LUTHERAN - Gundersen Health System

GUNDERSEN
LUTHERAN
Your guide to health and wellness
Managing your diabetes
Advice to treat minor
health issues
Choosing the right glasses
A miracle recovery
Brain coiling procedure offers
Myra a second chance at life

Gundersen Lutheran has the
following locations in your
area. For a complete listing
visit gundluth.org.
Black River Falls
• 601 West Adams Street
Eye Clinic (715) 284-9451
New name,
same exceptional care
Blair
• 420 South Peterson Ave.
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and
Clinics - Blair (608) 989-2505
Independence
• 35791 Osseo Road
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital
and Clinics - Independence
(715) 985-2351
Whitehall
• 18606 Ervin Street
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital
and Clinics - Whitehall
(715) 538-4355 or (888) 775-0516
Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinic
(715) 538-4330
Gundersen Lutheran Behavioral
Health (608) 775-2287 or
(800) 362-9567, ext. 52287
• 18601 Lincoln Street
Gundersen Tri-County
Hospital and Clinics
(715) 538-4361
Gundersen Lutheran is published four
times a year by Gundersen Lutheran
Health System. The information
contained in the magazine is to educate
consumers about various health
subjects and is not intended to replace
professional medical advice or service.
Personal health concerns should be
brought to the attention of your physician
or health professional prior to any change
in medical treatment, exercise routine
or diet.
For permission to reprint any portion of
this magazine, to change your address,
to let us know if you are receiving more
than one copy or if you’d like to be taken
off our mailing list, write to Gundersen
Lutheran Business Development and
Marketing. 1900 South Avenue,
La Crosse, WI 54601, or call
(608) 775-3089 or (800) 362-9567,
ext. 53089
Volume 2, Number 1
©2013 Gundersen Lutheran
EOE/AA/TTD/LEP
Close, convenient
care for your
illnesses and injuries
Your busy life doesn’t stop when you or your child
get sick or injured. If this happens, turn to the
Gundersen Lutheran clinic nearest you for treatment
of cuts, sprains, allergies, infections, rashes
and minor injuries. Same-day appointments are
available when needed so you can get back to living
your life.
Call Gundersen Lutheran to schedule your next
appointment or visit gundluth.org for a complete
listing of clinic locations.
People living in Whitehall, Blair,
Independence, Arcadia and the
surrounding communities will benefit from
a stronger relationship between Gundersen Lutheran
Health System and Tri-County Memorial Hospital. In
January, the two organizations combined efforts to create
a new entity known as Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and
Clinics.
“Gundersen Lutheran has had a long relationship with Tri-
County Memorial Hospital. We’re happy to strengthen that
relationship with a more formal affiliation and the creation
of an integrated healthcare system for the people living
in the Whitehall, Blair, Independence and Arcadia areas,”
says Bryan Erdmann, vice president, Gundersen Lutheran
Health System.
“We are pleased to take our relationship with Gundersen
Lutheran to the next level and advance the care provided
in the communities we serve. Gundersen Lutheran
is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare, and
People who live in the Galesville area won’t have to travel
as far for their care. In early 2013, the Gundersen
Lutheran – Galesville Clinic will begin caring for patients.
“The communities of Galesville, Trempealeau, Ettrick and
the surrounding areas are growing. We saw a real need in
the community for easier access to healthcare,” explains
Christine Roraff, clinic manager for the Gundersen
Lutheran – Galesville Clinic.
strengthening our relationship
further can only mean good things
for our patients and the communities
we serve for years to come,” shares Brian Theiler, CEO,
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics.
The biggest change patients and community members
will notice is the name of the hospital and clinics.
Gundersen Lutheran’s clinics in Whitehall, Blair and
Independence and Tri-County Memorial Hospital have
been consolidated under the Gundersen Tri-County
Hospital and Clinics name. Insurances that were accepted
prior to the affiliation will continue to be accepted and all
patient billing statements will come from the consolidated
operation, Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics.
“As the new Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics,
we look forward to helping advance the excellent care you
count on from your healthcare providers now and in the
future,” Theiler concludes.
New clinic opening in Galesville
The new clinic will be located in the same building as the
Galesville Health Mart Pharmacy. It will be staffed with a
Family Medicine primary care provider, medical assistant
and radiologic technician, and offer primary care, X-ray
and Lab services. The clinic will be open from 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Join us for an open house!
