WOMEN AND DENSE BREASTS How much do you know? Could it be carpal tunnel? p. 8 FALL 2024 4 11 livingWell HEADS-UP ABOUT ENT DOCTORS Special care for your ears, nose and throat
2 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services 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 WELLNESS FOR WOMEN Do you know the screenings that can help you stay well? 15 CARE AT HOME Experience the benefits of home health care. 6 HELP YOUR CHILD THRIVE Learn why well-child visits matter and when your child needs them. 12 10 SNOW TIME! Act your part in removing snow safely. 7 WHAT IS BPH? Find out about this problem that affects more than half of men over age 50. 14 VARICOSE VEINS They’re not just a cosmetic concern.
FRHS.ORG 3 Kelly Driscoll, RN, MHA, FACHE President and CEO School has started, leaves are beginning to change color, the days are a bit shorter and pumpkin spice is available everywhere! It is finally fall, and the world reminds us that change can be beautiful. As the seasons change from one to the next, one constant remains: the importance of prioritizing your health and well-being. At Faith Regional Health Services, we remain committed to being your constant provider of exemplary care through all seasons. Prioritizing health in the cooler seasons Fall brings football, crisp morning air and visits to the pumpkin patch, but it also brings seasonal allergies and preparing for the colder months ahead. To enjoy the season to its fullest while keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy, here are a few tips and suggestions to consider. Boost your immunity. With flu season approaching, it is important to strengthen your immune system. Consider getting a flu shot along with eating a healthy, vitamin-rich diet and drinking enough water. Stay active. The crisp, cooler weather is perfect for being outdoors! Get outside by taking a walk or a bicycle ride (wear your helmets!) or trying a new outdoor activity. Staying active is key to maintaining your physical and mental health. Take care of your mental health. As winter approaches, it can also bring on feelings of sadness. Making time for activities you enjoy and staying connected with loved ones can help manage the “winter blues.” I hope that you embrace and enjoy the beauty of change and preparation this season represents. Faith Regional Health Services will be here to provide you with the services, support and care you need to keep your health and well-being a priority. Thank you to our patients, staff and community for all of your support and trust this past year. Let us finish the year strong, keeping health and happiness front and center. Seasons of change Thank you to our patients, staff and community for all of your support and trust this past year.
4 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services ENT stands for ear, nose and throat. ENT physicians, also known as otolaryngologists, are surgeons who specialize in the medical and surgical management within the head and neck. Our ENT specialists use advanced technology, paired with training and expertise, to offer procedures and treatments for the best possible outcomes for their patients. What is an Faith Regional Physician Services ENTs specialize in treating patients of all ages and will work closely with you to build a plan unique to you and provide the care you need. ENT?
FRHS.ORG 5 Get the care you need. If you or your child is experiencing any of the symptoms above and cannot seem to find relief, call Faith Regional Physician Services Ear, Nose and Throat at 402-844-8275 to schedule an appointment with Justin Oltman, MD, or Eric Rohe, MD. Ears: • Chronic ear infections. • Ménière’s disease. • Vertigo/dizziness. • Hearing loss. • Tinnitus. Nose: • Allergies. • Deviated septum. • Runny nose. • Nasal obstruction. • Nose bleeds. • Sinusitis. • Enlarged adenoids. Throat: • Acid reflux disease. • Thyroid nodules. • Chronic tonsillitis. • Neck masses. • Head and neck cancer. • Hoarse voice. • Salivary gland dysfunction. • Sleep apnea. Sources: American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery; American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Surgeons Why see an ENT? ENTs offer expert, advanced care for a variety of conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat.
