Winter 2013 - Allina Health

winter 2013
issue 006
Refresh and
renew this
winter
02
Heart disease
prevention focuses on
the whole person
04
St. Paul neighbors
discover yoga
14
Well-child resources
for parents
15
Move your health
forward in 2013
allinahealth.org

community good to know health
Prevention: It’s powerful medicine
MAP³ clinic ‘focused on me as a whole person’
Lori Anderson-Tepley knows from
experience that it’s better to prevent
health problems than to deal with
them later. Anderson-Tepley, 56, has
type 1 diabetes and other health
problems that stem from it.
She sought out a new clinic that
focuses on prevention, especially heart
disease and stroke. The clinic, My
Assessment and Personal Prevention
Program (MAP³), is part of United
Heart & Vascular Clinic (UHVC) at
United Hospital in St. Paul.
Participants get a complete picture
of their health by meeting with a
preventive cardiologist, nutritionist
and exercise physiologist. Then they
choose specific steps to improve their
health.
“The whole emphasis was how to
improve what I’m doing,” said
Anderson-Tepley, who’s from St. Louis
Park. “When you can do something
before a problem happens, that’s
powerful. The clinic gave me some
new tools to work with.” She was so
impressed that she referred her
husband, who had an appointment
several months ago.
Her first appointment was with
Courtney Baechler, MD, MS, a
specialist in preventive cardiology and
the MAP³ clinic medical director at
UHVC. Baechler also serves as vice
president of the Penny George
Institute for Health and Healing, part
of Allina Health.
Lori Anderson-Tepley gained insights into her health at a new prevention
clinic offered by United Heart & Vascular Clinic.
They discussed the complexities of
Anderson-Tepley’s health, focusing on
her child-onset diabetes and related
problems. Diabetes often leads to
heart disease, so Anderson-Tepley
and her family doctor watch her
cholesterol closely. Her doctor
suggested she start a statin medicine
to reduce her cholesterol.
Anderson-Tepley asked for
Baechler’s advice, so they discussed
several options to lower her cholesterol,
including a nutritional supplement.
“I’m hoping that with the right diet and
exercise, I can avoid medication,”
Anderson-Tepley said. For now, they’re
watching her cholesterol levels.
Baechler also recommended that
Anderson-Tepley have a heart scan,
which showed her there was no
cholesterol buildup in the coronary
arteries.
2 | HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

“The whole emphasis was
how to improve what I’m
doing,” said Anderson-
Tepley, who’s from St. Louis
Park. “When you can do
something before a problem
happens, that’s powerful.”
Nutritionist
Maureen Doran
suggested ways to
modify food groups
in her diet because
a medically
restricted diet
prevents her from
eating fresh fruits
and vegetables.
Courtney Baechler,
MD, MS
Anderson-Tepley said she learned
some new foods that fit well in her
diet, such as nut butters for protein
and a main dish of mashed potatoes
and squash.
With exercise physiologist Kim
Seibert, Anderson-Tepley discussed
walking as her main form of exercise.
Seibert urged her to walk more when
she could and add regular exercises
for strength and flexibility. Anderson-
Tepley uses a MAP³ online resource
to do the exercises at home.
She appreciates that the clinic
“focused on me as a whole person.
That’s critical to me. I need to own
this and follow through. I also felt
very safe, because they covered every
aspect of my health risks. When I left
the clinic, I felt that I could make
some changes and feel better overall.”
Your medical condition + diet + exercise =
Complete picture of your health
For a holistic look at your health, it makes sense to consider diet and
exercise along with your medical condition.
That’s the idea behind a new prevention clinic, My Assessment and
Personal Prevention Program (MAP³). In a series of appointments
totaling two and a half hours, you’ll look closely at your health and
learn how to improve it.
The appointments include:
• 40 minutes with a preventive cardiologist — Courtney Baechler, MD,
MS; Nazifa Sajady, MD; or Elizabeth Tuohy, MD. The cardiologist
will assess your risk factors, including family history of heart disease,
medical history, lifestyle and health behaviors. Lab tests and a
cardiovascular physical are included.
• 60 minutes with a nutritionist, emphasizing how to eat to feel well.
• 30 minutes with an exercise physiologist, reviewing your activity
level and how to maximize it. (There is no exercise test.)
At the next appointment, you’ll meet with a nurse practitioner
to review the experts’ assessment and clinical data. Based on this
information, you’ll choose several specific ways to improve. If any
medical problems are found, referrals will be provided. The clinic
offers ways to keep your progress on track, including an online
program, exercise coaching and additional nutrition counseling.
“Many people want a deeper understanding of their health — about
how the choices they make affect their health risks,” said Courtney
Baechler, MD, MS, MAP³ clinic medical director at United Heart &
Vascular Clinic (UHVC). The clinic focuses on preventing heart disease
and stroke, two main causes of serious illness and death. Baechler
noted that one-third of MAP³ patients discover a problem they didn’t
know they had.
Check with your health insurance company for details on coverage
for the MAP³ clinic.
Call for an appointment
To make an appointment at the MAP³ clinic, call UHVC at
651-292-0007. Visit unitedhospital.com for more information.
allinahealth.org | 3

