Mercy Health Watch - Mercy Medical Center Dubuque

JANUARY 2014 | DUBUQUE, IOWA | WWW.MERCYDUBUQUE.COM
IN THIS ISSUE:
> Russell Knight discusses Mercy’s New Year’s
Resolutions
>Learn about footwear available for diabetics
> Patients can now access medical records
online
UPCOMING EVENT:
> Did you make a New Year’s Resolution
We can help! Check out our series of New
Year’s Resolution classes on page 4.
ANN’S STORY: Real Results with the Mercy Weight Loss Program
Ann’s story is one that many of us can relate to. Pounds
slowly creep on, we go on a diet, lose the weight, and then
once again the pounds come back on.
“It’s cyclical,” said Ann. “I never allowed myself to get
too overweight, but I know when I’m in
trouble.”
When the pounds began to creep on
again, Ann was determined to find a program
that could offer real results.
“I was so curious about my metabolism
and how many calories I really should be
eating,” said Ann.
She and a coworker read about the Mercy Weight Loss
Program and really liked the science behind the plan, which
includes determining exactly how many calories each person
should consume to lose weight.
No more guessing. No more “one size fits all” program.
Mercy’s 12-week Weight Loss Program is a comprehensive
program that starts with determining how many calories
your body uses in a day and, in turn, your “magic number”
for weight loss, which is unique to each person.
“The program allows you to eat the same foods you’re
already eating if you want but teaches you how to eat the
correct amounts to lose weight,” explained Holly Paulsen,
RD, LD. “If your food choices could use some improving,
we provide a lot of information on nutrition and easy ways
to make healthier food choices without feeling deprived of
your favorites.”
The program is set up classroom style and covers weekly
topics, starting with the facts about weight loss and metabolism.
Other topics include meal planning, dining out,
emotional eating, and even includes four cooking demonstrations.
For more weight loss
success stories, visit
mercydubuque.com/
WeightLossStories
Ann appreciated the classroom
setting, which allowed
for information sharing. She
learned about different apps
should could use on her phone
for tracking food and activity.
She also found information on
artificial sweetners and transfats
very useful.
Ann has already lost 14 pounds since September—an impressive
9 percent of her body weight.
“It hasn’t been hard, and I don’t feel deprived,” said Ann.
“The program just makes sense.
“Ann has done a fantastic job of applying the principles provided
in the program,” said Holly. “She is a great example
of how motivation and commitment to a goal can lead to
weight loss succes
Another option offered by Mercy is the Just for You
Weight Loss Program. This program also uses the science
of measuring metabolism to determine calorie needs.
“The Just for You program is specifically designed for those
people who are not able to commit to the length of the full
weight loss program or who perhaps feel they already have
a good knowledge of counting calories and planning meals
and are just looking for that extra help that determining
metabolic rate can provide,” Holly explains. “It’s a one-on-
Ann Wertz chats with Mercy dietitian Holly Paulsen
before a cooking class, part of Mercy’s 12-week
Weight Loss Program.
one session instead of the classroom setting
and allows time for some individual assistance.”
The bottom line in both of these programs
is applying energy balance for weight loss:
Simply, calories in versus calories out. Determining
your exact calorie needs is unique and
not available in most programs.
Mercy offers a variety of options to help people
meet their weight management goals. See
the calendar on page 4 to learn more about
these opportunities, including the Mercy
Weight Loss Program beginning January 22.

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Russell M. Knight, President and CEO
Three years ago I went out on a limb and used this column
to declare publicly ten New Year’s resolutions for Mercy
Medical Center. We hold our colleagues and members of
the medical staff to high standards of transparency and
accountability, so I am badly overdue in providing a report
on the status of those three-year-old goals. Which ones
can be checked off the to-do list and which ones require
renewed attention Here they are:
1. We will do everything we can to demonstrate that we view our work as a form
of ministry to others. My personal observations and the external affirmations I
receive virtually every day tell me the people of Mercy do perform their roles in
the spirit of the Gospel, a point that is a source of both pride and motivation for
us.
2. We will achieve top performance on all indicators of quality, our most important
responsibility. This continues to be the case, as validated by numerous
objective measures.
3. We will prepare for the impact of health reform by controlling our costs, reducing
the readmission rate, and strengthening relationships with our medical
staff. Our average cost per case is 2.7% less than it was a year ago, our readmission
rates have declined, and the quality of our partnership with the medical
staff is assessed at the 97th percentile of a national database.
