March 2012 - Mercy Medical Center Dubuque
March 2012 - Mercy Medical Center Dubuque
March 2012 - Mercy Medical Center Dubuque
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M A R C H 2 0 1 2 D U B U Q U E , I O W A<br />
PHIL’S STORY: Double Hip Replacement after 10 Years of Pain<br />
After suffering from hip pain for 10 years, Phil Denlinger, 45, recently had a double hip<br />
replacement. Phil’s osteoarthritis had left his hips bone-on-bone, even to the point of<br />
wearing away some of his bone. Phil is now back to working construction, even climbing<br />
ladders that previously caused so much pain.<br />
Phil Denlinger had to give up some of his<br />
favorite activities with his kids—running around<br />
the ball diamond, shooting hoops, even just<br />
chasing them. His hips were causing him pain.<br />
At first, it was just his right hip. “It started<br />
giving me trouble 10 years ago,” he recalls. “I<br />
noticed it as I walked up a set of stairs.” Phil<br />
dealt with the pain. And years of favoring his<br />
right hip took a toll on his left hip.<br />
In addition to being a dad, Phil also works<br />
in the physically demanding construction field.<br />
“Going up and down ladders was the hardest<br />
thing I had to do,” he says. “And it got to the<br />
point where I couldn’t even lift my right leg over<br />
something that was on the floor. I’d go around<br />
even a little pile of studs rather than try to step<br />
over.”<br />
Even sitting or lying down didn’t provide<br />
relief. “Laying in bed was really tough. I had<br />
trouble because my right leg wouldn’t straighten<br />
any more,” he says.<br />
A meal-time ritual became the final straw.<br />
Phil’s family eats supper around the kitchen<br />
island, sitting on barstools. “I would try to get<br />
off the stool and be unable to move my right<br />
leg,” he says. “So I had to hobble around a little<br />
bit, stretch it out, lay on the floor, do whatever<br />
I could just to get it to move. It would happen<br />
quite frequently.” He knew it was time to see<br />
Dr. Morrow again.<br />
<strong>Medical</strong> Associates Clinic Orthopaedic<br />
Surgeon Charles Morrow, MD, had been monitoring<br />
Phil’s hips for years. “In order for Phil<br />
to get better, he needed both hips replaced,”<br />
says Dr. Morrow. “Not only was his cartilage<br />
completely gone but he was wearing away<br />
bone. His hips were completely destroyed from<br />
osteoarthritis.”<br />
Phil opted for replacing<br />
both hips at the same<br />
time. Dr. Morrow stresses<br />
that although this was<br />
the right option for Phil,<br />
everyone’s circumstances<br />
are different. “There’s a<br />
number of different ways Charles Morrow, MD<br />
to treat a hip. Phil’s way<br />
is one way, but it’s certainly not the only way.”<br />
Phil’s young age, good health, and strength<br />
were important factors that contributed to his<br />
treatment options.<br />
Dr. Morrow performed Phil’s double hip<br />
replacement in December. The day following<br />
his surgery, he began physical therapy. “When<br />
it came to the physical therapy part, I had it in<br />
my mind that I’m really going to work hard on<br />
this because I want to get back to walking normally,”<br />
Phil says.<br />
“Phil has been very motivated from day<br />
one,” says his outpatient physical therapist, Ann<br />
Wachter. “We set goals together early on for<br />
when he wanted to return to work, and Phil has<br />
had his eye on that goal ever since. He works<br />
very hard both in the<br />
clinic and at home.”<br />
“In addition to usual<br />
goals for strength, walking,<br />
and mobility, Phil had<br />
the additional challenge<br />
of not only getting back<br />
to work, but getting back Ann Wachter, PT<br />
to a physically demanding<br />
job,” Ann adds. “So he had to work on things<br />
like climbing a ladder, kneeling, crawling on the<br />
floor, and balancing on equipment.”<br />
Just eight weeks after his surgery, Phil is<br />
back to work—even climbing the ladders that<br />
previously caused him so much pain. “He’s<br />
made excellent progress,” says Dr. Morrow.<br />
Phil is pleased with how far he’s come in<br />
such a short time. “I really appreciate all that<br />
Dr. Morrow and Ann did for me.”<br />
If you’re experiencing pain in your hips,<br />
knees, or shoulders, consider attending<br />
our Joint Pain class. See the Community<br />
Calendar on page 4 for details.<br />
Just for You: A Weight Loss Program Based on<br />
Your Metabolism<br />
Do you know how many calories your body<br />
actually needs each day? Do you want to stop<br />
guessing?<br />
With the Just for You Weight Loss Program,<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong>’s Registered/Licensed Dietitians will measure<br />
