skills

begin to develop.

Preschoolers may begin to find

humor in the absurd. “A picture of

animals wearing clothes is funny

for a preschooler,” Dr. Carlin-

Janssen explains. Early school-age

children may enjoy exaggeration,

slapstick and basic wordplay. “As

they grow older, kids have built up

enough language that they can try

true jokes,” Dr. Carlin-Janssen says.

Riddles, puns and gross-out jokes

become funnier. “Kids have to have

enough vocabulary even for knock-

knock jokes,” Dr. Carlin-Janssen adds.

LauGhteR BReeds LauGhteR

Laughing, playing and being silly

with children are the best ways

to cultivate a sense of humor. “If

infants get more attention when

they laugh and smile, they will

laugh and smile that much more,”

Dr. Carlin-Janssen says. So smile

and giggle at your kids’ jokes, tailor

your humor to their developmental

stage, and spend time every day

playing with them. These tips may

also help:

Lead by example. “Kids learn to be

funny by watching their parents

be funny,” Dr. Carlin-Janssen

says. “That may be anything from

telling jokes to using different

funny voices.”

Support them. Your child’s

attempts at humor won’t always

be funny, but they deserve some

recognition. If you can’t bring

yourself to laugh, try praising their

efforts instead.

5SPRING 2012

Show them fun is for all ages. Help

them feel comfortable sharing funny

stories or reactions in any crowd.

Surround them with humor. “Let

children read the funnies or joke

books,” Dr. Carlin-Janssen suggests.

And give children access to funny

television shows and websites that

are age-appropriate.

the GaG RuLe

Along with encouraging humor,

parents also play a big role in

setting limits. “If you’re blessed

with a child who is funny and

goofy all the time, teach him or

her which situations are right for

being funny and which are not,”

Dr. Carlin-Janssen advises. And

don’t tolerate mean-spirited or

off-color humor, in yourself or

your child. You can’t protect

children from hearing

inappropriate jokes, but you

can control your response. Don’t

laugh and make sure your child

understands why it isn’t funny.

Of all your parental duties,

instilling a sense of humor in your

child may be the most fun. “A

sense of humor is a good trait,”

Dr. Carlin-Janssen says. “Often

when kids are silly or goofing

around, we parents squash their

liveliness because we want them

to be more serious and grown up.

But having a well-developed sense

of humor can benefit the whole

family.” So, enjoy yourself and your

child will too.

Laughing, playing and being silly with children are the best ways to cultivate a sense of humor.

www.granditasca.org6

caringforyou

Sleep Disorders Can Lead to Long-Term Health Troubles

HEALTHY LIVING

You know that you feel

better when you awake

from a full, restful night’s

sleep. But do you realize that sleep

problems, in addition to being a

drain on your quality of life, can

pose serious health threats?

Blood pressure usually falls

during sleep, but interrupted sleep

can adversely affect this normal

decline, leading to high blood

pressure, according to the National

Sleep Foundation. Sleep disorders

are linked to a greater risk of heart

attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat

and heart failure.

“Insufficient sleep also impairs

the body’s ability to use insulin,

which can lead to diabetes,” says

Ann Hauser, a coordinator, in

our respiratory therapy and sleep

departments. In addition, it can affect

the amount of a hormone linked to

obesity that’s secreted, increasing the

chance for weight gain.

Finally, daytime drowsiness

increases the risk for accidents at

work and on the road. “This is a

particular concern on rural roads,

so Grand Itasca takes sleep disorder

testing very seriously,” Hauser says.

If you’re not getting adequate slee p,

you’re not alone. About 70 million —

or more than one in five —

Americans suffer from sleep

disorders.* If you or your loved

ones suspect you may have a sleep

disorder, talk with your health care

professional. “A bed partner may be

more aware of a problem than you

are!” Hauser states.

heLp is neaRBY

Most sleep disorders can be

managed effectively once they are

diagnosed. A consultation with

Paul Windberg, M.D., and perhaps

a sleep study at Grand Itasca

Clinic & Hospital, is the first step.

“We’re the only hospital in the area

with a sleep-certified physician

who comes in and meets with

patients in person,” Hauser says.

Dr. Windberg is a pulmonologist

certified in sleep medicine from

the St. Mary’s/Duluth Clinic

Sleep Center. He sees patients

on Mondays and Wednesdays at

Grand Itasca.

Sleep studies are done by two

registered polysomnographers at

Grand Itasca. If a sleep disorder is

diagnosed, Dr. Windberg will work

with you to design a treatment

plan that works for you.

For more information, call

218.326.3401.

* Source: Cleveland Clinic, http://my.clevelandclinic.org.

