Looking forwardto caring for you.Clinic & Hospital

caringforyouSUMMER 2014

www.granditasca.org

Find out more » pg. 6

Burggraf’s ACE Hardware

Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic

New ProvidersFind out more » pg. 10

Community calendarFind out more » pg. 8

Protecting the skin you’re inFind out more » pg. 4

WHAT’S NEW Grand Itasca recognized for its work to reduce elective early deliveries

HEALTHY LIVING Take this quiz: Protecting the skin you’re in

GRAND ITASCA FOUNDATION 1st Annual Burggraf’s ACE Hardware Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic: A huge success!

3

4

6

8

10

CONTENTS

COMMUNITY CALENDARCommunity workshops, support groups, events & classes

WHAT’S NEW New physicians at Grand Itasca

www.granditasca.org2

Grilled vegetablesPrepare veggies on the grill or in the oven using aluminum foil packets.

Number of servings: 5

Ingredients2 small zucchinis (sliced)2 small yellow squash (sliced)4 small red potatoes (scrubbed well

and sliced)½ red onion (sliced)½ bell pepper (red or green) (seeded

and sliced)¼ cup light Italian salad dressing Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Heat grill to medium heat or 350° F.

2. Wash and slice vegetables.

3. Toss vegetables in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss until all vegetables are coated.

4. Tear two large squares of aluminum foil and place half of the vegetable mixture on each piece. Place an equal piece of foil over the top of vegetable mixture and fold bottom piece with top sheet to form a packet.

5. Place on heated grill for 20 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. If you don’t have a grill, bake veggie packets in the oven at 400° F for 20 to 30 minutes.

6. Before you open the packets, poke holes in the foil with a fork. Be careful opening the foil as the steam will be very hot!

7. Empty vegetables onto serving plate or serve from foil packets.

Per serving: 160 calories, 3 g total fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 130 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 5 g protein, 30 percent vitamin A, 120 percent vitamin C, 4 percent calcium, 10 percent iron. Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recipefinder.nal.usda.gov.

3SUMMER 2014

WHAT’S NEW

Grand Itasca recognized for its work to reduce elective early deliveries

Pictured with the March of Dimes and Minnesota Hospital Association recognition banner are Grand Itasca Women’s Health professionals

(left to right): Dan Soular, MD; Jack Carlisle, MD; Joyce Werhand, RN; Patty Carlin-Janssen, MD; Melinda Jasper, RN; Christy Kortekaas, RN;

and Philip Imholte, MD.

Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital was recently

recognized for reducing the number of elective

inductions and Cesarean deliveries performed

before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy. March of

Dimes says this will give more babies a healthy start

in life. Babies delivered before full term (39 to 41 weeks

completed gestation) are at increased risk of serious

health problems and death in their first year of life.

The Grand Itasca Obstetrics Committee created a

policy to eliminate non-medically indicated or elective

deliveries prior to 39 weeks and put into place practices

to encourage waiting until post-39 week gestation.

Thanks to these efforts, Grand Itasca had only one early

elective delivery in 2013, or 0.3% of the 313 births last

year. This achievement is recognized through a banner

from the March of Dimes and Minnesota Hospital

Association.

Joyce Werhand, Women’s Health & Birth Nurse

Director, says, “I am proud to be part of an organization

that is committed to following best practices guidelines

for the overall health of moms and babies. Waiting has

benefits for both mother and baby and I believe we are

seeing those benefits more as a result of our efforts.”

Babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates

of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants.

Recent research by the March of Dimes, the National

Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration found that although the overall threat

is small, the risk of death more than doubles for infants

born at 37 weeks of pregnancy when compared to

babies born at 40 weeks, for all races and ethnicities.

“The last weeks of pregnancy are important. Babies

aren’t just putting on weight. They are undergoing

important development of the brain, lungs, and other

vital organs,” says Lawrence Massa, March of Dimes

Board Member and Minnesota Hospital Association

President and CEO. “I commend Grand Itasca for

being a champion for babies with their quality

improvement effort.”

www.granditasca.org4

HEALTHY LIVING caringforyou

Take this quiz

Protecting the skin you’re in

Are you smart in the sun? Take this quiz to

learn more about protecting against skin

cancer and keeping skin looking young

and healthy.