your metabolic rate to determine exactly<br />
how many calories your body uses. Then, based<br />
on that number, a dietitian will create a customized<br />
weight loss plan specific to your needs.<br />
“If you can know how many calories your<br />
body needs, it eliminates so much guess work<br />
in knowing how much you should consume to<br />
achieve weight loss,” says Keri Schwenker, RD,<br />
LD.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong>’s dietitians will determine how many<br />
calories you need with the use of a calorim-<br />
eter, called the MedGem<br />
(also used on NBC’s The<br />
Biggest Loser). “Many<br />
times when a person<br />
starts a weight loss program<br />
or a diet on their<br />
own, their calorie intake<br />
is too low and their body<br />
Keri Schwenker<br />
thinks they are starving,<br />
or a person is really not eating few enough calories.<br />
The calorimeter eliminates a big chunk of<br />
the trial and error we struggle with in finding the<br />
correct calorie balance to be successful.”<br />
For information on scheduling your Just<br />
for You Weight Loss Program session, see the<br />
Community Calendar on page 4.
Russell M. Knight, President & CEO<br />
I enjoy using this column to communicate with you on a wide range of topics that I hope<br />
are of general interest, including current programs and services offered at <strong>Mercy</strong>, new<br />
developments underway, and public policy issues affecting the delivery of care. However, in<br />
January and February and now again in <strong>March</strong>, it has been important to focus on the same<br />
topic each month – the future of advanced cardiac care in our community.<br />
For those who may have missed earlier messages on this subject, here’s what is going<br />
on and why it is so important: The Finley Hospital has submitted an application for approval<br />
from the State Health Facilities Council to establish a cardiac catheterization laboratory.<br />
The request is called a “Certificate of Need” application because the Health Facilities<br />
Council has the responsibility to certify that an unmet need exists and that the applicant’s<br />
proposal is the best way to meet it.<br />
In the case of Finley’s proposal, there is no unmet need because the Cardiology <strong>Center</strong><br />
at <strong>Mercy</strong> is meeting it. We began providing the community with high-quality cardiac cath<br />
lab facilities in 1976. As the need for services grew, we accommodated it. In fact, as<br />
recently as 2004 the community contributed $3.8 million toward a $7.0 million project to<br />
add a second cath lab and locate them both in a newly-constructed, first-class facility on<br />
the second floor of the hospital. If you happened to see the new Cardiology <strong>Center</strong> when it<br />
opened in the fall of 2005, you know it is an attractive and functional unit.<br />
There was no need to triple our capacity in 2005 by constructing a third cath lab at that<br />
time. Nothing has transpired in the last six years to alter that reality. We have ample<br />
capacity at <strong>Mercy</strong> to meet the community’s need for cardiac services. The unnecessary<br />
duplication of existing resources will add cost without a commensurate improvement in<br />
access or quality.<br />
Actually, if the Finley proposal is approved and implemented, it could have the opposite<br />
effect – access and quality could both be diminished. It has long been recognized that<br />
certain medical procedures are so specialized they should be concentrated in regional<br />
centers of excellence where a high enough volume is performed to maintain the proficiency<br />
of not just the physician, but of the entire team involved in the procedure. Cardiac<br />
catheterization clearly falls in this category, which is one reason no new programs can<br />
be launched without a Certificate of Need.<br />
In a community the size of <strong>Dubuque</strong>, splintering the existing work between two<br />
competing programs will make it hard to ensure the best quality at either one, and will<br />
bring instability to a key health care service that, in a town the size of <strong>Dubuque</strong>, requires<br />
support from the entire community. I am sure Finley’s intentions are good, but this is a<br />
clear example where the unintended consequences could ultimately be harmful to us all.<br />
Health Watch is published for the friends and staff of <strong>Mercy</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
Our goal is to keep the Tri-state area informed of the latest in health care<br />
issues. If you have any questions regarding health information that appears in<br />
Health Watch, please contact your personal physician. Patient admissions, room<br />