community health
St. Paul neighbors
discover yoga
Hannah Hendrickson guides her
mother Mary, center, and Justine
Nelson in their yoga poses.
Through a grant from Allina Health, people
in Mary Hendrickson’s St. Paul
neighborhood discovered yoga.
Last summer, Hendrickson received a
grant from the Allina Health program
called Neighborhood Health Connection.
Grants funded a wide range of health
improvement projects, from community
gardens to a walking club with a scavenger
hunt, said Heather Peterson, director of
Community Engagement for the Allina
Health east metro region. “It’s amazing
what neighbors, working together, can
achieve in enjoying better health,” she said.
Hendrickson organized exercise
activities last summer for women in her
Midway neighborhood. One evening, a
handful of women took a three-mile hike
through the neighborhood. Another time, a
small group biked for an hour. Each event
drew neighbors who knew one another and
some who didn’t. Everyone got to know
each other better, Hendrickson said.
The group’s favorite activity took place
on a beautiful August evening in the
neighborhood’s Newell Park. Six women
learned yoga under a canopy of oak trees,
ending with silent meditation.
“It was so relaxing! Yoga is gentle and low
impact, and it’s great for flexibility. Some of
the women weren’t sure of the physical
benefits. But when they felt their muscles
the next day, they knew yoga was good for
them,” Hendrickson recalled with a laugh.
Hendrickson had a built-in connection
to a yoga teacher — her daughter, Hannah.
She recently finished her yoga certification
and volunteered so she could get practice
teaching.
The neighborhood activities finished
with a softball game and potluck picnic for
families on Labor Day weekend. As
Hendrickson talked with neighbors, they
agreed that they wanted to continue with
yoga.
Starting in October, the group moved
indoors to Hendrickson’s living room.
Every other Monday evening, you’ll find
Hannah leading them through a range
of yoga poses.
Visit neighborhoodhealthconnection.org for resources that can help you
connect with your neighbors and improve your health.
Yoga for the Deskbound
Feeling tight, sluggish or wired at
work? Try yoga.
Practicing yoga can reduce stress,
lower blood pressure and heart rate,
and relax muscles. It can also boost
mood and energy levels. Plus, it can
relieve back pain and even help with
carpal tunnel syndrome.
Power Up—Start with Mountain
Pose. Stand with your feet hip-width
apart, equal weight on both feet.
Draw in your abdomen, lift your
chest, and keep your shoulders
relaxed and down. Arms hang down
at your sides. Relax your neck and
feel as if your spine is being lengthened
4 | HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
each time you inhale. Take
three deep breaths.
Sit Tall—Stuck at your desk? Sit on the
chair edge with feet on the floor about
hip distance apart. Place palms on
thighs and lengthen the spine as you
inhale. Hold the pose for three breaths.
Inhale and lift arms overhead. Take
hold of the left wrist with your right
hand and as you exhale, bend right.
Stay for three breaths. Inhale back up,
release arms and roll your shoulders.