Get the facts

1. False. While the head is the most common spot for

skin cancer to develop – especially ears and noses –

many of us don’t do enough to protect it. Hats can

provide some much-needed shade, but only if you

pick the right kind. Baseball caps, for example, offer

about the equivalent of a SPF 5 for the nose but

little protection for areas such as the cheeks and

chin. A hat with a minimum 3-inch brim all around

and angled down with a tight weave can provide

true or false?1. Baseball caps can provide the same protection

for the face as SPF 15 sunscreen.

2. Some indoor tanning lamps are more powerful

than natural sunlight.

3. Long baths can help restore moisture to skin.

4. Smoking speeds up the skin’s aging process.

5. A healthy diet may help protect skin.

protection for the nose, ears, and neck, and help

prevent premature aging and skin cancer.

“If you notice any red, scaly patches on your head

or another part of your body, be sure to have the

patches checked out,” recommends Darin Skaudis,

MD, internal medicine physician, Grand Itasca

Clinic & Hospital. “These patches could be pre-

cancerous signs.”

2. True. While neither tanning lamps nor natural

sunlight are good for your skin, certain indoor

tanning devices can emit UV levels that are

much stronger than midday summer sunlight

in most countries, according to the World

Health Organization (WHO). Just like the sun,

these beds can cause skin damage resulting

in wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. Use of

tanning beds is not suggested for anyone, but

the WHO especially recommends avoiding them

if you are fair-skinned, under age 18, tend to

freckle, have a history of childhood sunburn,

Patients can see Dr. Darin Skaudis, Internist at Grand Itasca, for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a range of adult diseases,

including skin conditions.

5SUMMER 2014

HEALTHY LIVING

have sun-damaged skin, or are

taking medications that make

skin sensitive.

“People with pale complexions

and redheads, in particular, are

more prone to sunburn,” shares

Dr. Skaudis. “They have little or no

melanin protection from sunburn.”

3. False. Spending a lot of time in

the bath or shower can actually

remove oils from your skin.

Limit the time you spend in the

tub and use warm water rather

than hot. Also avoid strong

soaps, apply lubrication to your

skin before shaving and use a

moisturizer with SPF built in.

“Even if you use a daily moisturizer

with SPF, applying sunscreen

with an SPF of 30 or greater

15 to 30 minutes before going

outside is extremely important,”

says Dr. Skaudis. “Reapply every

two to three hours to all areas

of exposed skin.”

4. True. Smoking hinders blood

flow to the skin and damages

the skin’s ability to maintain

its elasticity. Certain facial

expressions commonly made

while smoking, such as squinting

or pursing of the lips, can also

lead to wrinkles. Over time you

ABCDs of Melanoma

Don’t ignore those burning questions! See your doctor if you have concerns about your skin. If you need a physician, call Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital

at 218-326-3401 or visit www.granditasca.org, “Find a Physician.”

will notice skin sagging and

wrinkling — not only on your

face but on other parts of your

body, as well.

“Quitting smoking can help

keep wrinkles from worsening

and protect your health,” says

Dr. Skaudis. “So if you’re still

lighting up, ask your doctor about

smoking-cessation aids.”

5. True. Research into the effects

of diet on skin is limited, but

foods rich in antioxidants such

as carrots, spinach, tomatoes,

blueberries, beans, salmon and

nuts may help improve skin

health. At the very least, they can

help make up the backbone of a

well-balanced diet. Some studies

have linked processed foods and

other unhealthy fare to skin

damage, so, just as you would for

your overall health, avoid those

foods when you can.

“A gradual or sudden change in a

mole’s appearance is a sign that

you should see your doctor,” says

Dr. Darin Skaudis. Here is an easy

way to identify potential signs of

melanoma:

A for asymmetry: One half of the

mole is different from the other half.

B for border irregularity: Mole

edges are uneven, blurred or

notched.

C for color: The

mole’s color is

uneven and may

include brown,

tan and black.

D for diameter:

The mole’s

diameter is

greater than six

millimeters.

