Paynesville Area Health Care System held a banquet on May 9th to honor 40 employees who had achieved between five and 40 years of service to the health care organization as of 2012.

Dennis Miley, CEO and Bob Brauchler, District Board Chairman, presented certificates and gifts to the following employees who had achieved service levels:

40 years: Connie Olmscheid.

30 years: Peggy Bayer and Deborah Norris.

25 years: Julie Arnold, Lynae Kern, Ellen Maus-Libbesmeier, Mary Theis and Sharon Thomes.

20 years: Kathy Dingmann, Mark Dingmann, Carolyn Lauer and Ursula Ruhland.

15 years: Todd Barrow, Connie Deadrick, Connie Hess, Dale Wirkkula and Renae Wirkkula.

10 years: Lynn Buermann, Paulette Hagen, Melissa Soine, Lisa Steil, Clyde Swenson and Kristi Wessel.

5 years: Crystal Barg, Krista Bayer, Tammy Buermann, Tina Eickhoff, Stephanie Hemmesch, Dian Hiltner, Jennifer Horn, Dolores Howen, Laura Kain, Amanda Mackedanz, Julia Madigan, Jennifer Massmann, Stephanie Nester, Patricia Reiman, Lori Schelske, Dawn Wieling and Angela Wunsch.

Buffets or picnics can be a great way to serve lots of different, delicious foods to large gatherings of people for special occasions, such as holidays or graduations. But they can also be a means to transmit disease among your guests if care is not taken in how the food is handled. Common causes of food-borne illnesses include norovirus,SalmonellaandE. coliO157:H7
Here are some tips to help you have a SAFE party.
Handle Food Safely

• Always wash your hands before and after handling food.
• Keep the kitchen, dishes and utensils clean.
• Always serve food on clean plates.
• Cook Thoroughly
• Fresh and frozen raw meat, poultry and fish should be cooked hot enough to kill the bacteria, parasites and viruses that may be in the product. The temperatures shown below are recommended for home preparation of food. Always use a meat thermometer to check temperatures.
• Keep Hot Foods HOT, Cold Foods COLD
• Divide cooked foods into shallow containers to store in the refrigerator or freezer until serving. This encourages rapid, even cooling. Reheat hot foods to 165°F.
• Hot foods should be held at 140°F or warmer. On the buffet table, keep hot foods hot with chafing dishes, slow cookers and warming trays.
• Cold foods should be held at 40°F or colder. Keep foods cold by nesting dishes in bowls of ice. Otherwise, use small serving trays and replace them with cold foods from the refrigerator when more food is needed.
• Observe the Two-Hour Rule
• Foods should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Replace empty platters rather than adding fresh food to a dish that already had food in it.
• Cook Thoroughly
• Cook foods thoroughly to safe temperatures. Always use afood thermometer.

Preventing Tick-borne Disease

• Walk in the center of the trail to avoid picking up ticks from grass and brush.
• Use a good tick repellent:
• Products containing permethrin, which are used on clothing, are especially recommended for people who will be spending an extended period of time in possible tick habitat.
• Permethrin products are marketed under names like Permanone® and Duranon® and are available in stores that sell outdoor gear.
• Do not use permethrin on your skin.
• Standard DEET-based products are another option.
• Use a product containing no more than 30 percent DEET for adults.
• Concentrations up to 30 percent DEET are also safe for children (acording to reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics). Do not use DEET for infants under two months of age.
• Products containing DEET will also protect you from mosquito bites andmosquito-transmitted diseases.
• Follow the manufacturer's directions for all repellent applications.
• Wear clothes that will help shield you from ticks.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Tuck your pants into the top of your socks or boots to create a "tick barrier.”
• Wear light colored clothes to make it easier to spot ticks.
• Check frequently for ticks and remove them promptly.

Ticks must remain attached for one to two days before they can transmit the Lyme disease bacteria.

Check the hairline and behind the ears and points of clothing constriction (e.g. behind knees, waist line, and arm pits).

Tick removal
If you live near the woods in an area with blacklegged ticks:

• Keep your lawn mowed short.
• Remove leaves and clear the brush around your house and at the edges of the yard.
• Keep children’s play-sets or swing-sets in a sunny and dry area of the yard.
• Make a landscape barrier (such as a three foot wide border of wood chips) between your lawn and the woods.

Prevention for pets
A vaccine to prevent Lyme disease is available for dogs. However, the vaccine will not stop your dog from bringing ticks into the home.

• Check your dog or cat for ticks before allowing them inside.
• Topical tick repellents are available for pets.
• Talk to your veterinarian about these options.

Tick removal
If you find a tick on yourself, remove the tick promptly.