Thursday, Feb. 7 from 3-6 p.m.
See the new clinic, meet your new healthcare team and enjoy
refreshments at our new Gundersen Lutheran – Galesville Clinic.
YOUR GUIDE to HEALTH AND wellness | 2

Choosing the right
glasses
Specialized care for kids
offered close to home
Jennifer Kampa,
Gundersen Lutheran
optician
Today’s glasses are more comfortable, more
aesthetically appealing and offer better
vision. If it’s been a while since you updated
your glasses, now’s the time to take a second
look.
But with so many options available in
eyewear today, choosing the right pair
of glasses may seem overwhelming.
At Gundersen Lutheran Eye Clinics
our eye care professionals, including
board certified opticians, can help you
find the glasses that will help you see
your best and look your best.
“I take pride in my role as an
optician,” says Jennifer Kampa, Gundersen Lutheran
Eye Clinic – Whitehall. “When a patient comes to me for
eyeglasses, they generally have some idea of what they
want. My job is to listen and then guide them to make the
best selection for their needs.”
“For some customers, one pair may not be enough. For
example, progressive multifocal lenses are great, but
someone who spends a lot of time on the computer may
benefit from having a separate pair of computer glasses.
And for others it’s all about style. Glasses are like jewelry
on their face. I love to help find what is best for each
person,” she adds.
Gundersen Lutheran opticians can help you select from
options like these:
• Thin-technology lenses are more aesthetically
appealing and lighter for better comfort.
• Anti-reflective lenses let through more light
for better vision while reducing glare.
• Transition lenses darken quickly in bright lights
for 100 percent UV protection.
• Polarized lenses in sunglasses filter glare, enhance
contrast and improve visual clarity.
• Progressive or no-line multifocal lenses offer a more
natural, seamless correction for viewing all distances.
• Computer glasses provide the right correction for your
computer screen with a wide field of view.
• RecSpecs for sports offer impact-resistant lenses and
UV protection.
• Safety eyewear is lightweight yet durable for work and
home.
• Task glasses make it easier to read, sew and enjoy
hobbies.
Talk with your Gundersen Lutheran opticians about the
newest and best eyewear options for you.
If you’re looking for new glasses and it’s been more
than a year since your last eye exam or you’ve noticed
changes in your vision, start with an appointment with
your optometrist. Your Gundersen Lutheran eye doctor will
give you a comprehensive medical eye exam to check the
health of your eyes as well as vision testing to ensure an
accurate prescription.
To schedule an appointment at the Gundersen Lutheran
Eye Clinic – Black River Falls call (715) 284-9451; in
Whitehall call (715) 538-4330.
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with special
needs, you have undoubtedly felt overwhelmed,
exhausted or even isolated at times. But did you know
that there are experts close to home who you can count on
for all of your child’s healthcare needs?
“Gundersen Lutheran has a broad range of pediatric
specialties. We are very fortunate to have locally what
is most often found only in larger cities. In addition to
diagnosing and treating children’s illnesses and injuries,
our pediatric specialists evaluate and manage a wide
range of disease-specific, developmental, behavioral,
physical and cognitive issues,” explains Gundersen
Lutheran certified pediatric nurse practitioner Linn Duga,
RN, CPNP.
To address these many needs, Gundersen Lutheran
pediatric specialists take a coordinated and
comprehensive approach to care. Individual appointments
with providers as well as multidisciplinary diagnostic and
“follow-along” clinics are available depending on each
family’s situation.
For example, in the Neurodevelopment Clinic—whose
purpose is to evaluate, diagnose or establish care for
medically complex children who are new to Gundersen
Lutheran—a multidisciplinary team of specialists
see patients in coordinated appointments for two
consecutive days. Team members may include Neurology,
Orthopaedics, Medical Genetics, Physical Medicine &
Rehabilitation, Psychology, Social Services, Nutrition and
Audiology as well as Physical, Occupational and Speech
Therapy. Together, the team provides a comprehensive
evaluation of each child with developmental delays or
unidentified health/developmental issues.