community health
Our commitment
to building healthy
communities
Allina Health is committed to
improving the health of the
communities it serves not only by
providing expert medical care when
you’re sick, but also by helping you
stay well. That’s why Allina Health
launched two new programs —
Neighborhood Health Connection
and School Health Connection
— that reach residents of all ages.
Neighborhood Health
Connection
Research shows that social
connections help make everyone
healthier. So the Neighborhood Health
Connection program is designed to
bring community members together
to build connections and increase
healthful activities, said Ruth Olkon,
manager of community programs.
“Our website has great information
and ideas on how to start your own
neighborhood groups and implement
healthy activities using the online
toolkit,” Olkon said.
Here’s a look at some of the
programs Neighborhood Health
Connection created this year:
• Free health screenings: Allina
Health provided free health
screenings to 37 neighborhoods.
When people know their blood
pressure, glucose levels and body
mass index, they can take steps
to improve them, Olkon said.
• Pedometer Fitness Challenge:
Community-based teams applied
to receive free pedometers and
access to online resources to track
progress and increase their daily
physical activity. The program
reached more than 1,000 people.
• Grant opportunities: The
Neighborhood Health Connection
offered an opportunity for neighbors
and community organizations to
apply for grants to support their own
healthy programs, such as hosting a
5K run/walk, building a community
garden or creating a walking club.
School Health
Connection
To help kids set the foundation for
lifelong health, the School Health
Connection program partners
with 10 elementary schools. It
consists of five components:
• A $10,000 grant: The grant
goes toward improving each
school’s unique health needs.
• Monthly consultation with a
doctor from a nearby Allina
Health clinic or partner clinic:
The doctor talks with the school’s
staff members about issues they’re
dealing with, such as preventing
concussions or handling food
allergies.
• Training sessions for teachers and
other staff members: “Throughout
the school year, the schools choose
topics most important to them,
such as obesity or depression,”
said Susan Nygaard, manager of
community health improvement.
• Online learning tools: Teachers
can incorporate any of the 50
different health lessons developed
by Allina Health.
• Health fairs: At the fair, staff
members, students and their
families can learn more about
the School Health Connection
program in a fun and interactive
atmosphere.
Get healthy! Learn how these programs
can help improve the health of your community
by visiting neighborhoodhealthconnection.org.
allinahealth.org | 5

mom and baby
Getting ready
for baby?
Allina Health provides
care and comfort
for moms-to-be
Allina Health welcomes families to
be part of the experience at its birth
centers.
what to expect
Learn about every stage of
pregnancy, from preconception
care to feeding your newborn,
by visiting allinahealth.org/
pregnancy.
Having a baby is an exciting time. But it
can also come with some uncertainty.
Allina Health understands the physical
and emotional needs of new and
expecting parents. From the time you
begin planning a pregnancy to when
you get settled back at home after the
birth, Allina Health offers complete
mother and baby services.
“Allina Health delivers about
14,000 babies among our 10 hospitals
each year,” said Michael Slama, MD,
obstetrician/gynecologist and
physician leader for Allina Health
mother-baby services. “Regardless of
where a woman delivers, she receives
the same comprehensive care. We
want to provide the right level of care
for every pregnancy and birth — from
the simple to the most complex.”
Preparing for baby
Women planning to have a baby
can choose an obstetrician or family
medicine doctor who delivers at an
Allina Health hospital. Doctors work
to help prepare each woman for a
healthy pregnancy. For example, your
doctor may suggest lifestyle changes
that boost fertility and aid in easier
childbirth. He or she can also prescribe
prenatal vitamins or help decide the
best time to stop birth control (see
sidebar on Page 7 for more on
preconception care).
Comprehensive care
Allina Health provides additional
services to fit every need. For
example, OB Homecare nurses visit
expecting moms in their homes or
workplaces to help with special
medical needs. This may include
giving IVs (intravenous route, which
is the fastest way to deliver fluids
throughout the body) to help hydrate
women who are experiencing severe
nausea and vomiting, or providing
medicine to prevent preterm labor.
In addition, home nursing visits are
provided to these moms and their
babies after hospital discharge to
ensure everything is going well
after they get home.
6 | HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

