1. health and fitness

Spring/Summer 2015
Pe a c e H e a l t h
Healthy aging
it can be easy to
question yourself as you age. How can I improve my skin? Is
that a gray hair? Are my knees supposed to feel this way?
At PeaceHealth, we understand that healthy aging is not
just about the way you look, but also about being at your
best, no matter your age. Whether you are in your 20s and
preparing for parenthood or in your 60s and gearing up for
retirement, there are steps you can take to feel your best,
inside and out.
Breathe deeply. Stress speeds the aging process at the
cellular level and, over time, can contribute to insomnia,
weight gain, and an increased risk for a variety of diseases.
Meditation can help you calm your mind. Vigorous
exercise, such as running or cycling, can also help jettison
stress. Or just do something fun—like singing and dancing.
It is difficult to feel stressed when you are smiling.
Stay strong. Staying fit and strong can help everyone
age in a healthy way. Weight-bearing exercise, like walking,
can help keep your bones strong, reducing the risk of breaks
as you age. When done correctly, lifting heavy things—
whether it is your children at the playground or free
weights at the gym—can help increase muscle mass and
lower your blood pressure.
Stretch yourself. As we age, we often trade flexibility
for stability. This can cause us to become stuck—rigid in
both our bodies and our minds. Staying flexible is key for
navigating life’s ups and downs with grace. Enroll in a yoga
class to keep your body strong and nimble. For your gray
matter, challenge yourself with puzzles or take a class.
Learning something new is a great way to stretch your mind.
Aging well is easy to do with the right attitude. Look
inside for more tips on staying healthy no matter your age.
I N O U R Y O U T H - O B S E S S E D S O C I E T Y,
Today
“
is the oldest you’ve
ever been, and the
youngest you’ll
ever be again.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
St. Joseph Medical Center
Peace Island Medical Center
United General Medical Center
PeaceHealth Medical Group
Interested in receiving monthly tips
on aging well? Sign up for our
Healthy You e-newsletter today at
www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you.
Aging well
PAT I E N T P R O F I L E
Katrina Hanna, CNM
Midwifery
PeaceHealth Medical Group–
Obstetrics and Gynecology
4465 Cordata Parkway
Bellingham, WA
360-738-2200
Healthy aging through Take steps to protect
a woman’s entire life
your skin from the sun
S H E R R Y C H R I S T O P H E R S O N , of Bellingham, understands
Christina Lyons, MD
Dermatology
PeaceHealth Medical Group–
Dermatology
4465 Cordata Parkway, Suite B
Bellingham, WA
360-738-2200
Free
Skin Cancer
Screening
When: Saturday, May 9,
9 to 11 a.m.
Where: PeaceHealth
St. Joseph Cancer Center
Info: This free skin cancer
screening is painless and
only takes about 10 minutes.
Registration is required, and
a time can be reserved by
calling the Cancer Center at
360-788-8226. Space
is limited to the first
50 participants. Registration
begins Monday, April 27.
2
today
HEALTH
that health care needs change as a person ages.
“As a young teenager, all the changes happening to my
body were overwhelming,” says Sherry. “I had questions
for my health care provider about what was normal.”
Recently, pregnant with her first child, Sherry
discovered there was more to learn about her changing
body. “I needed help knowing if all the new changes were
typical,” she says.
In Katrina Hanna, a certified nurse midwife at PeaceHealth
Medical Group, Sherry found a health care provider with
whom she could develop a trusting relationship. “My needs
and concerns were addressed,” says Sherry. “I felt comfortable,
because my provider made sure I was educated and informed.
Sherry, a registered nurse, and her husband, Jayson,
welcomed baby Meggan in December. Sherry says the
prenatal care they received as a family and her delivery via
PeaceHealth Medical Group midwives were skillful and
compassionate. “As a nurse, I understand how busy one
can be with patient care responsibilities,” says Sherry. “The
care I received was beyond my expectations; I felt like
the most important patient to them. They helped me feel
empowered as a woman and a new mom.”