• Prompt tick removal is important.
• If possible, use a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick by the head.
• Grasp the tick close to the skin
• Pull the tick outward slowly, gently, and steadily
• Do not squeeze the tick
• Use an antiseptic on the bite.
• Avoid folk remedies like Vaseline®, nail polish remover or burning matches - they are not a safe or effective way to remove ticks.

Miley comes to Paynesville Area Health Care System (PAHCS) with over 30 years of experience in health care and will be responsible for all organizational operations. He will serve as the principal link between the health care system, the community, the board of directors, and the medical staff.

Miley earned his Masters degree from the University of Minnesota in Hospital Administration with advanced studies in Health Services Administration.

Dennis began his career as the Administrator/CEO with Waseca Area Memorial Hospital, Waseca, Minnesota, where he spent 14 years. The next 13 years of Mr. Miley’s career was spent as President and CEO of Tri County Health Care, Wadena, Minnesota, an integrated health care system.

Miley is a progressive, collaborative leader committed to patient quality and service with strong business skills. With his deep commitment to health care, Miley earned the Grassroots Champion Award for health care leadership and advocacy in Minnesota from the American Hospital Association.

He is a strong believer in community service and has served on the Tri-County Foundation Board for 12 years, been the Chairperson for the Wadena Technical College Advisory Board with many professional affiliations through the Minnesota Hospital Association, and the State Trauma Advisory Council.

Paynesville Area Health Care System honored 55 dedicated employees for service level achievements at it’s 8^th annual service awards banquet on May 10, 2012. Ron Ommen, Interim CEO, Paulette Hagen, Director of Human Resources and Robert Brauchler, Hospital Board Chairman presented each employee with a certificate for their years of service through 2011. The program also included a slideshow tribute to the honored employees.

Thank you to the following employees for their contributions to Paynesville Area Health Care System and it’s Mission, Vision and Values.

35 Years: Kathleen Block; Mari Louis and Beverly Mueller. 30 Years: Kathleen Williams.  25 Years: Julie Hedeen; Elizabeth Kampsen and Emily Larson. 20 Years: Theresa Faber; Jane Gottwald; David Schutz, Shelley Thielen-Kalkbrenner and Nancy Young. 15 Years: Suzanne Brick; Delane Burr; Jessica Hemmesch; Susan Holmes; Lisa Phillipp; Kathleen Ruhland and Judy Vossen. 10 Years: Doreen Brugger; James Copley; Sara Finken; Sarah Gertken; Leah Knapp; Kayla Leyendecker; Jeanette Meyer; Mindi Ogdahl; Bernadette Stang; Debra Vossen and Nancy Yanish.  5 Years: Trish Barten; Kimberly Binsfeld; Julie Boehme; Susan Brauchler; Amanda Brehmer; Virginia Chevalier; Rebecca Feist; Julie Flint; Robin Hufstedler; Stacy Kampsen; Linda Kascht; Sarah Lieser; Catherine Lindenfelser; Michael Naujokas, Lisa Nelson; Tina Phillipp; Thomas Plihal; Leah Reding; Ashley Spanier; Sheila Steinemann; Jennifer Trump; Desiree Utsch; Ruth Utsch; Jennifer Vavra and Jennifer Wuertz.

The Rural Health Advisory Committee, created during the 1992 Legislative session, serves as a statewide forum for rural health concerns and features a diverse membership on the 15 member committee. Serving on the board are health care consumers, health care professionals, educators and members of legislation. This advisory panel focuses on the unique challenges and needs found in rural healthcare and acts to:
Advise the commissioner of health and other state agencies on rural health issues Provide a systematic and cohesive approach toward rural health issues and planning Encourage cooperation among rural communities and among providers. Osterhaus, who lives in Paynesville, MN, is the primary provider for a small community in central Minnesota and understands not only the challenges, but the many rewards of a rural medical practice. “I am looking forward to the experience and hope to bring good things to the table. I thank the committee for this exciting opportunity.”

Opatz and Struzyk, both living in the Watkins area, have worked in healthcare administration for several years. They will continue to operate the facility as a 50-bed skilled care nursing home with plans to expand some areas, such as rehabilitation services.

PAHCS had owned the skilled care facility since 2002, which was previously owned by the Good Samaritan Society. Interim PAHCS CEO, Ron Ommen, stated in a press conference on April 30th that all 84 employees have been retained under the new ownership and that there will be no lapse in employees’ insurance coverage. PAHCS is assisting in defraying these costs until new insurance is secured. Opatz added that there was no loss in employee wages as a result of the sale, and, in some cases, there was an increase. The new ownership related the success of Hilltop Care Center greatly to the dedicated employees who work there.