7SPRING 2012

GRAND ITASCA FOUNDATION

Awards More than $9,000 in Grants

Grand Itasca Foundation

recently awarded grant

funds totaling more than

$9,000 committed to programs and

projects that support health and

wellness in the Grand Itasca Clinic

& Hospital service area.

Grants awarded include:

• Community Café – $2,000 to help

increase the availability of fresh

fruits and vegetables during meals

served by Community Café.

• City of Grand Rapids – $500 to

purchase a Walking Work Station.

This station consists of a treadmill

and a specially designed desk and

computer work station that will

allow employees to complete tasks

while walking.

• Coronary Health Improvement

Project (CHIP) – $500 to assist with

food expenses for CHIP partici-

pants enrolled in a 30-day commu-

nity based, lifestyle modification

and motivation program to help

educate and encourage participants

to make healthy lifestyle choices.

• ElderCircle Senior Wheels

Program – $3,000 to support volun-

teer drivers who provide affordable

transportation for seniors to get

to needed medical and dental

appointments.

• Home Visitor Program – $3,000 to

provide outreach and education to

more than 200 seniors and 600 in-

dividuals annually in Itasca County

helping them access services they

need to stay independent and

healthy: physically, emotionally,

and financially.

• Itasca Water Legacy Partnership –

$100 to help fund an informational

program series dealing with topics

such as pharmaceuticals in our

water supply.

Grand Itasca Foundation also provid-

ed funding for two programs within

Grand Itasca, including a nursing

education seminar that will bring

Barbara Karnes, RN, speaker and

educator on end-of-life care and the

dynamics of dying, to Grand Rapids

in late September. This program

will be done in collaboration with

Itasca Hospice and offered to all area

nurses and nursing students. Funds

were also allocated to Grand Itasca’s

Pathology and Histology staff for the

purchase of Pink Bags that will be

filled with cancer resource informa-

tion that are distributed for newly

diagnosed cancer patients.

To learn more about Grand Itasca

Foundation and its community

granting programs, contact Kelly

Kirwin, Foundation Director,

at 218.999.1009 or kelly.kirwin@granditasca.org.

Grand Itasca Foundation Board Members: Steve Wright, Sandy Harling, and Cricket Guyer present Merry Moody, Itasca CHIP Chapter Director, with a $500 grant to support an upcoming Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP).

www.granditasca.org8

To register or for more information on monthly events, please call 218.326.7344 or visit the Grand Events Calendar at www.granditasca.org.

Partners are encouraged to attend all birth classes with soon-to-be mothers.

WorkshopsBIRTH PROCESS CLASSESThis weekend class is designed to

help prepare parents for childbirth,

and includes a tour of the labor,

delivery, and nursery area of

the hospital.

Cost: $45 for mom and coach. Fee includes all class materials and refreshments.Dates: April 14 and June 2 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

INFANT CARE/ BREASTFEEDING CLASSThis class is designed to help

prepare you for some of the

changes that occur once your baby

enters the world. Breastfeeding

techniques and benefits are also

covered, and the breastfeeding

portion of class is highly recom-

mended prior to childbirth.

Cost: FREEDates: April 21 and June 9 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PROSTATE SUPPORT GROUPJoin other men who have been

recently diagnosed or have had

prostate cancer. Family members

are also welcome.

Second Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m.Meeting Room ABC

Support GroupsCARDIAC SUPPORT GROUPMonthly speakers cover topics related

to cardiovascular conditioning, diet

and exercise, and other areas of

interest for persons recovering from

a heart attack, bypass surgery, valve

replacement surgery, or

cardiac ballooning.

Third Monday of the month, 7 p.m.Meeting Room ABC

Celebrating History, Technology and Professional Care

National Hospital Week is a special week that has been celebrated

across the country since 1921. Today National Hospital Week

is one of the largest health care events in the U.S. and is a time

to recognize the people who provide care and save lives. It

celebrates the professionals who are devoted to making our

health facilities a place of compassion and confidence.

A few facts about National Hospital Week:

• The first National Hospital Day was celebrated on Florence

Nightingale’s birthday on May 12, 1921.

• National Hospital Day was suggested by a magazine editor after

the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918.

• National Hospital Day was expanded to an entire week in 1953.

• Every state in the U.S. celebrates National Hospital Week,

sponsored by the American Hospital Association.

• National Hospital Week is intended to engage every member of

the hospital team, from administrators and medical professionals

to volunteers and patients.

• It is the American Hospital Association’s hope that this devoted

week will remind the public that hospitals are a huge part of the

community’s foundation, serving all who enter.

• This year, National Hospital Week is celebrated May 6-12, 2012.

National Hospital Week

9SPRING 2012

DIABETIC SUPPORT GROUPThis is an opportunity to meet other members

of our community who have diabetes and share

successes and experiences regarding diabetic

care.