6 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Home health care: What is it? It’s exactly what the name suggests. It’s caring for patients within the comfort of their home, wherever home may be. This includes a residence, an assisted living facility or a retirement community. Depending on the patient’s needs, home health includes both medical and nonmedical care, including: • Catheter and ostomy care. • Medication management and education. • Diabetes management. • Feeding tube care. • Lab services. • Oxygen management. • Occupational therapy. • Physical therapy. • Speech therapy. • Wound care. Benefits of home health care While there are many benefits of home health care, the greatest is that it allows you to stay in the comfort of your home while receiving care to maintain and improve your health. It can also reduce hospital readmissions while maintaining a high quality of life at home. This allows you to feel greater independence, provides relief for family caregivers and offers you personalized care tailored to your specific needs. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME A provider’s referral is needed to receive home health services. To learn more, call Faith Regional Health Services Home Health at 402-644-7453 or talk to your primary care provider. You can also scan the QR code to find more on our website. HOME HEALTH CARE
FRHS.ORG 7 If urinary problems are making life uncomfortable, an enlarged prostate may be the culprit. It affects more than 50% of men ages 51 to 69 and up to 90% of men over 80. This condition is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Causes and symptoms The prostate makes fluid that is part of semen. It lies just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. With an enlarged prostate: • The prostate presses against the bladder and pinches the urethra. • Your bladder muscles get weaker and have to work harder to pass urine. BPH symptoms include: • Frequent urination, day and night. • Urgent need to urinate. • Difficulty starting a urine stream. • A weak or interrupted stream. • Dribbling at the end of urination. • Accidental leakage (urinary incontinence). • Pain while urinating. • Urine with an odd color or smell. Is it BPH or something else? BPH does not increase your risk for prostate cancer, but symptoms of BPH are similar to prostate cancer. That’s why it’s best to get a clear diagnosis either way. Your health care provider may perform a rectal exam to check the size and shape of the prostate gland and do urine tests. You may also need a study to see how well the bladder and urethra are working. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; MedlinePlus; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; UpToDate Cutting-edge treatment for BPH If you’re living with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Yemi Akin-Olugbade, MD, Urologist, offers state-of-the-art treatment with UroLift. What is UroLift? UroLift is a medical outpatient procedure to improve urine flow and provide lasting symptom relief. This procedure offers a faster recovery with fewer risks than other surgeries, and most patients require no catheter after treatment. To see if you are a candidate for UroLift treatment, call Faith Regional Physician Services Urology at 402-844-8341. Are you dealing with urinary problems? Scan the QR code with your smartphone’s camera to learn more about our urology services or visit frhs.org. Men: What to know about an enlarged prostate
8 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services It’s all in the wrist CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Although your wrists are a small part of your body, they can be a big pain if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is a condition that can lead to pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and forearms. What is carpal tunnel syndrome? The carpal tunnel is a passage that allows nerves and tendons to run through the wrist. When it narrows, it puts pressure on the median nerve, one of the main nerves in your hand. This nerve starts in the neck and travels through your arms and down to your fingers. Usually, carpal tunnel is the result of a combination of risk factors, which include: • Heredity. • Injury to the wrist. • Repetitive hand motion. • Pregnancy. What are the symptoms? Signs of carpal tunnel can be tricky to pick up on because they come on gradually. They might include: • Pain or tingling that moves up your forearm. • Pain, burning or numbness in the fingers. • Pain that is worse at night, interrupting sleep. • Dropping objects because of hand weakness or numbness. How is it treated? If you notice any symptoms, it’s time to talk to a hand, wrist and elbow specialist. During an evaluation, your hands and wrists are examined and tested. Sometimes lab tests, such as an x-ray or ultrasound, may be needed. If you’re diagnosed with carpal tunnel, several treatment options are available. Carpal tunnel is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life, causing pain, numbness and weakness in the hand. For those who haven’t found relief with nonsurgical treatments, carpal tunnel release surgery is an effective option to relieve symptoms.” —Jesse Meaike, MD, Hand, Wrist, and Elbow and Reconstructive Surgeon
FRHS.ORG 9 Nonsurgical treatments. Seeing a hand, wrist and elbow provider as soon as you notice symptoms can mean catching carpal tunnel early, when it is easier to treat. Here are some treatments your provider may suggest you do at home: • Wear a brace. Keeping the wrist still, especially at night, reduces pressure on the nerve. • Take anti-inflammatories. Over-thecounter pain medicines ease inflammation and pain. • Change your movement. If the way you move—or don’t move—your wrist is causing the problem, then you can make adjustments to help soothe it. • Exercise. A health care provider or occupational therapist can teach you simple movements that can help. Surgical treatments. If nonsurgical treatments don’t provide lasting relief, a surgeon may perform a procedure called endoscopic or open carpal tunnel release. This procedure frees the painful, trapped nerve to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases There are many things you can do to get relief from the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you catch it early. If you have questions about carpal tunnel syndrome, call Faith Regional Physician Services Hand, Wrist and Elbow at 402-844-8291 to make an appointment.