Following recommendations through strategic planning, financial and organizational studies, the PAHCS Board of Directors concluded that finding new ownership for the skilled nursing facility was in the best interest for its residents, employees and for the health care system. Ommen stated that Hilltop Healthcare Center, LLC will now be operated by those experienced and focused in managing long-term care vs. an entire health care system.
Opatz stated that the relationship between PAHCS and Hilltop Healthcare Center, LLC has not ended. The new ownership will look to PAHCS to continue serving residents with health services that they cannot provide. “We plan to network with PAHCS in providing good, clinical outcomes,” said Opatz. He and Struzyk held meetings with employees and met with each resident prior to the closing date.

“I am very happy that top-quality care is going to continue in Watkins,” stated board chairman Robert Brauchler.

Ron is a season healthcare leader, having spent over 30 years in hospital leadership and mentoring experiences. His most interesting assignment  was a placement in Ethiopia for Global Health Administration Partners. Paynesville Area Health Care is pleased to have this breadth of experience during this interim period.

Ron originates from the small town of Fulda, MN and he and his wife now live near Pequot Lakes. They have two grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Mr. Ommen enjoys new opportunities and learning new situations. He loves to fish, bicycle, hike and enjoy the outdoors. He is looking forward to laying the ground work to ensure a successful transition for the new permanent CEO placement.

Welcome to Paynesville Ron!

Salads and sanwiches will be served. This is a 30th anniversary celebration- please come and join us!

The excitement over the AutoPulse® was more than evident at a recent training session held at the Paynesville Ambulance training facility. The final members to be trained on the AutoPulse were holding practice drills and discussing the equipment that will aid them in most cardiac arrest rescue calls. “I truly believe that patients of our area are going to have a better survival rate,” commented Dave Schutz, squad member and certified CPR trainer. 

Steve Stang, Manager of the Paynesville Ambulance Services for Paynesville Area Health Care System, said that the AutoPulse was an anonymous gift to the department, through the Paynesville Area Hospital Foundation. “It’s really given our entire department a boost,” commented Stang. “To know that someone in our service area cared enough about not only our work, but the people that we serve, it’s very exciting. This is a perfect example of how a gift can really keep on giving.”

Steve said that after receiving a phone call from the potential donor, they met to discuss possible equipment needs that could make the most impact for the department, and for the community. Steve said that he had seen the AutoPulse equipment at a conference and was impressed with its capabilities and quality. The AutoPulse, produced by ZOLL®, is the same company that manufactures the defibrillator used by the department. “After speaking with the company representative, we were able to secure a demo unit that was still like new, but saved a considerable amount of money when considering the AutoPulse purchase can be up to $15,000. We were also able to demonstrate the use of the equipment for the donator, which made the decision making a comfortable fit for everyone. They were very involved in the research of the equipment and knowledge of it’s use.

Now ready for use and stored in the Paynesville ambulance, the AutoPulse is a computerized non-invasive cardiac support pump, placed underneath the patient with a LifeBand® belt that squeezes the entire chest and provides nearly perfect compressions to the heart. It can relieve the rescue squad from the fatigue of long periods of manual CPR and assist them in situations where it is not possible to provide a patient with continuous compressions, such as going up or down stairs, or carrying a person in and out of buildings. The AutoPulse also helps keep more air in a patient’s lungs with computer generated compressions, by holding more pressure than manual efforts over long periods of time. “It sizes up each individual patient’s chest size during the start-up phase and the compressions that it produces increases the blood flow and volume. Not only does it do a great job, it frees up the hands of our rescue teams to assist the patient in other ways, and increases safety during transport. In a cardiac scenario there are certain steps and techniques that you want to maintain with tremendous consistency. It’s an amazing piece of equipment and we are feeling very blessed that someone in our community felt so strongly about assisting us in our work. We’re anxious to use it to assist others,” said Steve.

Not only will the new equipment be used on rescue calls, physicians and nurses in the emergency room of Paynesville Hospital will call for the equipment in any cardiac situations arriving on the scene. “We want the AutoPulse available to save lives in every cardiac situation,” said Angie Tschida, ambulance member. It’s causing us to evaluate each cardiac emergency situation in a whole new way. We also want to remind people never to second guess whether or not to place a call if a person feels there is potential for cardiac arrest. We are here to assist, and we would much rather show up to a call earlier than later.”

Paynesville Area Hospital Foundation Coordinator, Jennifer Engen, praised the example of giving that this couple has provided. “Giving comes from the heart,” said Engen. “Donations are best fitted when a donator can meet a need that truly provides a difference for others. Our foundation is working hard to increase it’s exposure to the many exciting rewards of giving, large or small. Together, we are making a significant difference in resident and patient care.”

