’TIS THE SEASON FOR STRESS How to keep the happy in the holidays Get back to doing what you love p.4 FALL 2023 8 11 livingWell ROBOTS AND SURGERY How much do you know?
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 Executive Director of Development and Communications 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 Brett Jackson, Board Chair John Robertson, Board Vice Chair Sue Fuchtman, Secretary Brad Dinkel, Treasurer Lane Handke, MD, Chief of Staff Robert Prince, MD, FRPS Medical Director Diane Becker Regina Busboom Jacque Collison 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. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME Find out the facts about this surprisingly common condition. 7 PHYSICAL THERAPY Learn how it could benefit you. 4 CREAMY, DREAMY SOUP Try this delicious combo of rich, nutty winter squash with the sweet tang of apples. 10 14 CHRONIC PAIN Don’t let this villain take the spotlight in your life. 6 COMBATING THE COMMON COLD Know what works—and what doesn’t. 12 LUNG CANCER SCREENING It could save your life.
FRHS.ORG 3 Kelly Driscoll, RN, MHA, FACHE President and CEO We are grateful to be the trusted health care provider for our neighbors, friends and families. Together, we will continue to build a healthier, happier future. I wish everyone a blessed, healthy and happy holiday season! We look forward to caring for you and your family in 2024. It’s no secret that my most favorite time of the year is the holiday season. My excitement for all things Christmas—the lights and decorations, making plans to enjoy old traditions and making new traditions with loved ones, and taking a moment for the reason for the season—fills me with childlike joy and gratitude! This time of year also brings moments of reflection, to look at the year just wrapping up and take stock in our accomplishments as well as our opportunities and lessons learned. As President and CEO of Faith Regional Health Services, I am fortunate beyond measure to work with an amazing, dedicated and mission-focused organization of people who contribute to the health and wellness of our patients and the communities we serve. Our commitment to providing top-tier care that empowers our community to lead fulfilling lives is exemplified by our achievements. Just this year we were able to relocate Rehabilitation Therapies and the Norfolk Family Medicine Clinic to the North Medical Office Building, giving our patients better access to state-of-the-art services and care. We also welcomed new physicians in the specialties of OB/GYN and Pain Management and made surgical technological advancements in the fields of orthopedics and pulmonology. Our nursing leadership team were featured presenters on the topic of patient excellence practices at the national What’s Right in Health Care conference. I must also mention that for the first time, Faith Regional Health Services was given an overall 5-star rating for the quality of care provided to patients. Compiled by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this overall star rating is based on how well hospitals perform across different areas of quality, such as safety of care, timely and effective care, patient experience, and readmission rates. Faith Regional is one of only eight hospitals in Nebraska and 483 nationwide to receive a 5-star rating. You and your family are our primary motivation. It is through the dedication and compassion of our entire organization who all strive to provide exemplary care to our patients each and every day that these honors and achievements are a natural outcome of our unwavering commitment to doing what we do exceptionally well. Our hospital is more than just a building; it is a lifeline for our community. It is where lives are saved, hope is restored, and dreams are realized. Season’s greetings
4 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Are you living with an injury or condition that makes it painful to move your body and enjoy life to the fullest? If so, there’s a good chance physical therapy (PT) could help you. PT is a treatment for people with movement problems caused by a wide range of conditions. It can improve mobility, reduce pain and maximize a person’s ability to perform daily activities. During PT, we simulate real-life conditions to make sure you regain the skills you need. PT may help people who have: • Sports- and work-related injuries. • Back and neck problems. • Sprains, strains and other orthopedic-related problems. • Arthritis. • Neurological problems, including certain stroke-related disabilities, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. • Chronic pain. THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY on the move Keeping you Many benefits The benefits of PT depend on the specific problem and goals of the patient. For instance, it can help people: • Rely less on pain medication. • Avoid surgery. For example, people with joint problems often try PT first before considering whether to have joint replacement surgery. • Recover from an injury, an illness or a surgery. PT is often part of a rehabilitation program prescribed after an injury or surgery. And in many cases, PT can help stroke survivors regain some of their lost abilities. • Return to sports, work or your active lifestyle sooner after injury or surgery. Sources: American Physical Therapy Association; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational therapy Occupational therapy expands your ability to safely achieve and perform daily tasks, such as getting dressed, bathing, cooking and taking care of yourself. Our focus is to enhance your quality of life and independence no matter your age or condition.