Source: American Melanoma Foundation

www.granditasca.org6

caringforyouWHAT’S NEW

1st Annual Burggraf ’s ACE Hardware

Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic: A huge success!

There’s nothing that

warms the heart more

than a community

coming together to raise funds

for a worthy cause. On June 5th,

Grand Rapids experienced that

special feeling as the owners

and employees of Burggraf’s

ACE Hardware partnered with

Grand Itasca Foundation and the

employees of Grand Itasca Clinic &

Hospital to launch the 1st Annual

Burggraf’s ACE Hardware Caring

Fore Kids Charity Classic.

This up-scale charity golf tour-

nament, complete with an hors

d’oeuvres and champagne recep-

tion, began as a vision of Steve

Burggraf, owner of Burggraf’s ACE

Hardware. On a national level, ACE

Hardware is known for its phil-

anthropic support of health care

for kids, including the Children’s

Miracle Network. “For a small busi-

ness owner to have the vision, social

capital and volunteer connections

to create a unique community event

from scratch and then to choose a

local non-profit such as Grand Itasca

Foundation as the recipient of the

earnings – well, that is incredibly

special,” says Kelly Kirwin, Grand

Itasca Foundation Director.

over $25,000 raised in year one

More than $25,000 was raised for

the nine-hole charity scramble

held at Pokegama Golf Course on

Thursday, June 5th. The community

support was incredible with

47 sponsors, more than 100 golfers

and dozens of volunteers contrib-

uting to the success of the event.

“The original fundraising goal

for the event was $10,000,” shares

Kirwin. “By more than doubling

that goal, we are so pleased with

the success of year one that we

can’t wait to get started planning

for 2015.” A date of June 4th, 2015,

has been selected for next year.

Steve Burggraf and Sean Burggraf of Burggraf’s ACE Hardware present Grand Itasca Foundation board member Dale Adams and Grand Itasca Foundation Director, Kelly Kirwin, with the

Caring Fore Kids event proceeds.

7SUMMER 2014

WHAT’S NEW

Mila Adams continues her battle

against brain cancer and the

effects of its treatments. She

works hard with her therapists

at Grand Itasca on speech and

motor skills. She dreams of one

day learning to ride a bike and

ice skate.

Gavin Waage, born with a rare

congenital heart condition called

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome,

has undergone two open heart

surgeries, vocal cord paralysis and

a stroke. He is now a walking and

talking 2-year-old, due to visits

with Grand Itasca therapists.

Aden Ugrich was born three

months early at 28 weeks with

his twin brother Abel. Suffering

from a stage 4 hemorrhage at

birth and then undergoing four

surgeries, he had a rough start

to life. Now, at age 2, Aden makes

each Grand Itasca therapy session

entertaining and memorable!

If you’d like to support, enhance, expand, and improve the health and well-being of Grand Itasca patients and their families through a cash gift, stock, or planned gift, use the attached envelope, visit www.granditasca.org or call Kelly Kirwin at 218.999.1009.

All dollars raised will go towards

pediatric care at Grand Itasca

Clinic & Hospital. The Founda-

tion will ultimately determine

where the money will be applied,

as the ‘needs’ are considerable.

New equipment and additional

programs within pediatric reha-

bilitation services and pediatric

hospital services are at the top of

the list.

three pretty special “all stars” Three of Grand Itasca Clinic

& Hospital’s pediatric patients

became the faces of the 1st Annual

Burggraf’s ACE Hardware Caring

Fore Kids Charity Classic.

www.granditasca.org8

Support GroupsCANCER SUPPORT GROUPThis is a time to share stories and

concerns about diagnosis and treat-

ment for those who are dealing with

cancer. For more information, call

218.326.3815 or 218.697.2357.

1st Monday of the month, 3:30–5:00 pmColony Square, 1850 SE 2nd Ave., Grand Rapids

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPElderCircle’s Adult Day Service

hosts a support group for care-

givers of those with Alzheimer’s,

dementia, or other diseases. Call

218.326.9163 for more information

and to make arrangements for care

recipients during the meeting.