Christmas came in mid December for members of the Paynesville Ambulance, and just like a kids with a new toy, they are all smiles and ready to utilize the life saving capabilities of AutoPulse thanks to an anonymous donor that provided a new way to help save a life in central Minnesota. For more information on the Paynesville Area Hospital Foundation, contact Jennifer Engen or visit www.pahcs.com.

The foods that contain probiotics are what I think of as, “living” foods, they are not “processed foods”. I always think of processed foods as foods that are definitely “dead”, not even close to being alive.

The foods that contain high counts of Probiotics are:
• Yogurt with “live and active cultures”
• Sauerkraut and kim chee
• Miso -soybean paste, you may have tried miso soup
• Soft cheeses like Gouda
• Kefir - yummy yogurt tasting drink
• Buttermilk
• Acidophilus milk
• Tempeh which is fermented soybeans, this is a great meat replacer, cut it up and saute in your stir fry.
This is usually found in the “natural food” area, in refrigerated section. It is 1⁄2 inch x 6 inch x 3 inches.

There is plain and also marinated.
• Pickles fermented without vinegar, instead of fermented in water and salt.

Prebiotics are foods that contain nourishment for the good bacteria. Including both prebiotic and probiotics in
your diet is a wonderful mix that may improve your immunity. Some great sources of prebiotics are bananas, berries, garlic, greens, leeks, onions, artichokes, wheat, honey, flax and oatmeal.

• The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has a travelers health website loaded with valuable travel information for health risks, vaccinations required, and specific travel notices for specific destinations. This information can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. You can choose the destination link, and select the country you are planning to visit for country specific information.

• Travelers’ diarrhea is the most predictably vacation acquired illness. High risk areas include Asia, Middle East, Africa, Mexico, South and Central America. Steps to help decrease the risk of diarrhea when vacationing include: 1) Pack small containers of alcohol based hand sanitizers. 2) Eat food that has been freshly cooked and piping hot. 3) Drink bottled water which has labeled as processed against Cryptosporidium, or bring with iodine tablets and potable water filters if one will need to drink well water or water that is questionably sanitized. 4) Avoid ice cubes or fresh fruit drinks. One has no control of food purchased from vendors or restaurants, so consider the environment, food handling sanitation, and other risks before eating from commercial businesses.

• Be sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Travel in some countries will require additional vaccinations for malaria, hepatitis A, or yellow fever, etc. See your health care provider at least 4-6 weeks prior to scheduled travel to allow time for vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.

• If the area has mosquitos or arthropods, have insect repellents, and appropriate clothing packed to help protect from insect bites. Beware of key insect biting times and check for tick bites.

• Inspect hotel room for bed bugs by examining bedding, and mattresses. If bed bugs are found seek other lodging. Keep suitcase closed and off the floor if possible; remove clothes from suitcase only when wearing and return them to the suitcase when done wearing them.

• Be sure you are healthy enough to travel for planned itinerary, and have a plan for what to do if you get ill while on vacation. Pack necessary medications including prescriptions, anti inflammatories, antidiarrheal, and anti malaria medications if needed, and be aware of how you are feeling. Keep a list of medications with you and a list of areas where health care can be obtained at the locations you will be visiting. Travelers may get information about local health care from embassies and consulates of other countries, hotel doctors, and credit card companies.

Vacations are meant to relax, renew and re-energize. Careful attention to your surroundings and health risks, and preparing for the area you are planning to visit, may help insure a healthy experience.

Time. Nothing is more crucial than time when faced with a medical emergency where minutes, even seconds, can make a difference in saving a life.

In April of 2011, medical providers, EMT’s, paramedics and staff development members from Paynesville Area Health Care System (PAHCS) stepped forward to offer a standardized training program and emergency medicines to 5 area fire and rescue/ first responder units along with the Paynesville Police department. In all, 92 fire and rescue members from Eden Valley, Lake Henry, Richmond, St. Martin, and Paynesville along with 4 policemen were taught the indications for, and use of, medications that may intercept a heart-attack or diabetic and allergic reactions.

Steve Stang, Manager, Ambulance Services, recognized the need to empower area first responder departments with these types of emergency medications. 

In fact, he and Dr. Robert Gardner, Medical Director, had been working with some of the fire andrescuedepartments for a few years to provide some medical background in this area, but Steve knew that it would be most beneficial to patients, and to the first responders, to provide a uniform training class with annual reviews. He contacted the Minnesota State Emergency Services Regulatory Board with his idea and got approval to move forward with the medication training program. 