FRHS.ORG 5 The new facility offers: New rehabilitation therapies facility now open 301 N. 27th St. in Norfolk Scan the QR code for a virtual tour. • An exercise bay. • Sports performance area. • Aquatic therapy. • Private exam rooms. • Activities of daily living room. Ask your doctor to refer you to Faith Regional Health Services for physical, occupational or speech therapy. For more information, visit frhs.org. Speech therapy Speech therapy improves symptoms of speech, language and swallowing conditions at any age. Our speech therapists offer personalized care for memory, speaking, solving problems and swallowing food by setting goals and creating a care plan that fits your needs.
6 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services What works Even though you have to wait for a cold to run its course, you may be able to ease symptoms with the following: • Resting. • Drinking plenty of fluids. • Using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer. • Rinsing the nose with saline nasal spray or drops. • Taking a steamy bath. • Swallowing some honey for cough relief. (Don’t give honey to a child younger than 1 year old.) • Using an over-the-counter medicine or inhaler, as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. • Using oral zinc products. What doesn’t work It’s important to know that antibiotics are not effective for treating the common cold. They are only effective at treating illnesses caused by bacteria, not viruses. And their overuse can cause adverse symptoms. Likewise, many alternative products and supplements, such as echinacea, have not been proven to be effective at treating the common cold. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health; UpToDate If you’re experiencing illness this season, come see us. Hours Monday and Wednesday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Faith Regional Physician Services Urgent Care 2600 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, Nebraska Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. When it comes to colds, there is a lot of information out there about how to treat them—and not all of it is correct. Perhaps it’s because the symptoms can be so miserable, from a sore throat to postnasal drip. There’s no cure for the common cold, but certain things do help ease the symptoms. Here’s a rundown of what does and doesn’t work for treating colds. When should you see a doctor? Cold symptoms can last from two days to two weeks. Seek medical attention for any severe symptoms or serious complications, including the following: • Difficulty breathing, fast breathing or wheezing. • Dehydration. • Fever above 102 degrees or fever for longer than a few days. • Chest pain or pressure. • Ear pain. • Sinus headache. • Symptoms that last more than 10 days without improving. • Symptoms that worsen or that improve but then return or worsen. with the common cold Coping Urgent care when you need it
FRHS.ORG 7 If you deal with unstable menstrual periods, facial hair and acne, you may be one of the 5% to 26% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is common among women between the ages of 15 and 44, or during their childbearing years. Most patients are diagnosed when they struggle to get pregnant in their 20s and 30s. In fact, PCOS is the most common reason for infertility. The disorder is caused by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, which hinders a woman’s egg release and ovulation cycle. Since PCOS is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, it’s important for you to know the facts. Signs and symptoms PCOS can trigger a variety of signs and symptoms in women, such as: Cysts on the ovaries. Bad acne. Weight gain or trouble losing weight. Irregular periods. Loss of hair on the scalp. Oily skin. Hair growth on the face, chest and back. Many complications Although infertility is one of the biggest complications of PCOS, the condition also can cause problems once a woman does get pregnant. Her chances for miscarriages, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia—dangerously high blood pressure—go up. The complications go beyond the reproductive system alone. Women with PCOS are at risk of developing anxiety, depression, sleep problems, obesity, uterine cancer, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and diabetes and insulin resistance. Treatment can help If you think you have PCOS, the first step is to talk to your OB/GYN. Your treatment plan will be based on your particular symptoms and needs. Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; National Institutes of Health; Office on Women’s Health Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that can be managed with proper care, lifestyle changes and medical support. Although it can be a challenge, with the right care and support, we can unlock the potential for a balanced life and turn obstacles into stepping stones for a healthier lifestyle.” —Emma Mirch, MD POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME Get the help you need Find answers Scan the QR code to learn how we can help and to meet our providers.