3rd Tuesday of the month, 1–2:30 pmManor House, 722 N. Pokegama Ave., Grand Rapids

CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUPMonthly speakers cover topics

related to cardiovascular condi-

tioning, diet, and exercise, and

other areas of interest for persons

recovering from a heart attack,

bypass surgery, valve replacement

surgery, or cardiac ballooning. For

more information, call 218.999.1038.

3rd Monday of the month (September-May), 7 pmGrand Itasca, ARU 201

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF THE ITASCA AREAThe support group provides educa-

tion, networking, and support for

people diagnosed with Parkinson’s

disease, their spouse, and/or care-

givers. For more information, call

218.326.2766 or 218.328.5378.

2nd Wednesday of the month, 1-2:15 pmGrand Rapids Public Library, 140 NE 2nd St., Grand Rapids

PROSTATE EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUPLearn of treatment options and

lifestyle impacts of prostate cancer

from men who have been diagnosed

with the disease. Spouses and other

family members are welcome and

encouraged to attend. For more infor-

mation, call 218.999.9384.

2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30 pm Grand Itasca, Grand Eatery (meal together) & ARU 202 (education and discussion following meal)

DIABETIC SUPPORT GROUPThis is an opportunity to meet

other members of our community

who have diabetes and share suc-

cesses and experiences regarding

diabetic care. For more information,

call 218.999.1934.

4th Thursday of the month, 6:30–7:30 pmGrand Itasca, Grand Oaks Conf Room

MENTAL ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUPNational Alliance on Mental Illness

(NAMI) offers family and friends

of people with mental illness an

opportunity to share concerns,

compare experiences, and learn

from each other. For more infor-

mation, call 218.326.8565.

3rd Tuesday of the month, 5:30–6:30 pmGrand Rapid Public Library, 140 NE 2nd St., Grand Rapids

MS SUPPORT GROUPThis group is open to those diag-

nosed 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. For more information,

please call 218.326.1371.

2nd Thursday of the month, 12:30 pmSt. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 315 SW 21st St., Grand Rapids

caringforyou

GRAND ITASCA JOINT CAMP Joint Camp is designed for

people suffering with hip and

knee pain who are considering

or are scheduled for total joint

replacement surgery. If you have

questions or would like to reg-

ister, call 218.326.3401 and ask to

speak to our Orthopedic Nurse.

2nd Wednesday of the month, 3:30-5 pm, Grand Itasca, ARU 202

9SUMMER 2014

Community EventsGRAND RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET Locally grown fruits and vegetables,

eggs, mushrooms, home-raised

meats, honey, maple syrup, fresh-

baked goods, and canned goods. All

produced by members within 50

miles of Grand Rapids. SNAP/EBT

and credit/debit cards accepted.

Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 am-1 pmGlen’s Army Navy Parking Lot,701 NW 4th Street, Grand Rapids

GREAT RIVER ENERGY MESABI TRAIL TOUR – Grand Itasca SponsoredTake your pick of bike routes

ranging from 12 to 69 miles all

ending in an outdoor picnic and

concert. To register or with ques-

tions, visit www.mesabitrail.com

or call 218.749.4331.

Saturday, August 2 Longyear Park, Coleraine

NORTHERN MN MUD RUN – Grand Itasca SponsoredTest your toughness with this

three-mile muddy obstacle course.

To register for the event, go to

www.northernmnmudrun.com.

Saturday, August 9 Grand Rapids Sports Complex

IRON RANGE MAIDENS ROLLER DERBY – Grand Itasca Sponsored Come cheer on the ladies in pink and

green at their home bouts. Doors

open at 6 pm; first whistle at 6:30 pm.

August 9 vs. Manitoba September 27 vs. Dames of Anarchy Hodgins-Berardo Arena, Coleraine

ClassesCHILDBIRTH PROCESS CLASSThe weekend class is designed to

help prepare parents for child-

birth, and includes a tour of the

labor, delivery, and nursery area of

the hospital. Cost is $45 for mom

and coach (fee includes all class

material and refreshments). Call

218.326.7344 to register.

August 2, October 4, December 6 9 am–4 pm, Grand Itasca, ARU 202

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 will also

be covered. Class offered free of

charge. Call 218.326.7344 to register.