“The first responder units were very eager to attend the training class and be ready to provide this if needed in their communities.”

Steve applied for several grants to provide the initial medication supplies, and was granted funds through the Minnesota EMS Region which saw this as a priority need for first responders.

Kella Bugbee, staff development coordinator for PAHCS, worked with Steve to coordinate the initial discussions and prepare a power point presentation for PAHCS Executive Team and medical providers, seeking approval for his project. Kella organized the training and materials for the 3-day training event in April, which was provided free of charge and conducted at the new Paynesville ambulance garage and training facility. “It is really wonderful to be involved in the specialized training with the men and women of our communities who volunteer to be emergency responders,” stated Bugbee. “This training will assist them in being able to respond immediately to more medical emergencies. We were very pleased with the number of rescue members who signed up for the 2 hour training course.”

Dr. Larry Strate, ER Director and Dr. Gardner participated in the training by reviewing each of the medications, the protocol for use and proper administration. Paramedic Shane Schmidt and EMT’s Clyde Swenson and Michael Noonan demonstrated the use of a breathing apparatus called the “King’s Airway”, which opens up an unconscious patient’s airway for CPR. Trainees also learned the necessary documentation and replacement procedure following the use of issued emergency medications.

The emergency medicines, prescribed by Dr’s. Gardner or Strate, are given one dose at a time to the participating squads. The medications are: Epinephrine, which comes in an auto-injector, for severe allergic reactions; Aspirin, for presentation of chest pain or discomfort of suspected cardiac event; and Dextrose and Glucagon, for indications of diabetic hypoglycemia or diabetic shock. Once a dose is administered, documentation by the first responder is completed and forwarded to Steve Stang. If proper protocol was followed, a replacement dose is immediately requested for that squad. Each fire and rescue squad and police department is responsible for monitoring their supply of medications for expiration dates, and completing annual training in the spring.

The St. Martin fire and rescue squad experienced the rewards from this training within the first 2 months. After receiving a rescue call to the home of a diabetic person who was unconscious and un-responsive, the St. Martin first responders utilized the new emergency medication training by administering an injection of Glucagon. By the time they were in transport to a nearby hospital, the patient started coming out of her un-responsive state and talking to the rescue team. “It’s a real encouragement,” stated Mike Oevermann, who spoke on behalf of the St. Martin Fire and Rescue team. “To be able to take immediate action in a situation like this, well, it means a lot. Many members of our own department have family members and friends who are diabetic. Being able to have the means to help them as soon as we arrive on the scene is a good feeling.”

At a recent monthly meeting of the St. Martin Fire Department, Stang attended to review the rescue call and answer any questions the department may have, the steps taken, or the administration of the medications. “They did a great job,” said Steve. “They most likely saved this woman’s life.” Members of the rescue squad have received praise-worthy comments from the woman’s family, who are grateful for the quick response time and medication administration. “All of our area fire and rescue squads do an excellent job,” stated Stang. “It’s exciting to watch them grow in confidence and skill. This training is just one more tool they can use to serve the residents of their communities.”

Steve Stang, Ambulance Services

Kella Bugbee, Staff Development

Dr. Bob Gardner Medical Director

Dr. Larry Strate ER Director

Recommended cancer screenings begin at age 50. If you have a family history of colon cancer, the ACS’s recommendations are to start screening at an earlier age.

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure and may be used to evaluate many problems, including: Abdominal pain; anemia, blood in the stool, change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or to screen for colon cancer or polyps in the colon. This is the procedure physicians use to diagnose and treat, when possible, certain diseases of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the rectum and colon.

An upper endoscopy, or EGD, is a similar outpatient procedure used to examine your upper digestive tract. An endoscope can be inserted through the mouth and throat and into the esophagus to allow the physician to view the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine.

In order for the physician to have a thorough look at your colon you will need to cleanse your bowel system and follow diet or fluid restrictions the night before the procedure. Some people report that the preparation for these procedures is more taxing than the actual procedure itself. A preparation kit and instructions will be reviewed with you prior to your appointment.

The next day, you will be ready for your screening. Once your physician has reviewed your procedure and answered any additional questions, you will receive medication to relax you. Be sure to arrange for a driver to bring you home and allow for some hours to rest afterwards. The procedure normally lasts between 15 and 30 minutes but you should allow between 2-3 hours at the facility due to the sedation medication. The Physician will use a colonoscope, a long, flexible, tubular instrument about ½ inch in diameter that transmits an image of the lining of the colon so the doctor can examine it for any abnormalities. The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon. You may experience some mild cramping but nursing staff is also on hand during the examination to help alleviate any discomfort.