Third Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.Meeting Room A

MS SUPPORT GROUPThis group is open to those diagnosed with

MS as well as family members, caregivers,

and friends to offer support, awareness,

and education about the everyday traumas,

challenges, and hardships for those afflicted

with the chronic disease of MS.

Second Thursday of the month, 12:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Church

10 www.granditasca.org

caringforyouWHO’S NEW AT GRAND ITASCA

Welcome New PhysiciansLisa owens, Md

Lisa Owens, MD, Board-

Certified General Surgeon,

joined Grand Itasca on Feb.

1, 2012, after practicing for 7

years in Waverly, IA.

“Dr. Owens is a talented,

experienced surgeon who

brings a lot of enthusiasm to our surgical depart-

ment,” says Nathan Noznesky, MD – Chief Medical

Officer. “Her abilities, along with those of Drs. Kole,

Serleth, and myself, bring added diversity and help

broaden the surgical services we are able to provide

in the community.”

Having completed her graduate studies at the

University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine,

Dr. Owens finished her General Surgery Residency at

Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.

“I love taking care of a wide variety of general surgery

patients, but have a special interest in taking care of

patients with breast complaints and breast cancer,”

says Dr. Owens. “I am excited to join Grand Itasca

because of the focus on providing high quality,

personalized care for patients.”

For more information or to make an appointment

with Dr. Lisa Owens, please call 218.326.7344.

pauL windBeRG, Md

Paul Windberg, MD, is

board-certified by the

American Board of Internal

and Sleep Medicine and is

providing Pulmonary and

Sleep Medicine services at

Grand Itasca.

Dr. Windberg was brought to Grand Itasca in a joint

partnership with Fairview Range Clinic – Hibbing,

Minnesota. As part of this partnership, Dr. Windberg

will practice part-time at Grand Itasca and Fairview

Range Clinic.

“By adding Dr. Windberg’s abilities and experience in

sleep medicine to Grand Itasca, we are able to provide

additional specialty service to our community and the

patients we serve,” says Nathan Noznesky, MD – Chief

Medical Officer.

Dr. Windberg received his medical degree from the

University of Washington Medical School – Seattle,

Washington. He completed his residency at the

Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN.

Most recently, Dr. Windberg has been practicing as a

pulmonary (lung) disease physician in Duluth, MN.

For more information on how to make an appointment

with Dr. Windberg, call 218.326.3401.

11SPRING 2012

combat congestion. Topical

treatments, such as cortisone

cream or ointment, may help

reduce inflammation and rash-

es as well as relieve itching.

3 Ask your doctor about other

treatment options. “For people

with severe allergies not con-

trolled with medication, allergy

shots can result in marked

improvement in symptoms,”

Dr. Cleary says. “Allergy shots

require skin testing and are

given over a span of several

years, so they require a large

commitment; but can be

extremely helpful for patients

who are able to complete their

regimen.”

Preventing Allergic Reactions

Rashes, Sniffles, Itches and More

Understanding Allergies > continued from page 2

4 Watch for signs of severe

allergic reaction. A bee sting

or even a whiff of peanut

crumbs can result in life-

threatening anaphylaxis (or

anaphylactic shock) for some

people. Anaphylaxis can lead

to death if not treated imme-

diately. Talk with your health

care provider if you suspect

you may be at risk for a serious

allergic reaction.

Airborne AllergiesIf you are allergic to pollen, mold, dust

mites or pet dander, you can help

minimize reactions.

• Filter the air in your home with a

high-efficiency air filter.

• Prevent mold growth by keeping the

humidity below 50%.

• Avoid having pets that trigger your

allergies.

• Use special covers for pillows, mattresses and

box springs and avoid down-filled bedding.

• Clean and vacuum often, and wear a face

mask and gloves while housecleaning.

• Choose hardwood, vinyl or ceramic

flooring rather than carpeting.

• Minimize outdoor walks during

pollen season.

Food AllergiesIf you have food allergies, avoid any foods

that contain the offending ingredients.

When eating out, always ask your waiter

to confirm that your meal does not contain

whatever food triggers your allergies.

Medication AllergiesIf you have had a reaction to a medication

in the past, be sure to alert your health

care provider to make a note in your

medical records.

A simple series of tests may help pinpoint your particular allergens.

12 www.granditasca.org

Looking forwardto caring for you.Clinic & Hospital

Grand Itasca Clinic & HospitalAppointment Line: 218.326.7344Main Line: 218.326.3401

Email: info@granditasca.orgWeb: www.granditasca.org

Clinic Hours:Monday through Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m.-noon

Emergency Room:Open 24 hours a day

Professional Building111 SE Third StreetGrand Rapids, MN 55744218.326.3401

Professional Building Hours:Monday through Thursday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.Friday 8 a.m.-5 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. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©iStock, ©Fotolia, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital. ©2012