10 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Winter is around the corner, and you know what that means: snow. While it may be pretty to look at, snow can be a pain to shovel. Every year, thousands of Americans are treated at hospital emergency departments, doctor’s offices and clinics for injuries sustained while shoveling snow. Removing snow can be especially hard on your back, shoulder and arm muscles because it involves a lot of bending and heavy lifting. Slipping or falling when shoveling snow is not unusual. It can also be hard on the heart. Older adults face an increased risk for having heart problems while shoveling. Shovel sn w the right way TIPS FOR SAFE SNOW REMOVAL Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity that can raise your heart rate and blood pressure more than some people realize. It’s important to take precautions—such as taking frequent breaks, staying hydrated and using proper shoveling techniques—to avoid injury.” —Timothy Davy, MD, Family Medicine Remove it safely When it’s time to tackle that snow-covered walkway or driveway, follow these suggestions for safe shoveling: Dress appropriately. Wear light, water-repellent clothing; a hat; gloves; and warm socks. Put on shoes or boots with good traction to avoid falling. Never use a shovel that is too heavy or too long. More advanced shovels like those with a curved handle can lessen the effort needed to shovel and minimize bending. Using a small, lightweight shovel decreases the amount of weight being moved. Clear snow early and often. It’s easier to remove a light covering of snow from the ground than it is to clear packed, heavy snow. Your body will tell you when it feels overworked. When it does, listen and take a break. If you feel any pain, stop shoveling right away. If you have chest pain, seek medical attention immediately. Push snow instead of lifting it. Avoid throwing snow over your shoulder or to the side because it can stress your back. If you have questions about your snow-shoveling fitness, talk to your primary care provider. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Safety Council Don’t have a primary care provider? Scan the QR code with your smartphone’s camera or visit frpsclinics.org to find one near you.
FRHS.ORG 11 Learn the facts about dense breasts You just got the results of your latest mammogram, and you don’t have cancer. That’s great news! However, the report says you have dense breasts. What does that mean? Here are some answers to common questions about dense breasts. Q What are potential risks with dense breasts? A: The reason for this remains unknown, but the denser your breasts, the greater your risk for breast cancer. Unfortunately, dense breasts can make it more difficult for radiologists to see cancer on a mammogram. That’s because both dense tissue and breast masses and tumors appear as white areas on a mammogram. Q How do dense breasts affect screening recommendations? A: If you have dense breasts, ask your breast care provider whether you should have other screening tests for breast cancer, such as an ultrasound or breast MRI, in addition to mammograms. Sources: American Cancer Society; Office on Women’s Health; RadiologyInfo.org Q What are dense breasts? A: Lobules, ducts, and fatty and fibrous connective tissue make up your breasts. The lobules (or glandular tissue) produce milk, and ducts are the tiny tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipples. The fatty and fibrous tissues give breasts their size and shape. If you have dense breasts, you have a lot of glandular or fibrous tissue and not much fatty tissue. Approximately half of women over 40 years old have dense breasts. Generally, your breasts become less dense as you get older. However, that’s not always the case. The only way to know if you have dense breasts is to get a mammogram. Dense breasts don’t feel different from breasts with more fatty tissue. There are four categories for dense breasts, from slightly dense to very dense. The radiologist who reads your mammogram decides which of those four categories best describes the density of your breasts. Your well-being matters. Regular breast care is an essential part of that journey.” —Kinzie Norris, MD, Faith Regional Physician Services Breast Care, specializing in surgically treating diseases of the breast and providing the latest in breast care treatment. To learn more about the risks of dense breasts and what other screening tests you may need, call 402-844-8167.
12 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services The importance of well-child VISITS
FRHS.ORG 13 How often will my child need well-child visits? During the first few years of life, your child grows rapidly and will need frequent checkups. Here are the ages at which your child needs to see a pediatric specialist: 2 weeks. 2 months. 4 months. 6 months. 9 months. 12 months. 15 months. 18 months. 2 years. 2½ years. Between ages 3 and 21, your child may need an annual well-child visit. Ask your child’s provider when they want to see your child next. If you have children, it’s important to take them to regular well-child visits. These visits, also called physical exams or checkups, help you understand your child’s growth and development. They also help keep your child healthy and safe. Your child will see a pediatric provider for these visits. A pediatric provider is a medical doctor or physician assistant who specializes in the care and treatment of infants, children and adolescents. Pediatric specialists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood illnesses, and they monitor: • Growth and development. • Vaccinations. • Nutrition. • Safety. • General wellness. Why does my child need well-child visits? These checkups offer many advantages related to: Growth and development. At each visit, your pediatric provider will give your child a physical exam. They will measure your child’s height and weight, listen to their heartbeat and lungs, and perform simple tests to understand how your child is growing and if their development is within a normal range for their age. Your child’s specialist will discuss your child’s stages of physical and social development, which are called developmental milestones. Prevention. Immunizations help to protect your child against serious illnesses. In addition to these immunizations, you and your child’s provider will discuss ways to make sure your child is safe at home and at school. Answers to your questions. Wellchild visits are an ideal time for you to bring up questions or concerns. For example, you may want to know if your child is eating the right foods or getting adequate sleep. Jot down your top questions and bring them with you. Make notes during the visit and review them when you get home. If your child has had major changes in their life, such as a new sibling or a new school, be sure to mention them during the checkup. Well-child visits are more than just checkups. These visits allow us to monitor growth, provide preventive care and address any concerns early on. Regular checkups help us make sure your child is growing and thriving at every stage.” —Samantha Rohe, MD, Faith Regional Physician Services Pediatrics Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services On the path to good health To schedule an appointment for your child, call 402-844-8682 or visit frhs.org.