This same coordinated approach to care extends
to Gundersen Lutheran’s other pediatric
multidisciplinary clinics including those which
evaluate and diagnose educational problems
and autism spectrum disorders. Additional
clinics, such as cerebral palsy and neuromotor,
cleft lip/palate, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome
and spina bifida, offer coordinated “follow-along”
care at intervals based on the child’s needs.
With a patient- and family-centered approach to
care, the Pediatric Specialties team is focused on
making each visit with patients the best it can be. Child
life specialists are specially trained to assist children
with unfamiliar or potentially anxiety-provoking medical
exams or procedures. Pediatric nurse care coordinators
help support families with what can be numerous
appointments and interactions with their medical team.
“Our patients and families are busy people, and we know
convenience is important to them,” says Linn. “In addition
to convenience, we want to ensure that all of the child’s
needs are met—from routine wellness to more specialized
care. We attend to the needs of children with spina bifida,
cystic fibrosis, cardiac conditions as well as behavioral
challenges, to name a few. Working closely with children,
adolescents and care providers toward a common goal is
very rewarding and a privilege for us all,” concludes Linn.
For more information on the pediatric specialty services
and clinics offered at Gundersen Lutheran, visit
gundluth.org/pediatrics or call (608) 782-7300 or
(800) 362-9567.
3 | GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN
YOUR GUIDE to HEALTH AND wellness | 4

A miracle recovery
Myra Augustine of La Crosse knows she’s one of the lucky ones.
When she suffered a ruptured aneurysm in her brain, a condition
that can often be fatal, doctors at Gundersen Lutheran were able
to repair it using a minimally invasive procedure known as brain
aneurysm coiling. Today, she continues to relearn skills that once
came so easily, like preparing the popular Pakistani dish shami
kebabs for her family.
Brain coiling procedure
offers a second chance at life
Myra Augustine remembers bits and pieces of that
Saturday in April 2012 when her whole world changed.
She remembers going to lunch in downtown La Crosse
with her husband, son and 2-year-old granddaughter. She
remembers her husband dropping them off at home. She
remembers sitting on the couch with her head in both
hands and calling out to her son when the pain in her
head got “very bad.” She remembers her son sitting next
to her, rubbing her back and telling her everything would
be ok.
And that’s the last thing she remembers until she woke up
at Gundersen Lutheran.
She doesn’t remember the ambulance ride to Gundersen
Lutheran’s Trauma & Emergency Center, the tests she
had that showed an aneurysm in her brain that burst and
caused a stroke, or the cutting-edge coiling surgery she
had that plugged the burst aneurysm and saved her life.
She doesn’t remember it, but the fact that Myra is here to
tell her story could be considered miraculous.
A grave situation
To understand why Myra’s story is a miracle, it helps
to understand aneurysms and why they can be so
dangerous.
“An aneurysm is a weak point in the blood vessel that
starts to bulge out like a little balloon outside the blood
vessel,” explains Mouhammed Rami Kabbani, MD, a
neuroendovascular surgeon in Gundersen Lutheran
Neurosciences.
With blood going in and out of it, over time the aneurysm
gets bigger and becomes so weak that it breaks open
(ruptures) and causes bleeding around the brain.
“A ruptured aneurysm, like Myra’s, is very serious. When
an aneurysm ruptures, about half of the patients don’t
make it 30 days. For those who do, many suffer serious
brain damage. Myra is very lucky,” Dr. Kabbani says.
Doctors warned Myra’s family that the situation was grave.
She was rushed to surgery where Dr. Kabbani was able to
perform a minimally invasive procedure known as brain
aneurysm coiling. The technology allows doctors to treat
both non-ruptured and ruptured aneurysms from inside
the blood vessel using very small catheters.
Dr. Kabbani is the only neuroendovascular surgeon in
the Tri-state Region performing brain coiling. Using X-ray
to guide him, he threads a small catheter from the groin
up to the aneurysm in the brain and uses small platinum
coils to fill the space of the aneurysm. In Myra’s case,
this repaired the aneurysm. For aneurysms that haven’t
ruptured, the procedure can prevent it from breaking open
and bleeding.
“Our goal is to find an aneurysm and repair it with brain
coiling before it ruptures. However, that’s not always
possible and brain coiling also offers a treatment option
for patients who suffer a rupture,” Dr. Kabbani explains.