Katrina says that is their goal as women’s health care
providers. “My favorite part is creating a connection,” she
says. “You never forget the day your baby was born—and
how you felt during that process. So it’s important to us
that the memory is positive and powerful.”
Join us for a free event—Oh, Baby! Planning
Your Pregnancy. To register, please visit
www.peacehealth.org/baby.
sometimes a choice and at other
times a necessity, whether you’re enjoying a walk in the
neighborhood or doing yardwork. This time of year, when
the clouds break a little more often, it is likely that we’ll be
outside enjoying the weather.
If you are spending time outside this spring and summer,
be sure to defend yourself against the sun’s dangerous rays.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. But the
good news is that there are simple things you can do to
help prevent skin cancer or detect it early enough so that it
can be effectively treated.
“Skin cancer is so common, even in the cloudier areas
of the Pacific Northwest,” says Christina Lyons, MD, of
PeaceHealth Medical Group. “It is vital to protect your
skin, whether or not you can see the sun.”
BEING OUTDOORS IS
GOOD DEFENSE
It is easy to protect your skin if you follow these simple
suggestions:
■■ Make sunscreen a habit. Choose a broad-spectrum one
with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply it
generously and often.
■■ Try to seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the
sun’s rays are strongest.
■■ Avoid tanning beds and deliberately tanning.
■■ Wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants,
and sunglasses when outdoors.
■■ Examine your skin from head to toe at least once
a month. Report any suspicious or problem spots to
your doctor.
■■ Ask your doctor how often you should have a skin exam.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy the outdoors and
lower your risk of getting skin cancer.
Did you know?
We’re expanding monthly
services in Skagit County
to better serve you.
Health care services
Exercise and
expand in Skagit County Parkinson’s disease
W H E N T O D AY ’ S high school seniors were toddlers,
about 100,000 people lived in Skagit County. Now,
the population served by PeaceHealth United General
Medical Center and PeaceHealth Laboratories has grown
by more than 15 percent.
Fortunately, the health care services have increased as
well. By transitioning from hospital-based to outpatient
health care, PeaceHealth United General is able to
provide more care where it’s needed most.
Now that emergency after-hours surgery has
shifted to nearby PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical
Center, PeaceHealth United General has been able
to expand both inpatient and same-day outpatient
surgical services, as well as orthopedic, hand, and
urologic surgery.
“We will be offering a wide range of high-quality
diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic services—in the
same safe, compassionate, close-to-home way that we
do now,” says Patricia Franklin, MD, Medical Director of
Surgical Services at PeaceHealth United General.
In addition, PeaceHealth Laboratories has added
locations in Sedro-Woolley and Burlington (opening
in June), with lower lab prices to reduce out-of-pocket
expenses. For more information on lab prices, visit
www.peacehealthlabs.org/prices or call
360-788-6330, option 6.
Shifting the focus of health care to outpatient settings
is the future for community hospitals. Fortunately for
Skagit Valley, PeaceHealth United General has embraced
that new reality.
Now seniors at Burlington and Sedro-Woolley high
schools can have the health care they need throughout
their lives—for healthy aging, close to home.
a progressive disorder
of the nervous system that makes movements slower,
smaller, less coordinated, and difficult to perform. Most
patients have a characteristic tremor. The disease varies
widely from patient to patient and usually is not inherited.
Although we know a lot about the disease, we don’t know
the precise cause or any means to stop the progression.
“The best treatment, right from the start of diagnosis,
should include exercise,” says Bruce Mackay, MD, of
PeaceHealth Medical Group–Neurology, in Bellingham.
“The goal is always to optimize motor function.”
Dr. Mackay encourages frequent exercise before movement
is limited. He finds that patients participating in a spin class,
for example, improve walking speed, balance, fluidity, and
sometimes seemingly unrelated functions such as manual
dexterity. Locally, there are many options for exercise,
including dance, yoga, Tai Chi, and great trails for walking.
Dr. Mackay also recommends the BIG and LOUD therapy
programs that are available through PeaceHealth. The
LOUD method helps people with Parkinson’s speak loudly
enough for people to hear. BIG applies similar principles to
large, complex, fluid movements used in everyday living.
“Parkinson’s disease has a number of medical and
surgical treatments,” Dr. Mackay stresses, “but patient
participation in various exercise programs has increasingly
proven to be necessary to obtain the full benefits of
medical treatment.”
PA R K I N S O N ’ S D I S E A S E I S
Bruce Mackay, MD
Neurology
PeaceHealth Medical Group–
Neurology
710 Birchwood, Suite 201
Bellingham, WA
360-788-6870
Natalie Weatherby,
ARNP, CNM
Midwifery and
Women’s Health
PeaceHealth Medical Group
Family Medicine–Burlington
835 E Fairhaven Ave.
Burlington, WA
360-755-0641
Seema Afridi, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Visiting Specialty Clinic
2031 C Hospital Drive
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-856-6490
Patricia Franklin, MD
Surgery
PeaceHealth United
General Medical Center
2000 Hospital Drive
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-856-7115
www.peacehealth.org
3
Healthy joints
No bones
about it
ORTHOPEDIC
SURGEONS KNOW
YOUR JOINTS The thigh bone’s
connected to the knee
bone. The knee bone’s
connected to the leg bone.
Sounds simple enough.
But your musculoskeletal
system—the bones, joints,
ligaments, muscles, nerves,
and tendons that keep
you moving—is complex.
It often takes a highly
trained specialist, such as
an orthopedic surgeon,
to treat musculoskeletal
problems such as arthritis,
broken bones, osteoporosis,
and worn-out joints.
Orthopedic surgeons help
people of all ages, from
babies to grandparents.
And they can often
recommend a variety of
treatment options, including
medicine, exercise,
physical therapy, and, when
necessary, surgery.
To make an appointment
with an orthopedic specialist
at PeaceHealth Medical
Group–Orthopedics and
Sports Medicine, call:
■■ Bellingham—
360-733-2092
■■ Lynden—
360-733-2092
■■ Friday Harbor—
360-378-2141
■■ Sedro-Woolley—
360-856-7115
4
today
HEALTH
Is a kink in your
neck cramping
your style ?
A stiff or sore neck can really ruin your
day—or your whole week. But do you need to have a
doctor or health care provider check your neck? Knowing
what causes most neck pain can help you decide. W H AT A PA I N !
IT’S A COMMON ACHE
Every year, some 32 million people in the U.S. get a pain in
the neck. Two common causes are:
■■ Muscle strain from things such as stress, poor posture,
or sleeping in an awkward position ■■ Soft-tissue abnormalities due to an
injury—like a concussion while
playing a contact sport or
whiplash from being in a rearend collision
Neck pain is also among
the most common aches
people experience as
they age.
That’s because the disks that serve as shock absorbers
between the bones in the neck (called the cervical
spine) dry out and become weaker over time. The result:
more pressure on the joints, which can lead to cervical
spondylosis—or arthritis of the neck.
According to the American Association of Orthopaedic
Surgeons, arthritis of the neck affects more than 85 percent
of people over age 60. Treatments that may offer relief
range from over-the-counter medications to steroidbased injections.
Only rarely is neck pain caused by an infection, a
systemic illness, or a tumor. WHEN TO GET YOUR NECK CHECKED
Neck pain is often temporary and goes away with time.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, as well as cold
compresses and hot showers. For many people, even
severe pain gets better at home within a week or two.
“However, some neck pains need to be diagnosed and
treated immediately,” says Kenny Burke, MPT, ATP.