community health
“OB Homecare nurses are part of the
Allina Health mother-baby care team,”
said Nancy Reiners, RN, OB Homecare
manager. “We don’t take the place of a
clinic visit. Rather, we complement care
by providing needed nursing services to
patients in their homes.”
Care for high-risk
pregnancy
Women who have a high-risk
pregnancy, such as those pregnant
with multiple babies, may be referred
to a perinatologist — a doctor who
cares for high-risk pregnancies.
High-risk pregnancy care with
Allina Health is provided though
Minnesota Perinatal Physicians.
These specialty doctors offer
advanced diagnosis and testing for a
wide range of medical issues. They
provide comprehensive medical
treatment and perform specialized
procedures for mothers and babies.
“We offer a complete resource
for high-risk pregnancy needs,”
said Michele Stout, manager of the
perinatal clinics for Allina Health.
Registered nurses at Allina Health
hospitals answer questions for families
and help care for moms and babies.
Through a partnership with Minnesota
Perinatal Physicians, Allina Health
hospitals are fully equipped to handle
multiple and high-risk pregnancies.
“From diagnosis to treatment, we
make sure each mother and baby
gets the best care available.”
A better birth
experience
The birth center in each Allina Health
hospital is focused on providing women
with a calm, inviting place to have their
babies. For example, the birth center at
United Hospital offers free massages
and an aromatherapy program.
“We are so proud of our services
for expecting moms,” said Kathy
Schoenbeck, director of the United
Hospital Birth Center. “Our goal is
to make their birth experience as
wonderful as possible.”
Lactation consultants offer
breastfeeding support to women
in the hospital after discharge in
the hospital-based clinics.
“For many women, breastfeeding is
the most challenging part of their role
as new mothers,” said Cathy Skrypek,
RN, lactation consultant for Allina
Health. “As lactation consultants, we
strive to empower women and build
their confidence in this new skill.”
Getting
off to the
right start
At Allina Health, we believe that
a healthy pregnancy starts with
a healthy mom. If you’re thinking
about having a baby, it’s a
good idea to visit your doctor
for preconception planning.
“Ideally, women should meet
with their family medicine doctor
or obstetrician/gynecologist
about three to six months before
trying to conceive,” said Michael
Slama, MD, obstetrician/gynecologist
and physician leader for
Allina Health mother-baby
services.
Your doctor may also suggest
ways to prepare for a healthy
pregnancy, such as beginning an
exercise routine, taking folic acid,
eating nutritious foods, getting
certain immunizations and
quitting smoking.
“Every pregnancy is unique,”
Slama said. "We work with each
woman to help her conceive
and have the best pregnancy
possible.”
allinahealth.org | 7

mom and baby
How much do
you know about
newborns?
Because babies don’t enter the world with
instruction manuals, testing your knowledge
of newborns can help you prepare for a
little one who’s on the way — or learn more
about your new bundle of joy.
1. What is the average birth weight
for newborns?
a about 15 pounds
b about 4 pounds
c between about 7 pounds and 8 pounds
d between 9 pounds and 12 pounds
2. How long should babies breastfeed?
a until they’ve had enough
b one hour
c 30 minutes
d five minutes
3. What are some signs that a baby
is getting enough milk?
a gains a pound per week
b regains birth weight in 10 to 14 days
c has at least six wet and three soiled
diapers a day
d b and c
4. How much do newborns sleep each
day, on average?
a at least 16 hours
b between five and 10 hours
c six hours
d 11 hours
Answers
1.c — between about 7 and 8 pounds
2. a — until they've had enough. About 15 to
20 minutes on each breast may be enough.
3. d — b and c
4. a — at least 16 hours. The average
newborn spends at least 16 hours a day
sleeping, but there can be big differences
from one newborn to the next.
The Mother Baby Center:
Due February 2013
In February 2013, Abbott
Northwestern Hospital and
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics
of Minnesota will be opening
The Mother Baby Center.
“The ultimate goal of creating
the center is to bring mothers and
their babies closer together,” said
Michelle Smith, RN, interim director
of the Birth Center at Abbott
Northwestern Hospital.
Previously, parents whose
newborns required the higher levels
of care offered at Children’s had
to travel through a long tunnel to
visit their newborn. “Having the
neonatal intensive care unit and
special care nursery on the same
floor where mothers give birth and
stay gives parents easy access to
their babies, and peace of mind
knowing they’re nearby,” Smith
said. The Mother Baby Center
will continue to offer the whole
spectrum of what a mother could
want for her child’s birth. This
includes everything from midwives,
We’re
EXPECTING
The Mother Baby Center.
Due February 2013.
Experts in the expecting
and the unexpected.
A great place to have
a baby. A great place
to be a baby.
TheMotherBabyCenter.org
The Mother Baby Center is located between
Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Children's
Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
water births, aromatherapy and
healing touch to the most advanced
medical interventions, Smith said.
Some of The Mother Baby Center’s
unique features include:
• large private rooms
• in-room labor tubs and water
birth services
• in-room sleep accommodations
and family sleep rooms.
Take a virtual tour!
Tour The Mother Baby Center online
by visiting themotherbabycenter.org.
8 | HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