Offering a new level of care
Mouhammed Rami
Kabbani, MD
Gundersen Lutheran
neurovascular
surgeon
Gundersen Lutheran offers
the only neurointerventional
services in the Tri-state
Region. Neurointerventional
services allow doctors to
treat blood vessel disorders
that can affect the nervous
system, such as stroke. The
procedures are minimally
invasive, which means they
can be done through smaller
incisions.
To learn more, go to gundluth.org/neuroscience.
Making the most of every day
Myra is grateful brain coiling was available at Gundersen
Lutheran when she needed it. She has a family history
of aneurysms, and lost her mom to a ruptured aneurysm
many years ago.
“We lived in Pakistan
and the care was
different there. It was
many years ago, too,
so treatments weren’t
as advanced. She
was 62 when we lost
her. I am 61. It was
a close call for me,”
she says.
Myra’s recovery
from the ruptured
aneurysm has
been long. She
spent nearly
two months
on Gundersen
Lutheran’s
Rehabilitation
Unit and many
weeks in
outpatient therapy relearning the skills
that once came so easily. “The staff was so encouraging.
I feel my recovery in a great way was due to prayers from
all those who care about me and the staff at Gundersen
Lutheran,” Myra says.
After all she’s been through,
Myra says she appreciates
all of the moments she has.
“I know that life is in God’s
hands. I’m making use of
every moment I have.”
5 | GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN
YOUR GUIDE to HEALTH AND wellness | 6

‘I feel like I’ve been
set free’
Investigate your options–
get a second opinion
The decision to have bariatric surgery
at Gundersen Lutheran wasn’t
difficult for Kim Bowe of Hayfield,
Minn. Weight had been an
issue for Kim her whole
life, and at nearly 50
years old, she was a
size 24 and in poor
health. She was
pre-diabetic,
suffered from
sleep apnea
(pauses in
breathing while
sleeping) and
experienced severe
headaches daily.
Feeling miserable, Kim
was ready for a change.
“After trying many other
ways to lose weight that
didn’t work, surgery seemed
like the right approach for
me,” Kim explains. “I was really
excited to move ahead with it.”
Gundersen Lutheran bariatric surgeon Matthew T. Baker,
MD, FACS, performed Kim’s procedure in 2010. “My whole
care team made me feel like a person and not a number,”
Kim describes. “This is a long process, and they were with
me every step of the way.”
Today Kim is 127 pounds lighter, has no health issues,
and says she’s so happy she can hardly contain herself.
“Before I felt like a prisoner in my own body. Now I feel
like I’ve been set free.”
While bariatric surgery has changed Kim’s life completely,
she is quick to note that it isn’t a magic fix. “I exercise
every day and I always have to keep an eye on my sugar
intake,” she notes. “It takes some time to learn what
foods you can and can’t tolerate.”
Kim’s family members and friends are tremendously
proud of her. “When he looks at me now, my husband
has a twinkle in his eye,” she laughs, describing Dan,
her spouse of 27 years. Friends are in awe of the
transformation too. “One friend who I hadn’t seen for
several months told me I looked 20 years younger!” Kim
recalls. “That was a great feeling.”
Kim summarizes, “I could cry every day I feel so blessed.
It’s like I’ve been two different people in my life – thin
Kim and heavy Kim. Thin Kim is so proud of heavy Kim
for doing this! I’m different now, and I’d like to be an
inspiration for others. After accomplishing this, I think I
could do anything.”
More than 1,000 patients have had successful bariatric surgery at Gundersen Lutheran.
For most patients, the hospital stay is two days with little pain and a quick recovery.
The average patient loses about 70 percent of their excess body weight by one year
after surgery. They then go on to maintain significant weight loss long-term. Serious
health conditions also show dramatic improvement and in many cases, disappear
completely.
Call (608) 775-LOSE (5673) to learn more about bariatric surgery at Gundersen
Lutheran or to attend a free informational session.
If you or someone you love needs heart surgery, it’s
important to know all of your options. For your own peace
of mind, get a second opinion from Gundersen Lutheran’s
Heart & Vascular Institute.
A second opinion is appropriate for diagnoses such as
aneurysms; blockages in arteries of the heart, leg, neck or
kidneys; heart valve repair or replacement; heart rhythm
problems; closure/repair of heart defects; unresolved
angina; and varicose veins.
