SEASONAL ALLERGIES 5 steps to conquer the sneezin’ and wheezin’ Don’t let back pain keep you from your best life p.7 SPRING 2024 8 11 livingWell WHAT IS HOSPICE ? Learn about its benefits
LIVING WELL is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES Faith Regional Health Services, 2700 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701 402-371-4880 frhs.org KELLY DRISCOLL President and Chief Executive Officer SHANTELL SKALBERG Vice President of Business Development, Communications, Foundation and Marketing KAITLYN KOZIOL Director, Marketing and Public Relations CARRIE KRUSE Media Specialist, Marketing and Public Relations Faith Regional Affiliate Hospitals: Niobrara Valley Hospital, Lynch, NE Genoa Medical Facilities, Genoa, NE Faith Regional Health Services Board of Directors John Robertson, Board Chair Sue Fuchtman, Board Vice Chair Jacque Collison, Secretary Brad Dinkel, Treasurer Maryanne Hartzell, MD, Chief of Staff Lane Handke, MD, FRPS Medical Director Diane Becker Regina Busboom Jason Doele Josh Gossman Steffan Lacey, MD Pastor Leon Rosenthal Travis Rutjens Tom Schueth Preston Sunderman Information in LIVING WELL comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA SPRING CLEANING Tips to stay safe while you make your home sparkling clean. 6 CANCER SCREENINGS Which ones do you need? 4 LOOK BETTER, SEE BETTER Find out how eyelid surgery can transform droopy, puffy eyes. 14 12 WHAT’S A BUNION? All you need to know about these bony bumps that make for hurting feet. 10 STROKE RECOVERY Did you know? Botox eases tight, painful muscles. 15 MIGRAINES Come see us for headache help. 2 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
Kelly Driscoll, RN, MHA, FACHE President and CEO As we spring into a new season, I am delighted to introduce our latest issue of Living Well. Spring, often associated with renewal and rejuvenation, serves as a backdrop for the array of topics covered in this edition. From the importance of spring cleaning—not only for our homes but also our health routines—to allergies, cancer screenings, pain management, hospice care and migraines, you will find topics specifically picked to empower you with knowledge and support for a healthier lifestyle. At Faith Regional Health Services, we understand the significance of being there for our community, especially during times of transition and growth. We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals of Nebraska. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to the high-quality, safe patient care we provide to the region every day. As your trusted, local health care partner, we stand by our pledge to deliver compassionate care and innovative solutions, ensuring that you have the support and resources necessary to thrive throughout the year. Thank you for entrusting us with your health, and we look forward to accompanying you on your wellness journey this spring and beyond. Renewal and rejuvenation We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals of Nebraska. FRHS.ORG 3
Screening tests can help detect cancer in its early, most treatable stages, before you have signs and symptoms. They can even save your life. Which cancer tests do you need and when? Our age-by-age guide can help you decide. Remember to talk with your primary care provider too. WHICH ONES DO YOU NEED? AGE 21 TO 39 Cervical cancer. Begin screening at 21. Your options include an HPV test or Pap test. HPV testing checks for the HPV virus, which can cause cervical cancer. The Pap test checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Repeat HPV testing every five years, or have the Pap test every three years. AGE 40 TO 49 Cervical cancer. Continue with HPV testing every five years or a Pap test every three years. Colorectal cancer. At age 45, everyone should start screening. Several types of test options are available, and screening can detect and prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps (precancerous growths) before they turn into cancer. Breast cancer. Women age 40 to 44 can choose to begin screening with mammography every year. And at age 45, all women should begin getting a mammogram yearly. Prostate cancer. At age 45, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of testing if you are at high risk for prostate cancer. Risk factors include being African American or Caribbean with African ancestry or having a close family member diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65. Check in with your primary care provider Cancer testing is individual. You may need to be screened earlier and more often. Make an appointment to talk to your primary care provider about a screening schedule that’s right for you. Common cancer SCREENINGS 4 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
Visit frhs.org/cancer or scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to learn more. AGE 50+ Breast cancer. Continue with a yearly mammogram through age 54. At age 55, you can switch to every two years or continue with yearly screening. Keep screening as long as you are in good health and expect to live at least 10 years or more. Prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about screening for prostate cancer, if you haven’t already. Testing can include a blood test that checks for protein-specific antigen (PSA), a marker for prostate cancer, and a digital rectal exam, which checks the prostate for lumps or abnormal size. Cervical cancer. Continue testing every three to five years through age 65. You can stop then if all results have been normal. Otherwise, your provider may suggest testing for at least 25 years after a precancer diagnosis, even if you’re 66 or older. Lung cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are a current smoker, if you have quit smoking within the last 15 years or if you have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 “pack years” (an average of one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years). You may qualify for lung cancer screenings based on these guidelines. Source: American Cancer Society FRHS.ORG 5