assignments and patient services are provided without regard to race, creed,<br />
national origin, disability or age.<br />
President/CEO - Russell M. Knight,<br />
Marketing Staff - Dianna Kirkwood, Jennifer Faley, Barbara J. Runde,<br />
Keri Gockel and Jill Miller.<br />
General Information: (563) 589-8000.<br />
“Miracle Baby” Has a Miracle of Her Own<br />
Brandon and Nikki Bell recently welcomed<br />
their first child, Maddox, into the world at the<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Birth <strong>Center</strong>. And 27 years ago, Nikki<br />
was cared for by some of the same <strong>Mercy</strong> staff<br />
who now cared for her son. Nikki was born<br />
at just 28 weeks and weighed 2 pounds, 2<br />
ounces. She spent time in <strong>Mercy</strong>’s NICU and<br />
was referred to as the “Miracle Baby.” Lactation<br />
Consultant Jayne Schuster recalls how tiny Nikki<br />
was, remembering that Nikki’s father could easily<br />
slip his wedding band over her arm. But that<br />
“fiery little redhead,” as Jayne lovingly refers to<br />
her, was ready to take on the world and grew<br />
stronger each day. Staff still have a bond with<br />
Nikki, and several even attended their wedding.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Night with the<br />
Fighting Saints<br />
Join us for <strong>Mercy</strong> Night at the <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Fighting Saints on Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 10. The<br />
game begins at 7:05 p.m., and a portion of<br />
ticket proceeds will benefit heart services<br />
at <strong>Mercy</strong>. To purchase tickets, visit<br />
www.dubuquefightingsaints.com/groups<br />
and enter the password HEART. Be sure to<br />
wear red to show your support for heart health!<br />
We Strive for Quality<br />
Our goal is to provide safe, high-quality care.<br />
We want to know if you have any concerns<br />
about patient care or safety in the hospital. We<br />
encourage you to discuss any such concerns<br />
with members of the team caring for you or a<br />
representative of the hospital’s management.<br />
If your concerns are not resolved, please<br />
“They’re so ecstatic for us,” says Nikki. “And it’s<br />
really come full circle now.” Congratulations on<br />
your miracle, Nikki and Brandon.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Healthy Living<br />
Facebook Page<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> has started a second Facebook<br />
page, this one devoted to the many ways<br />
to improve your health and wellness. Our<br />
own <strong>Mercy</strong> experts will be providing tips to<br />
help you be the best you can be. The page<br />
is called <strong>Mercy</strong> Healthy Living. Find us at<br />
www.facebook.com/mercyhealthyliving.<br />
contact Jacquie Brunssen, the hospital’s<br />
safety officer, at 563-589-8086 or by e-mail at<br />
brunssjm@mercyhealth.com. If your concerns<br />
are still not resolved, you may also contact the<br />
Joint Commission’s Office of Quality Monitoring<br />
at 1-800-994-6610 or by e-mail at complaint@<br />
jointcommission.org.
CHARLES’S STORY: Diabetes Led to Vision Loss and Surgery<br />
Charles Hunt, 36, developed blindness due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Surgery<br />
restored vision in his right eye, and he’s now keeping his diabetes under control to prevent<br />
further problems.<br />
“It all started happening around the time I<br />
turned 30, when I found out I had diabetes,”<br />
recalls Charles Hunt. “My left eye started getting<br />
blurry. But I thought maybe it was just<br />
age.”<br />
Charles was living in Texas at the time.<br />
He saw an ophthalmologist who told him he<br />
had diabetic retinopathy and needed to see a<br />
vitreo-retinal specialist.<br />
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of<br />
diabetes that results from damage to the blood<br />
vessels in the retina due to poor blood flow. At<br />
first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms<br />
or only mild vision problems. Eventually,<br />
however, diabetic retinopathy can result in<br />
blindness.<br />
Charles did not see the specialist, as his<br />
doctor recommended. “I let it progress, and it<br />
got worse,” he says.<br />
He moved to Iowa last fall, and that’s when<br />
his eyesight took a severe turn for the worse.<br />
After waking from a Thanksgiving Day nap, his<br />
sight was more blurry than usual. And the next<br />
morning, his vision was gone—he could see<br />
light but no color and no definition. “I couldn’t<br />
see the computer; I couldn’t read. I couldn’t<br />
even dial my phone. I couldn’t see,” he recalls.<br />
Charles met with Dr.<br />
Michael Scott, an ophthalmologist<br />
at <strong>Medical</strong><br />