8 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services If your doctor has recommended that you have robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, you’re hardly alone. This high-tech procedure is now being used for total and partial knee replacements all over the world. The surgeon is in control What is robotic-assisted surgery exactly? Or perhaps more pertinently, what is it not? Its name suggests that robots perform the surgery, but in reality, your surgeon has control during the entire operation. That is just one important fact to know about robotic-assisted surgery. Here are a few more. At the start of your surgery, the surgeon uses the robot to map out a 3D image of your knee anatomy The rise of robotic-assisted precision and take measurements of your ligaments. Combined, this information is used to design a unique plan specific to you. The surgeon then guides the robotic arm to make precise and accurate cuts, according to the personalized plan. Not ‘one size fits all’ The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROBOTIC-ASSISTED KNEE REPLACEMENT Revolutionizing knee surgery Want to learn more? Scan the QR code. • Accurate bone cuts to give you a well-balanced, stable, wellfitting knee. • A personalized surgical plan that results in less trauma to surrounding tissues, which translates to less pain and a quicker recovery. • Feedback during surgery to help create a total or partial knee replacement tailored to your unique anatomy. Robotic technology enables our orthopedic surgeons to provide a joint replacement customized to you. The advanced robotic technology is one more tool to offer you exemplary medical care. Orthopedic care where you live If you’re experiencing knee pain, meet with one of our orthopedic specialists at a location near you. Albion: 402-395-3180 Atkinson: 402-925-2811 Columbus: 402-564-9610 Genoa: 402-993-2283 Lynch: 402-569-2451 Neligh: 402-887-6210 Norfolk: 402-844-8158 Wayne: 402-375-2500 Wisner: 402-529-3218 Neligh Albion Atkinson Columbus Genoa Lynch Norfolk Wisner Wayne
FRHS.ORG 9 The precision and information provided by robotic surgery technology allows me to give each patient the best possible joint replacement for their unique anatomy. This individual, tailored approach is key to achieving our goals of restoration of function, relief from pain and improvement in quality of life.” —Jordan Ochs, MD, orthopedic surgeon At the start of a surgery, the surgeon uses the robot to map out a 3D image of the knee anatomy and take measurements of ligaments.
10 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Makes 4 servings. Ingredients 2 boxes (16 ounces each) frozen, pureed winter (butternut) squash 2 medium apples (try Golden Delicious or Gala) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1⁄ 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 2 cans (12 ounces each) fat-free evaporated milk 1⁄ 4 teaspoon salt 1⁄ 8 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions • Place the frozen squash in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely. Defrost in the microwave on medium power for 5 to 10 minutes, until mostly thawed. • Meanwhile, peel then shred the apples using a grater or food processor, or peel and finely chop apples into thin strips. Set aside 1⁄ 4 cup. • Warm oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add all but 1⁄ 4 cup of the apples. Cook and stir until apples soften, about 5 minutes. • Stir in thawed squash and pumpkin pie spice. • Add the evaporated milk about 1⁄ 2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. • Season with salt and pepper. • Cook and stir over high heat just until soup is about to boil. • Ladle into individual soup bowls. Top each with a tablespoon of the unused apples. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Tip: For chunkier soup, try two bags (14 ounces each) frozen, diced butternut squash. Or cut a fresh butternut squash into small chunks and place in a microwave-safe dish covered with 1 inch of water. Microwave on high for 5 to 10 minutes or until squash is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove skin. Place squash in blender until desired consistency. Nutrition information Serving size: 1½ cups. Amount per serving: 334 calories, 4g total fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 62g carbohydrates, 18g protein, 5g dietary fiber, 370mg sodium, 1,142mg potassium. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Creamy squash soup with shredded apples