During the exam, your physician or specialist may remove small amounts of tissue if needed for analysis and/or abnormal growths (polyps). Polyps are common in adults and are usually harmless. However, most colorectal cancer begins as a polyp, so removing them early is an effective way to prevent cancer. A colonoscopy allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Paynesville Area Health Care System offers appointments with Dr.’s Tim Malling, Randy Zimmerman, Robert Gardner and Randy Nelson, along with specialists Alan Tims, Patrick Oakes and Manuel Moran. Appointments are available on a weekly basis through Paynesville Specialty Services and can be scheduled through your family medical provider.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (federal program) has mandated that every patient who is hospitalized across this country will receive the same survey. In the past, there has been the opportunity to customize the survey by adding to the standard mandated questions a couple of additions such as “did you find parking conveniently” that were specific to that facility. Today, the same set of questions is being sent to every patient and reported nationally. Why? The federal government has decided that payment for services will be impacted based on the results of a facility’s surveys. We are being told that within the next year, poor performing hospitals will have dollars reduced from their payment for services provided if scores fall below certain target levels. At this time, we don’t know a dollar amount or if our organization will have some protection as a critical access hospital. Through several years of study, the federal government has determined that patients who are happy and satisfied with service have likely received better care and have better outcomes than those patients who describe their experience poorly. While we all could probably find arguments regarding this methodology, we are required to follow the same procedure as every other hospital across the country who provides services to individuals covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Conducting the surveys does come with a cost since we need to have the actual survey conducted by an outside vendor who then reports our scores to a national data base.

More than ever before we need everyone who receives a survey to complete it; we need to hear what we have done well and where it is we have opportunity to improve. Our internal quality department can look at results continuously as the company receives completed surveys. This allows us to be able to address in a timely manner what it is we need to do to improve.

Tami Stanger and Pam Boettcher team up to analyze our results, make recommendations for areas to improve and assist me in communicating the results to our Board of directors.

These surveys are just one of several changes that are being made at the federal level related to reimbursement. Our commitment stays consistent and strong—doing the right thing, at the right time, at the right place and focused on each and every patient. If you are surveyed—we would appreciate you completing the form. We can’t improve on things we don’t know and we wouldn’t want to change anything you tell us that we are doing well.

Recovery Care is the new, easier to understand terminology for this same process. Recovery Care is often used for patients who have had surgery such as hip or other joint replacements. In addition to major surgery,a lengthy illness can also result in the need for Recovery Care.

If you have a major surgery elsewhere, you can request a transfer for Recovery Care at Paynesville Area Health Care System to be close to home, friends and family. Those patients who are already in the Paynesville Hospital simply transition from Acute Care to Recovery Care while still in the hospital.

A typical Recovery Care stay averages 7-14 days, but varies with each patient. During your recovery period, members from Rehabilitation Services apply therapeutic exercises, endurance training, joint mobilization and/ or wound care. Social Work and Pharmacy team members review medical records and prescriptions, working side by side with nursing and medical providers to ensure a smooth transition and a normal level of function when the time is right to go home.

Our Recovery Care program makes it possible for you to recover from a surgery, or illness at Paynesville Area Health Care System in a comfortable, caring setting.

Have you ever looked at the definition of volunteer? You’ll find some of the following:
A person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking;
A person who performs a service willingly and without pay;
A person whose actions are not founded on any legal obligation so to act

I would believe that many, if not all of our staff have done volunteer work in some form from the time you were younger. It’s a contribution each and every one of us can make, and it can make such a terrific difference to the recipient of your time. Think back - did you volunteer to help with something when you were school age? Many young children are so eager to be selected to do a project, lead a group, or share a talent - and we need to continue to encourage volunteering to start at a young age. We are lucky to have a number of young individuals willing to make visits to our senior housing units. It may be through a piano recital, reading to one of our residents, playing a game, or even visiting. As we age, our abilities may change, but the spirit of volunteer doesn’t change. Being young is certainly not a prerequisite to volunteering; just look around and you’ll see we have volunteers who are in their 90’s and still sharing their time with others.

Today, many of you volunteer by contacting our legislative representatives on health care initiatives; you may share your talent such as playing piano or being a part of a larger group who contribute to our organization; and I’m positive that plenty of you volunteer at school and church. There’s probably a hundred examples, and I’m confident that all of you could make an impressive list if asked to compile the information. PAHCS is like so many other entities- we rely on the spirit within everyone to want to help another person, no matter how.