Consider safety while you clean Chances are good that you already have some other handy cleaning items besides bleach. You can use soap and warm water to scrub away dirt and germs. Use baking soda for tougher scrubbing. Vinegar is also useful for cleaning. Remember to treat any cleaner with care. For example: • Use caution, protection and ventilation when using all cleaners, even those that are marketed as green or natural. Treat them with the same respect you show for cleaners that you know to be toxic. • Check the labels and follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you use the product correctly. • Keep all cleaners out of reach to protect small children or pets. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Lung Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Keep these tips in mind: • Cleaning removes most dirt and debris from surfaces. Clean a surface before moving on to sanitizing or disinfecting so the heavier cleaners can reach the germs. • Sanitizing reduces germs on a cleaned surface. • Disinfecting kills germs and may involve bleach cleaners or other heavy-duty disinfecting products. Avoid using disinfectant sprays when children are present. Cleaning with disinfectants Bleach is a common cleaner that can sanitize or disinfect surfaces. As with any disinfectant, use it (and store it) with care. Never mix bleach or any bleach-containing products with ammonia. The resulting fumes can cause severe illness and death. When using any disinfectants, follow the label’s instructions and protect your skin and eyes from contact with the cleaner. Use it in a ventilated area to help reduce the fumes. Time for that spring clean feeling TOP TIPS TO STAY SAFE WHILE CLEANING YOUR HOME Spring is the perfect time to do some much-needed house cleaning. Before you start, there are a few things you should know about spring cleaning safety. By taking these steps, you can help keep your home safe and clean this spring. 6 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
What you need to know about lower back pain A new way to stop chronic low-back pain Intracept is a same-day procedure that targets and deadens the nerves responsible for low-back pain, especially stemming from the disks. The procedure uses radio frequency heat, and patients generally have a quick recovery. The Intracept procedure involves heating the nerve with a radio frequency probe to stop it from sending pain signals to the brain. This is a stitch-free, one-and-done procedure that is performed in an outpatient surgery center. Unlike other major surgeries, the Intracept procedure is implant-free and preserves the overall structure of the spine. Having back pain can put a halt on doing the activities you enjoy. At Faith Regional, our pain management providers can treat and manage your lower back pain so you can get back to living your life, pain-free. Common causes of lower back pain While each person’s condition is unique, some of the common causes of lower back pain are disk herniation, arthritis and muscle strain. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, physical activity—either too little or too much—and excess weight, can also play a part. When to see a doctor for lower back pain When you are experiencing lower back pain, it’s important to measure your pain levels every day. Does your pain leave you struggling to do normal, day-to-day activities? Is your pain lasting more than two weeks? If so, turn to Faith Regional’s pain management providers to find the comfort and care you deserve. How we treat lower back pain When you’re experiencing chronic pain in your lower back, finding the source of the pain is the first step. Our specialists use a wide range of diagnostic tests to help you find relief. You can expect us to discuss your goals, preferences and lifestyle to create a personalized treatment plan. Our goal is to help you control or manage your pain in the safest way possible. Get the care and treatment you deserve by scheduling an appointment today. Call 402-844-8100. “75% to 85% of Americans deal with back pain at some point in their life.” —Ihsan Balkaya, MD Pain Management Specialist FRHS.ORG 7
Hospice care is end-of-life care that focuses on managing symptoms—such as pain, nausea and anxiety— to maximize a person’s comfort and quality of life. Anyone with a life expectancy of six months or less, according to a physician, is eligible to receive the benefits of hospice care. The many benefits of hospice care UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT HELPS Benefit No. 1: Family support Faith Regional’s hospice team meets with you and your family to set up a plan of care together, so you or your loved one’s goals and wishes are kept at the forefront. Our team walks with you and your family on this journey to meet your emotional, physical and spiritual needs. We continually communicate with you and make updates to the care plan as needed. After your loved one’s passing, our team will continue to be there for the family throughout the bereavement process. 1 Benefit No. 2: A health care partner Hospice is a 24/7 partner in your health care, including weekends and holidays. With staff residing in your local service area, this results in a faster response time when you need care most. Hospice staff are solely focused on your needs, your wishes and guiding your family during challenging times. 2 8