good to know
Well-child visits:
A great opportunity for parents
Well-child visits help keep your child
healthy. What happens at these
appointments? Your child’s doctor may
weigh, measure and check your child’s
growth, sight, hearing and teeth. The
doctor may also give your child shots
to prevent disease and test your child
for illnesses.
“Well-child visits are an important
tool that health care providers use to
screen for medical and developmental
issues, and to complete required
immunizations,” said Diane Adamski,
MD, chairwoman of the Allina Health
ambulatory pediatrics council.
“In addition to the medical exam
and shots, a well-child visit is a chance
for parents to talk with the doctor,”
Adamski said. “It’s a great opportunity
to discuss child safety, eating and
development.”
When you bring a baby to well-child
visits, you might want to take a friend
or family member. It will be easier to
talk to the doctor if someone can help
you with your baby.
Parents should take their babies
for well-child visits at these ages:
• 2 weeks
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months (2 years)
• once a year after age 2.
You can prepare your child for a
doctor’s visit by talking about what
will happen at the doctor’s office, or
by demonstrating with a toy. It can
help calm fears if you let your child
play with medical toys, such as a toy
thermometer. Be honest if something,
such as a shot, will hurt. But keep
your talk short and tell your child
it will only hurt for a little while.
Teach your child to relax by
breathing slowly or counting. Try
counting make-believe animals while
getting a shot. It may also help to tell
your child you will stay in the doctor’s
office the whole time, and then do it.
“Well-child visits provide a great
opportunity for parents and children
to build a relationship with their
pediatric or family medicine
provider,” Adamski said.
Susan Lim, MD, Allina Medical Clinic — Shoreview pediatrician, enjoys a conversation
with Graham, a young patient. Dr. Lim tells Graham’s friends and family that
she is happy to answer questions about health, growth and development.
Keeping Kids
Healthy
Is your child due for a well-child visit? Read more
about what to expect at allinahealth.org/wellchild.
allinahealth.org | 9

mental health
Healthy ways to avoid holiday blues
Take charge of your health If you are
not sure if you should seek help, please talk to someone you trust,
make an appointment with your primary care provider or call
the mental health location nearest you. In case of emergency,
please go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
During the holidays, does it feel like
everyone is celebrating except you?
If you suffer from depression, the
pressures that come with the holidays
can make you feel even worse. You
may also experience feelings of
loneliness during this time.
It can be tempting to indulge in
unhealthy behaviors, such as drinking,
to help you cope. With scores of
holiday parties and family gatherings
this time of year, there’s often plenty
of alcohol available. Or you may be
tempted to smoke, take drugs or
overeat to escape difficult emotions
you may be experiencing.
The truth is, these behaviors won’t
help — they can even make you feel
worse. These tips can help you navigate
tough times without hurting yourself
or those around you.
• Keep your expectations realistic.
You may feel pressure to take on
more tasks than you have energy
for or give more gifts than you can
afford. Overextending yourself and
not being able to follow through
can make you feel worse. Only
commit to those things you know
you’ll be able to do. If other people
ask more of you than you can
handle, you can always say no.
• Make time for exercise. When
you’re active, your brain releases
chemicals that improve your mood
and decrease stress. Not only does
exercise keep your body healthy, it
protects your mind, too. Experts
recommend 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity exercise, such
as brisk walking, each week.
• Talk to someone. You don’t have
to go it alone. Talk about your
problems with someone close to
you, such as a friend or family
member. It can help you feel better.
They may also help you think of
your problems in a new way and
recommend solutions you haven’t
considered before. Be honest with
your doctor, too. Tell him or her
what you’re going through. There
are treatments for depression that
can help.
• Take care of yourself. When you
treat your body right, you’re able
to deal with problems more easily.
Get seven to nine hours of sleep
every night. Avoid sugar and
caffeine. They can cause a dip in
your energy level and leave you
feeling worse. And fill your diet
with health-boosting foods like
fruits, vegetables, beans and
whole grains.
For more information about resources
available through Allina Health, visit
allinahealth.org/mentalhealth.
10 | HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