Associates Clinic.<br />
“Charles has poorly controlled<br />
proliferative diabetic<br />
retinopathy,” says<br />
Dr. Scott. Proliferative Michael Scott, MD<br />
diabetic retinopathy<br />
(PDR) is the advanced form of the disease.<br />
Charles’s PDR caused vision loss in two<br />
ways: 1) a vitreous hemorrhage, in which vessels<br />
bled into the center of his eye, and 2) retinal<br />
traction that “if left untreated would have<br />
pulled on his retina and caused retinal detachment,”<br />
Dr. Scott explains. Retinal detachment<br />
causes permanent vision loss.<br />
Surgery in his right eye was the best option<br />
for Charles. “We did a procedure called vitrectomy<br />
to remove that traction and get rid of the<br />
blood,” says Dr. Scott. “The surgery gave him<br />
about a 90 percent chance of seeing better<br />
and about a 70 percent chance of preventing<br />
further bleeding down the road.”<br />
The PDR in Charles’s left eye is more<br />
advanced, and he and Dr. Scott are currently<br />
determining the best treatment for that eye.<br />
But in the meantime, Charles is ecstatic<br />
about seeing again and regaining his independence.<br />
He’s also improving his health by<br />
changing his lifestyle and getting his blood<br />
pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under<br />
control—very important factors for preventing<br />
diabetic retinopathy.<br />
It’s hard for Charles not to have some<br />
regrets, though. “If I could say something to<br />
people who have diabetes, it would be, ‘How<br />
important is it for you to see? How important<br />
is it for you to be independent?’ Now I wish<br />
I could go back to my younger self and say,<br />
‘Take care of your eyes. Listen to your doctors.’<br />
I cherish my vision now.”<br />
Dr. Scott says the best treatment is to prevent<br />
the development of retinopathy as much<br />
as possible. “The tighter you control your blood<br />
pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, the better<br />
you’re going to do—an ounce of prevention<br />
equals a pound of care.”<br />
For more information on treatment<br />
options for diabetic retinopathy, contact<br />
the Ophthalmology Department at <strong>Medical</strong><br />
Associates Clinic, (563) 584-4415.<br />
Dr. Scott and Dr. Drew Dixon are offering<br />
clinical trials for diabetic retinopathy as a<br />
research site for the Diabetic Clinical Research<br />
Network (DRCR). The DRCR is an affiliation of<br />
providers of eye care and academic centers,<br />
funded through the National Eye Institute and<br />
the National Institute of Health, offering clinical<br />
trials for the treatment of diabetic eye disease.
Community Calendar Register online at www.mercydubuque.com/events<br />
CLASSES<br />
Just for You Weight Loss Program<br />
(See page 1.) Each participant will receive an<br />
individualized 4-page report that provides information<br />
needed to lose weight and keep it off.<br />
Choose from a 1-hour session for $99 or add a<br />
30-minute follow-up session for $125.<br />
Just for You Weight Loss Program is managed<br />
by the Registered/Licensed Dietitian team at<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
To schedule your session, call (563) 589-9655.<br />
Understanding Macular Degeneration<br />
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of<br />
vision loss and blindness among Americans age<br />
60 and older. Join us to learn about the types<br />
and causes of vision loss in macular degeneration.<br />
We’ll also discuss the treatment options<br />
and what new advances will be available in the<br />
near future.<br />
Presented by <strong>Medical</strong> Associates<br />
Ophthalmologist Drew Dixon, MD.<br />
Thursday, <strong>March</strong> 15, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Sixth Floor Auditorium<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
No fee. Register online or by calling (563) 589-9600.<br />
Autism Training Series: Making Sense of<br />
Sensory Problems<br />
Individuals with Autism often experience sensory<br />
processing challenges. These challenges can<br />
impact an individual’s ability to tolerate selfcare<br />
activities and hamper their participation in<br />
various social, educational, work or play, and<br />
leisure activities. Information will be provided<br />
regarding the various types of sensory problems<br />
and basic interventions that can manage<br />
sensory processing challenges.<br />
Presented by Alyson Beytien, MS-Autism,<br />
and Marie Duster, BS, OTR/L, from the <strong>Mercy</strong><br />
Service Club Autism <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
Tuesday, <strong>March</strong> 20, 6 - 8 p.m.<br />
Hills & Dales Community <strong>Center</strong>, 3505 Stoneman<br />