If you or a loved one is in need of compassionate end-of-life care, contact our hospice team at 402-644-7453 to learn more. What families have to say These quotes are a sampling of the verified statements we have received from families that have experienced hospice care at Faith Regional: Benefit No. 3: Continuation of care Whether you need to be admitted to the hospital or are ready to be discharged from the hospital to the comfort of your own home, our hospice team works with your primary care provider and our medical director to ensure that you receive the highest level of care, no matter where you are. Our hospice team also connects you to any other services you may need, such as palliative care, psychiatric services or rehabilitation therapies. “We wanted to express our gratitude for the warmth and compassionate care you provided to our dad. The last days of his life were spent in comfort. The service you provide for families in need is invaluable.” “You are all such wonderful people. You were such a blessing, not only to mom but to our family, especially in her final days. You will be highly recommended to those in need of hospice. Your kindness, skill and talent in helping people is over the top!! Our community is so lucky to have you all and your services.” 3 Benefit No. 4: Hope While the journey may start with uncertainty, hospice provides a place where pain is treated with compassion, fear is met with reassurance and every person is embraced with exemplary attention to their needs. Hospice care is a reminder that in difficult situations there is still joy to be found, love to be shared and moments to be cherished. 4 FRHS.ORG 9
Recovering from a stroke is a journey that requires patience, perseverance and comprehensive care. After a stroke, there can be possible damage to the region of the brain that controls muscle tone. This causes miscommunication between the brain and the muscles, which makes the muscles become stiff, tighten up and resist stretching, a condition called spasticity. Symptoms of spasticity The signs of spasticity include: • Painful muscle spasms. • Difficulty stretching the muscle. • Stiffness in the arm, hand, leg and ankle. • Curled toes. • Overactive reflexes. Treatment with Botox If you’re experiencing spasticity after a stroke, Botox may be an effective treatment. Mahmut T. Kaner, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Faith Regional, injects Botox directly into the muscles that are affected, which reduces spasticity. Botox blocks the release of chemicals that signal your muscles to tighten and allows muscles to stay more relaxed. Botox treatment, paired with physical therapy, lasts up to 90 days. If you’re experiencing spasticity after a stroke, Botox may be an effective treatment for you. Botox helps overcome challenges after a stroke Give us a call To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaner, call 402-844-8078. To watch a video on spasticity, scan the QR code. “Addressing stroke spasticity is about more than relieving discomfort. My goal is to restore hope, help you rediscover independence and help you regain control.” —Mahmut T. Kaner, MD 10 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
Laurel Wakefield Wayne Pierce Neligh Tilden Wisner NORFOLK Battle Creek Humphrey TIPS FOR CONQUERING POLLEN ALLERGIES When you’re allergic to something in the air, it’s hard to get away from it. That’s what it’s like for the millions of people with seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. Every spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains into the air to fertilize their companion plants. Most of the allergy-causing pollen comes from trees, weeds and grasses. Once that pollen hits the air, it may trigger symptoms such as: • A runny or stuffy nose. • Itchy eyes, nose, ears and mouth. • Red and watery eyes. • Swelling around the eyes. • Sneezing. • Wheezing. Beat back pollen If you think you may have pollen allergies, your first step should be to see your primary care provider (PCP). A skin prick or blood test can help reveal the exact pollens triggering your allergies. Your PCP can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms or recommend allergy shots to train your body not to react to the allergens. In the meantime, try these tips to lessen your exposure to pollen and reduce your risk of a reaction: • If possible, start taking your allergy medicine two to four weeks before allergy season, which starts in March. • Try not to spend too much time outside when pollen counts are high. • Wear sunglasses and a hat when you are outside to help keep pollen out of your eyes and off your hair. • Keep windows closed at home and in your car during pollen season. • Dry your clothes in a clothes dryer and not on an outdoor clothesline. Sneezin’ wheezin’? “Pollen allergies can be overwhelming. You can take simple measures to relieve symptoms and regain control of your life, not letting seasonal allergies get in the way.” —Chandra Ponniah, MD, Family Medicine Need a primary care provider? Visit frhs.org/find-a-doctor to find a provider at one of our 10 family medicine locations. & FRHS.ORG 11
The lowdown on Most of us spend a lot of time on our feet, so it’s important to take care of them. One of the most common foot problems many of us have is bunions. So what are these abnormal-looking, painful bumps? And, more important, how do we treat them? Learn the answers to those and other common questions about bunions. Q What is a bunion? A: A bunion is a hard, bony bump that forms on a foot. Most often, bunions appear on the bottom, outside edge of the big toe. They can also occur on the outside of your foot next to the little toe. Bunions can lead to sore or swollen toe joints, as well as other sore spots on your feet. Q What causes bunions? A: Bunions occur when the big toe joint bends inward toward the other toes. The bunion bump itself is a deformity in the bone on the outside of the toe. BUNIONS 12 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