Seek medical care ASAP, he says, if you:
■■ Experience a severe head or neck injury,
such as in a vehicle crash or a fall in your home
■■ Are injured and have neck pain that radiates
down your arms and legs What if you have neck pain but you haven’t
been injured? See a doctor if:
■■ The pain is severe, continuous, and isn’t
better after a week of home treatment
■■ The pain radiates down your arms and legs
■■ You also have headaches, numbness,
tingling, or weakness
PeaceHealth has a variety of specialists
at the South Campus Rehab Therapies
and the Therapy & Spine Clinic who can
treat your neck pain. Ask your primary
care provider to provide a referral to
a therapist or specialist if you need
advanced medical care. Kenny Burke, MPT, ATP
PeaceHealth St. Joseph
Medical Center
Therapy & Spine Clinic
710 Birchwood Ave.,
Suite 202
Bellingham, WA
360-788-6024
PeaceHealth St. Joseph
Medical Center
South Campus Rehab
Therapies
809 E Chestnut
Bellingham, WA
360-788-6420
NUTRITION
CAREGIVING
ARTHRITIS
Q
How can I help my
kids make healthier
food choices?
Q
I’m struggling to care
for my kids and my
aging parents. Help!
Q
A
A
A
When it comes to choosing
healthy foods, whether you
are a child or an adult, practice
makes perfect.
If you’ve spent much of your
life snacking on junk food and
ordering pizza for dinner, it may
feel difficult to make the healthy
changes you’d like. The key is to
start slowly and keep practicing
healthy behaviors.
Rather than eliminating all snack
foods at once, try incorporating
organic fruit and vegetable snacks
into your diet each day. Over time,
you can tip the balance, adding
more healthy foods and fewer
processed foods.
To shift away from sugary
carbonated drinks, try replacing one
soda a day with organic fruit juice.
You’ll still be getting a lot of sugar,
but you will be slowly eliminating
the chemicals found in soda.
Once you’ve made the switch from
soda, you can start trading juice
for unsweetened tea or water with
lemon, both healthier choices.
By making just one small change
a day and building on that success,
you’ll empower your children to
make healthy choices without
feeling deprived. They will have
the power in their hands to live a
healthy life.
Harpreet Nagra, MD
Pediatrics
PeaceHealth Medical Group–
Pediatrics
4545 Cordata Parkway, Suite 1F
Bellingham, WA
360-738-2200
Being part of the sandwich
generation—adults who
are caught in between caring for
both their young children and
their elderly parents—can feel
overwhelming to anyone. Swapping
roles can stir up emotions in all
family members.
The best way to plan for this
transition is for everyone involved—
parents and adult siblings—to
communicate clearly about goals,
responsibilities, and expectations.
Each person’s needs vary as
they age. Some parents need help
managing finances and social
outings. Others will need help with
health issues and daily care.
Look for resources in your
community that can help provide the
support you and your parents need.
Services vary from place to place,
but generally range from part-time
help to assisted living to respite
care for caregivers. Talk to your
parent’s primary care provider to
identify how best to meet his or her
medical needs.
Finally, be sure to care for
yourself. You can only give your
best to others when you are cared
for as well.
Visit www.peacehealth.
org/whatcom/seniorhealth
for resources that may be helpful.
Angie Lee, MD
Gerontology
Center for Senior Health
3015 Squalicum Parkway,
Suite 100
Bellingham, WA
360-715-4186
I have arthritis. What
kind of exercise will
work for me?
For people with osteoarthritis,
exercise can help you manage
joint pain and feel better. Extended
breaks in your workout program
can actually make your arthritis
symptoms worse.
Try these exercises to help manage
your health.
Aerobics. Consistent aerobic
exercise is important for helping
maintain your cardiovascular health.
Even better, cardiovascular exercise
increases endorphins and helps
reduce joint pain, making it easier
to live with arthritis. Try low-impact
options like swimming, water
aerobics, and walking.
Strength training. Weak
muscles can stress joints, causing
pain and joint deterioration.
Strong muscles support the bones
and joints, relieving pain and
pressure.
Tax your muscles safely so they
grow stronger. Exercises like
pushups, pullups, situps, and
squats use your body weight to
strengthen muscles.
Flexibility. Stretching your
muscles and ligaments reduces stress
on your joints and helps improve
balance, reducing the risk of falls.