“A second opinion from our cardiac and vascular
specialists is especially helpful because you may qualify
for a less invasive procedure if one is needed. We are one
of only a handful of medical centers in the country to offer
minimally invasive coronary surgery or MICS,” explains
Prem Rabindranauth, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Most heart surgery centers offer only the traditional long
cut through the breast bone to open the chest and access
the heart. While this is safe and effective, MICS offers
additional benefits for appropriate candidates.
“MICS is performed through a three- to four-inch incision
between the ribs,” Dr. Rabindranauth continues. “The
result is less pain and blood loss, a shorter hospital
stay, quicker recovery and return to normal activities and
a smaller scar.” A second opinion by a cardiothoracic
surgeon can determine if MICS is right for you.
With a second opinion comes peace of mind
Having more than one expert opinion can be especially
beneficial if:
• You’ve been told your condition is inoperable or there
is no other course of treatment
• You want an option to open heart surgery
• You have a complex surgical case
• Other health problems make your surgery riskier
• There are multiple treatment options available
• You are particularly anxious about choosing treatment
Getting a second opinion
If your doctor is part of another healthcare organization,
you can still select Gundersen Lutheran for a second
opinion or as your heart care provider. Check with your
insurance plan to see if a second opinion appointment or
tests are covered. If not, we can provide a cost estimate.
An appointment for a second opinion can usually be
arranged in one to three working days.
For a second opinion, please contact the Gundersen
Lutheran Heart & Vascular Institute at (608) 775-2335
or (800) 362-9567, ext. 52355.
7 | GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN
YOUR GUIDE to HEALTH AND wellness | 8

Embarrassed by
urinary incontinence?
Cancer research studies offer
hope when there is no cure
Urinary incontinence is an inconvenient
and frustrating problem that can cause
embarrassment and social isolation.
If you know this already from personal
experience, take heart.
“There are many effective treatment
options including remarkable new
advances we can offer patients today.
Even if you’ve tried treatments in the
past without success, you should talk
with your doctor or see a specialist,”
reports Gundersen Lutheran urologist
Joseph Endrizzi, MD. “For example,
Botox ® has been FDA approved for urinary
incontinence. Injected into the bladder
muscle it reduces muscle spasms that
produce urgency. It’s very effective for
about nine months with few side effects.”
According to Dr. Endrizzi, other new
procedures are showing great promise, too.
For example, in an office-based bulking
procedure, material is injected to “bulk up”
the tissues surrounding the urethra which
may have shrunk with age. The increased
bulk helps the urethra close more effectively to
prevent leakage.
Urgent® PC Neuromodulation is another
nonsurgical, in-office procedure that works like
acupuncture. Mild electrical impulses are sent to
nerves that help control bladder function. After 12
weekly treatments, results are effective for about a
year.
“In addition,” Dr. Endrizzi adds, “there’s a
bladder pacemaker known as the Interstim
sacral nerve stimulator. It sends mild
electrical pulses to the nerve that helps
regulate muscle function for more effective
bladder control. This device was recently
approved for use in patients with severe
constipation or bowel leaking problems,
too.”
Although new advances offer patients
greater treatment options, the tried
and true are still successful for
many. Pelvic floor physical
therapy with specially trained
physical therapists delivers
significant improvement for up to
70 percent of women. Prescription
medications are also effective for
50 to 60 percent of patients and
lifestyle changes—stop smoking,
reduce alcohol consumption, diet and
exercise—may also reduce incontinence.
If other treatments fail to control your
incontinence, surgery may be needed.
The standard is the mid-urethral sling
that supports the urethra and helps
maintain control. This minimally
invasive, same-day procedure is FDA
approved, has little down time and a
success rate of up to 90 percent when
performed by an experienced physician.
“With all the diagnostic and treatment
options we have at our disposal, we can
treat most incontinence problems and get
people back to enjoying their lives,” Dr.
Endrizzi concludes.
If you have incontinence, talk with your primary
care provider or call the Center for Women at
(608) 775-8181 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 58181.
To learn more, go to gundluth.org/incontinence.