August 9, October 11, December 13 9 am–1 pm, Grand Itasca, ARU 202

PROJECT LULU PRESENTS ARTS EXPRESS GRAND RAPIDS Free arts for anybody touched

by cancer.

Online Reflective Writing Groups:

Anonymous, private journaling group

called a Reflecting Pool. Offering a

place to vent, celebrate, express fears,

and show gratitude, online, anytime.

Saturday Arts Workshops: Attend

free workshops for guided play with

painting and words.

Jan Carlisle’s tomatoes, peppers, garlic, onions, beets and cabbages are a big draw as summer

produce makes its way to market.

October 4 (painting) &

October 11 (poetry)

Details and registration at

projectlulu.org/arts_express.

10 www.granditasca.org

caringforyou

New Providersderek Beyer, Md – oB/Gyn

Medical Degree: University of

Minnesota, Duluth & Minneapolis,

MN – 1999

Residency: Mayo Graduate School

of Medicine – 2003

What is the most rewarding part of your practice?

“Relationships with my patients. My practice has been

full of patients who have come back for more than

one pregnancy and often they have sent other family

members to see me, be it for surgical care or just basic

well-woman care.”

Dr. Beyer and his wife of 20 years are very busy with

their kids’ year-round sports schedules. “In addition to

attending my children’s sporting events, my hobbies

include fishing, riding horses, biking, hiking, playing

piano and guitar.”

kevin Gildner, Md – oB/Gyn Medical Degree: University of

Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN – 1992

Residency: University of Tennessee,

Memphis, TN – 1996

What is your medical practice philosophy? “I treat

every patient and their family the same way I would

want my family treated. I strive to communicate in

plain English, not medical jargon. Also, I believe that

lab tests, ultrasound reports, and pathology results

should be communicated as promptly as possible.”

Dr. Gildner and his wife, Rita, along with their grown

children, have had a cabin in the Grand Rapids area

for more than 10 years. “I hunt, fish, scuba dive and

generally enjoy time spent on the water or in the

woods. Grand Rapids is a perfect fit.”

WHAT’S NEW

SUMMER 2014 11

WHAT’S NEW

shelly soltis, do – faMily Medicine Medical Degree: Des Moines

University College of Osteopathic

Medicine, Des Moines, IA – 2011

Residency: Mercy Medical Center,

Des Moines, IA – 2014

Professional Interests: women’s health, prenatal care,

pediatric care

What drew you to Grand Itasca? “I was impressed

with the facilities and administration was very

forward thinking – two good things for the future

of medicine.”

“Watching my two boys – Graham born in February

and Hudson who is 3 years old – grow and enjoy life is

the best feeling.” Dr. Soltis and her husband, Jack Jr.,

look forward to being part of the community.

“Involvement in church is important to us, as is

participation in community events.”

troy erickson, do – orthopedics Medical Degree: Kirksville College

of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville,

MO – 1998

Residency: St. John Oakland Hospital,

Madison Heights, MI – 2003

What is the most rewarding part of Orthopedics?

“Being able to fix most things and taking away pain – be

it from a fracture or arthritis. It’s a wonderful thing.

I feel lucky to be able to help patients and be part of

their lives. Patients let us into their lives and we can

never forget how special that is.”

“My family – consisting of my wife, Cathy, my son Bailey

(10th grade) and my daughter Arianna (7th grade) –

likes Grand Rapids for many reasons. People are very

friendly and there are a ton of things to do no matter

what the weather is like. We had a cabin here for six

years prior to moving up and love the lake with its

sunrises and sunsets.”

12 www.granditasca.org

Looking forwardto caring for you.Clinic & Hospital

1601 Golf Course RoadGrand Rapids, MN 55744

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 am-6 pmFriday 8 am-4:30 pm

Rapid Clinic Hours:Monday through Friday 2-8 pmSaturday and Sunday 12-6 pm

Emergency Room:Open 24 hours a day

Professional Building111 SE Third StreetGrand Rapids, MN 55744218.326.3401

Professional Building Hours:Monday through Thursday 7 am-6 pmFriday 8 am-5 pm

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 one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©iStock, ©Fotolia, ©2014 Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital.