2009 winter healthquest

A publ icat ion of SK AGI T VA L L EY HOSPI TA L Ne ws , Educat ion and Phi l anthropy

WINTER 2009

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSAM INC

Skagit Valley HospitalP.O. Box 1376Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376

Sponsored by Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Surgeon champions checklistin the operating room Regional Cancer Care Center expansion brings new technology, treatment options

Hip resurfacing restores patient’s active lifestyle

Festival of Trees success completes Foundation’s $4 million campaign

Quality Care

2 SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL

and develop an action plan to make sure this error will not happen again. We work in concert with our physicians and nurses to find innovative ways to face the increasing complexities of healthcare and the changing needs of our patients. It is our goal to have

zero errors that result in injuries to our patients or to our staff. As ambitious and unattainable as that may sound, we are earnestly working toward that goal.

We post our quality data on our hospital’s Web site, www.skagitvalleyhospital.org, and are proud to see our numbers continuing to improve on the

key quality of care and outcome indicators.

Our commitment to quality has earned recognition from a variety of organizations. Our cancer care program received accreditation with commendation from the American College of Surgeons, an honor reserved for just 14 percent of accredited programs. Skagit Valley Hospital consistently is in the top five among the state’s 46 largest hospitals for quality, earned the Washington State Hospital Association’s 2008 “Best Hands On Care” award for handwashing, is ranked number one in the state for coronary interventional procedures by HealthGrades and received recognition for total hip replacements. These honors show the results of our hard work.

Each person who works in our hospital is also a member of the community. We take pride in providing our community – our friends and neighbors – with safe, high quality care. It is our goal that each interaction with our patients, families, visitors, and with each other is handled with the utmost kindness and compassion.

— GrEGG AGuSTín DAVIDSOn, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual Skagit

Valley Hospital Children’s Therapy Program Benefit Dinner on Monday, February 23, 2009, presented by Il Granaio Italian

Restaurant and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

For tickets and more information, call

Wendy ragusa at 360-814-5747.

SAve THe dATe

F R O M G R E G G ’ S d E S k

Safety. Quality. Compassion. These are words we try to live by each day as we provide care to our patients here at Skagit Valley Hospital. This means we are constantly working to improve what we do and learning from hospitals across the nation who are known for their high-quality, safe and compassionate care. This also means we must learn from our mistakes and have a deep commitment as well as a comprehensive plan to do so. We are developing a culture at Skagit Valley Hospital to build on our successes and become stronger and committed to positively moving forward.

Because safety is our number one service standard, we take our responsibility to provide safe care very seriously. We are motivated to learn, improve and update staff training. We are vigilant and innovative in seeking ways to ensure the safety of our patients, their families and our staff.

We hold Patient Safety Forums for staff to discuss their concerns and offer suggestions for improving safety. We require annual staff training updates on safe clinical practices. Skills labs provide hands-on learning opportunities for the use of new equipment and processes to maintain a high level of safety.

It is important for me to acknowledge that, given the complexity of care and demands on our very human, very dedicated staff, errors do happen. I know these events can have a significant impact on our patients, their families and also impact our staff. As a leader I know that when something does go wrong, we must be quick to acknowledge and discuss it honestly with the patient and their family. We are committed to transparency and report any adverse event in a timely way internally and as required to the Washington State Department of Health or Medicare. We thoroughly investigate each event and follow up with an analysis process to detail what happened and why

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HealthQuest is published three times a year by Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

WINTER 2009 / VolumE 6 / ISSuE 1

W H E R E T O F I N d U S

In Person:Main entrance located on Hospital Parkway in Mount Vernon.

By Mail:P.O. Box 1376Mount Vernon, WA 98273Phone: 360-424-4111Fax: 360-424-2416

On the Web:www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

CAMAnO COMMunITYHEALTH CLInIC127 N. East Camano driveCamano Island360-387-5398

Physician referral Line:360-848-5555or 360-629-5850

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL rEGIOnAL CAnCEr CArE CEnTErIn Person:307 South 13th St., Ste. 100Mount Vernon, WA

By Mail:P.O. Box 1376Mount Vernon, WA 98273Phone: 360-814-2146Fax: 360-814-2445

SKAGIT VALLEY KIDnEY CEnTEr AnD WOunD HEALInG CEnTEr208 Hospital ParkwayMount Vernon360-814-2184

For additional copies or more information, contact Health Education Coordinator Linda Wright at 360-814-2325 or Director of Marketing Kari Ranten at 360-814-2370 or go to our Weab site at www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

C O V E R P H O T OGeneral Surgeon Morrie Johnson, MDand AnesthesiologistShaun Sullivan, MDPhoto by Linda Wright

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21 SVH Foundation

28 HealthQuest Classes Stanwood & Camano Island

30 HealthQuest Classes Mount Vernon

38 Hospital Services

39 HealthQuest Class Registration

I N E V E R Y I S S U E

4 It’s about quality Surgeon Morrie Johnson, MD champions quality care in the OR

6 New technology Expansion brings new cancer care treatment to Regional Cancer Care Center

12 An active life Hip resurfacing returns Mount Vernon man to pain-free lifestyle

14 Advanced stroke care Link brings higher level of stroke care to region

24 A successful festival Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation wraps up $4 million capital campaign

27 House calls Camano clinic physician enjoys working with Josephine residents

Safety. Quality. Compassion. 4

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Taking the lead in

Dr. Morrie Johnson champions surgical checklist project

Quality. For general surgeon Morrie Johnson, MD, it’s all about quality patient care.

That’s why the Skagit Valley Medical Center surgeon and Skagit Valley Hospital signed on to be among those leading the way in the state in use of a surgical checklist to improve quality care in the operating room.

“We have an opportunity to improve quality care and learn how we are doing compared to our peers around the state as well as learning to control the process of quality care and make sure the patient leaves with a positive experience,” Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson is Associate Medical Director of the statewide Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program

(SCOAP) that is overseeing efforts in Washington to improve quality care in surgery.

A major part of the program is encouraging hospitals to use a surgical safety checklist, before and after surgery, to reduce errors or oversights, as recommended by the World Health Organization and endorsed by the Washington State Hospital Association for implementation in 2009.

With Dr. Johnson as the program champion, Skagit Valley Hospital was among the initial handful of hospitals to embrace the idea in a pilot project that started last spring. Today, 26 hospitals are enrolled and another six have committed to the program, out of the state’s 46 largest hospitals.

At Skagit Valley Hospital, all of the general surgeons are using the checklist and the goal is have all surgeons using the checklist in 2009. Those who are using it say it’s a worthy investment of two to three minutes.

“We literally stop everything, take a time out, and go through the checklist,” Dr. Johnson said. “It’s simple and it’s another way for us to make sure the patient receives quality care.”

ABOVE: Surgeon Morrie Johnson, MD performs a procedure at Skagit Valley Hospital. Dr. Johnson is champion of a quality improvement project.

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Anesthesiologists join oR team at Skagit Valley Hospital

A group of 30 physicians who make up Bellingham Anesthesia Associates now provide services to Skagit Valley Hospital with a focus on quality care and collaboration.

“We are a cohesive, quality-oriented group of physicians who can function well as a team,” said Shaun Sullivan, MD, medical director for the group. “One of the great joys in coming to Skagit Valley Hospital is to come as a team, in a whole new, beautiful setting and be able to work with a new group of physicians, nurses and administrators for the benefit of our patients.”

Dr. Sullivan said the physician group started in 1974 and plans to grow to 38 providers in the next two years. The group serves eight additional healthcare facilities in Skagit and Whatcom counties.

“Our main role is to create an anesthetic experience for the patient that is comfortable, safe and of the highest clinical quality,” Dr. Sullivan said.

The anesthesiologist meets with the patient prior to a surgical procedure and performs an interview, health history and examination. This provides an opportunity to discuss the options for anesthesia and the patient’s preferences.

“The patient should ask any questions

The process begins with a roll call of those in the room to identify themselves and their role in the patient’s surgery. That is followed by having the OR team respond to a series of questions regarding anesthesia, medications and equipment checks.

“This also gives me an opportunity to explain if there is something out of the ordinary and to brief the nursing staff and anesthesia about what I am going to do,” Dr. Johnson said.

Anesthesiologist Shaun Sullivan, MD, of Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, notes that use of the checklist creates a “unity of care” in the operating room among the surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurses and others. “Our roles are distinct, yet they are all focused on our care of the patient,” Dr. Sullivan said.

“It’s not one person, it’s a team,” Dr. Johnson said.

The process gives the team the chance before and after surgery to make sure the checklist items are taken care of.

“It should reassure patients that they are going to be in a safe environment,” Dr. Johnson said. “We do a quality job, in a quality environment and I can feel comfortable that the system is something that I am confident in.”

LEFT: Dr. Morrie Johnson is a general surgeon at Skagit

Valley Medical Center.

about their understanding of the procedure that are a concern to them to help relieve anxiety,” he said. “We want the patient to know as much as they would like to know and to understand that we will be there every second.”

Upon arrival in the OR, the anesthesiologist remains

with the patient for the entire time and visits in the recovery room to

make sure the patient is appropriately emerging from

anesthesia.

This focus on an individual patient is part of the reason Dr. Sullivan went into the field of anesthesiology.

“I love taking care of one patient at a time,” he said. “I can be totally focused in an acute setting. It’s a very important experience for the patient and I am focused completely on their care.”

Dr. Sullivan praises the physicians and surgical services staff at Skagit Valley Hospital for their high level of expertise and focus on quality patient care.

“They are just phenomenal,” Dr. Sullivan said.

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to advance cancer treatmentNew technology

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center will become just the third facility in the nation to acquire a highly specialized, new model of linear accelerator for radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery when it is installed and running in the summer of 2009.

The Elekta Axesse linear accelerator will enable physicians at the Regional Cancer Care Center to deliver more intense, precision radiation beams to treat cancer, particularly of the brain and selected body sites such lung, liver, pancreas and near the spine, via procedures known as stereotactic radiosurgery.

“We wanted a machine that would position us to give the most modern treatment available today and position us for the next 10 years,” said David Kantorowitz, MD, PhD, medical director of radiation oncology at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

The new capabilities will eliminate another reason for cancer patients to make the difficult trip to Seattle for care that they can receive at the comprehensive center at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.

“Many of our patients dislike driving to Seattle and much prefer receiving all of their treatment locally at our facility,” Dr. Kantorowitz said.

Dr. Kantorowitz will be one member of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who will provide this state-of-the-art care. The team will include a

neurosurgeon, diagnostic neuroradiology specialist Laurence Cambron, MD, medical physicist Miron Zaini, PhD, dosimetrist Branden Raftery and dedicated nurses and therapists.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is the next step in a progression of developments in radiation therapy over the past 20 years. Efforts started with two-dimensional planning, then moved to three-dimensional, followed by Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and now the newest generation of stereotactic radiosurgery and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). With each of these improvements in planning, there was increased ability to focus radiation around tumors and limit irradiation to normal structures.

Dr. Zaini, medical physicist at the Regional Cancer Care Center, is thrilled about the VMAT capability

of the new Elekta equipment, technology that is in use in just a

handful of locations worldwide.

“The whole idea of radiosurgery is not new, but VMAT is new,” Dr. Zaini said. “It is very exciting. VMAT promises to

deliver the same treatment in one-fifth of the time. A 45-minute

treatment will last just 10 minutes.”

The latest technology treats within one millimeter accuracy and takes respiration into account. A treatment course is typically three to five treatments of a higher daily radiation dose than the traditional course of radiation therapy.

Treatment is aided by the Axesse six-D hexapod treatment table that can be maneuvered in many angles and positions,

allowing treatment beams to enter the body from nearly any angle in space.

The system also has its own on-board treatment planning computer and can be used in combination with the current IMRT system.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is well established in treatment of cancer including primary malignant brain tumors, brain metastases and spine tumors. Emerging applications include a wide range of cancers including bone, head and neck, liver, lung, pancreatic and prostate cancers. In addition, stereotactic radiosurgery is beneficial in treating a variety of non-cancerous conditions including benign tumors, functional disorders, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

“Stereotactic radiosurgery may reverse the usual paradigm in cancer care in the metastatic setting,” Dr. Kantorowitz said. In the past, chemotherapy was used to reduce the body’s overall burden of tumor cells and radiation therapy was used to destroy painful or incapacitating local tumors causing local problems. The emerging paradigm may employ highly focused radiation beams to reduce the body’s tumor burden and newer, biological, targeted systemic treatments attack the body’s overall tumor cell population.

“In cancer medicine, we are truly living in interesting times,” Dr. Kantorowitz said.

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Work is under way on an expansion of Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Center to open later this year.

Since the 20,000-square foot facility opened in December 2006 patient volume has grown steadily, requiring additional facilities for chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

A 4,000-square-foot remodel at the south end of the center, which occupies the entire first floor of a medical office building immediately across the street from Skagit Valley Hospital, will allow the addition of seven more infusion chairs for chemotherapy, to bring the total to 22.

The project also includes the addition of a third vault for radiation therapy, which will feature new technology.

Completion is due in 2009 and an open house will be held including a celebration of the $4 million contribution to the facility by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Capital Campaign.

Expansion and remodel under way at Regional Cancer Care Center

Cancer center earns national accreditation with commendation

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted three-year approval with commendation to the cancer program at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

The Regional Cancer Care Center received the approval following an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor of the full scope of the comprehensive cancer program, with a focus on clinical services, leadership, data management, research, community outreach and quality improvement.

There are currently 1,400 Commission on Cancer approved programs in the United States and Pureto Rico, and just 14 percent receive the highest level of approval with commendation.

Receiving care at a Commission on Cancer approved program ensures that a patient will have access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment

• A multi-specialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options

• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options

• Access to cancer-related information, education and support

•A cancer registry that collects data on the type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow up

• ongoing monitoring and improvement of care

• Quality care, close to home

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer since 1975.

The Regional Cancer Care Center, located on Skagit Valley Hospital’s Mount Vernon campus, provides comprehensive services including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and complementary therapies including acupuncture and massage. The Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center at Arlington is located within Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington, serving patients of the north Snohomish County area.


By Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

If there is one cancer that most women worry about most, it’s breast cancer. Breast cancer is second to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in American women. But can breast cancer be prevented?

The idea behind preventing cancer is to do things that will lower your chance of getting cancer in the first place.

Risk factors that increase your chance of developing cancer can often be avoided. For example, smoking is a risk factor for all kinds of cancer. By not smoking, you are eliminating that risk factor. However, some people are born with genes that are risk factors for some types of cancer, which you can’t remove from your body, but with genetic testing (valuable for women with a family history of breast cancer) knowing you have a specific gene may help motivate you to make healthier living choices that may help you avoid cancer in the future.

There are protective factors that can lower your risk for cancer as well. Having a healthy body will ensure that you also have healthy breasts. Things you can do to ensure your overall good health and well being include getting regular exercise, controlling your weight, eating a healthful diet and trying to reduce stress in your life. These things will help you avoid cancer, including breast cancer.

Different ways to prevent cancer are being studied and include lifestyle changes, eating habits, avoiding things known to cause cancer and taking

medicines to treat precancerous conditions. Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may lower your risk, but it does not mean that you will not get cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except skin cancer. The number of new cases has increased every year over the last 30 years. However, deaths from breast cancer have decreased every year for the past several years, thanks most likely to early detection technology and improved treatments.

Do your part to avoid cancer by eating well and getting rest and regular exercise. Remember to get those annual mammograms. In case cancer does show up, you’ll have a better chance of beating it if it is found early.

Skagit Valley Hospital is a network member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, a partnership of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s.

Skagit Valley Hospital is joining in a Mount Vernon Community Marketing Campaign beginning in January in an effort to communicate the city’s many positive attributes as a place to do business, work, live, visit, learn, and play.

The campaign is focused on how people can “get a great life” in Mount Vernon.

This initial three-year marketing campaign is supported by a unique community partnership that includes the hospital, Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon School District, and City of Mount Vernon, with the support of the Skagit Public Utility District.

The Community Marketing Plan addresses a number of key questions:

• How can Mount Vernon attract a dynamic work force to include doctors, teachers, high tech, new businesses and residents?

• How can marketing help Mount Vernon and its businesses compete in today’s economic climate?

• How can a marketing campaign leverage resources, help guide desired community growth and create a strong, positive image of Mount Vernon in the community and the region.

The campaign’s launch will include local and regional advertising, a new web site with links to community organizations and activities, quarterly community newsletter and television program, and other tactics.

“This type of campaign has been very successful in communities around the country,” commented Mount Vernon Leadership Team Chair Gregg Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, Skagit Valley Hospital. “It’s all about telling the story of our unique quality of life - you can actually “get a great life in Mount Vernon.”

Mount VernonLaunches CommunityMarketing Campaign

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“Listen” to your body, every dayJudah Detzer has learned the value of

paying attention to the signs your body gives you.

At age 31, Detzer was living a full life in Seattle, enjoying friends and playing guitar. He noticed he was lacking energy and masses on both sides of his neck were getting uncomfortable when he wore his guitar strap. He headed home to Fir Island to see his mother, Patty, and went to the doctor.

The resulting cancer diagnosis launched a year of chemotherapy, surgery, uncertainty and survival.

“In that moment, when they are telling me I have cancer, it was surreal,” he said. “It was like a TV movie: ‘I’m sorry Mr. Detzer, but you have cancer.’ ”

Detzer did not just have cancer, he was diagnosed as Stage 4 germ cell cancer, a relative of testicular cancer, which is an aggressive disease most often found among young adults. He was immediately referred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for tests and then his first five-day session of chemotherapy.

“I’m in Seattle and I’m telling them, I think there is a new cancer center in Mount Vernon,” Detzer said, noting he asked for his care to be transferred to the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

“Coming here totally changed the course of my treatment and the course of my life, really,” he said.

Huge tumors were found in his neck, trunk and abdomen, causing his sister to say the young man resembled a bullfrog.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center Oncologist George Gjerset, MD encouraged Detzer to get a second opinion, and suggested he get that opinion from the nation’s preminent specialist in testicular cancer Dr. Lawrence Einhorn at Indianapolis University.

Social worker Marcia Fort worked with the Lance Armstrong Foundation to fund an immediate trip to Indianapolis where Dr. Einhorn confirmed the diagnosis and recommended major surgery.

Two surgeries and more chemotherapy later, Detzer whose jet-black hair and eyebrows had fallen out, was beginning to be on the mend. “The not having to shave was actually pretty awesome,” he said.

In March, Detzer received word that he was in complete remission which he describes as “totally exhilarating.” He started volunteering in Skagit Valley Hospital’s Emergency Department and recently took a job in the hospital’s Patient Access Department. He does yoga, is back to playing his guitar and helps his mosaic artist mom with programs for children.

Most importantly, Detzer says he has become attuned to his body.

“My goal right now is to live a stable life where I can count on my body every day. I need to slow down and listen to my body every day. There were a lot of clues that I flat out ignored,” he said.

His experience at Skagit Valley Hospital’s Regional Cancer Care Center has been a positive one. It’s a place where “it’s like a family,” he said.

“I have complete confidence in every medical provider,” he said. “Everybody has been willing to go the extra mile. I just feel totally lucky.”

And he has advice for others.

“Be active in your own healing process. It makes it less frightening when you know what’s going on,” he said. “The C word holds so may negative connotations and fear. It’s terrible and you feel like you can’t do anything. But don’t be afraid to stop your doctor and say ‘what does this mean? What are the alternatives?’ And be in touch with your body and pay attention to the signs.”

ABOVE: Cancer survivor Judah Detzer recently started a new job at Skagit Valley Hospital.


Get checked out:New screening reviews risk for cardiovascular disease

The Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute has developed a new screening program for adults who would like to learn more about their heart and vascular health.

The institute is a partnership of Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center Cardiology (formerly known as Pacific Northwest Cardiology) and Skagit Radiology.

The screenings to detect peripheral arterial disease, elevated cholesterol and other issues begin in January for adults over age 18.

The screening program helps detect the

risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke and includes the following tests:

•Ankle brachial pressure index (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior)

•Blood pressure•Fulllipidprofileforcholesterolplus

glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior.)Thisisafingersticktest.

•Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat

•Results reviewed by a health care provider

Why Get Screened? HERE ARE FACTS:

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) caused by plaque buildup in the limbs affects about eight million Americans. The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABI) is a measure of the reduction in arterial blood pressure of the legs and is used to detect evidence of blockages from plaque buildup (PAD.) Abnormal ABI’s are associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

more than 100 million Americans

have high blood cholesterol levels, also associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

High blood pressure affects one in three

adultAmericans. Untreated high blood pressure may result in a stroke.

Elevated levels of body fat may lead to

problems such as hypertension, elevated blood lipids (fats and cholesterol), diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular, all related to obesity.

Call 360-814-2424 to schedule an

appointment for this screening program that takes less than 30 minutes.

The cost is only $25.

Your heart is number one at Skagit Valley Hospital

The new Heart 1 program at Skagit Valley Hospital means you and your heart are our number one interest.

Heart 1 provides entry into a comprehensive heart care program involving outstanding board certified interventional and medical cardiologists who will partner with you to provide advanced diagnostics and care for your heart.

Heart 1 is Skagit Valley Hospital’s protocol for evaluating and treating outpatient emergent cardiac referrals quickly, safely and compassionately for patients who come through the Emergency Department. The program is aimed at those patients who are stable for discharge, but the Emergency Department physician decides additional outpatient cardiovascular evaluation of symptoms is required. Heart 1 patients have next day access to the Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute and the physicians of Skagit Valley Medical Center Cardiology.

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Women’s Health Luncheon in February Features a Northwest Favorite

John Curley, host of Seattle King 5 TV’s “Evening Magazine,” the highest-rated regionally-produced TV show in the country, will be the featured speaker at Skagit Valley Hospital’s Women’s Health Luncheon on February 12, 2009.

The event in celebration of Heart Month is sponsored by the Skagit Regional Health & Vascular Institute and will feature booths and information about heart disease prevention and care in honor of February as Heart Month.

“Evening Magazine” has been honored with numerous regional Emmy Awards and remains a favorite highlighting the people, places and events that make the Northwest so special.

What makes Curley a popular speaker is his ability to tell outrageously funny stories about himself and his implausible

career moves. His gift of gab took him from selling bedpans and other glamorous medical devices to the wonderful world of television.

“The mere fact I have a job in TV should be proof enough for anyone that there is indeed a god.

I was never what you would call a scholar and would probably have

done better in school if the kid next to me had applied himself

a little more,” Curley is quoted as saying.

With no formal training, Curley was hired as a weatherman in Grand Junction, CO. After just six months, he was able to find Colorado on the map without looking. This skill was enough to get him hired in Champaign, IL, at WCIA

Miron Zaini, PhD, DABR, physicist at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, was recently voted president-elect of the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Dr. Zaini will be responsible for setting up professional and scientific meetings for the organization’s more than 400 members in five Northwest states including Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Alaska, and 6,000 members nationwide.

“I am going to work to promote more collaboration between clinical scientists in this area and make this area more prominent as a scientific forefront in the country,” said Dr. Zaini.

Dr. Zaini joined the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center in 2006, before the facility opened. He is responsible for conducting the therapeutic radiological physics procedures on the linear accelerators at the center, calibrating

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TV. Curley spent only 88 days there and never learned to spell Illinois. He picked up an Emmy for weather in 1993 and for interviewing and hosting in 1994. Curley joined “Evening Magazine” at Seattle’s King 5 TV in 1995.

Curley is the featured presenter at the Women’s Health Luncheon planned for Thursday, February 12 at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon starting at 11:30 a.m. The title of the presentation is “Change Your Luck in 7/10ths of a Second: The Essential Lessons of Connection, Recognition and Optimism.” See page 30 for more details about the event and information on registration.

This event is co-sponsored by Mountain Glen Retirement Center, Mira Vista Care Center, Life Care Center of Skagit Valley, OptionCare and Ashley Gardens of Mount Vernon. Men are welcome!

and monitoring the machines that disperse radiation with pinpoint accuracy to treat cancer, supervising patient treatment plans and monitoring the radiation safety of the patients and staff. Dr. Zaini is part of Northwest Medical Physics Center (NMPC), the largest physics consulting firm in the nation, providing service to more than 20 clinical sites in the region including Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

Dr. Zaini is also the co-director of the residency program at NMPC training residents to become medical physicists and notes that the NMPC is the only non-academic group in Washington applying for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs.

Dr. Zaini is carrying out research studies on the new treatment modality of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) to be offered at Skagit Valley Hospital in 2009. The research involves computing the point spread function

of this new treatment modality. This system response relates the degree of dose modulation with the treatment parameters including the radiation delivery

time. This system modeling starts with determining the radiation arc parameters that can deliver a

sharp dose profile, such as for a tumor next to a critical organ. Using inverse Radon and Fourier Transforms, the spatial

impulse response of the VMAT system is derived.

Physicist elected to Northwest leadership role


Elliott Johnson enjoys an active life and looks forward to a return to the gym, jogging and hitting the road in his motorhome after having his left hip resurfaced at Skagit Valley Hospital.

The Mount Vernon attorney has suffered from hip problems and increasing pain from arthritis in his hip for many years, and two years ago it was clear that his hip was wearing out.

At 59 years old, he searched for a solution that would help him keep an active lifestyle for many years to come and orthopedic surgeon Curtis Rodin, MD of Skagit Island Orthopedic Surgeons had just the solution.

Dr. Rodin received training in 2006 in the Birmingham hip resurfacing

technique, taught in Birmingham, England and followed up with additional experience in Calgary, Alberta, performing his first procedures in Skagit Valley in May 2007.

Resurfacing is a technique that spares the hip bone and is a good alternative for younger, active patients. The orthopedic surgeon shapes the arthritic or damaged joint and resurfaces the ball and socket with cobalt chrome alloy of stainless steel, creating a smooth, low-friction surface for the joint.

Having a resurfacing procedure also reserves the future option of a total hip replacement, which traditionally involves removal of the bone at the neck of the ball, with the implant inserted into the femur.

“Candidates for hip resurfacing tend to be highly motivated, younger people who have already done a fair amount of

research on their own and they have a pretty good idea of what they want to do,” Dr. Rodin said. “A replacement will last 20 years,

which isn’t very long to a patient with arthritis in their 40s or 50s, or even some in their 60s.”

The surgery is more involved than the traditional hip replacement and patients spend two to

three days in the hospital following surgery. Patients are

quickly gotten up and moving and pain of the previously arthritic or damaged hip subsides.

Hip resurfacing provides return to

BELOW: Elliott Johnson of Mount Vernon enjoys play time with his border collie Danny Boy.

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Web Teaser

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Internet

http://www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

The New Years Diet

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In fact, Johnson researched his options and was delighted to find that Dr. Rodin is among the few in the region to perform the resurfacing procedure.

“If I am going to be active, it’s just really clear that this is what I wanted to do and I’m thrilled I could have the surgery here,” Johnson said. “I want to stay active.”

Johnson had surgery on September 29, 2008 and nine days later was walking without a cane. One month after surgery, Johnson said he experienced a little discomfort as he continued to heal, but the true pain of his hip and back are gone and he was back to work half time. At six weeks, he was “virtually pain free and am back in the gym to start the process of getting some strength back into some muscles in my legs and hips.” His goal is to attend his favorite “body pump” class by March.

provides an overview of how to get your body, mind, home and family ready for the surgery.

“I am really impressed with that class,” Johnson said. “You go in knowing what to expect. It’s been a first-class experience.”

“Doing things with my family is probably the most important, period,” Johnson said.

The following orthopedic sur-geons currently practice at Skagit valley Hospital:

•Jeff Cartwright, mD•Richard Gordon, mD•Daniel Hanesworth, mD•leonard Kolodychuk, mD•Kaarsten lang, mD•Patrick lyons, mD•Kenneth oates, mD•Curt Rodin, mD•Jonathan Shafer, mD•Stacia Smith, mD•Richard Williamson, mD

Total Joint replacement Class

This two-hour class helps to prepare patients for their upcoming joint replacement surgery. We have incorporated classroom instruction, procedure specific therapy instruction and have allotted time to complete pre-registration paperwork. You will learn what to expect before, during and after joint replacement surgery. Our experienced nurses and therapists will address your concerns and will be available to answer your questions.

The class meets every Wednesday from 1 – 3 p.m. at Skagit Valley Hospital in San Juan B. For more information, directions and to register for this class, please call 360-428-2424. There is no charge for this program.

“It takes time to get your energy back,” Johnson said. “I could not be happier with the results of my surgery and the decision to pursue the Birmingham resurfacing rather than conventional hip replacement.”

Johnson has no plans for retirement as he enjoys his work in elder law, preparing wills, long-term care planning and health care directives. It’s a job he can take on the road with him as well, writing and preparing documents by computer in the motorhome.

“I love what I do. I’m helping people,” he said. “I have no interest in retiring.”

In preparation for the surgery, Johnson took Skagit Valley Hospital’s Total Joint Replacement Class, which

Nutritionist Lou Kupka-Schutt, RD, PhD offers tips for the new year

With the beginning of the New Year, the latest diet is always a popular topic. Why not say no to diets this year? Instead focus on REAL foods that taste good. Believe it or not, good tasting food can also be good for us. And, you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to prepare foods. The key is to start slowly adding new foods to your diet so that the process is a doable one. As we get healthy habits in place, we start to feel better and are motivated to continue to make ongoing positive changes…

Read Lou’s complete column at:www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

DOC TALK: Hear Orthopedic surgeon Curtis Rodin, MD discuss hip resurfacing and joint replacements. See page 30 for details.


Skagit Valley Hospital patients will benefit from a higher level of stroke care courtesy of a new partnership with Swedish Neuroscience Institute.

Although this partnership with Skagit Valley Hospital is among the first of its kind for Swedish Neuroscience Institute’s TeleStroke Program, the concept of a certified and comprehensive stroke center providing extra support to remotely located community hospitals is not new. The reason: Swedish Neuroscience Institute’s TeleStroke Program, which started providing enhanced stroke-care services to Swedish’s four Seattle-area ERs in October 2007, was modeled after the country’s first and leading program at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Since the Swedish TeleStroke Program is part of an integrated effort to improve stroke diagnosis and treatment throughout Washington, Swedish Neuroscience Institute’s TeleStroke Program will likely expand this hub-and-spoke model later this month by starting to provide these same services to a community hospital on the Olympic Peninsula.

Stroke is the third largest cause of death and leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. According to the American Stroke Association, about

700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 45 seconds and about every three minutes, someone dies of stroke.

Time is the key in diagnosing and treating

strokes. Patients should be seen by a physician in the emergency room within three hours of the onset of symptoms to best reduce facing long-term effects of a stroke.

Joining the TeleStroke Program with Swedish will bring the expertise of stroke specialists capable of evaluating and diagnosing stroke patients real time, in concert with Skagit Valley Hospital’s staff, right to the Emergency Department on the Mount Vernon campus.

TeleStroke brings advanced stroke care to Skagit Valley Hospital

“We’ll have the equipment and we have the team, now we’ll have the expertise of the physicians and staff at Swedish to help serve our patients,” said Donna McCabe, Director of the Emergency Department. “I really think it’s going to be a great service to the patient and the family of someone who has suffered a stroke.”

Skagit Valley Hospital sees 40 to 50 stroke patients per year. With the new TeleStroke Program, the Emergency Department physicians will perform an initial assessment and get a CT scan of the patient to send electronically to the Swedish team, which is on call 24/7.

BELOW: Donald Slack, MD and Brianna Knettle, RN demonstrate the use of the telestroke computer link.


WInTEr2009 15

“We are really excited about the opportunity to begin helping the ER physicians at Skagit Valley Hospital provide an enhanced level of stroke care services to residents of the greater Mount Vernon area,” said Swedish Neuroscience Institute Stroke Program Director William Likosky, MD “Over time, this partnership will include the option for Skagit Valley Hospital ER physicians to participate in learning opportunities broadcast over the Partners TeleStroke network and in multi-site clinical research projects.”

The TeleStroke equipment hooks up to a computerized audio and video feed between the Swedish physician and Skagit Valley Hospital’s Emergency Department providing a link to real-time images and conversation between the two points. The Skagit Valley Hospital Guild has generously agreed to purchase the equipment, estimated to cost $20,000.

“We can interact with the neurologist and consult with the specialists,” McCabe said of the virtual examination. “It’s exciting. Very high tech.”

After looking at the diagnostic results, the Swedish physicians will then perform a complete “virtual” bedside neurologic examination and determine if the patient qualifies for therapies to stop the stroke, and perhaps reverse the effects of the “brain attack.”

“We can give treatment here and admit them to our intensive care,” McCabe said. “Most of the time, we will be able to care for these patients here, so it’s really a big step up for us.”

The new connection with Swedish provides a referral hub for the region at

Skagit Valley Hospital, similar to how it’s working with heart attack patients who are sent to Skagit, which has the region’s only cardiac catheterization lab.

The use of telemedicine, such as TeleStroke, allows access to services in areas where specialists are not readily available. It promotes standardization, enhancement and expansion of the level of healthcare outside of urban areas, McCabe said.

A major push is under way across the country to educate people about the warning signs, symptoms and impact of strokes.

“People need to recognize the symptoms, call 911 and get to a hospital,” McCabe said.

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Act F.A.S.T!

Know the signs of a stroke

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don’t delay. Immediately call 9-1-1 so an ambulance can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared. It’s very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke within three hours of stroke symptom onset.

The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:


Skagit Valley Hospital applauded for providing “Best Hands on Care”Skagit Valley Hospital was one of eight

hospitals recognized for outstanding hand hygiene practices during the 76th Annual Meeting of the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) last fall where Chief Executive Officer Gregg Davidson picked up the award on behalf of the staff.

“A heartfelt thank you goes to the entire staff for their commitment to providing quality, safe care to our patients. This award is a tribute to our team,” Davidson said.

Skagit Valley Hospital earned the 2008 “Best Hands on Care” Award for its efforts to decrease the spread of infection through proper hand hygiene. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand washing is critical to the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. The simple act of proper hand washing or hand sanitizing can reduce the spread of infection by 25 percent.

BELOW: The Skagit Valley Hospital MRI team includes, from left, Feiyu Xue, MD; Gene Murray RT, MRI Lead; Laurence Cambron, MD; James Mounts, RT; Bob Baugh, RT and Lori Beuse.

MRI team earns national accreditationThe Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(MRI) team at Skagit Valley Hospital has earned accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Magnetic Resonance Laboratories (ICAMRL).

Operating under the joint venture name of Advanced Imaging Northwest/Cascade Imaging Associates, the team earned accreditation in the areas of body imaging, musculoskeletal imaging and neurological imaging.

“We are committed to moving toward the next level in becoming the best in the Northwest,” said John Simon, MBA, RT, RCC, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Skagit Valley Hospital.

MRI is a diagnostic exam for imaging many types of soft tissue including the brain, heart, abdomen and vascular system. MRI uses magnetic fields, radio waves and complex computer processing to provide some of the most detailed views of the human body available today, aiding in the detection of cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, infections and sports injuries.

Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary, indicating Skagit Valley Hospital’s commitment to quality MRI and a willingness to meet nationally recognized standards for providers of MRI procedures.

The accreditation process features a review of every aspect of the MRI facility’s daily operations, technical components and the quality of healthcare provided to patients.

Skagit Valley Hospital has two MRI machines, one located within the diagnostic imaging department and a second mobile unit.

The hand hygiene campaign is just one component of a collaborative effort among Washington hospitals to reduce preventable hospital acquired infections.

“Hand washing is the first step to providing the best care possible and ensuring patients do not get infections,” Carol Wagner, Vice President of WSHA’s Patient Safety Program, said. “We’re proud of the dedication our hospitals have to keeping their patients safe.”


WInTEr2009 17

Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Valley Medical Center hosted the community’s first medical resident last fall from the University of Washington School of Medicine, a partnership that offers benefits for students and doctors alike.

Dr. Crystal Wong, a second-year resident in the UW program, completed a family medicine rotation of her residency in October. She worked with the family medicine group at Skagit Valley Medical Center, including physicians Melissa Ashby, MD, Barbara Hahn, MD and Carl Berliner. MD. Dr. Wong will return in May to complete a surgical rotation with general surgeon Bruce Skinner, MD.

Residents in the UW program are required to complete a “community practice” month during their rotations. Dr. Wong said students often go to rural areas such as Montana or Alaska. But she was assigned to the new placement at Skagit Valley Medical Center for her rotation.

“The premise for this rotation is to give the resident a taste of what a community clinic is like,” she said. “This rotation’s goal is to have the resident actively involved in a community medical practice and allow us to see our own panel of patients.”

Dr. Wong worked with the family medicine doctors at the clinic seeing

patients, observing procedures and learning about other daily workings of the department. She said the placement, while less rural and ethnically diverse than other “community practice” placements in the UW program, did offer her a range of patients and opportunities to observe medical care and treatments in a smaller community. She said it also exposed her to the complexities of communities that doctors serve.

“It is vital to the practice of family medicine to understand the community you are serving,” she said. “The cultural background of patients, the attitude toward health, the specific medical needs of your community, the economic and social struggles of your patients.”

Dr. Ashby graduated from UW for her undergraduate and MD degrees and, like Dr. Wong, completed her residency at a UW affiliate. She is excited to implement a residency program at Skagit Valley Medical Center.

“Ever since I was a resident I wanted to be part of a teaching program,” she said. “It helps us learn.”

Dr. Ashby said the first test of the residency program proved that it will be beneficial for the hospital and medical center, and the larger community.

But hosting a residency program also offers an opportunity to increase physician recruitment, Dr. Ashby said. She said the medical center and hospital hopes to eventually host up to three or four residents a year. That could easily lead to those doctors coming back to the area after completing their residency.

The recruitment possibilities were also a motivator for Skagit Valley Hospital to join in partnership with the medical center in the residency program. Spencer Vaden, director of physician recruitment for the hospital, said prospective doctors looking to come to Skagit Valley Hospital like to see a strong partnership and affiliation with an academic institution like University of Washington. He said it’s also beneficial for current doctors and new residents to have the interaction and mutual learning opportunities.

“It gives a sense of pride to the medical staff and supervising physician,” Vaden said. “They feel like they’re doing their part in educating future physicians. At the same time, it also makes our current medical staff more aware of current trends.”

WInTEr2009 17

Skagit Valley Hospital partners in hosting medical students in new residency program

ABOVE: Second year resident Dr. Crystal Wong and Melissa Ashby, MD visit with two children during a wellness check.


Dermatologist brings advanced skills in skin cancer removal

When Dr. Thomas Langei takes his family to the beach or is spending time outdoors on a sunny afternoon, people can usually accurately guess he’s a dermatologist.

“My kids are running around with full-length swimsuits and sunscreen caked on until it is white on their skin,” he said with a chuckle.

But Dr. Langei does his best to practice what he preaches when it comes to skin care and skin cancer prevention. And with cases of skin cancer on the rise, Dr. Langei said prevention is just as important as treatment.

Dr. Langei joined Skagit Valley Medical Center from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine where he was an instructor of clinical medicine. He grew

up in Bellingham before completing his undergraduate studies at Western Washington University and medical school at University of Washington. He served his internship in internal medicine

and his residency in dermatology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Dr. Langei also completed a MOHS Fellowship at Southern Illinois University. MOHS

Micrographic Surgery is an advanced procedure used for skin cancer removal. While the treatment was originally developed in the

1930s by general surgeon Dr. Fredrick Mohs, the technique

has advanced and become a highly successful way to remove skin cancer.

The procedure can be done at Dr. Langei’s office at Skagit Valley Medical Center with local anesthesia. The skin area is numbed and the cancer is removed in

thin layers. The lab in the doctor’s office observes each layer to determine when all the cancer cells have been removed.

“It has become the most highly advanced form of skin cancer removal and it’s highly successful,” Dr. Langei said.

Dermatology addresses most issues of the skin such as acne, excema and psoriasis. But Dr. Langei said dermatologists are also concerned with abnormalities of the hair and nails and can treat cosmetic issues. Langei said skin cancer now composes the bulk of the cases he sees. Increases in awareness have brought increasing cases. But treatments – like MOHS – have also increased dramatically, keeping Dr. Langei excited and engaged in his specialty.

“It’s a very fun and exciting field,” he said.

Radiologist serves as ‘back-room expert’ for patientsDr. Jesse Kincaid started work with

Skagit Radiology last summer, although he will be spending most of his time out of state.

Dr. Kincaid will be working most of the year in Soldotna, Alaska, where Skagit Radiology contracts with Central Peninsula General Hospital, a community hospital on the Kenai Peninsula.

Dr. Kincaid grew up in Everett as the oldest of eight children. He completed his undergraduate and medical education at University of Washington. After a diagnostic radiology residency

in Michigan and a fellowship in neuroradiology at the University of Michigan, Dr. Kincaid and his family

arrived in Alaska over the summer.

Dr. Kincaid said he became interested in radiology during some introspection in medical school.

“I recognized that being a ‘back-room expert’ was where

I could be the happiest,” Dr. Kincaid said. “I enjoy working with my fellow doctors to help answer important questions about

their patients.”

Dr. Kincaid said he also enjoys being able to provide minimally invasive procedures to patients that can often save them a trip to the operating room.

Dr. Kincaid and his wife, Julie, live with their five children in Soldotna, only a mile from the hospital where he works. In his spare time, Dr. Kincaid is active in his church and enjoys basketball, running and juggling.

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WInTEr2009 19

New physician enjoys team effort in the emergency department

One of Skagit Valley Hospital’s newest emergency department physicians, Chris Roberts, MD, has always enjoyed Western Washington.

Roberts considered serving his post-medical school residency in Seattle, came to the state after graduation to climb Mount Rainier and then biked back east, and he and his family have come to the area for vacation.

“It was always kind of in the back of my mind (to move here) and we liked this part of the country,” he said in a recent interview.

With retirement on the horizon within the next 10 years, Dr. Roberts and his wife decided to make the move to Western Washington and he started work as an emergency physician with Skagit Valley Hospital in July.

For the past 15 years, Dr. Roberts had been Director of Emergency Services at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford, Delaware. He said he didn’t expect to move to Western Washington and find another director or leadership role, and frankly, didn’t mind the thought of taking a break from those responsibilities. He found openings at three hospitals in the area and ultimately chose to come to Skagit Valley Hospital because of the doctors and staff he met.

“Everything up there is team,” he said. “I was very impressed with the group of docs. It’s a good group, a positive group, with quality doctors.”

Dr. Roberts grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and received his Medical Degree from Yale Medical School in 1982. He completed his residency at

Rhode Island Hospital and worked in emergency medicine at hospitals in Ohio, Connecticut and Vermont before taking his position in Delaware. He also served with the U.S. Public Health Service in Northern Vermont. Dr. Roberts said he enjoys emergency medicine because of the variety and challenge of patients and conditions.

“It’s different every day,” he said. “Like landing an airplane; it’s never the same twice.”

Dr. Roberts also received his Juris Doctor degree in 2006 from Concord Law School, and is a member of the California Bar Association. Dr. Roberts said he was always interested in the law and had thought about a law degree for many years. His interest continued when he began practicing medicine because he found that legal matters

often creep into components of medicine

“But doctors don’t always have much clue about the legal

end of things,” he said.

With his law degree, he became more involved in medical ethics, risk management and provided case reviews from both a medical and

legal perspective.

Being in Western Washington has provided Dr. Roberts and his family some of the outdoor opportunities they enjoy including hiking, kayaking and wilderness exploring.

Dr. Roberts and his wife, Catherine, a retired nurse midwife, still travel back east often to visit their four grown children, Michele, Nat, Hannah and Everett and two grandchildren.

Healthy Community Specialist Liz McNett Crowl helps you make sense of physical activity recommendations

10 minutes? 30 minutes? 60 or 90 minutes? How much physical activity is enough? What does it mean to the average American when an organization or expert issues a recommendation for physical activity? Physical inactivity is a major public health problem. There is compelling scientific evidence that suggests that lack of regular physical activity is a contributing…

Read Liz’s complete column at:www.skagitvalleyhospital.org


The former day surgery area and operating rooms at Skagit Valley Hospital are the new, expanded endoscopy department featuring enhanced amenities for patients and families.

Nephrologist joins Mount Vernon clinicDr. Onder Orgul joined the Kidney

& Hypertension Clinic in November, partnering with Dr. Ajith J. Kumar to provide nephrology services to the Mount Vernon area.

Dr. Orgul most recently was the Medical Director at the Fresenius Medical Care Dialysis Unit in Hermiston, Oregon and also worked with a physician group in Walla Walla. He knew Dr. Kumar for the past eight years and they have talked about him coming to the west of the mountians in different meetings. Finally it materialized and Dr. Orgul joined Dr. Kumar and formed the Kidney & Hypertension Clinic in partnership.

“It became a good opportunity,” Dr. Orgul said.

Dr. Orgul is originally from Turkey and attended medical school there at Hacettepe University School of Medicine. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at State University of New York in Buffalo and a Nephrology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Orgul said he became interested in Nephrology while studying Internal Medicine. Nephrology focuses on disorders of the kidney and kidney function.

While Nephrology used to be mostly concerned with dialysis to help with kidney function, Dr. Orgul said the specialty has evolved

to try to help patients live free of dialysis when possible. “Now, it’s

more prevention of kidney failure,” he said. “Our goal is to keep patients healthy, active and independent.”

Dr. Orgul said he focuses on spending time with patients

and providing them information and education about their diagnosis. Many people don’t know much about kidney disease or renal failure until they are diagnosed with a kidney condition.

“I try to explain what is the problem,” he said. “I let the patient learn and decide how they would like to proceed. I try to understand what the patients’ priorities are.”

When more involved treatment is necessary, Dr. Orgul said the Kidney & Hypertension Clinic is able to provide a range of services including at-home or in-clinic dialysis. And if a patient’s condition requires a transplant, Dr. Orgul said patients have three kidney transplant centers to choose from in Seattle. The proximity of the centers in Seattle allows Dr. Orgul or Dr. Kumar to follow a patient’s progress during transplant and then transition back into their primary nephrologist during transplant follow up.

Dr. Orgul said he also enjoys being able to provide nephrology services in Mount Vernon and noted that with an aging population, kidney disease is becoming more prevalent in communities, and it’s easier and more convenient for older patients to remain close to home for treatment.

Dr. Orgul, his wife and 11-year-old son enjoy the Western Washington area where they like to ski and hike.


WInTEr2009 21

Foundation Board of Trustees Dr. Richard AbbottSusan BrownChris CammockMolly CoddensShepard CutlerGregg DavidsonGary FiedlerJami HagmanMarcia JohnsonMegan KovanenVirginia LearnedCorey Mendoza

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation continues to sell garden pavers for the Healing Gardens of the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center. These special pavers are designed to feature personalized engraved messages and are placed among the pathways in the gardens. Purchase a paver and create a permanent tribute to a loved one or friend.

Paver Project creates permanent tributeLarge 8”x8” pavers are $350 and small

8”x4” pavers are $175. Purchases are tax-deductible and proceeds of the paver sales benefit the Regional Cancer Care Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. Pavers are available for purchase through the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Office at 214 S. 12th St. in Mount Vernon or contact Becky Wells, Development Associate at 360-814-8376 for more information.

The mission of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is to raise, manage and distribute funds to assure the continued availability of quality health care services and programs through Skagit Valley Hospital. The Foundation will foster community awareness of, and support for Skagit Valley Hospital through the involvement of the people it serves.

Our Mission Brad MethnerMyrene MollerStan OlsonChristie PetersonKyle ReepJaynie RoozenRichard RoozenDeanna ScottJudi SeegertBob TaylorMike UrbanShirley WatkinsonIris Wilson

StaffLinda FrizzellExecutive Director

Wendy RagusaDevelopment Coordinator

Becky WellsDevelopment Associate

I have enclosed a check payable to the SVHF Paver Project for the full amount of my paver.

We reserve the right not to process messages of questionable content.

No, I don’t want to buy a paver, but I would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Regional Cancer Care Center Capital Campaign. Enclosed is my check payable to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation in the amount of

$________________________

8”x4” Paver - $175 (one character per box - spaces count)Line 1

Line 2

Line 3

Line 1

Line 2

Line 3

Line 4

Line 5

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From: ___________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________________________

State: ____________________ Zip: __________________________

Phone: __________________________________________________ Please return

your check and completed form to:

Regional Cancer Care Center Paver Project c/o Skagit Valley Hospital FoundationP.O. Box 1376Mount Vernon, WA 98273

8”x8” Paver - $350 (one character per box - spaces count)

Credit Card (VISA / MC) #: _____________________________________ Exp Date: _______

Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation




“Healing Skagit” artwork bringsbeauty to hospital exterior

A piece of Skagit Valley Hospital became art this past October. Literally, a mock-up of a reinforced concrete structural component of the hospital expansion was saved from demolition and used as the “canvas” for a glass embellishment project. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Fine Art Committee issued a public call to artists in Spring 2008. As a result of the process, Conway glass artist Lin McJunkin was commissioned to fill the three-by four-foot opening with sculpted glass. Ms. McJunkin has been creating glass and

metal artwork for galleries as well as private and public commissions for more than 30 years, the last 10 years here in Skagit Valley.

The concrete window is located in the landscaping near the new emergency and hospital entrances. Lin continued the recycling trend by salvaging six six-by-six-foot sheets of plate glass from the 80-year-old Conway post office that was undergoing renovation. She cleaned, cut, stacked, fused and embossed several sections of those sheets to create

the nine glass tiles that describe an interconnected scene. Mark Stender of Westside Fabricators in Mount Vernon built the shiny stainless steel framework that supports the tiles and mirrors the inner glow of the thick glass tiles with soft intaglio lines, green both in color and environmental impact. The window is a stunning sight both day and night.

ABOVE: Conway glass artist Lin McJunkin shares her inspiration for the “Healing Skagit” artwork at Skagit Valley Hospital.

WInTEr2009 23


The Fine Art Committee wanted a simple but elegant design to embody the healing environment of the hospital and the natural beauty of the Skagit Valley. The artist selected a wedge of snow geese flying over Mount Baker and the Skagit River for those symbols. She added a grove of the stylized poplar trees that grace the hospital’s logo, and calls the result “Healing Skagit.”

To embellish the plain concrete frame, she embossed eight smaller tiles, one for each corner of the concrete faces. The upper tiles depict flying heron and the lower ones feature leaping salmon. The light dusting of metallic mica powders fused to the glass surfaces glitters against the gray background.

While installing the 125-pound glass piece in October, Lin was pleased to notice that many patients and their relatives lingered near the panel for a few moments of relief from the hospital’s intensity. She said, “I believe that the recent gift of “Healing Skagit” to the Mount Vernon community from the hospital and Foundation, will live up to its intentions, providing moments of quiet reflection and hope to its viewers.”

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and the Regional Cancer Care Center would like to thank the Skagit Valley Eagles #3242 of Burlington for a $10,000 Art Ehrmann Cancer Research Grant.

The grant is helping to assist clinicians working with cancer survivors. In the past 20 years, the five-year survival rate for the 15 most common cancers has increased

Burlington Eagles give $10,000 to Regional Cancer Care Center

to 64 percent for men and 64.3 percent for women. In 2001, it was estimated that there were more than 10.1 million cancer survivors in the United States.

Thanks to this grant, cancer patients will receive a care plan that will provide a smooth transition into the phase of survivorship that will optimize the years ahead.

Where there’s a

WInTEr2009 23

Sometimes a patient or their family wishes to make a gift to Skagit Valley Hospital as a way of saying thank you for the exemplary care they have received. Gifts are welcomed through the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation at any time, but some individuals are more interested in delaying their gift.

Gifts planned through an individual’s will are called a bequest. A bequest can

benefit the hospital and members of our community for years to come.

There are several different ways for you to make a charitable bequest through your will. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation has recently created a brochure that can guide you through that process. For a copy of this information, please contact Executive Director Linda Frizzell at 360-814-2140.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

has recently created a brochure that can

guide you through the process.

For a copy of this information, please

contact executive director Linda Frizzell at

360-814-2140.


FESTIVAL OF TREESSKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION



20th annual Festival of Trees helps Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation complete $4 million capital campaign for Regional Cancer Care Center

The Raffle Tree was sponsored by Cascade Mall, designer wreaths were sponsored by Williams & nulle, PLLC, the silent auction sponsored by Key Bank and the Lockbox Jewelry Event sponsored by Shellan Jewelers.

Virginia Learned, Foundation Board Trustee, served as chair of the Festival of Trees for the past two years, aided by a committee of dozens of volunteers.

Award winnersSeveral trees, and the volunteer

designers who created them, were honored with the following awards:

People’s Choice: “A Sneak Peek at the North Pole,” a brightly colored tree with animated Santa Claus and mail box, was selected as the People’s Choice in voting by thousands who attended Community Days on Saturday and Sunday. The tree was designed by a team from Burlington’s Charles Fine Jewelry including Robyn Bates, Linda Hanson, Julie Mains, Bridget Meidinger and Stephanie Wilhonen. The tree and decorations were sponsored by Charles Fine Jewelry and Doyle Guffie’s Rallye Auto Sales.

President’s Choice: “Modern Elegance,” a flocked evergreen with accents of bright green, silver and crystal, earned the President’s Choice Award from Skagit

The successful 20th annual Festival of Trees on Thanksgiving weekend wraps up the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s $4 million capital campaign to benefit the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

“This year’s Festival of Trees was made more beautiful because it marked the successful end of a $4 million dollar capital campaign for the Regional Cancer Care Center,” said Judi Seegert, president of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. “It was very exciting for the Board of Trustees of the Foundation to announce at the end of the Gala on Friday night that the goal had been reached, something that in this economy was certainly extraordinary.”

The Foundation launched the Regional Cancer Care Center Capital Campaign more than three years ago to purchase advanced equipment for the new Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

“This campaign was borne out of a confidence in the excellent care that the new Regional Cancer Care Center promised, as well as a confidence in the generosity of the community that it would serve,” said Linda Frizzell, executive director of the Foundation. “For 20 years it has been a privilege of the Foundation to help Skagit Valley Hospital meet the healthcare needs of our friends and family here in this region.”

The Foundation is a 20-year partner with Skagit Valley Hospital, providing much-needed support for programs and equipment purchases touching every department of the hospital from

the Skagit Valley Kidney Center and Sunrise Inn to the Family Birth Center and the Regional Cancer Care Center.

“The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation plays an essential role in the hospital’s ability to continue to meet the healthcare needs of the region,” said Gregg Davidson, chief executive officer of Skagit Valley Hospital. “We so appreciate the generosity and great works of this group of dedicated, amazing board members and volunteers who help support our vision to be the best.”

The Festival of Trees auction and presentation of elaborately decorated trees raised $290,000. The event drew a capacity crowd for Friday’s Gala Evening & Auction, a full house for Saturday’s comedy night and thousands of guests to Community Days on Saturday and Sunday.

John Curley, host of King 5’s “Evening Magazine” served as guest auctioneer in honor of the Festival’s 20th anniversary “Celebrating 20 years of granting wishes.”

The event benefits from exceptional sponsorship from the community. Blade Chevrolet and Whidbey Island Bank served as Festival Title Sponsors while Mountain Glen retirement Community was Gala Evening Sponsor.

“Laughing All the Way” Comedy Night was sponsored by Tri-Country Truss and Concrete nor’West while Kids’ Day was sponsored by Skagit State Bank and Seniors’ Day was sponsored by Life Care Center of Mount Vernon.

WInTEr2009 25

Every Wednesday night, Reed Harlow and 60 of his closest bowling friends - all members of the Cosmo League at Riverside Lanes in Mount Vernon - gather for fun, friends and philanthropy.

Two years ago, a fellow bowler was diagnosed with cancer and the Cosmo League decided to pass a “Bucks for Cancer” collection can each week. The money collected was donated to their friend in need. Last year they did not hesitate to help another member of their bowling family during his battle with cancer. So when the 2008 bowling

Bowling for Cancer Careseason rolled around, they turned their generosity to help support Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund.

The Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund was established years ago, to assist patients of the Regional Cancer Care Center with medication, gas, utility bills, rent assistance and acupuncture treatments not covered by insurance. The Foundation is very grateful to the Skagit Valley U.S. Bowling Congress and the Cosmo League for their generous efforts.

Children’s Therapy Program Benefit

Monday, February 23, 2009 Presented by Il Granaio Italian Restaurant

For tickets and more information, call Wendy ragusa at

360-814-5747.

20th annual Festival of Trees helps Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation complete $4 million capital campaign for Regional Cancer Care Center

Valley Hospital Foundation President Judi Seegert at designer appreciation night. The tree was designed by Dave Biggers and Heather Bryson. The tree and decorations were sponsored by Bellingham Anesthesia Associates.

Designers’ Choice: “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” a tree dedicated to the glamour of Marilyn Monroe, received the Designers’ Choice Award in voting by all volunteer designers in attendance at designer appreciation night. The tree was designed by Janey Dodge, Dawn Latimer, the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and Skagit Young Professionals. The tree and decorations were sponsored by the Skagit Valley Medical Center Surgeons.

Raffle Tree: Charlotte Dykstra of Burlington was the winner of the Cascade Mall tree raffle including a $500 American Express gift card.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation that acts as the official gift-receiving agency for Skagit Valley Hospital. The sole mission of the foundation and its 25-member board of trustees are to raise, manage and distribute funds to assure the continued availability of quality health care services and programs through Skagit Valley Hospital.

The 21st annual Festival of Trees will be held November 27 – 29, 2009. Opportunities are available for sponsorship along with tree and wreath designers for the 2009 event. Contact Wendy Ragusa in the Foundation Office at 360-814-5747 or [email protected].

FAr LEFT: Modern Elegance. Left: Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend. Below: The Foundation celebrates a successful Festival and $4 Million campaign.


Iverson Family Grateful for Compassionate Care from Wound Healing Center at Skagit Valley Hospital

Physicians, nurses, therapists and technicians are the life force behind any hospital. The teamwork to treat patients with dignity and compassion is essential to the patient’s experience at Skagit Valley Hospital. This was the Gail Iverson family’s experience of the treatment Gail received at Skagit Valley Hospital’s Wound Healing Center.

November 2007 began a six-month journey of healing a foot ulcer discovered by Iverson. From surgery on his foot to eliminate infection, to stress on his heart requiring cardiac care to the possibility of a foot amputation, Iverson and his family said they felt scared, frustrated and confused about how quickly this disease had gotten out of hand. When things looked hopeless for Iverson, his long-time physician suggested he visit the Wound Healing Center at Skagit Valley Hospital for a second opinion. This December 2007 visit was monumental. The suggestion for amputation was immediately dismissed and a program to heal Iverson’s foot was set in place.

“After his first visit (to the Wound Healing Center) my dad was given hope. Something he had not had,” shared his daughter Kari Iverson Lee.” Her younger sister Mimi Johnson said that Dr. Jay Cocheba, a podiatrist who also helps patients at the Wound Healing

Center, told her father they would do everything to save his foot. “The staff was nothing but positive. My dad’s attitude changed. They took their time and he saw progress. He looked forward to his weekly appointments,” Mimi said.

After several months of therapy and the use of a wound vac to relieve fluid, Iverson’s dream of wearing shoes on both feet again became his reality.

Sadly, Iverson was in a fatal auto accident shortly after that momentous day. Faced with many decisions, the family’s desire to do something special for the memory of Gail was first and foremost. Iverson’s brother, Mark, along with his nieces and nephew Matt Iverson, spearheaded a passionate memorial campaign to benefit the Wound Healing Center. Thanks to many generous memorial gifts from family, friends and business associates and proceeds from a very successful “Cajun Nights” benefit dinner and silent auction, held at Joseph Kinnebrew’s Quarry sculpture garden, more than $20,000 was raised.

The Iverson family has designated that the funds be used to purchase a TCPo2 machine. This diagnostic tool is used to measure the flow of oxygenated blood in the legs or feet and provides important information for healing ulcers and wounds

on the legs and feet. “My Dad felt so strongly about the care he received (at the Wound Healing Center),” said Mimi. “We knew that if we could buy a piece of equipment to save someone’s leg or foot, my Dad would have done the same.”

A partnership with the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and the Gail Iverson family has grown and as a result a Wound Care Healing Fund was established. Thanks to a number of year-end gifts to this fund, the TCPo2 machine will be purchased and the family affair to help raise funds for the Wound Healing Center continues.

The Iverson family’s story of compassion and quality care is one of many stories that celebrate the dedication of the Skagit Valley Hospital staff. If you have experienced exemplary care and wish to show your appreciation for staff through sharing your story or making a gift to the Foundation, please contact Executive Director Linda Frizzell at the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Office, 360-814-2140.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation has been granting wishes for more than 20 years with contributions benefiting patient care throughout our facility. The investment you make today will benefit our community for years to come.

LEFT: Mimi Johnson, Mark Iverson, Kari Iverson Lee and family have orchestrated a fund-raising effort to benefit the Wound Healing Center at Skagit Valley Hospital in memory of Gail Iverson.

WInTEr2009 27

Health Care Services Stanwood & Camano Island

Camano clinic physician enjoys seeing patients at Josephine Sunset Home

Ann Zielinski, MD, FAAFP, walks the halls of Stanwood’s Josephine Sunset Home greeting residents and giving the resident bulldog Ranha a pat on the head. Making rounds at the nursing home is a lot like making house calls, Dr. Zielinski says.

“I feel very blessed, it’s a really special place,” said Dr. Zielinski, who started seeing patients at Josephine in August. “Here, it’s like being at home and it’s a doctor making a house call.”

Dr. Zielinski, who also sees patients on Wednesdays at Skagit Valley Hospital’s Camano Community Health Clinic on Camano Island, is responsible for the unassigned patients who arrive at Josephine Sunset Home and need a primary care physician. A variety of other physicians, including Dr. James Beckner and providers from the Skagit Valley Medical Center, also care for patients at Josephine.

The 100-year-old facility has 160 skilled nursing beds and 57 suites for more independent living. The intergenerational facility also hosts 250 children Monday through Friday who are involved in a variety of programs ranging from childcare to a Montessori school.

Dr. Zielinski said she feels drawn to the older patients.

“It’s why I went back to college and medical school,” she said. “There is such a need. These people have such wonderful histories and stories to tell.”

Among the amazing stories at Josephine this year is that of the “newlyweds” – Thelma and Chauncey Christofferson who were married on August 26, 2008 at ages 85 and 96 respectively.

“They are the honeymooners,” said Dr. Zielinski, while visiting with the couple and checking up on Thelma.

The elderly are also a fragile population, she notes.

“The team here is superb. They really work

hard and care about their patients,” she said. “It’s so rewarding. Anything you do is appreciated. You respect and value the care they are giving.”

Dr. Zielinski is a graduate of Loyola University and Rush Medical College in Chicago. She completed a residency in Family Practice at La Grange Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of Rush-Presbyterian, St. Luke’s Medical Center. She is Board Certified in Family Practice.

WInTEr2009 27

ABOVE: Ranha the bulldog holds court in the main hallway at Josephine Sunset Home, greeting passerbys.

LEFT: Dr. Ann Zielinski pays a visit to newlyweds Thelma and Chauncey

Christofferson at Josephine Sunset Home in Stanwood.


Change Your Life classes in yourStanwood/Camano Island neighborhood

Skagit Valley Hospital offers the follow-ing health screenings and education programs at the Stanwood Health Clinic, 9631 269th Street NW, Stanwood or the Camano Community Health Clinic, 127 N. East Camano drive. To register, complete the registration form on the inside of the back page or call 360-629-6481 or 360-814-2424. Pre-registration is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

CAll 360-629-6481 To REGISTER


Allclassesrequirepre-registrationunlessspecified. There are 4 easy ways to register: Phone,Web,MailorFax. See the back inside cover for more information. All classes are held at Skagit Valley Hospital unless otherwise noted.

Screening to Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease, Elevated Cholesterol and More!

The Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute, a partnership of Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center and Skagit Radiology, is offering a new community screening for all adults over age 18.

Attend this screening to find out your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke

and learn how to reduce it. The screening includes the following tests:

• Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior)

• Blood pressure

•Fulllipidprofileforcholesterolplusglucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24hoursprior.)Thisisafingerstick

testwithimmediateresults.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat

• Review results with a health care provider

Call 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment in Stanwood for this screening program that takes less than 30 minutes!

The cost is only $25.

Camano Clinic remodel is completeThe remodel of the Camano

Community Health Clinic is complete. The clinic took on a space previously used as a conference room to create an additional patient exam room, physician office and improve patient flow.

Dr. Christina Morris, Board Certified in Family Practice, physician assistant Gary Draper, PA-C and Dr. Ann Zielinski, Board Certified in Family Practice,

along with two medical assistants, a receptionist and office manager provide services to residents of Camano Island and surrounding areas.

The remodel is an interim step to help meet the needs of the community. Efforts are under way by Skagit Valley Hospital and Island County to secure funding to build a new, larger clinic to serve the area.

Camano Community Health Clinic hours:Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Closed for lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Location:127 n. East Camano Drive, Suite ACamano Island 360-387-5398

WInTEr2009 29

Skin Cancer ScreeningJ. Semmes Mickelwait, MD, with

Advanced Dermatology, will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

February 25 (Wed) 1-4p.m.Stanwood Health ClinicConference Room A/BNo charge

Cholesterol, Diabetes and Blood Pressure Screenings (New Price!)

Cholesterol screenings are provided at the following locations by Skagit Valley Hospital in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories. Cholesterol tests are recommended at least once every five years beginning at age 20. Individuals with a strong family history of heart disease or risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or who smoke, may need to be tested more often.

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (blood sugar) levels and are mailed to your home in one week. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SVH only).

Blood pressure checks are provided at no cost. For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

February 5 (Thur)8-9:30a.m.Camano Community Health Clinic127N.EastCamanoDrive

February 26 (Thur)8–9:30a.m.Stanwood Health ClinicConference Room A/B

Bone Density Screening (New Price!)

Osteoporosis, or low bone density, affects 10 million Americans, mostly women, and 34 million more have low bone mass. Over 1.5 million fractures are caused each year in the U.S. as a result of osteoporosis.

Find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis by having a bone density scan. This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 (cash or check payable to SVH). No appointment is required.

February 5 (Thur)8-9:30a.m.Camano Community Health Clinic

February 26 (Thur)8–9:30a.m.

Stanwood Health ClinicConference Room A/B

Blood DriveDonating blood is a simple and

generous gift that can save a life. Did you know that one blood

donation can help up to three patients? The Puget

Sound Blood Center urges you to donate the “gift of life”

at the following blood drive: January 15 (Thur)10a.m.-12:30p.m.and1:15–4p.m.Stanwood Health ClinicPre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888

AArP Driver Safety ProgramThis two-session program for people

older than 50 is designed to enhance the driving skills of the mature adult. Insurance companies are required to give a

Camano Community Health Clinic hours:Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Closed for lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Location:127 n. East Camano Drive, Suite ACamano Island 360-387-5398

discount on auto insurance for those over age 55 who complete the course. Course fee is $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-members. Please bring check payable to AARP and your AARP card number to the first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required.

February 11 and 12 (Wed/Thur)1–5p.m.Stanwood Health ClinicConference Room A/BPay at the class

CPR and First Aid Classes are held at the

Freeborn Fire Station in Stanwood. Call 360-387-8043 for more information.

Heart Saver Adult/Child CPR Classes are held at Terry’s Corner Fire Station on Camano Island. For more information call 360-629-3008.

First Aid Classes are held at Terry’s Corner Fire Station on Camano Island. For more information call 360-629-3008.

Babysitting Classes are held at Terry’s Corner Fire Station on Camano Island. For more information call 360-629-3008.

A Cardiac Support Group is available at the Stanwood Senior Center on the first Thursday of each month from 2 - 3 p.m. Call 360-630-9234 for more information.

The Island County Health department is located at 127 N. East Camano Drive, down the hall from the Camano Community Health Clinic. They offer services ranging from TB testing, WIC/Maternity Support Services, HIV/Aids Testing, Immunizations, Healthy Baby Visits and more. For more information call 360-387-0184.

rIGHT: The complete remodel of Camano Community Health Clinic features an additional exam room and more spacious waiting area. WInTEr2009 29

Health Care Services Stanwood & Camano Island


Women’s Health Luncheon

Change Your Luck in 7/10ths of a Second: The Essential Lessons of Connection, recognition and Optimism

John Curley, the host of King 5 TV’s Evening Magazine, is the featured guest of our Women’s Health Luncheon. This event is brought to you by the Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute.

Evening Magazine, the highest rated regionally-produced TV show in the country, honored with numerous regional Emmy Awards and the Edward R. Morrow Award for excellence in journalism, is a local favorite, highlighting the people, places and events that make our region so special. In 1995 John Curley was hired for Evening Magazine. John quickly became the most recognized local TV personality and was voted by the readers of Seattle Weekly as their favorite “TV Guy.” He has earned numerous awards for his work in the community and in the field of broadcasting.

John Curley is often told how lucky he is to have the greatest job in the world. John agrees but confesses he was not always so lucky. It all changed for him one Tuesday morning on a bridge in Philadelphia when a stranger yelled one word. The word would change John’s luck and life forever. It can do the same for you in 7/10 of a second.

John will talk about...• The part of your body that can

bring you instant luck• Your army of 300… and

what they can do for you• Why 7/10ths of a second

can make all the difference in your life’s direction

This event is co-sponsored by Mountain Glen Retirement Center, Mira Vista Care Center, Life

Care Center of Skagit Valley, OptionCare and Ashley Gardens of Mount Vernon. Men are welcome too. February 12 (Thur)11:30a.m.–1:30p.m.mcIntyre Hallmount Vernon$15 (includes lunch)Pre-registration required by February 9

Doc TalkJoint replacement and resurfacing

Hip joint and knee joint replacements can provide relief from arthritis pain in those joints and allow people of all ages to return to active living. Learn more about options for joint replacements including joint resurfacing. This presentation is provided by Curtis Rodin, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon with Skagit Island Orthopedic Surgeons.

February 23 (mon)6:30–7:30p.m.Cascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entranceNo charge but pre-registration is required

Meditation for Calming and Focusing Your Mind

Have you thought about trying meditation but find it too difficult on your own? Let an experienced meditator guide you in simple techniques to become comfortable with this valuable skill. Comments

from previous class participants include: “Jan could not have been

better!! I loved the class.” “This class was exactly what I hoped

for. Jan was just wonderful in all aspects.”

Meditation is now scientifically recognized to help alleviate stress, mild depression and anxiety. De-cluttering your mind can help you become more focused and productive. Become a happier, calmer you!

Jan Hodgman, MA, has been meditating for over 30 years and has eight years of monastic practice as an ordained Zen priest. She is also a Certified Focusing Trainer, writer and musician and loves introducing people to meditation.

Feb.9and16(Mon)6–8p.m.San Juan A/B$29

Change Your Life classes in yourmount Vernon neighborhood

Don’t wait too long! Many of our classes fill quickly so early registration is recommended. You are not con-firmed in the class until we receive your payment (for classes requiring payment). don’t lose your space in class – pay early! See the inside of the back cover of this magazine for registration information. Pre-registra-tion is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

WInTEr2009 31

Achieve A Healthier State of LivingChronic Disease Self-Management Program

Take control of your health in just six weeks. In this program developed by Stanford University you will learn to:

• Control your pain• Deal with fatigue, frustration & isolation• Start an exercise program &

increase your energy level• Handle stress and relax• Eat well to live well• use medications effectively• Solve problems and

meet personal goals• Talk to your doctor about

your health• make choices about

your treatment

Join this class and learn how to design your own self-management program. This class was developed to help anyone who lives with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart, breathing or back problems. People with different ongoing health problems, or caregivers to someone with chronic conditions, attend together. Each participant or pair receives a copy of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions course workbook and a “Time for Healing” audio relaxation CD. Pre-registration is required.

February 18 - march 25 (Wed)1-3:30p.m.Shuksan Room$55 for individuals or $75 for pairs, includes course manual and CD

Women, Money and PowerNinety percent of all women will be

solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives. This seminar is tailored for women interested in playing an active role in planning for their financial future. It focuses on how a woman’s financial needs differ from a man’s and the importance of a well-constructed financial plan. Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to learn about the importance of being a financially empowered woman.

This presentation is provided by Cynthia Doussard, Financial Consultant, CLTC, Doussard Financial, Burlington, WA, securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network Member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment adviser.

march 16 (mon)6:30–8p.m.Cascade Room$10

Estate PlanningJoin local attorney Colonel Betz

for this popular presentation on estate planning, trusts, powers of attorney, wills, inheritance taxes

and probate. He will also speak on the importance of advanced directives/living wills and how to prepare

them. Sponsored by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

march 20 (Fri)Noon–2p.m.Cascade RoomNo charge but pre-registration required

Individual Weight Loss and nutrition Counseling

Lou Kupka-Schutt, PhD, RD, can provide you with the support you need in setting and meeting your nutritional and weight loss goals. Lou has more than 20 years experience in working with individuals providing the most up-to-date information about nutrition and weight control to help them make wise nutritional choices to manage their weight and improve their health.

This three-month program begins with a one-hour session, in person or by phone, to create an action plan and set goals. Three half-hour sessions will be held in the first month, then four bi-weekly sessions over the next two months, for a total of three months of support, advice and education. Follow-up sessions can be done in-person, by

phone or via email. The cost is $239. Call 360-814-8274 for more information. Call 360-814-2424 to register for the program.

Continuing Health EducationTotal Joint replacement Class

This two-hour class helps to prepare patients for their upcoming joint replacement surgery. We have incorporated classroom instruction, procedure specific therapy instruction and have allotted time to complete pre-registration paperwork. You will learn what to expect before, during and after joint replacement surgery. Our experienced nurses and therapists will address your concerns and will be available to answer your questions.

The class meets every Wednesday from 1 – 3 p.m. at Skagit Valley Hospital in San Juan B. For more information, directions and to register for this class, please call 360-814-2424. There is no charge for this program.

Heart Healthy Fitness ProgramAre you having trouble starting an

exercise program or staying motivated? Do you need direction and professional

guidance? Come join us for exercise in a safe and stress free-environment. The Heart Healthy Fitness Program focuses on individual goals and plenty of one-to-one attention. We work on strength training, balance and cardiovascular. For questions and class times, call 360-814-8368.

Cardiac rehabilitation Program

Have you had a recent heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty,

heart valve surgery or stent placement? We have a program to help you return to your active lifestyle and learn how to reduce your risk factors. A Registered Nurse and Exercise Specialist supervise the classes and provide a safe, friendly atmosphere to ask questions and learn how to pace yourself as you recover. This is a physician-referred program and Medicare and most insurances cover cardiac rehab. For more information call 360-814-8368.

Allclassesrequirepre-registrationunlessspecified. There are 4 easy ways to register: Phone,Web,MailorFax.See the back inside cover for more information. All classes are held at Skagit Valley Hospital unless otherwise noted.


Health Screenings Cholesterol, Diabetes and Blood Pressure Screenings (New Price!)

Cholesterol screenings are provided by Skagit Valley Hospital in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories. Cho-lesterol tests are recommended at least once every five years beginning at age 20. Individuals with a strong family history of heart disease or risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or who smoke, may need to be tested more often.

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (blood sugar) levels and are mailed to your home in one week. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SVH only).

Blood pressure checks are provided at no cost. For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

January 29 (Thur)7:30–9a.m.Cascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entrance$15

Bone Density Screening (New Price!)

Osteoporosis, or low bone density, affects 10 million Americans, mostly women, and 34 million more have low bone mass. Over 1.5 million fractures are caused each year in the U.S. as a result of osteoporosis.

Find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis by having a bone density scan. This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 (cash or check payable to SVH). No appointment is required.

January 29 (Thur)7:30–9a.m.Cascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entrance$10

Screening to Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease, Elevated Cholesterol and more!

The Skagit Regional Heart & vascular Institute, a partnership of Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Valley Medical Center and Skagit Radiology, is offering a new community screening for all adults over age 18.

Attend this screening to find out your

risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it. The screening includes the following tests:

• Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior)

• Blood pressure•Fulllipidprofileforcholesterolplus

glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24hoursprior.)Thisisafingersticktestwithimmediateresults.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat

• Review results with a health care provider

Why should you attend this screening? Here are the facts:

Peripheral arterial disease (PAd) caused by plaque buildup in the limbs affects about eight million Americans.

The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABI) is a measure of the reduction in arterial blood pressure of the legs and is used to detect evidence of blockages from plaque buildup (PAD.) Abnormal ABI’s are associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Over 100 million Americans have high blood cholesterol levels, also associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

High blood pressure affects one in three adult Americans. Untreated high blood pressure may result in a stroke.

elevated levels of body fat may lead to problems such as hypertension, elevated blood lipids (fats and cholesterol), diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular, all related to obesity.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 from Stanwood/Camano Island to schedule an appointment in Mount Vernon or Stanwood for this screening program that takes less than 30 minutes!

The cost is only $25


WInTEr2009 33

Stroke and Aneurysm ScreeningJanuary 26 - February 13

This ultrasound screening test will help you identify whether you are at increased risk for stroke and vascular disease and provide information so your physician may begin preventive treatment if necessary. Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates will provide Vascular Health Screenings that include evaluation of the carotid arteries to screen for disease or narrowing and of the abdominal aorta to screen for aneurysms and ankle/arm pressure index for peripheral vascular disease.

The ultrasound screening tests:• Are non-invasive, quick and painless• utilize state-of-the-art

ultrasound technology•Areperformedbyboardcertified

sonographers and reviewed by a boardcertifiedradiologist.

Individuals whose screening results suggest the need for further evaluation will be referred to follow-up care with their physician.

A physician referral is not necessary. The cost is $99 for the combined carotid, aorta screening and peripheral vascular screening, payment by cash or check only. This exam is not billable to insurance.

To register for an appointment between January 26 – February 13, call 360-428-8208, Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Screenings are held at Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates located at 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon.

Skin Cancer ScreeningLocal dermatologist J. Semmes

Mickelwait, MD, with Advanced Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

January 28 (Wed) 1-4p.m.Cascade RoomNo chargePre-registration required

Vision ScreeningA certified ophthalmic technician

from North Cascade Eye Associates will conduct vision and glaucoma screenings. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

Feb.17(Tue)1–3p.m.Cascade RoomNo charge but pre-registration required

Elder Driver ScreeningAre you worried about an elderly family

member’s ability to drive a car? Or maybe you are not sure if you should still be driving.

The Elder Driver Screening can help you, a physician or a family member decide if a person is capable of being behind the wheel.

Occupational Therapist Laurie Mathews performs the screening that identifies a variety of health, fitness and cognitive issues that may effect a person’s ability to drive. The screening looks at vision issues such as contrast, field of vision and acuity plus range of motion and strength.

The screening takes 75-90 minutes at the Rehabilitation Department at Skagit Valley. The charge is $135 and insurance does not pay for this service. The results will be reviewed with the client and a copy sent to their health care provider (if client was referred by a health care provider.) For information, call 360-814-2184.

Free Blood Pressure ScreeningsAutomated blood pressure machines

donated by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation are available at the following locations:

• Skagit Valley Hospital Diagnostic Center• Stanwood Health Clinic

Is it Time for Your Mammogram?Remember the steps to breast health!1.Doamonthlybreastself-exam.2.If you are 40 or older, have a mammogrameveryoneortwoyears.

3.Have a yearly check-up, including aclinicalbreastexam.

For a screening mammogram appointment, call 360-424-9607.

The Breast Care Center1320 East Division Streetmount Vernon360-424-9607OpenMonday–Friday,7a.m.–5:30p.m.

A service provided cooperatively by Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Radiology.

Childbirth and Infant CarePregnancy and Childbirth

This six-week course for expectant parents includes information about emotional changes during pregnancy, the labor process, breathing techniques, the role of the support person, breastfeeding and newborn care. The fee is $90 and medical coupons are accepted. Medical coupons are required two weeks before the class begins. A seven-week option includes breastfeeding and a local pediatrician to discuss your baby’s first three months for an additional $20 (not covered by medical coupons.) Classes are offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. Pre-registration required.

Childbirth Express: One-day Saturday or Two-day Weekend

One-day Saturday and two-day weekend intensive childbirth preparation classes are available. The fee is $95 and medical coupons are required two weeks before classes begin. Pre-registration required. A $5 discount is available on the Breastfeeding and Newborn Care class when registering for it at the same time as the Childbirth Express class, making it only $20.

Breastfeeding and newborn CareIn this two and one-half hour program,

one of Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center’s nurse Lactation Consultants will aid parents in gaining the knowledge necessary to make feeding decisions regarding their new baby. In addition, a local pediatrician will be available to provide information on newborn care – time for questions will be allowed. Pre-registration required. The class fee is $25. Call for class dates and times.



Family Birth Center ToursFree tours of the Skagit Valley Hospital

Family Birth Center are offered each month. Call 360-814-2424 to schedule a tour.

Child Safety Seat ChecksCertified child safety seat technicians

will assess your seat for age- and size-appropriateness, proper installation and use, recalls and visible damage.

This screening is highly recommended for parents-to-be, prior to the birth of your new baby, to learn how to safely install and use your car seat.

Jan.15;Feb.19;March19(Thurs)1-3p.m.13th Street, just south of the Skagit Valley Hospital Diagnostic Center entrance

Co-sponsored by Skagit Safe Kids. Pre-registration is not required. Call Bill Craig at 360-428-3236 for more information regarding additional dates and times.

If you are interested in learning how to install car seats and help parents install their car seats properly, call Bill Craig, Skagit County Medic One at 360-428-3236 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital

Here at the Family Birth Center, we are dedicated to you and your baby’s health. That is why we provide one of the most inclusive lactation services programs in the region. There are six Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Registered Nurses available to visit you during your hospital stay and help you experience a successful start to breastfeeding your baby.

The Lactation Services office serves also as a Holister rental station, where breast pumps and accessories are available to rent or purchase. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or know someone who is and would like to know more about Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital, please call 360-814-BABY and one of our consultants would be happy to talk with you.

Postpartum Mood Disorder Support

Postpartum Mood Disorder affects 10 to 20 percent of mothers during the baby’s first year. If left untreated, 40 percent of mothers will continue to experience significant symptoms one year later. The good news is that recovery is achieved when postpartum mood disorders are identified and treated early using a combination of support, therapy and sometimes medication.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Meredith Baker at 360-428-2282. Evening sessions are available.

Healthy Aging Eventsurine Luck - non-surgical Options for Female Incontinence

Do you feel lucky if you can find a bathroom or make it to the bathroom in time? Do you have to worry when you sneeze or cough at those unexpected moments? Bladder fitness is more than lucky. Come and learn more about incontinence, bladder health/fitness and how to improve it. This class is offered by Skagit Valley Hospital physical therapist Kerrie Steffan.

march 5 (Thur)3–4p.m.San Juan A/BNo charge but pre-registration is required

AArP Driver Safety ProgramThis two-session program for people

older than 50 is designed to enhance the driving skills of the mature adult. Insurance companies are required to give a discount on auto insurance for those over age 55 who complete the course. Course fee is $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-members. Please bring check payable to AARP and your AARP card number to first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required.

march 16 and 17 (mon/Tue)9a.m.–1p.m.Cascade RoomPay at class

Please see page 29 for information about classesinStanwood/CamanoIsland.

Elder Driver ScreeningAn Elder Driver Screening available in

Skagit Valley Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department can help you, a physician or a family member decide if a person is capable of being behind the wheel. For more information see page 33 or call 360-814-2184.

Kidney Dialysis EducationPre-dialysis Education

This Skagit Valley Kidney Center program is for people with reduced kidney function who would like to explore treatment options for renal replacement therapy. Patients, families and caregivers will receive information about treatment options, diet, health

maintenance, financial and social concerns.

These two introductory sessions help reduce many anxieties a person may have related to the “unknown”. The sessions provide an

opportunity for patients to make more informed choices. Classes are provided by physician

referral. For more information, call 360-814-8313.


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Mental HealthFamily-to-Family Education Program

Free 12-week course for families of adults with mental illness. The course focuses on helping family members understand the major mental illnesses and maintain their own well-being while providing needed support to their ill family members. This program is provided by NAMI Skagit, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Call 360-588-8229 or 360-856-9049 for more information or to register. Space is limited.

Peer-to-Peer Education ProgramFree nine-week class for adults with

mental illness or brain disorders to help them better understand their illness and maintain and improve their recovery. NAMI Skagit provides this program. Call Aimee Beckwith at 360-466-2192 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

Visions for Tomorrow Education Program

Free 10-week class for parents or primary caregivers of a child or teen with mental illness or a brain disorder. The course helps families with communication, coping, problem management, rehabilitation, recovery, and advocacy. NAMI Skagit provides this program. Call Marti Wall at 360-766-4107 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

For more support, drop-in at the Skagit Peer Connections Center anytime, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 1115 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon. There are support groups, classes, hobby time, free lunch, and always someone to talk with and keep company.

Support GroupsCall 360-814-2424 for current Skagit

County Support Group information.

Mental Health Support Group NAMI Skagit Open Group meets on

the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Omak Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. For more information contact Trish Rodriguez at 360-540-0795 or Marti Wall at 360-766-4107.

Ostomy Support Group Second Tuesday of each month from

6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Sauk Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Call Cathy Schaeffer at 360-814-2600 for more information.

Cancer Support and InformationAll programs are free of charge For

additional information on any of these services or events please contact Cancer Care Social Services at 360-814-8236 or 360-814-8255.

Look Good, Feel BetterCancer can rob a woman of her energy,

appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. This program teaches beauty techniques to women in active treatment or those who are about to start treatment. It helps them combat the appearance related to the side effects of treatment.

The Look Good, Feel Better sessions are led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists who teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves and other accessories. Space is limited so be sure to register by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Fourth monday of each month1-3p.m.San Juan B Conference Room

The following are all drop-in groups held at Skagit valley Hospital. each is facilitated by one or more oncology social workers and may feature guest speakers.

Women’s Cancer Support Group Second Wednesday of each month from

5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Shuksan Room. This group is for women who have experienced breast, ovarian, uterine or cervical cancer. Call 360-814-8236 for additional information.

Survivors Club First Wednesday of each month, 5 –

6:30 p.m. in the Shuksan Room. A group designed for anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones. Completing cancer treatment and given the long awaited “remission” status can be a cause for celebration. However, for many this can also be a time of confusion, sadness and leaving the survivor uncertain of how to “get on with life.” Call 360-814-8236 for more information.