Q How do you treat bunions? A: Bunions tend to get worse if left untreated. Early treatments are aimed at easing the pain of bunions. These include: • Changes in shoe wear. If you often wear shoes that hurt your bunion, your first step may be to buy new footwear that have a wide toe box. • Padding. Placing pads over your bunion can help reduce pain. These can be purchased at most drugstores. • Activity modification. Avoid activity that causes bunion pain, such as standing for long periods of time. • Medications. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, are recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. • Icing. Applying an ice pack to your bunions several times a day will help reduce inflammation and pain. If your bunions get worse, talk to a foot and ankle surgeon about other options. Together, you can decide if surgery is best for you. Sources: American Podiatric Medical Association; National Institutes of Health Dealing with bunion or foot and ankle pain? Call 402-844-8366 to schedule an appointment, or scan the QR code to learn more. Q Who is at risk of getting bunions? A: These uncomfortable bumps affect about a third of all Americans. You’re at higher risk of developing a bunion if you: • Are a woman. • Are older. • Have arthritis or flat feet. • Have a job that puts a lot of stress on your feet. • Have a family history of bunions. You don’t inherit the bunions themselves, but instead a type of foot that is prone to forming them. • Wear shoes that are too tight or force your toes to squeeze together. • Walk in a way that puts pressure on the joint at the base of your big toe. Zackary Gangwer, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAOM, a foot and ankle surgeon, examines a patient’s foot. FRHS.ORG 13
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical technique to rejuvenate your eyes by removing excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Over time, factors such as age, genetics and lifestyle can take a toll on the skin and muscle surrounding your eyes. Because of this, blepharoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. What it’s used for Eyelid and eye area conditions treated include: • Excess or droopy skin on eyelids. • Folds of skin that interfere with vision. • Fatty deposits and puffy areas around the eyes. • Bags under the eye. Eye-related surgery techniques Our board-certified plastic surgeon operates with meticulous technique, using the latest approaches to preserve healthy tissues and minimize scarring. For eyelid surgery, techniques include: • For upper eyelid surgery, the doctor may make incisions within the natural crease of your upper eyelid so they’re well-concealed. Your surgeon will remove or reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles and remove excess skin. • For lower eyelid corrections, the incision may be located just below your lower lash line. Your surgeon may remove excess skin in the lower eyelid and remove fat or reshape fatty areas. • For certain lower eyelid procedures, the surgeon may make a transconjunctival incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. This is an alternate way to remove or reshape excess fat without removing any skin. Mark Shashikant, MD, FACS Dealing with puffy or droopy eyes? Contact Faith Regional Physician Services Plastic Surgery at 402-844-8770 to schedule a consultation for blepharoplasty. Take a LOOK at eyelid surgery Blepharoplasty can enhance your eyes—and your vision too 14 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
A migraine can make it next to impossible to work, manage household responsibilities or do just about anything else. That’s something you may know all too well if you’ve experienced these severe headaches. Here’s what else you should know: Migraines are manageable, and a variety of options are available today to treat them. Get checked out If you haven’t done so yet, your first step should be to see a neurologist. Based on your symptoms, they can usually tell if you’re having migraines. Migraines tend to involve intense bouts of throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Migraine episodes can last for several hours or even days. During a migraine attack, many people get an upset stomach. Lights, sounds and movement can make a migraine worse. Many people have also experienced visual disturbances, called auras, prior to getting a migraine. They might see flashing lights or heat waves. Medicines for migraines Some medicines treat migraine attacks when they occur, while others help prevent migraines in the first place. And while you may know Botox injections as a wrinkle treatment, they can be another option for preventing migraines. Lifestyle changes In addition to prescribing medicines, your neurologist may suggest lifestyle changes that may help you manage migraines, such as: • Keeping a regular sleep schedule. • Avoiding migraine triggers. Those might be things like certain foods and drinks, stress, loud sounds, bright lights, or strong smells. Keeping a journal of what you were eating and doing when you got a migraine can help you identify triggers. • Losing excess weight, if you’re overweight. • Exercising and finding other ways to manage stress. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Get help for migraines “Understanding migraines is a journey, and they can be a dominant force in someone’s day-to-day life. Treating headaches and chronic migraines isn’t just about alleviating pain, it’s about improving my patients’ quality of life and helping them regain control over their health.” —Zara Fatima, MD, Neurologist Call 402-844‑8166 to schedule an appointment for your headaches or chronic migraines. FRHS.ORG 15
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES 2700 W. Norfolk Ave. Norfolk, NE 68701 Have a bunion? Here’s what to know about these bony bumps. See page 12 Faith Regional Health Services is proud to be recognized as one of Nebraska’s Best-In-State hospitals by Newsweek. A nationwide survey that included hospitals from all U.S. states was sent out and allowed participants to rate Faith Regional on areas such as quality of care, communication between staff and cleanliness. Thank you for trusting us to care for you. We are honored to be your local health care partner. AMERICA’S BEST-IN-STATE HOSPITALS 2024 “This award proves that we truly live out our mission every day.” —Audrey Sandall, CT Technologist “This recognition means that we undoubtably prioritize our patients’ health and well-being.” —Aaron Braun, MD, Interventional Radiology “I feel incredibly proud of this award, because it is a recognition of the trust that our communities place in us.” —Marla Muehlmeier, Surgery Tech
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