Road, <strong>Dubuque</strong> (next to Mindframe Theater)<br />
Fee: $5. Space is limited. To register, call<br />
(563) 589-9456.<br />
Itchy Skin? It Might Be Allergies<br />
Skin allergies are common and can be quite<br />
bothersome. Join us to learn about skin diseases<br />
seen in the allergy clinic, including eczema,<br />
hives, and angioedema (swelling). We’ll discuss<br />
treatment options so that you can get relief.<br />
Presented by <strong>Medical</strong> Associates Clinic Allergist<br />
John Moore, MD.<br />
Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 21, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Sixth Floor Auditorium<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
No fee. Register online or by calling (563) 589-9600.<br />
Joint Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment for<br />
Hips, Knees, and Shoulders<br />
Joint pain can stop us in our tracks. Receiving<br />
a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment<br />
are key steps to returning to a happy and<br />
healthy lifestyle, but education is the first step.<br />
Attend the class to learn about diagnosis and<br />
treatments for your aching hips, knees, and<br />
shoulders.<br />
Presented by <strong>Mercy</strong> Physical Therapist<br />
Jeff Wachter.<br />
Thursday, <strong>March</strong> 29, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Sixth Floor Auditorium<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
No fee. Register online or by calling (563) 589-9600.<br />
SCREENINGS<br />
Stroke Detection Plus<br />
Detect your risk for stroke with three different<br />
non-invasive tests. Screenings for carotid<br />
arteries blockage, abdominal aortic aneurysm<br />
and peripheral vascular disease plus<br />
osteoporosis are $45 each or all four for $135.<br />
Tuesday & Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 20 - 21,<br />
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Ground Floor, 250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Appointments are required by calling Stroke<br />
Detection Plus toll free at 1-877-732-8258.<br />
Colon Cancer Screening<br />
Early detection can save your life. Pick up a<br />
simple test kit to use in the privacy of your<br />
home. This new one-part test is faster, more<br />
accurate and requires no dietary restriction.<br />
Thursday, <strong>March</strong> 22, 1 - 4 p.m. and<br />
Friday, <strong>March</strong> 23, 8 - 11 a.m.<br />
• <strong>Mercy</strong> – <strong>Dubuque</strong> Visitor Lobby<br />
• <strong>Mercy</strong> – Dyersville Acute Nurses Station<br />
Fee: $16. Call (563) 589-9600 with questions.<br />
Pediatric Development Screening<br />
Are you concerned about your child’s development?<br />
Does your child have difficulty with communication<br />
and speech; understanding directions;<br />
basic skills such as dressing or feeding<br />
themselves; picky eating; physical abilities such<br />
as walking, running, jumping, or climbing; or<br />
other challenging behaviors that affect daily life?<br />
Consider this free, no obligation screening conducted<br />
by therapists from the <strong>Mercy</strong> Pediatric<br />
Therapy Department.<br />
Tuesday, <strong>March</strong> 6, 8:30 a.m. – Noon<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Pediatric Therapy, Professional Arts<br />
Plaza, Third Floor, 200 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
No fee. To schedule a screening, call<br />
(563) 589-9456 and leave a message with the<br />
name and age of the child and the caregiver’s<br />
name and contact info. Please indicate your<br />
primary concern about your child’s development.<br />
You will receive a confirmation phone call<br />
regarding the time of your 20-minute screening.<br />
OUTREACH CLINICS<br />
Children’s Hospital of Iowa Outreach<br />
Pediatric Cardiology Clinic<br />
Friday, <strong>March</strong> 23, 8:30 - 11 a.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Ground Floor, 250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Call 1 (877) 891-5350 to schedule an<br />
appointment.<br />
Children’s Hospital of Iowa Outreach<br />
Pediatric Gastrointestinal (GI) Clinic<br />
Tuesday, <strong>March</strong> 27 & April 3,<br />
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Ground Floor, 250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Call 1 (877) 891-5350 to schedule an<br />
appointment.<br />
VNA Pediatric Immunization Clinic<br />
For children age 2 months to 18 years, on<br />
Title 19 or without private insurance coverage<br />
for immunizations.<br />
Thursday, <strong>March</strong> 29, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Ground Floor, 250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Appointments required. Call (563) 556-6200 or<br />
toll free 1 (800) 862-6613.<br />