Living with Cancer Fourth Wednesday of each month,

5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Shuksan Conference Room. A support group for cancer patients and their closest support person. Call 360-814-8236 for more information.

NeW! expressive Art Therapy for Cancer Patients

Second and fourth Mondays of each month, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the Omak Conference Room. Margaret Carpenter Arnett, BSN, ATR has been doing art therapy with cancer patients for over ten years. We are pleased to have her! Creating art may reduce anxiety and stress plus improve emotional well-being. It is a great opportunity to process and integrate the challenges of serious illness and treatment. If you are someone who asks “Who am I now?,” consider coming to this group.

Grief Support Services Skagit Hospice Services Bereavement

Program provides support to anyone in our communities coping with grief and loss after the death of a loved one. Call us for information and referrals, attend a free grief support group, or borrow materials from our Resource Center. For more information and directions, phone 360-814-5550 or 1-800-894-5877.


daytime Ongoing Grief SupportFirst and third Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.

in the Skagit Hospice Offices at 819 S. 13th Street in Mount Vernon and the second and fourth Mondays at noon in Anacortes at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 9th Street.

evening Ongoing Grief Support

Second and fourth Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at The Landing, 2136 Highway 20 (brown house) in Sedro-Woolley.

In-Service education

For grief and loss presentations for your organization or employees, contact the Skagit Hospice Services Bereavement Coordinator at 360-814-5589.

Skagit Hospice Speakers Bureau Speakers are available for civic

organizations and churches as a service of the Skagit Hospice Foundation. Call 360-814-5702.

Skagit Hospice Services Resource Center: A free lending library open to the community

Community members seeking information about end-of-life issues are likely to find what they need at the Skagit Hospice Services Resource Center. A wide range of resources are available on caregiving, coping with disease, end of life concerns, grief and loss, and inspiration for challenging times. Visitors will find a comfortable place to sit and read, browse, or find materials to check out.

The Skagit Hospice Services Resource

Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Skagit Hospice office at 819 South 13th Street in Mount Vernon and after hours by appointment. A member of the hospice team can answer questions or help you find what you need. For information call Skagit Hospice Services at 360-814-5550 or the Foundation at 360-814-5702. The Skagit Hospice Foundation is proud to be a supporter of this valuable community resource center.

Interested in helping the Skagit Hospice Foundation?

The Skagit Hospice Foundation is currently accepting applications for new board trustees. This group of volunteers works to raise funds to support hospice programs and to educate the community about available services. The goal of the board is to ensure that everyone who wants or needs hospice care receives services regardless if they can pay or not. The foundation has also started planning for the 2009 annual brunch and auction and is seeking community members interested in working on a committee to make this year’s fundraiser the best ever to support hospice in our community. For information, call the foundation office at 360-814-5702.

Save the DateYou’re invited to a memorable night at the Oscars

Sponsored by the Skagit Hospice Foundation

Academy Award PartySunday, February 22Trumpeter Public House, mount Vernon

And the Oscar goes to...all those who purchase tickets for the 81st Academy Award Party—the closest

thing to being at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood but right here in Skagit Valley. Walk

the Red Carpet and be a part of Hollywood glamour, stars, awards, fanfare, and all the festivities you would expect from the real thing. You can even dress as your favorite character. There will be Swag Bags and awards and the Paparazzi will welcome you as you arrive at the Trumpeter Ale House. Don’t be surprised if you rub shoulders with some true Hollywood Movie Stars on a fabulous night that you’ll never forget! Each VIP guest will receive one raffle ticket for a Plasma TV to be raffled at the party. Watch the broadcasted awards from Hollywood, vote for your favorites, enjoy fabulous appetizers, free champagne and wine, and a full-service no-host bar.

Tickets $75 per person— reservations requiredFor information or tickets call the Skagit HospiceFoundationat360-814-5702.

All proceeds benefit Skagit Hospice Foundation.

Skagit Valley Hospital Gift Shop

The Skagit Valley Hospital Gift Shop has many wonderful hand-made and retail gift items for sale with all proceeds going to the Skagit Valley Hospital Guild. This year the Guild purchased equipment for the Telestroke Program and pledged an additional $26,000 to the Skagit Valley Hospital’s Cancer Care Capital Campaign, increasing their total pledge to $101,000.00.

Please remember the Skagit Valley

Hospital Gift Shop next time you need a gift for a friend or relative.

For easy access to community services dial 2-1-1

2-1-1 is a free, easy-to-remember phone number that connects people to what they need, whether that means receiving help, or offering it through volunteer time or donations.

By dialing 2-1-1, people will reach a trained information specialist who can help determine the service they need, and refer them to the most appropriate resource among the full range of public and private programs available.

WInTEr2009 37

Important! The 2-1-1 call line will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2-1-1 is not a crisis line. If the need can’t wait until the next business day, please call the CARE Crisis Line at 800-584-3578. In the event of a life-threatening emergency or a crime in progress, always call 911.

Some residents may have difficulty accessing the 2-1-1 line via cell phone or a business line. The current Community Information Line number, 800-223-8145, will remain active and can be used instead of calling 2-1-1.

Speakers BureauNeed an interesting presentation for

your club or organization? Skagit Valley Hospital’s Speakers Bureau provides speakers on a number of health care related topics, many at no cost. For more information on speaker topics or to schedule a presentation, call Kaye at 360-814-2348.

Help WantedCaring People with Big Hearts

Volunteers make the difference at Skagit Valley Hospital. Our volunteers perform a variety of important jobs, from helping nurses with patient care and conducting hospital tours for school children to working in gift shops, at the information desks or in clerical positions. The Department of Volunteer Services at Skagit Valley Hospital coordinates the activities of over 425 volunteers in support of the hospital’s operations. For more information or to become a member please call 360-814-2142.

Opportunities for service at Skagit Valley Hospital include:• Pianists• Information Desk• Surgical Services• Gift Shop• Workroom Volunteers• mail Delivery

Guilds and Auxiliaries• Grace Cochrum Guild•J.E.M.Guild• Skagit Valley Hospital Guild• Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary

Contact usTo inquire about volunteering or

request services, please contact Steve Schultz at 360-814-2142 or contact our main information desk at 360-814-5059.

Pianists WantedSkagit Valley Hospital has a wonderful

volunteer opportunity – play our beautiful grand piano for guests of the hospital to enjoy. If you are an accomplished pianist who would like to share your talent for others to enjoy, call 360-814-2142.

Health Insurance Questions?

Call the SHIBA HELPLINE at 360-814-2345. We have a wonderful group of volunteers to help people of all ages with their health insurance needs as well as assistance with understanding insurance options. SHIBA = Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors.

Are you interested in problem solving, counseling, public speaking, advocacy, research or data entry? Do you like people? “BE A HERO” by becoming a SHIBA volunteer. Learn about the health insurance industry and how you can help people of all ages in your community. Call today – SHIBA – 360-814-2345.

HealthQuest TV on Cable-Access Television Station 10

If you are a Comcast cable subscriber in Skagit County, be sure to tune in to channel 10 at 7 p.m. each evening to watch HealthQuest TV. This half-hour show features a new guest each week showcasing our local physicians and health care professionals on a variety of topics ranging from latest treatment options for heart, cooking shows and cancer care to prevention topics highlighting local physical activity programs, grocery store tours and more. Join us to learn more about how to improve your health and health care options in our area.

Need a Physician?Call our free Physician Referral

Line at 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850 from Stanwood or Camano Island. The Physician Referral Line is open weekdays between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program

You may be eligible for a free women’s health exam that includes a breast exam, a mammogram, a pap test and exam through the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program.

You are eligible if:• you are age 40 through 64, and• your income falls within program guidelines• you are not on medicaid or medicare• are experiencing breast symptomsregardlessofage.

You may be referred to a specialist.

The Breast and Cervical Health Program will pay for many diagnostic services and connect you to treatment if needed. For referral to a nearby clinic or eligibility information call 1-888-651-8931.

ParentHelp 123Visit www.ParentHelp123.org to apply

for state-sponsored health insurance and food programs. ParentHelp123.org is a great online resource to help families find out income guidelines and their eligibility for state-sponsored benefit programs, complete an application for programs such as Children’s Health Insurance, Pregnancy Medicaid, Basic Health, WIC and Basic Food (Food Stamps) or access educational materials about family health, breastfeeding and more.


• Acute Care• Administration• Breast Care Center• Camano Community Health Clinic• Cancer Care• Cardiac Rehabilitation• Cardiac Electrophysiology• Catheterization lab• Care Center• Care management• Chemotherapy• Children’s Therapy Program• Clinical Education• Clinical Services/Infection Control• Computed Tomography Imaging (CT Scan)• Critical Care• Diagnostic Imaging• Echocardiography• Emergency Trauma Center• Endoscopy• Family Birth Center• Food Services • Gift Shop• Health Information management• HealthQuest• Heart Care• Hospice Care• Hospitalists on site 24/7• Interpreting - Translating• IV Therapy• Kidney Dialysis - outpatient and inpatient• laboratory• library• magnetic Resonance Imaging (mRI)

• materials management• medical Staff Services• Nuclear medicine• Nursing Administration• Nutrition Counseling• oncology• outreach and Development• Pastoral Care/Chaplains• Patient Advocate• PET/CT• Pharmacy• Physical, Speech & occupational Therapy• Physician Referral Services• Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scanning)• Psychiatric Care/Counseling• Quality management• Radiation Therapy• Rehabilitation Services• Respiratory Therapy• Skagit Hospice Foundation• Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation• Sleep Center• Statewide Health Insurance

Advisors (SHIBA)• Sunrise Inn• Surgical Services• ultrasound• Volunteer Services• Welcome Baby• Wound Healing Center• X-Ray

Skagit Valley Hospital provides a full continuum of care to our community, ranging from outpatient diagnostics and rehabilitation services to surgery and acute care. Learn more about the following services by going to www.skagitvalleyhospital.org.

List of services atSkagit Valley Hospital


ABOVE: The Breast Care Center offers digital mammography, an advanced technology offering enhanced images to help screen for breast cancer. A mammogram is a non-invasive breast X-ray that allows doctors to find cancer at its earliest, most curable stages. Skagit Valley Hospital also offers breast ultrasound and breast MRI as advanced tools for breast cancer detection. For more information, call 360-428-8203.

WInTEr2009 39

DiscountsSave money on Change Your Life

classes (see pages 30-31 for listings, except Women’s Luncheon)

Physician Referral discount - Provide a written physician referral and receive a 20% discount on any Change Your Life classes.

Group discount - Receive a 10% discount when registering with a group of four or more for any Change Your Life classes. To receive this discount, payment must be received in advance.

Senior discount - If you are age 60 or older, receive a 10% discount on all Change Your Life classes.

Total amount enclosed:

less 10% discount (see Discounts above / only one discount per person)

Subtotal:

Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________

Day Phone: __________________________ Home Phone: ______________________________

E-mail address:________________________________________________________________

Check (make checks payable to SVH-HealthQuest)

mastercard VISA

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________

Expiration Date: _______________________

Signature:____________________________________

TYPE oF PAYmENT (Please do not send cash)

Registration FormPlease complete the following information (use one copy for each participant - feel free to duplicate

this form or register on our Web site, www.skagitvalleyhospital.org and click on HealthQuest)

ClASS or SCREENING DATE FEE

Questions on Registration?

Call Skagit Valley Hospital at 360-814-2424, from Stanwood and Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or for hearing impaired, please call TTY 360-814-2219

Refund PolicyA full refund will be granted if the

class is cancelled or if you cancellation is received at least three working days in advance of the class date.

Cancellations received within two working days of the class date will be charged a $10 processing fee.

No refund will be given after the class has begun.

To request a refund, call 360-814-2424 or in Stanwood/Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or TTY 360-814-2218, then submit a written request to:

HealthQuestSkagit Valley HospitalP.O.Box1376mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376

Class Registration

4 Easy WaysPHOnE24 Hours a day, 7 days a WeekCall 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481Call us anytime day or night and leave your detailed course information with your name, address and phone number in our voice mail, or with the scheduler. You will receive a confirma-tion in the mail.

INTERNET24 Hours a day, 7 days a WeekGo to: www.skagitvalleyhospital.orgClick on Calendar

MAILHealthQuestSkagit Valley HospitalP.O.Box1376mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376Fill out this form and include your check or charge card number.

FAX24 Hours a day, 7 days a Week360-814-8222Complete this form and fax it to the number above.

2009 winter healthquest

Documents

safe care

key quality of care

high quality care

care award

compassionate care

cancer care program

quality data

g r e g g s d e s ksafety