4. We will offer a new service to area employers to help them contain the cost
of health coverage for their workers by using a combination of education,
screening, and focused intervention. Our Health Strides program now has eight
customers who are seeing the benefits of this innovative approach.
5. We will conclude a successful capital campaign for the construction of a new
Intensive Care Unit and Cardiovascular Unit. Individuals and organizations
throughout the community generously contributed more than $3 million for this
project, which opened to rave reviews in August 2012.
6. We will develop a plan for all private rooms. Completion of the new ICU and
CVU enables us to move closer to this goal.
7. We will implement numerous upgrades to our electronic health record. As we
prepare to mark eight years in the digital world, we continue to invest in a wide
range of technologies and applications to make patient care better and safer.
8. We will create an emergency department environment that is particularly
sensitive to the needs of our older patients. Our senior emergency service is
now well-established and well-received.
9. We will carry out a wide range of projects to eliminate waste, streamline operations,
and improve patient satisfaction. We continue to use the Lean methodology,
structured innovation, and our own caring model principles to advance
these goals.
10. We will come up with a way to replace the most-disliked revolving door in
the city of Dubuque. Well, perhaps nine out of ten isn’t bad. The annoyance still
exists, but 2014 will be the year Mercy finally gets a front entrance worthy of
the rest of our operation.
On behalf of all of us at Mercy, we wish you a safe and healthy 2014. Although
we hope injury or illness don’t cause you to need our services this year, please
be assured we will be ready and able to extend our fullest compassion and care
if they do.
Mercy Child Development Center
Earns Highest Rating
Mercy Child Development Center and Preschool has been recognized as a Quality Rating
System Level 5 center by the Iowa Department of Human Services. Mercy is the only child
development center in Dubuque County to receive the level 5 rating, the highest possible.
The Quality Rating System (QRS) is a voluntary program that offers child care providers
a guided way to improve the quality of care they provide. The program was developed to
raise the quality of child care in Iowa, to increase
the number of children in high-quality
child care settings, and to educate parents
about quality in child care.
Mercy teacher Stacy Kloss uses a tablet as
one learning tool for her preschool students.
Teri Wessels, director of Mercy Child Development
Center and Preschool, said participation
in the QRS involves all
staff members and demonstrates
to parents and the
community the center’s
commitment of providing
quality child care. “Our
staff is diligent about applying
best practice in all
Teri Wessels
ways, such as health and
safety, curriculum, and
relationships with families,” she said. “This
rating is a testament to their dedication and
skill.”
Proper Footwear Essential for Diabetics
Many diabetes-related foot complications can
be prevented by wearing appropriate, properly
fitting footwear. Meet with certified orthotic
shoe fitter Jane McLaughlin at Mercy Family
Pharmacy on Elm Street. She specializes in
diabetic fittings and can help you find a properly
fitting shoe.
Mercy Family Pharmacy carries the line of Dr.
Comfort shoes, the leading therapeutic shoe
that offers style, comfort, and quality. Although
designed as a diabetic shoe, they also provide many protective and comfort features for all
to love. Dr. Comfort shoes are designed and manufactured to the highest standards of foot
wellness, especially for people living with diabetes and other health conditions that affect
their feet—including swelling, bunions, hammertoes and more. Medicare may reimburse
for all or part of the cost of your diabetic shoes. Make your appointment today. Call Jane at
563-589-8986.
Confused about the health care changes
We can help.
It’s no longer just a good idea to have health insurance—it’s the law. The Affordable Care
Act requires everyone legally living in the U.S. to have health insurance beginning January
1, 2014. If you do not have health insurance, you are required to sign up during open enrollment,
from now until March 31, 2014.
Mercy Medical Center – Dubuque and Dyersville can help. We have partnered with a nonprofit
health plan called CoOportunity Health to offer unique products in which subscribers
will have the opportunity to save on their health insurance premiums by exclusively using
the Alliance network of providers, which includes over 50 hospitals and more than 160 clinics
statewide.
You can learn more about the CoOportunity Health plans on Mercy’s website. You will also
find videos, cost calculators and a live chat line with a certified application counselor. The
website is www.mercydubuque.com/aca. If you prefer speaking to someone about the
Health Insurance Marketplace, you can call 563-589-8913.

MyMercyDubuque offers patients personalized
and secure online access to portions
of your medical records. It enables you to
securely view information about your health.
With MyMercyDubuque, you can view:
• Reason for hospitalization
• Care team
• Procedures performed during admission
• Current and past problem list
• Current medication list and medication
history
• Current medication allergy list and
medication allergy history
• Vital signs at discharge
• Laboratory test results
• Summary of care
• Care plan
• Discharge instructions
Is there a fee to use MyMercyDubuque
MyMercyDubuque is a free service offered to
Mercy’s patients.