health care briefs
Whooping
cough:
Adult booster
shots are
the key
Ho, ho, hold
the gravy, please
It has been a record-setting year for whooping cough
(pertussis) cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Health
experts have been working to get the word out
about booster shots and prevention.
Whooping cough is very contagious for three weeks
after someone catches it. The disease is most serious in
infants. It has been on the rise, especially in teens and
babies, since the 1980s. Studies show that the whooping
cough protection that children get from the five
DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine shots
given before age 6 wears off by their mid-teens.
Teens and adults, especially those who are around
infants or who haven’t been vaccinated before, should
get the Tdap (tetanus with pertussis protection) vaccine.
Adults who get the Tdap vaccine help protect babies
from pertussis. You can ask for it at your next checkup.
“Adults who may think they just have a cold with a
persistent cough could be transmitting whooping
cough,” said Cindy Larson, PhD, manager, Infection
Prevention Program at United Hospital. “All adults
should get a tetanus booster every 10 years, but you
need to get the version with pertussis (Tdap) only
one time. You can get the Tdap vaccine any time,
even if you had a recent tetanus shot.”
Do the holidays put even your best healthy eating
habits to the test? You’re not alone.
“Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day,
many people gain a few pounds, but that doesn’t
have to be the case,” said Mary Steele, dietitian and
diabetes educator, Allina Health. “There are ways to
eat healthy this time of the year. It’s also important
to keep up your physical activity and exercise, such
as taking an extra lap around the mall while you
are shopping.”
Steele offered a number of tips for enjoying the
foods of the season without tipping the scales:
• Avoid hunger. Don’t skip meals, and eat a small,
low-fat snack before your holiday feast.
• Take small portions and use a smaller plate so
portions look bigger.
• Focus on family and friends, not food.
• Choose wisely. Bring veggies and dips or a green
salad to your potluck, and load up with vegetables
first when you go through a buffet line. Limit butter
and high-fat salad dressings and gravies.
• Avoid alcohol, which weakens willpower and has
a lot of calories.
have a healthful Holiday Season
For recipes and cooking tips, visit allinahealth.org/recipes and check out the
articles under the Eat Healthy section. Try something new tonight!
allinahealth.org | 11

safe travels
Over the river and through the woods … safely
Taking a little time to think through
holiday travel plans before you hit
the highway or head to the airport
can greatly reduce your holiday stress.
“No one plans to get stranded
when traveling, but it’s best to be
prepared, especially in bad weather,”
said Dallas Anderson, director
of Emergency Management,
Allina Health.
Tips for traveling
by car
If you are driving to your holiday
destination, it’s a good idea to have
your battery and antifreeze tested
before hitting the road.
“If you’re planning a car trip, know
your route and listen to the weather or
call the state highway patrol for road
conditions,” Anderson said. “Pack
emergency supplies, such as a fullycharged
cellphone, a flashlight and
extra batteries, jumper cables, warm
and waterproof clothing, blankets or
a sleeping bag, a shovel, snacks and
water, an ice scraper and a snow brush.”
Drive cautiously, especially if you
find yourself on the road during that
first snow of the season. If you do get
stuck, stay with your vehicle.
the friendly skies
If you are going to fly, get a flu shot
well before you leave. Leave early for
the airport to allow for bad weather
and security lines.
Allina Health Pharmacy Director
Ann Byre recommends refilling any
prescriptions well in advance of
travel. She also suggests packing your
prescription medicines in your
carry-on bag to make sure they arrive
safely with you.
“It’s important to be flexible with
your travel plans and add an extra day
or two on either end,” Anderson said.
“Holidays are the worst time to get
stuck in the airport, but it happens.”
Traveling with
oxygen
“For those who need it, traveling with
portable oxygen concentrators offers
some advantages and might be the
only way to go, depending upon your
mode of travel,” Anderson said. “First,
check with your physician to make
sure it is safe for you to travel.”
You can arrange for in-flight oxygen
service with the airlines, but portable
oxygen concentrators are FAAapproved
for airline travel and require
less advance planning. If you are going
on a cruise, you will need to provide
your own equipment and oxygen.
Amtrak trains require that you have a
12-hour backup supply of oxygen that
does not rely on electrical power.
Allina Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment (HOME) offers free portable oxygen concentrators
for customers during their travels. The concentrator must be returned immediately after your
trip. To learn more, call HOME at 1-800-737-4473.
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we see each year at our 90+ clinics, 11 hospitals and through a wide variety of specialty
care services. We care for our employees by providing rewarding work, flexible schedules
and competitive benefits in an environment where passionate people thrive and excel.
Make a difference. Join our award-winning team. Visit allinahealth.org/careers today
to view current openings and apply online.
12 | HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

calendar
events & classes
Unless otherwise noted, call Allina Health class registration at 1-866-904-9962 or
visit allinahealth.org/classes for more information or to register.
The Women’s Heart Center
A personalized assessment for women
to determine their risk for heart
disease. Call 651-241-8108. $95
neuroscience
Brain tumor support group
Call 651-241-8575.
cancer care
Breast cancer
support group
Call 651-241-8375.
Lung cancer support group
Offered monthly by St. Paul Lung
Clinic to provide emotional support
and educational information. Call
651-456-5864.
Reach to Recovery
This American Cancer Society
program offers one-on-one support
for women and men who have had a
mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Call 651-241-6408.
Prostate cancer support group
Call 651-241-8328.
childbirth and
parenting
• All about babies
• Birth Center tour
• Breastfeeding preparation
• Childbirth preparation
• Childbirth preparation: twins,
triplets or more
• Expectant father
• Expectant grandparents
• Father and baby
• Infant and child CPR
• Infant massage
• New brother/new sister
• New parent connection
• Refresher birth and parenting
preparation
Baby Cafe
Free weekly drop-in center for
expert help with breastfeeding.
Call 651-241-5088 for details.
Postpartum depression
support group
Call 612-863-4770 before your first
visit or for more information.
Pregnancy after a loss
support group
Call 651-241-6206 before your first
visit or for more information.
Pregnancy and infant loss
support group
Call 651-241-6206 before your first
visit or for more information.
health improvement
ExerCare fitness center
Milton M. Hurwitz ExerCare Fitness
Center provides a place to exercise in a
medically supervised environment.
Offerings include Pilates, yoga and
yoga/Pilates fusion classes.
Call 651-241-8080.
Healing Touch classes
Learn to perform Healing Touch, a
relaxing and nurturing energy
therapy. Level 1: Jan. 12-13. Level 2:
March 22-23. Call 651-241-6217.
heart
HeartSaver/CPR class
A two-and-a-half hour (noncertified)
course to learn CPR and how to use
automated external defibrillators.
Parkinson’s disease
support groups
The American Parkinson Disease
Association at United Hospital
partners with support groups
throughout Minnesota. For a
support group list, call
651-241-8297 or 1-888-302-7762
or visit allinahealth.org/APDA.
Stroke support group
The Sister Kenny® Rehabilitation
Institute offers support groups for
stroke survivors and their families.
Call 612-863-4996.
orthopedics
Total knee and hip
replacement program
Three-hour classes to help prepare
you for knee and hip replacement
surgery and recovery. Evening class
covers both types of surgery.
Preregister at 651-241-5390.
Mondays, Dec. 10; Jan. 7 and 21;
Feb. 4 and 18; March 4 and 18 at
United Hospital.
weight loss
Weight-loss surgery information
The Bariatric Center of United
Hospital offers many opportunities
to meet our bariatric surgeons. Class
attendance is free, and there is a $20
material fee. To register for a class,
call 651-227-6351.
allinahealth.org | 13

allina.com
11-7640 04/11 ©2007 Allina Health System ®Allina and the Allina logo are registered trademarks of Allina Health System
A coloring book about good health from
your friends at Allina Hospitals & Clinics
1
children’s health
children’s development
Look at the forest, not the trees
There are many
different sources of
information for
parents about
developmental
milestones for
children — possibly
too many. Most have
long lists of behaviors
for specific ages, such
as recognizing
certain words and
things like “will look
at self in mirror” and
“likes certain colors.”
The sheer volume
of developmental
Maria
Stanislaw, DO
Kristin Sanders-
Gendreau, MD
information can be confusing and
overwhelming. Some parents tend to
pay too much attention to these lists,
according to pediatricians Maria
Stanislaw, DO, of Allina Medical
Clinic — Hastings (Nininger) and
Kristin Sanders-Gendreau, MD, of
Aspen Medical Group — Maplewood.
Well-child resources
for parents
Online resources for information
about developmental milestones
include:
• allinahealth.org/wellchild
• healthychildren.org
• www.thewholechild.us
• kidshealth.org
“I want parents to focus on
how babies get their start,
through touch, talk and
connection,” Sanders-Gendreau
said. “Nurturing touch from
caregivers is an irreplaceable first
step in promoting healthy
development.”
Good nutrition, from
breastfeeding if possible, sets the stage
for development, she said. Omega-3
and vitamin D supplements are
believed to be beneficial, Sanders-
Gendreau added, and probiotic
supplements may aid digestion in
some babies.
Stanislaw said well-child visits are
the best way to make sure things are
on track, giving the pediatrician a full
picture of how the child is doing.
“Development will vary from month to
month and from child to child,” she
said. “It depends upon whether they
were premature, their environment
and other factors. If there are concerns,
parents generally will pick them up
soonest,” Stanislaw said. “Don’t feel shy
about mentioning them.”
Sanders-Gendreau recommended
finding a pediatrician you trust and
all aboard
the train to
good health
Ages for well-child visits
Well-child visits should occur at these
ages: 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months,
6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 15 months,
18 months, 2 years and annually
after that.
then writing down and asking all your
questions.
Stanislaw emphasized the importance
of one-on-one interaction with children.
“The brain changes a lot in the first five
years of life,” she said. “You can change a
child’s IQ and their whole future
through interaction. Parents are the
most important teachers.”
Sanders-Gendreau mentioned two
key milestones that deserve special
attention:
• a “social smile” by 6 months of age (If it
is lacking, doctors may be concerned
about autism or even vision problems.)
• walking, or at least making strides
toward walking, by 16 months.
TO MAKE an appointment
for Hastings (Nininger), call
651-480-4200; for Maplewood,
call 651-241-9500.
Freebies for kids and parents Pick up a free coloring
book at Allina Medical Clinic — Hastings (Nininger),
1285 Nininger Road in Hastings, or at Aspen Medical
Group — Maplewood, 1850 Beam Ave. in Maplewood.
To find recipe ideas for kid-friendly lunches, visit
allinahealth.org/recipes.
14 | HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