During this month as we express our appreciation and gratitude to our volunteers - I thank all of you for your contribution of volunteering regardless of who receives it and how you deliver the time. Our communities depend on volunteers, organizations like ours depend on volunteers, our schools depend on volunteers and many, many more examples all depend on the giving spirit that volunteerism represents. Please join me this month in thanking all of our wonderful, dedicated volunteers! And don’t forget to thank one another too!

DuDonne Andrie

 Jennifer Dean-Dwyer
Physician Assistant

Jackie Osterhaus,
Physician Assistant

Jennifer Dean-Dwyer and Jackie Osterhaus, Physician Assistants for Paynesville Area Health Care System, were recently honored by the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants with the Physician Assistant of the Year Award and Presidents Award, respectively, at their annual association meeting in Bloomington March 2nd – 4th, 2011.

Dean-Dwyer, who has 32 years of experience as a Physician Assistant (PA), accepted her award from MAPA’s President-Elect, Terence Panvica. The Physician Assistant of the Year Award is presented to a PA who exemplifies the commitment of the profession to quality patient care and community service. Dean-Dwyer, a medical provider for Paynesville Area Health Care System at the Chain of Lakes Medical Clinic in Cold Spring, has given many years of volunteer work in her community, international medical mission work, and assisting with language skills for immigrants. She has served as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, mentoring students entering the PA profession, and other leadership opportunities on a local, state, and national level. Jennifer has served as the President of the MAPA for 3 previous terms, and is currently serving as the chairperson of the Public Relations committee for the association.

Dean-Dwyer was praised by her children for the role model standards she set, which has had a major influence in their lives. “She has consistently demonstrated to us the need for balancing professional aspirations, a successful career, and our personal life. Our mother reinforced the need to work hard, excel at what you do and nurture hobbies and passions.” In conclusion, Dean-Dwyer summarized her career experience by stating, “As a Physician Assistant, we are team members with Physicians to provide a broad range of medical care, including diagnosis and management of medical conditions. I am so honored to be recognized and I love being a PA.”

Osterhaus, a 1997 Augsburg graduate, was selected to receive the Presidents Award from Past President, Gene Beavers for her outstanding contributions to her patients, military, family and MAPA. Jackie, who has 14 years of experience as a PA , has held the roles of President, newsletter editor, and human resources committee chairperson for the MAPA association along with being active in various community health events, American Heart and Diabetes Association speaking opportunities and cancer research fundraising. Osterhaus, Captain for the US Army, joined the military in 1999 and has served in medical deployments to Iraq. She is currently serving as the president of the MN Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association.

Osterhaus, Physician Assistant with the Paynesville Area Health Care System at the Eastside Medical Clinic, Belgrade, was praised for her courage, grace and commitment in all areas of her life while exemplifying the dedicated service of the PA profession. “It is an honor to receive such an award from my peers who I regard with such high esteem. Practicing as a physician assistant in Minnesota is truly a privilege that I don’t take lightly, and I enjoy serving in leadership positions as a way of giving back to a profession and an academy that has given so much to me”, stated Osterhaus.

The Mission of the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants is to promote quality, cost-effective, accessible health care, and to promote the professional and personal growth of Physician Assistants.

Jennifer Klocker (far left) and Lora Eisenschenk (standing) assisted over 30 community members fill out medication cards and answer questions following a presentation entitled — "Know your medications" on Feb. 22. Dr. Ray Lindeman also participated in this presentation. PAHCS Pharmacy is launching a medication safety campaign as part of the Cardinal Health grant that was received, aimed to reduce medication errors in our clinic communities.

Dr. Kurt Habben was recently inducted into the River Lakes Stars Hockey Hall of Fame. Habben, a defenseman, helped the Stars to 8-7-1 in their first varsity season (1997-98) and 6-15 in 1998-1999. He was named the top defensive player for the team as a senior. "It's a nice honor," said Kurt. "It's just a fun sport and it's nice to see the progress with the association." Habben added that he hopes to become a hockey dad with his own children someday. Congratulations Kurt!

Did you know that 1 tsp of ground cinnamon has as much antioxidant activity as 8 ounces of pomegranate juice or 1/2 cup fresh blueberries?

Some quick ideas:

• Keep a shaker of cinnamon handy to sprinkle over everything; hot cocoa, oatmeal, plain or vanilla yogurt, vanilla ice cream, fruit ald.
• Add ginger to hot or iced tea. Sweeten 1 cup of tea with honey and 1/4 tsp. ground ginger.
• New take on grilled cheese: prepare with mozzarella cheese, sliced tomato and 1/4 tsp oregano leaves.
• Add 1/8 tsp thyme leaves before scrambling those eggs.
• Add 1/4 tsp ground red pepper or paprika to guacamole or hummus.
• Add 1/2 tsp yellow curry to 2 cups of hot cooked rice. Add texture with shredded carrots, peas, raisins or toasted sliced almonds.