How do I sign up
Patients who wish to participate will be issued
a MyMercyDubuque invitation during
their hospital visit. This invitation will enable
you to login and create your own user ID
and password. You will be asked to provide
your email address to complete this process.
A valid picture ID is required to verify your
identity.
How do I claim my invitation
An invitation will be sent to the email address
you gave during sign up. Once you have received
the email, follow the directions on the
screen. The step-by-step process will allow
you verify your identity by answering a question
and entering your date of birth. You will
then be guided through the process to build
your own username and password.
When can I see my test results in
MyMercyDubuque
Your test results will be available online immediately
after the results are put into your
health record.
Can I enter my own personal health
information in MyMercyDubuque
Yes. Under Account Settings, select “change
settings with Cerner Health,” and select
the Health Record tab to add your personal
information. This information is for your
own reference and will not be part of your
hospital medical record. You may share this
self-entered information by selecting “Share
This Record.”
Can I view a family member’s health
record in MyMercyDubuque
This functionality will be made available at a
later date.
Don’t miss the fabulous sales happening
now during the
REDUCTION
Monday, Thursday and Friday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday
10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
REDUCTION
Hurry before the selection is gone.
The sale will end January 31.
at the
Mercy Gift Shop!
All proceeds support programs and services for children in Mercy’s care. As always, there is no sales tax.
Managed and staffed by volunteers from the Mercy Service Club.
Mercy Introduces
MYMERCYDUBUQUE
View your medical records online.
Can my spouse and I share one
MyMercyDubuque account
You and your spouse will have separate accounts
in MyMercyDubuque.
Is MyMercyDubuque secure
We take great care to ensure your health information
is kept private and secure. Access
to information is controlled through secure
invitation process, personal IDs and passwords.
Each person controls their password,
and the account cannot be accessed without
that password. Furthermore, MyMercy-
Dubuque uses the latest 128-bit SSL encryption
technology with no caching to automatically
encrypt your session.
What is your Privacy Policy
MyMercyDubuque is owned and operated
by Mercy Medical Center - Dubuque and
Cerner Corporation. It is fully compliant with
federal and state laws pertaining to your
privacy. Your name and e-mail address will be
treated with the same care and privacy given
your health records and will never be sold or
leased by MyMercyDubuque.
What do I need to use MyMercyDubuque
You need access to a computer connected to
the Internet and an up-to-date browser (such
as Internet Explorer).
MyMercyDubuque is available at
www.mercydubuque.com/MyMercyDubuque.
WE STRIVE FOR QUALITY
Our goal is to provide safe, high-quality care.
We want to know if you have any concerns
about patient care or safety in the hospital.
We encourage you to discuss any such
concerns with members of the team caring
for you or a representative of the hospital’s
management.
If your concerns are not resolved, please contact
Barb Keough, the hospital’s risk manager,
at 563-589-8086 or by e-mail at keoughb@
mercyhealth.com. If your concerns are still
not resolved, you may also contact the Joint
Commission’s Office of Quality Monitoring at
1-800-994-6610 or by e-mail at
complaint@jointcommission.org.
Cooking with Mercy
From the kitchen of
Mercy Medical Center
Super Bowl Party Panko
Crusted Chicken Wings
- with Honey Mustard
Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
6 chicken wings
1 ½ cups Panko Bread crumbs (often
found in Asian food section)
2 eggs
½ cup flour
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place flour
into a shallow dish. Beat eggs until foamy
in a medium sized bowl. Pour the Panko
breading into a shallow bowl. Rinse
and dry wings well with a paper towel.
Dredge each chicken wing in the flour,
then dip in the egg. Place each wing into
the Panko crumbs, pressing the crumbs
onto the chicken on all sides, coat well.
Gently shake off excess. Place breaded
wings on a non-stick baking sheet. Spray
chicken wings lightly with non-stick
cooking spray in order to crisp up and
brown (takes the place of frying). Bake
for 25-30 minutes. Serve with your favorite
dipping sauce.
Honey Mustard Dipping
Sauce (low calorie):
2 Tbsp Miracle Whip Lite
2 Tbsp plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works
best because of texture)
1 ½ tsp honey
1 ½ tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Serve with hot chicken wings.
Nutrition information:
Serving size: 2 wings and 1 Tbsp dipping
sauce. 234 calories, 3 gm saturated fat
“Use this modified version of a party
favorite while saving calories and fat in the
process without sacrificing flavor. By using
the Panko Crumbs, which provide low-fat
crunch, instead of the traditional frying
method, this recipe cuts the calories and
saturated fat in half. It’s sure to be a hit at
your Super Bowl Party!”
–Kristie Jacobsen, MA, RD, LD, CNSC

EDUCATION + EVENTS
Please register early. All programs and
events are subject to change or
cancelation due to low registration or
cicumstances beyond the control of
Mercy Medical Center. For the latest
information on program status, please
check our Facebook page or call
563-589-8000 to avoid any
inconvenience.
CLASSES
Joint Pain: Front of the Foot
Don’t live with foot pain. Medical Associates
Clinic podiatrist Tara Brock, DPM, will
discuss how the most common foot problems—bunions,
arthritis of the big toe, and
hammertoes—can be prevented and treated.
A representative from Mercy Family Pharmacy
will also be available to answer questions
about their line of comfortable yet stylish
orthotic shoes. Tuesday, January 14, 6:30
– 7:30 p.m. Mercy, sixth floor auditorium,
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque. No fee. Register
required online or at 563-589-9600.
New Year’s Resolution: 10 Simple
Nutrition Tips for 2014
Whether your focus is on weight loss or
just developing healthier eating habits, a
few simple changes can make a big impact.
Mercy dietitian Holly Paulsen, RD, LD will
share 10 healthy tips you can use to improve
your eating habits all year long. Thursday,
January 16, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mercy, sixth
floor auditorium, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque.
No fee. Registration required online or at
563-589-9600.
New Year’s Resolution: Stepping Up
Your Exercise
Decrease your stress and improve your
health with daily exercise. Mercy physical
therapist Anne Kruse, DPT, Cert MDT, will
help you begin or get back on track with your
exercise program. Tuesday, January 21,
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mercy, sixth floor auditorium,
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque. No fee.
Registration is required online or at
563-589-9600.
Understanding Your Diabetic Medication
Every prescription and over-the-counter
medicine has benefits and risks, and it’s not
always easy to have the very latest information
at your fingertips. Mercy inpatient
pharmacy clinical coordinator Kate Kurt,
PharmD, will present the latest facts about
the benefits of commonly prescribed diabetic
drugs and supplements. Wednesday,
January 29, 7 – 8 p.m. Mercy, sixth floor
auditorium, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque. No
fee. Registration required online or at 563-
589-9600.
New Year’s Resolution: Decluttering
the Chaos
Having a home full of clutter can be a problem
for anyone. Not only is it overwhelming,
but clutter also poses health risks, from slipping
on loose papers to the threat of fire or
mold and mildew. Winnie Stricker from Home
Instead Senior Care will offer advice on how
to declutter the chaos to create a healthy and
safe home environment. Thursday, January
30, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mercy, sixth floor
auditorium, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque. No
fee. Registration is required online or at 563-
589-9600.
WEIGHT LOSS
Mercy’s dietitians offer a variety of weight
management programs and services. For
complete information, visit www.mercydubuque.com/weightloss.
Mercy Weight Loss Program
This unique program uses the technology of
the MedGem indirect calorimeter (as seen
on the NBC program The Biggest Loser) to
measure each participant’s metabolism and
daily calorie needs. Based on your individual
needs, a plan is tailored just for you to help
you achieve your weight-loss goals. The
program includes eight nutrition classes with
Mercy clinical dietitian Holly Paulsen, RD,
LD, discussing topics such as metabolism,
meal planning, dining out, emotional eating
and maintaining weight loss. Four cooking
sessions are also included. Wednesdays,
January 22 – April 9, noon – 1 p.m. or
5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Mercy, 250 Mercy Drive,
Dubuque. Fee $249. Registration is required
online or at 563-589-9600.
Just for You Weight Loss Program
Have your metabolism measured and accurately
calculate how many calories your body
burns each day using the MedGem indirect
calorimeter. Our dietitians will create an individualized,
nutritional weight-loss plan for
you that promotes healthy and lasting weight
loss. Choose from a 1-hour session for $99 or
add a 30-minute follow-up session for $125.
To schedule your session, call 563-589-9655.
Weight Management: Staying on Track
Staying on Track is a weekly weight management
group designed to provide additional
assistance. Facilitated by Mercy dietitians,
each class will include nutrition information,
healthy recipes and an opportunity to answer
your weight loss questions. Weighing in is optional.
Join us every week or drop in as it fits
register online at www.mercydubuque.com/events
your schedule. Mondays, 12 – 12:30 p.m.
Mercy cafeteria, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque
Fee: $5/session; $3/session for graduates of
Mercy’s weight loss programs. Registration
not required. Call 563-589-9635 for more
information.
SCREENING
Stroke Detection Plus
Detect your risk for stroke with three different
non-invasive tests. Screenings for carotid
arteries blockage, abdominal aortic aneurysm
and peripheral vascular disease plus osteoporosis
are $45 each or all four for $135.
Tuesday, February 4
Wednesday, February 5
Mercy, ground floor, 250 Mercy, Dubuque.
Appointments are required. Call Stroke Detection
Plus toll-free at 1-877-732-8258.
EXERCISE
Yoga Classes
Achieve flexibility, strength, and balance.
Eight Monday sessions beginning January
13. Ongoing yoga (previous experience
preferred): 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Beginning yoga
(no experience necessary): 5:40 – 6:40 p.m.
Led by certified yoga instructor Alan Dostal,
PT. Mercy, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque. Fee:
$56. Registration is required online or at
563-589-9375. For questions, contact Alan at
dostala@mercyhealth.com.
Interval Strength Class
Alternate walking and lifting dumbbells with
a certified instructor. Six Tuesdays and
Thursdays, 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. or 6 – 7 p.m.
Mercy Wellness Center, Professional Arts
Plaza, third floor, 200 Mercy Drive, Dubuque.
Cost: $84 for a session of 12 classes. Begin
your session of 12 classes at any time. Arrive
early for your first class to register.
OUTREACH CLINICS
Children’s Hospital of Iowa Outreach
Pediatric Cardiology Clinic
Fridays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31,
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mercy, ground floor, 250
Mercy Drive, Dubuque. Call 1-877-891-5350
to schedule an appointment.
SPECIAL EVENT
Child Safety Seat Check and Installation
Sponsored by Dubuque Child Passenger
Safety Coalition. Saturday, January 18,
10 a.m. – noon. Anderson-Weber, 3450
Center Grove Drive, Dubuque. Reservations
required. Call 563-556-3281 and ask for a
car seat fit appointment. Held rain or shine.
Bring your vehicle, car seat, and child if possible.
SUPPORT GROUPS
SHARE Support Group
Support for loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth,
or infant death. Wednesday, January 8,
7:30 p.m. Mercy, sixth floor boardroom, 250
Mercy Drive, Dubuque. Call 563-589-9599 for
information.
Autism Support Group
For individuals who support and love a
person with autism. Tuesday, January 21,
6:30 – 8 p.m. Professional Arts Plaza, third
floor, Cardiac Rehab room, 200 Mercy Drive,
Dubuque. Please RSVP at 563-589-9456.
Compassionate Friends Support Group
For those who have lost a child. Thursday,
January 23, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Mercy, conference
room 1B, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque.
Call 563-590-2292 for more information.
BIRTH EDUCATION
For more information, call 563-58-BIRTH
(563-582-4784) or 800-99-BIRTH. You may
attend our three most popular pregnancy
classes (Birth Preparation, Make Room for
Baby, and Breastfeeding) for only 1 fee of
$30.
Birth Preparation for Expectant Parents
Includes a tour of the Birth Center.
Wednesdays, January 22 and 29, 6:30 –
8:30 p.m.
Thursdays, January 9 and 16, 6:30 – 8:30
p.m.
Saturday, January 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Early registration is recommended as class
size is limited. Register online or call 563-
582-4784.
Sibling Class
For children 3–10 years of age and their expectant
parents Monday, January 13, 6:30
– 8 p.m. Register online or call 563-582-4784
for more information.
Natural Milk Network
Free drop-in support for breastfeeding mothers.
Wednesdays, January 15, 29, 1 – 3
p.m. (Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday)
Mercy, sixth floor boardroom, 250 Mercy
Drive, Dubuque. Call 563-589-8553 for more
information.
Make Room for Baby
For expectant and adoptive parents, grandparents,
and teenage siblings. Monday,
January 20, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Register
online or call 563-582-4784 for more information.
Health Watch is published for the friends and staff of Mercy Medical Center. Our goal is to keep the Tri-state area informed of the latest in health care issues.
If you have any questions regarding health information that appears in Health Watch, please contact your personal physician. Patient admissions, room
assignments and patient services are provided without regard to race, creed, national origin, disability or age. President/CEO: Russell M. Knight.
Marketing Staff: Matthew J. Daughenbaugh, Jennifer Faley, and Keri Gockel. General information: 563-589-8000.