A parent’s first glimpse of their newborn, a toddler’s first
steps, a teenager’s first kiss…these “firsts” bring both
excitement and apprehension. So, it wasn’t any different
for 76-year-old Leonard Goetzka of Warrens, Wis., when he
agreed to be the first to trial a new chemotherapy drug.
Following a preventive care
appointment in 2007, Leonard
was diagnosed with multiple
myeloma, a non-curable
cancer of the blood plasma.
The diagnosis came as a
shock, Leonard admits,
because he didn’t have
symptoms and there was
no family history. He was
referred to hematologist
Ronald Go, MD, at
Gundersen Lutheran’s
Center for Cancer & Blood
Disorders, and it was Dr.
Go who first introduced
Leonard to cancer research
studies.
“By conducting cancer
research studies, we
can help patients gain
access to cuttingedge
treatments and
ultimately open new doors to cancer prevention
and treatment for generations to come,” explains Dr. Go.
On any given day, Gundersen Lutheran has about 120
cancer research studies available for patients with cancer.
“We’re proud to be one of just three sites in Wisconsin
that is a member of the National Cancer Institute
Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP). It’s an
elite network of community cancer centers that is focused
on improving access to cancer research studies close to
where patients live,” explains CCOP principal investigator
Dr. Go.
“Being the newest treatment available, I knew I had to
give it a shot. A cancer research study was my only hope,”
Leonard says. From 2007-08, Leonard participated in a
cancer research study but his blood counts didn’t drop
to desired levels. So in 2010, Dr. Go learned about a new
class of drug called heat shock protein inhibitor (KW-
2478). Leonard enrolled and
was the first person in the
study which was conducted
across the United States and
Europe.
“Although the side effects
were hard on my body, I’ve
been off the chemotherapy
pills for two years. I’ve
enjoyed a good quality of
life and believe this wouldn’t
have been possible without
the cancer research study. I
hope my participation can help
others in my shoes,” Leonard
says.
Dr. Go was equally impressed
with the results. After six
months, Leonard experienced
complete remission. While
his myeloma protein is slowly
increasing over time, Dr. Go says
Leonard may continue to do well
for quite some time before needing treatment again.
Within the past five years, substantial improvements in
multiple myeloma treatments have been made, thanks to
ongoing research. For individuals with multiple myeloma,
a longer and healthier life with the disease is the best
news they could ask for.
To learn more about cancer research studies, talk
to your healthcare provider or visit gundluth.org/
CancerResearch.
9 | GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN
YOUR GUIDE to HEALTH AND wellness | 10

Blood pressure:
How high
is too high?
When it comes to your blood
pressure, don’t ignore higher than
normal numbers…even if they’re just
a little higher than they should be.
According to national guidelines,
most people should have a blood
pressure reading of less than
140/90, and it should be less than
130/80 if you have diabetes or
kidney disease. Anything higher and
you could be in trouble.
The biggest risk with elevated blood
pressure (hypertension) is stroke.
Almost half a million strokes each
year are caused by high blood
pressure. High blood pressure also
commonly contributes to heart
disease and kidney disease.
If you have higher than normal blood
pressure, making some lifestyle
changes could help you lower it.
Losing weight, following a low-salt
diet, increasing physical activity and
drinking alcohol in moderation are
all steps you can take to help lower
your blood pressure.
If you or a family member has high
blood pressure, talk with your
primary care provider and start
taking steps to get it under control.
To find a Gundersen Lutheran
healthcare provider near you, go to
gundluth.org/physicians.
Get creative to stay active this winter
There may be a chill in the air, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for you to stop
exercising.
To stay safe and warm while you exercise outside:
• Wear layers. Avoid cotton for the layer closest to your skin. It holds in moisture,
making you colder faster.
• Do not layer socks and avoid cotton, which can both cause blisters.
• Keep your hands and head covered.
• Wear footwear with good traction, shorten your stride and be aware of ice.
• Wear reflective clothing if it’s dark outside.
• Drink plenty of water. You need as much water in the winter as in the summer.
If you prefer to stay indoors, try:
• Aerobic, strength or yoga videos.
• Seeing if your school opens the gym or hallways to walkers before or after
school.
• Walking in the mall.
• Using a hotel’s swimming pool. Many allow swimming for a minimal charge
during the week.