14 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Dustin Wondercheck, PA-C Scan the QR code with your smartphone’s camera to learn about free vein screenings, or call 402-844-8242 to make an appointment. Aubrey Mwinyogle, MD Brenda Liermann, APRN What are my treatment options? If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, simple lifestyle changes—including exercise, elevating your legs and wearing compression stockings—can help ease the pain. Other treatment options may include: • Endovascular venous ablation. The diseased vein is scarred and closed off using heat generated from laser or radiofrequency energy. • Sclerotherapy. A chemical agent is injected into your veins to cause them to scar and close. • Vein surgery. The affected vein is tied off or, in some cases, removed. The removal of varicose veins using tiny incisions in the skin is called phlebectomy. Varicose veins 101 Veins that are enlarged and twisted, called varicose veins, usually appear just beneath the skin. This is most common in the legs, as standing and walking increases pressure in the veins of the lower body, but can occur anywhere. While they may seem like a cosmetic concern to some, varicose veins can lead to more serious complications if left untreated, such as blood clots, poor circulation and discomfort. What causes varicose veins? Varicose veins develop when blood pressure in your veins increases, which causes your veins to become larger because of weakened vein walls. As your veins stretch, the valves that keep blood moving in one direction in your veins can no longer work as well as they should. Sluggish blood then pools in your veins, causing them to swell, bulge and twist. What are the symptoms? Not everyone will experience pain with varicose veins, but symptoms can include: • Aching or heavy feeling in the legs. • Swelling in the legs or ankles. • Itching or skin irritation around the veins. • Cramping or restless legs. • Skin discoloration. The vascular surgery team at the Faith Regional CardioVascular Institute provides you with comprehensive management of vascular diseases and conditions.
FRHS.ORG 15 The right care at the right time Do you have any concerns or questions about wellwoman visits? Call 402-644-4600 to learn more or make an appointment in Atkinson, Norfolk or Wayne. EMPOWERING WOMEN ESSENTIAL HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE Did you know that yearly OB/GYN visits, often referred to as well-woman visits, are crucial for maintaining reproductive and overall health? When you meet with an OB/GYN physician, they will help you determine which screenings, evaluations and immunizations you may need, based on your age and risk factors. Our OB/GYN providers are here to give individualized care for women of all ages, at every stage of life. Below are suggested screenings and care according to your age. 20s • Cervical cancer screening. • HPV vaccination. • Prenatal care. • Hereditary cancer screenings. • Preventive care. 30s • Cervical cancer screening. • Prenatal care. • Mental health screenings. • Thyroid conditions screening. • Preventive care. • Hereditary cancer screenings. 40s • Breast cancer screenings with mammogram. • Cervical cancer screening. • Immunization boosters. • Mental health screenings. • Thyroid conditions screening. • Gynecologic and pelvic floor health care. • Colorectal cancer screening. • Hereditary cancer screenings. • Menopause care. 50s • Breast cancer screenings with mammogram. • Colorectal cancer screening. • Mental health screenings. • Cervical cancer screening. • Diabetes screening. • Thyroid conditions screening. • Incontinence care. • Hereditary cancer screenings. • Menopause care. 60s • Bone density screening. • Breast cancer screenings with mammogram. • Diabetes screening. • Colorectal cancer screening. • Mental health screenings. • Cervical cancer screening. • Immunizations. • Incontinence care. • Hereditary cancer screenings. • Menopause care. 70s • Bone density screening. • Breast cancer screenings with mammogram. • Colorectal cancer screening. • Mental health screenings. • Gynecologic and pelvic floor health care. • Hereditary cancer screenings. • Menopause care. Emma Mirch, MD, Faith Regional Physician Services OB/GYN Lynnea Stines, DO, Faith Regional Physician Services OB/GYN
Appreciation from our patients Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES 2700 W. Norfolk Ave. Norfolk, NE 68701 What is home health care? Understand its benefits. See page 6 Explore more voices of hope and recovery from our patients by scanning the QR code with your smartphone’s camera. “Hospice provided my wife, Jan, with pain-free care, which was so important with the condition that she had.” —Rob Merrill “My name is Harriet, and I really enjoy the services that home health care has given me.” —Harriet Studebaker “After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, all of my doctors worked together as a team. There was open communication, and I would never go anyplace else.” —Dawn Fritz For many patients, the journey to recovery begins with finding the right health care provider. Testimonials are more than just stories; they are reminders of resilience and life-changing impacts of quality care. Here are just a few of ours.
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