FRHS.ORG 11 Here for you Our mental health professionals are here to help you. Scan to learn more. It’s that “most wonderful time of the year” again, and you’ve got happy visions of cozy times with family and friends and perfect meals and presents, right? Let’s examine those visions. Fantasy: You stock up on gift cards and leave the cooking, cleaning, decorating, shopping and wrapping to someone else. Reality: You’ve got more to do than ever, with cards to send; cookies to bake; and kids, relatives, friends and teachers to shop for—plus all that decorating you need to do to set the stage for the festivities! But take heart: The following holiday tips can help you stress less and increase your enjoyment quotient. 1 Track your spending. Financial stress can put a damper on the holidays. Set a realistic budget and keep tabs on your spending with a daily list. Scale back instead of straining your budget. Talk to your kids about setting realistic expectations and remind them that the holidays are about making memories, not expensive gifts. Downsize holiday stress 2 Load up on healthy food choices. During the holidays, food isn’t just food, it’s an indulgence loaded with delicious tradition. You don’t have to completely deny yourself. Healthy-up your plate at holiday parties by filling it with fruit and vegetables first, reserving a small portion for anything else you may want, even if it’s less healthy. Be sure to sit down to savor each and every bite. 4 Keep the conversation light. Family sparks can fly during the holidays, but this is a time to find neutral ground. If you’re concerned about tension at family gatherings and differences of opinion, steer the conversation away from controversial topics. Focus on happy memories and common ground. 5 Take time to recharge. Amid all the holiday hustle and bustle, treat yourself to some downtime with yoga. Or take a quiet walk at your local park or around your neighborhood to see the lights and sights. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Psychological Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: U.S. Department of Agriculture 5 WAYS TO PUT THE WRAPS ON HOLIDAY OVERLOAD 3 Take it a step further. No time to exercise? Shoppercise. Add more activity to your busy days by taking a few quick laps around the mall before going into any stores, by taking the stairs instead of the escalator and by deliberately parking far from the shopping center entrance. “The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions. It is important to remember that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. Taking care of your mental health is the best present you can give yourself.” —Kat Kiepke, LIMHP
12 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Lung cancer is the second most common cancer, aside from skin cancer, in both men and women in the U.S. It’s also the No. 1 cause of cancer death in this country. Fortunately, there is a screening test that has the potential to find lung cancer early, when it’s usually easier to treat. And the test is painless and noninvasive. A low-dose CT scan can help find abnormalities in the lungs that may be cancer. Studies have shown that using low-dose CT scans to screen people for lung cancer saves more lives than using chest x-rays. That’s because a CT scan produces detailed, cross-sectional images of the lung that can find small abnormalities better than a chest x-ray. Should you be screened for lung cancer? CT scans are so detailed that they can find a lot of abnormalities. These may need to be checked out further with additional testing. Low-dose CT scans also expose people to small amounts of radiation. It’s less than the dose of a regular CT scan, but higher than that of a chest x-ray. Your doctor can tell you whether the risks of annual CT screening outweigh the benefits for you. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening tests for people 50 to 80 years old who are in fairly good health and who meet the following criteria: Are current smokers or smokers who have quit in the past 15 years. Have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history. This refers to the number of years you smoked and how much you smoked daily. So if you smoked a pack a day for 20 years, you have a 20-packyear history. If you smoked two packs a day for 10 years, you also have a 20-pack-year history. If this applies to you, you may want to talk with your doctor about screening for lung cancer. Are there risks to screening? Who should be screened? Do you qualify for a lung cancer screening? Talk to your primary care provider, or find a provider at frhs.org.
FRHS.ORG 13 Advanced lung care If a suspicious lung nodule is found during a lung cancer screening, our physician may recommend robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. What is a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy? Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is a cutting-edge medical procedure that uses robotic technology and allows physicians to visualize and biopsy remote parts of the lung that have been previously inaccessible. This minimally invasive procedure enables physicians to examine the airways of the lung. The benefits Detecting lung cancer early can significantly improve outcomes. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy allows our physicians to biopsy tight spaces and narrow airways that previously were unable to be biopsied in patients, which means that lung cancer can be caught sooner. Chhabindra Nepal, MD, was the first Faith Regional pulmonologist trained to perform robotic-assisted bronchoscopies. Faith Regional Health Services is also proud to be the fourth in the state of Nebraska to offer this technology to our patients.
14 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services As players on the stage of life, we sometimes get handed scripts we aren’t expecting. That’s certainly true when chronic pain takes a leading role in everyday living. However, you have the power to limit the part pain plays in your life. You can direct the action in four painmanagement acts: You probably already know plenty about chronic pain. You may be aware that chronic pain: • Is any pain that lasts three months or longer. • Interferes with your ability to enjoy life. But do you know how many types of treatments are available? Do you know which health care professionals can help you? The more you know, the closer you come to bringing down the curtain on pain. Faith Regional Pain Management specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of all different types of pain. Our physicians use interventional procedures to treat: • Abdominal pain. • Back and neck pain. • Cancer-related pain. • Complex regional pain syndrome. • Failed back surgery syndrome. • Fibromyalgia. • Joint pain. • Migraines and facial pain. • Nerve pain. • Pelvic pain. • Sciatica. • Spinal pain. ACT to control chronic pain Our pain management specialists will help determine the cause of your pain. You may undergo imaging tests or electrodiagnostic procedures. Finding a specific cause for your pain will help determine your treatment. “As a pain specialist, I strive to relieve those who are suffering and restore their quality of life. I have acquired a skill set to be able to fully understand how pain can affect one’s freedom and functionality. You do not have to learn to live with pain, but it may require working with your doctor to get you back to enjoying your daily life. —Ihsan Balkaya, MD, Faith Regional Physician Services Pain Management Our pain management providers will work together to help you put a strategy into place. They also work closely with physical therapy, occupational therapy, neurology and other services to provide you with well-rounded pain care. Your script for pain management may draw upon a variety of treatment options. Your plan could include a combination of: • Medications. • Injectables. • Nerve blocks. • Spinal cord stimulation. • Implantable devices. • Minimally invasive lumbar decompression. Making progress means committing to your plan and continually acting on it. That’s not always easy. It means you need to manage your stress, stay active and find a support network among friends and family. But it can be done. And the rewards are great—pain may still play a part in your life, but it won’t run the show. ACT 1 GATHER INFORMATION ACT 3 CREATE A PLAN ACT 4 FOLLOW THROUGH ACT 2 MEET WITH YOUR DOCTOR Take the leading role To learn more about controlling chronic pain, scan the QR code.
FRHS.ORG 15 As the year comes to a close, we often find ourselves reflecting on the past 12 months, celebrating our successes and contemplating our resolutions for the future. It's also the perfect time to consider another important aspect of the holiday season: year-end giving to charities. While giving to causes we care about is important year-round, there are several compelling reasons why people should participate in yearend giving to charities. Reflecting on the year Year-end giving provides an opportunity for meaningful reflection. It's a moment to acknowledge our blessings and consider those who may not have had the same opportunities. Through donating, we can demonstrate our gratitude for what we have and share it with those less fortunate. Meeting annual goals Many charities depend on yearend donations to meet their annual goals and continue their vital work. For nonprofit organizations, these contributions are often a lifeline, enabling them to maintain their services, launch new initiatives and achieve their missions. Your year-end donation can make a significant impact on the success of these organizations. Fostering community Year-end giving provides a sense of community involvement and solidarity. It encourages individuals to come together, pooling their resources to address pressing issues or support a shared cause. By participating in year-end giving, you become part of a collective effort to make the world a better place, strengthening the bonds within your community. Year-end giving to charities is not just a financial transaction; it's a profound expression of your values and a reflection of your desire to make the world a better place. It's an opportunity to support the causes that matter most to you, while also obtaining practical benefits like tax deductions. As the year draws to a close, consider how you can be a part of this incredible tradition, helping to create positive change and uplift those in need. Remember: The impact of your generosity can extend far beyond the holiday season, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of individuals and communities in need. Thanking our donors As the year comes to a close, the Faith Regional Health Services Foundation would like to express our gratitude to our supporters. The impact of your donation extends far beyond the walls of our facilities; it reaches into the hearts and lives of the people we serve. Every dollar you contribute will help us save lives, provide hope and improve the quality of life for countless individuals in our community. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those who depend on us. Thank you for being a vital part of our Faith Regional family. The power of year-end giving Scan the QR code to learn more about Faith Regional’s year-end giving opportunities and ways you can make a difference in the lives of others this holiday season.
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES 2700 W. Norfolk Ave. Norfolk, NE 68701 We believe in enhancing local services to ensure that everyone in our service area can receive the care they need, when they need it. Expanding access to care What is PCOS? Learn the facts about this surprisingly common women’s health problem and where to get help. See page 7. To find a provider near you, visit frhs.org/find-a-doctor. Humphrey Laurel Neligh Pierce Stanton Tilden Wakefield Wayne Wisner Battle Creek Albion Atkinson Columbus Creighton Genoa Lynch O’Neill Pender NORFOLK Primary Care Outreach Osmond Plainview
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