No matter the kind of exercise you choose, the most important thing is to keep
active and get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most
days of the week.
Does your life have balance?
Wellness is a process and state of achieving maximum well-being. There are seven
dimensions of wellness and finding balance can be, well, a balancing act. To help
you find balance, Gundersen Lutheran has launched Balance
Your 7. It’s a rich resource of information, ideas, inspiration
and actions to help you take charge of all seven dimensions
of wellness—body, community, feelings, learning,
relationships, spirit and work. By balancing these seven
key areas of wellness, seven days a week, you can
achieve a more balanced life.
Visit balanceyour7.com to learn more.
Managing your diabetes
close to home
Diabetes is a serious chronic disease affecting 25.8
million people in the United States. People with diabetes
are not able to produce enough or properly use insulin – a
hormone that converts sugar, starches and other food into
energy needed for daily life.
While there is no cure, properly
managing diabetes can allow
you to live a healthy, energetic
life. “We ask patients to meet
with their local diabetes
educators on a regular basis
so they can learn the skills they
need to manage their diabetes,”
says Valerie Schaefer, RN, CDE,
Gundersen Lutheran registered
nurse and certified diabetes
educator. “Diabetes that
is not managed well
can lead to serious
problems that affect
the eyes, heart,
blood vessels,
kidneys, nerves
and feet.”
Thanks to
technology,
diabetes
patients in the
Arcadia and
Whitehall area
can receive
their care
through
telemedicine at
the Gundersen
Tri-County Hospital
and Clinics -
Whitehall. Valerie,
along with Gundersen
Lutheran registered
dietitian and certified diabetes educator Lori Schreier, RD,
CDE, meet with patients through a video hookup.
“Patients travel to the Whitehall Clinic where they
are taken into an exam room that is equipped with a
television, camera and microphone which are connected
to Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse,” explains Lori. “After
vitals and blood sugars are taken, the local staff leaves
the exam room so confidential information can be shared
between the patient and diabetes educator. It is as if you
are in the same room.”
By using the telemedicine service, patients will save gas,
time off work and be in a more familiar town, avoiding
the drive to a bigger city like La Crosse. Furthermore,
they will receive expert care. The Gundersen Lutheran
Diabetes Education program is nationally accredited
by the American Diabetes Association. “Patients really
appreciate the convenience of having these appointments
closer to home, and I think more patients are willing to
schedule regular visits,” Valerie says.
“During appointments, we encourage the patient to
start acting on their planned lifestyle changes and be
accountable for managing their diabetes,” explains Lori.
“Patients also hear so many suggestions on how to best
manage diabetes from friends, family, internet and the
media that they can become confused. We can help
clarify the suggestions and make sure they are taking the
appropriate steps to live a long, productive life.”
Medicare patients are covered for 13 hours of initial
education within the first year, followed by 4 hours every
year thereafter for ongoing education.
For more information on diabetes education in the
Whitehall area, call Gundersen Lutheran Endocrinology at
(800) 362-9567, ext. 52021.
11 | GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN
YOUR GUIDE to HEALTH AND wellness | 12

Your Medical Home
Experience complete, coordinated healthcare
from people you know
Kris Roou, NP
Gundersen
Tri-County Hospital
and Clinics -
Whitehall
You may be hearing more and more
about Medical Home, a patientcentered,
family-focused concept for
providing healthcare. It is touted by
some as a new concept in healthcare,
but not at Gundersen Lutheran.
To underscore this idea, Kris Roou, NP,
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and
Clinics - Whitehall says, “Our way of
caring for patients has long followed
Medical Home principles. The idea that your Medical
Home is a place where you and your family are cared for
by a healthcare team who knows you is certainly not new
to us.”
Your Medical Home is where…
• You go for all your healthcare needs—for wellness visits
and times when you are ill or injured.
• We partner with you in your own care, with emphasis
on preventive care to keep you healthy rather than just
treating you when you’re sick.
• Your primary care provider knows you and your medical
history so health problems can be caught early reducing
emergency room or after-hour visits.
• Same-day appointments for illnesses and injuries are
usually available.
• You have a Medical Home care team so if your primary
care provider is unavailable, another team member can
care for you.
• If you need care beyond a clinic visit, we’ll coordinate all
your care, including specialty and hospital services.