Fee: $15 suggested, but not required.<br />
SPECIAL EVENTS<br />
Electronics Fundraiser<br />
Shop a huge selection of electronics—iPads<br />
and tablets, LCD televisions, GPS navigation<br />
systems, laptops, cameras, and more.<br />
Monday, <strong>March</strong> 12, 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Conference Rooms 1A/1B<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Call (563) 589-8772 for more information.<br />
Child Safety Seat Check & Installation<br />
Sponsored by <strong>Dubuque</strong> Child Passenger Safety<br />
Coalition<br />
Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 17, 10 a.m. - Noon<br />
Anderson-Weber, 3450 <strong>Center</strong> Grove Drive,<br />
<strong>Dubuque</strong>. Reservations required.<br />
Call (563) 556-3281 and ask for a Car Seat<br />
Fit appointment. Held rain or shine. Bring your<br />
vehicle, car seat, and child if possible.<br />
Books Are Fun<br />
Books for all ages, plus toys, gifts, and other<br />
items at great discounts<br />
Tuesday, <strong>March</strong> 27, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.,<br />
Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 28, 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.,<br />
Thursday, <strong>March</strong> 29, 6:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Conference Rooms 1A & 1B<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
SUPPORT GROUPS<br />
Brain Injury Support Group<br />
Thursday, <strong>March</strong> 8, 7 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Conference Room 1B<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Call (563) 589-8164 for more information.<br />
Arthritis Support Group<br />
Monday, <strong>March</strong> 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Conference Room 1F<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Call (563) 589-9375 for more information.<br />
Laryngectomy Support Group<br />
Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 14, Noon - 1 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Conference Room 1E<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Call (563) 589-9035 for more information.<br />
SHARE Support Group<br />
Support for loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or<br />
infant death.<br />
Wednesday, <strong>March</strong> 14, 7:30 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Sixth Floor Boardroom<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Call (563) 589-8599 for more information.<br />
Heart to Heart<br />
Thursday, <strong>March</strong> 29, 7 - 9 p.m.<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Conference Rooms 1A & 1B<br />
Call (563) 589-8080 for more information.<br />
BIRTH EDUCATION<br />
For more information, call (563) 58-BIRTH<br />
(582-4784) or (800) 99-BIRTH.<br />
You may attend our three most popular<br />
pregnancy classes (Birth Preparation,<br />
Make Room for Baby, and Breastfeeding)<br />
for only 1 fee of $30.<br />
Natural Milk Network<br />
Free drop-in support for breastfeeding mothers.<br />
Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday, 1 - 3 p.m.<br />
Upcoming dates: <strong>March</strong> 7, 21, April 4<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> Sixth Floor Boardroom<br />
250 <strong>Mercy</strong> Drive, <strong>Dubuque</strong><br />
Call (563) 589-8553 for more information.<br />
Breastfeeding Class<br />
For expectant and new parents.<br />
Second Thursday of every month, 7 - 9 p.m.<br />
Upcoming dates: <strong>March</strong> 8, April 12, May 10<br />
Register online or call (563) 582-4784.<br />
Birth Preparation for Expectant Parents<br />
Three-session evening classes<br />
(Tuesday or Wednesday, 7 - 9 p.m.) or<br />
one-session Saturday class (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)<br />
Upcoming dates:<br />
Tuesday, <strong>March</strong> 27, April 3, 10<br />
Saturday, <strong>March</strong> 10<br />
Sessions include a tour of the Birth <strong>Center</strong>.<br />
Early registration is recommended as class size<br />
is limited. Register online or call<br />
(563) 582-4784.<br />
Sibling Class<br />
For children 3–10 years of age and their<br />
expectant parents.<br />
Second Monday of every month, 6:30 - 8 p.m.<br />
Upcoming dates: <strong>March</strong> 12, April 9, May 14<br />
Register online or call (563) 582-4784.<br />
Make Room for Baby<br />
For expectant & adoptive parents, grandparents,<br />
& teenage siblings<br />
Third Monday of every month, 7 - 9 p.m.<br />
Upcoming dates: <strong>March</strong> 19, April 16, May 21<br />
Register online or call (563) 582-4784.<br />
Beary Special Baskets<br />
If you are pregnant, tour the <strong>Mercy</strong> Birth <strong>Center</strong><br />
and enter your name in a monthly drawing for a<br />
basketful of gifts for your baby and family.