good to know
QUICK TAKES:
How can you move your health forward in 2013?
Cassandra Jones, MD
Family Medicine
Allina Medical Clinic —
Cottage Grove
651-458-1884
Add one vegetable to your daily diet.
It can be as easy as snacking on celery
and carrots or putting greens in your
morning smoothie. It’s best to eat a wide
variety of vegetables of different colors.
In the winter, you can get a lot of the
same nutrients that you get in fresh
greens, as well as good value, from
frozen vegetables.
Brett Salek, MD
Family Medicine
Allina Medical Clinic —
Forest Lake
651-464-7100
Get outside and stay active — anything
from skiing to building a snow fort with
your kids. Aim for at least 30 minutes a
day of activity, which can help you feel
better physically, as well as prevent
injuries and chronic problems.
Heidi Dalzell, MD
Internal Medicine
Aspen Medical Group —
Bandana Square
651-241-9700
Take action to maintain a healthy weight.
To lose weight, you must expend more
calories than you consume. You can keep
track of what you eat by keeping a food
journal, looking up restaurants’ calorie
information or using some of the
Smartphone apps that are now available.
Megan Hasenwinkel,
PsyD, LP
Mental Health
Allina Medical Clinic —
Farmington
651-463-7181
Don’t forget that your mental health and
stress levels affect your physical health.
Take time to do things that are enjoyable
and meaningful to you. If you make a
resolution for the new year, start with a
small, sustainable goal. You can always
make it a bigger goal later and build on
your initial success.
Susan Lim, MD
Pediatrics
Allina Medical Clinic —
Shoreview
651-483-5461
Be intentional with your time and
involvement with your kids. We all talk
about quality time, but you have to have
a quantity of time together too. Sit down
as a family and review the
accomplishments of the year, how your
child spends his or her time, and set
some goals together.
for more information about these providers,
visit allinahealth.org/meet.
allinahealth.org | 15

Allina Health System
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To find a doctor, please call 1-800-DOCTORS.
10439MC
get back in
circulation
If you’re like 20 million Americans with vascular disease, you know circulation
problems can slow you down. United Vascular Clinic offers the expertise you need.
Experts in cardiology, radiology and vascular surgery work together in one location
to give you high-quality, timely and convenient care. For information, talk to your
doctor or call 651-241-2999. Learn more at unitedhospital.com
13710 0912 ©2012 Allina Health System ® A Trademark of Allina Health System
Find us at facebook.com/
UnitedHospital
Follow us on Twitter
@AllinaHealth
Manage your family’s health
at allinahealth.org
MyChart: Control your health care with
a click at allinahealth.org/mychart
Allina Health locations in your area:
• United Hospital
• Allina Medical Clinic
• Aspen Medical Group
• Sister Kenny® Rehabilitation Institute
Healthy Communities is published by Allina
Health to provide general health information.
It is not intended to provide personal medical
information, which should be obtained directly
from a doctor.
© 2012 Allina Health System.