• You have computer access to your medical records and
your Medical Home care team.
• You can call a Gundersen Lutheran Nurse Advisor
anytime at (608) 775-4454 or (800) 858-1050, for
health information, home treatment options or referrals
so you can get the right level of care.
“By stressing preventive care and improving access
through your Medical Home care team, we can help our
patients live healthier and reduce the demand for highercost
emergency room visits,” says Kris.
If you have a primary care provider, you already enjoy the
benefits of a Medical Home with the healthcare team you
have. Continue to visit your Medical Home for a
wellness visit at least once a year or as
recommended by your provider. To
schedule an appointment, call the
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and
Clinics - Whitehall at (715) 538-4355;
Blair at (608) 989-2505; or Independence at
(715) 985-2351.
Smita Raja, MD
Gundersen
Tri-County Hospital
and Clinics -
Whitehall
Injured or not feeling well?
Physician offers advice to treat minor health issues
When you’re not feeling well or you’ve
suffered an injury, do you know what
to do or where to go? Can you treat it
yourself? Should you call the clinic or
go to the emergency room?
“One of the most common cases
I see is sinus-related symptoms,”
says Smita (Raja) Rajasekaran, MD,
Family Medicine physician at the
Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and
Clinics - Whitehall. “In most cases, you don’t need to be
seen in the doctor’s office. Try taking an over-the-counter
antihistamine such as Zyrtec ® or Claritin ® . Make sure
to increase your fluid intake to help thin and drain the
mucus. A saline spray, such as ocean spray, is a safe,
effective way to flush your sinuses and breathe easier.”
Dr. Raja says that if symptoms don’t improve after
two weeks or if the drainage turns green, schedule an
appointment with your primary care provider.
Another common illness is nausea and vomiting. “To
help settle your stomach, avoid fried and spicy foods
and dairy,” Dr. Raja suggests. “To prevent dehydration,
drink plenty of liquids, especially sports drinks, to help
replenish your electrolytes.”
Symptoms should subside in 72 hours, but Dr. Raja says
if you develop a fever or are unable to urinate for eight
hours, make an appointment at the clinic or go to urgent
care at the hospital. Young children and older adults are
more susceptible to dehydration. If their mental status
changes and they become confused or lethargic, take
them to the emergency room for immediate care.
A common injury often seen in the doctor’s office is a
sprained joint. “If you injure your ankle, wrist, shoulder,
etc., remember the acronym RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress and
Elevate,” advises Dr. Raja. “Try to avoid using the injured
joint as much as possible, apply ice four to eight times a
day for 15-20 minutes at a time, put an elastic bandage or
sock around the injured area to keep it compressed and
elevate the injury above the heart. Taking acetaminophen
or ibuprofen can also help ease the pain.”
If pain persists for more than a couple days, make an
appointment at the clinic. Primary care providers can order
X-rays and treat the injury in the clinic, avoiding a trip to
the emergency room. If the injury looks misshaped or you
can see a broken bone or dislocated joint, seek medical
attention at the clinic, urgent care or the emergency room.
Whenever you have a medical question or concern,
call the Gundersen Lutheran Clinic nearest you or call
the 24-hour Gundersen Lutheran Nurse Advisors at
(800) 858-1050.
See the inside cover for clinic locations.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, call our New
Patient Line at (608) 775-0601 or (800) 362-9567,
ext. 50601 to select a primary care provider
and make us your Medical Home.
13 | GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN
YOUR GUIDE to HEALTH AND wellness | 14

Gundersen Lutheran
1900 South Avenue
La Crosse, WI 54601
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit # 395
La Crosse, WI
Stop waiting.
Start living!
If you’ve tried over and over to lose weight
without permanent success, it may be time to
consider another option.
More than 1,000 patients have had successful
bariatric surgery at Gundersen Lutheran’s
Bariatric Surgery Center - the area’s only
Level 1 Accredited Bariatric Center*.
One year after surgery, the average patient
has lost 70% of their excess body weight.
Patients also see dramatic improvements in
conditions such as diabetes, high blood
pressure and sleep apnea.
Take the first step to a healthier you.
Go to gundluth.org/bariatrics
to learn more or call
(608) 775-LOSE
to attend a free seminar.
* Accredited by the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network