1. Use generics whenever possible or choose a preferred brand if a generic is not available. The best way to be sure you are getting exactly the drug you need, branded or generic, is to consult with your provider. When your doctor prescribes a drug for you, ask if there is a generic equivalent.
2. check to see if your health insurance provider offers a mail order option to reduce your co-pays and receive up to a 90-day supply at the same cost as two retail refills. Many offer the convenience of home delivery.

3. Check with your local pharmacy. To entice you into their stores, some offer commonly prescribed generic drugs for $4 or zero co-pays. IT PAYS TO SHOP AROUND.

I’ve had employees tell me, “I just can’t afford to continue to take my medications.” When money is tight, prescription drugs may seem like a luxury that you can't afford, but don't give up on treatment. -- for example, pill splitting and using mail order pharmacies may help you until your finances recover.

Since the cold winter months are upon us and the cold and flu season is usually prevalent at this time, here are some facts about antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance to keep in mind when trying to find cures for these ailments. Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections such as colds or flu, coughs and bronchitis, sore throats not caused by strep, or runny noses.

Antibiotics, also known as antimicrobial drugs, are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria. Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin, in 1927. Since that time antibiotics have transformed medical care and dramatically reduced illness and death from infectious diseases. Although antibiotics have many beneficial effects, their use has contributed to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of the drug designed to cure or prevent infections. These resistant bacteria survive and continue to multiply causing more harm. Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment when it is really needed. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to family members, schoolmates, and co-workers- threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease that is more difficult to cure and more expensive to treat. Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus, and Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are several examples of bacterial infections that are very difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance that has developed to these organisms.

You can help prevent antibiotic-resistant infections by only using antibiotics when they are likely to be beneficial. Here are some useful tips to remember published by the CDC.

1. Talk to your healthcare provider about antibiotic resistance:

Ask whether and antibiotic is likely to be beneficial for your illness
Ask what else you can do to feel better sooner

2. Do not take antibiotics for a viral infection like a cold or the flu.

 3. Do not save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick. Complete your prescribed course of treatment and discard any leftover medication.

4. Take an antibiotic exactly as the healthcare provider tells you. Do not skip doses. Complete the prescribed course of treatment even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria survive and re-infect.

5. Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness or age.

6. If your healthcare provider determines that you do not have a bacterial infection, ask about ways to help relieve symptoms. Do not pressure your provider to prescribe an antibiotic.

Our laboratory routinely calculates the antibiotic resistant/sensitivity patterns of bacterial grown on cultures submitted. This information is used by your pharmacy and providers to help determine appropriate antibiotics for your treatment.

The PAHCS Emergency Department is pleased to announce that we now have a physician on-site at all times, day or night. This news has been well received by patients and their families. It is comforting to know that we provide professional emergency medical care in our community that is available anytime it is needed, with no worrying about what time of day it is!

Dr. Mariola Czapiewska, Dr. Julie Youngs, and Jennifer Dean-Dwyer PA-C are proud to announce their certification with Implanon®.

IMPLANON® is a type of birth control for women. It is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your arm.

IMPLANON® contains a hormone called etonogestrel. You can use a single IMPLANON® rod for up to three years. Because IMPLANON® does not contain estrogen, your healthcare provider may recommend IMPLANON® even if you cannot use estrogen.

Established worldwide
Since 1998, there have been more than 4.5 million IMPLANON® units sold worldwide. It is a progestin-only method of birth control and does not contain estrogen. IMPLANON® does not contain latex or silicone and will not dissolve.

Indication
IMPLANON® (etonogestrel implant) is for the prevention of pregnancy in women.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPLANON® does not protect against HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

To learn more about Implanon® log on to www.implanon-usa.com or call to schedule an appointment with one of our certified providers.

Paynesville Area Health Care System
200 West First Street • Paynesville
320-243-3767

Flu Shots are available at any of our locations!

For the health and convenience of our patients, we have vaccine available to protect against influenza and the H1N1. Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, we highly encourage certain people to get vaccinated because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high-risk persons.

We are proud to announce the following flu clinic dates.

Call the triage nurse at any of our locations to schedule your flu shot or mist. High risk categories include:

• Children ages 6-59 months
• Adults 50 and older
• Adults and children with chronic medical conditions
• Health care workers involved with direct patient care
• Caregivers of children under the age of 5

Most insurance plans cover the cost of the flu shot. Please bring your insurance cards with you to the clinic. Registration forms are available at each of the clinics. Cash cost of the flu shot is $25. Cash cost for the flu mist is $33.