Yoga and Tai Chi are great ways to
increase your flexibility and improve
your balance.
Jeffrey Krusniak, DO
Orthopedics
PeaceHealth Medical Group–
Orthopedics
2000 Hospital Drive
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-856-7115
Did you know?
A doctor of osteopathy (DO)
is a type of physician who
uses a holistic approach to
medicine that incorporates
the structure and function
of the body alongside the
diagnosis and treatment of
diseases. Just like MDs, DOs
are fully licensed to provide
a full scope of medical
care for patients from
pediatrics to geriatrics.
Better Joints:
Strategies for
Living with
Arthritis
When: Tuesdays, June 2 and 9 or
September 15 and 22
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: St. Luke’s Community
Health Education Center,
3333 Squalicum Parkway,
Bellingham, WA
Info: These free classes provide
strategies for improving your health,
protecting your joints, managing
pain, and preparing for surgery.
Session 1 provides information
on weight loss strategies, antiinflammatory diet, arthritis, and
exercise. Session 2 focuses on
staying active for a better life and
helpful equipment and home
modifications. Participants enjoy
free refreshments and receive a
free exercise band.
To register, call
360-788-6024.
Offered in partnership with the
Arthritis Foundation, PeaceHealth
Joint Replacement Center,
and PeaceHealth Center for
Rehabilitative Medicine.
www.peacehealth.org
5
eve
tscalendar
Fireside Chats
When: Third Wednesday of each month,
4 to 5 p.m.
■ April 15: Medicare Wellness
■ May 20: Advance Directives for End-of-Life Care
Where: Main lobby
Info: Join us in the lobby of PeaceHealth Peace
Island Medical Center for free Fireside Chats.
PEACEHEALTH
PEACE ISLAND
MEDICAL CENTER
FREE Blood Pressure Check
Where: Main lobby
Info: A blood pressure kiosk, conveniently
located at the back of the main lobby, allows
individuals to monitor their blood pressure for
ongoing health and wellness.
PEACEHEALTH
UNITED GENERAL
MEDICAL CENTER
FREE Appearance Center
When: By appointment
Where: North Puget Cancer Center
Info: A service that offers cancer patients
free wigs, hats, and appointments with a
cosmetologist. Call 360-856-7588 to
schedule an appointment.
PEACEHEALTH is a non-profit, integrated health care
organization with facilities in Alaska, Washington, and
Oregon.
HEALTH TODAY is published by PEACEHEALTH
to provide health care and wellness information to
residents of Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties.
Information in HEALTH TODAY comes from a wide
range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or
questions about specific medical issues that may affect
your health, please contact your health care provider.
Models may be used in photos and illustrations.
Copyright © 2015 PeaceHealth
2015 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
CMM31110
Community Cholesterol Screenings
When: Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon (12-hour fast
required.)
Where:
Info: Cholesterol, vitamin D, and prostatespecific antigen (PSA) screenings available.
No appointment necessary. Cholesterol: $15;
vitamin D and PSA: $35 each. Please call
360-856-7245.
FREE Children’s Grief Groups
Where:
Info: The Landing offers free support groups
to any child who has experienced or is facing
the loss of a friend or family member. Groups
are available for youth 3 to 18 years old.
Call 360-856-7615.
Healthy Eating Solutions
Where:
Info: Dietitian Barbara Sutton can assess eating
habits and offer individualized solutions for
healthier choices. Call 360-856-7293.
Medical Fitness Center
Where:
Info: Services provided by United General
District No. 304. The expanded certified
Medical Fitness Center on the United General
Campus offers community memberships for
all physical fitness levels. Reasonable monthly
fees and personalized coaching are available
to all members. For a tour of the facility and
more information, call 360-854-0247.
FREE Mall Walk
When: Monday through Saturday, 7 to 10 a.m.
(blood pressure screening on Fridays)
Where: Cascade Mall, Burlington
Info: United General sponsors the Inside
Track Mall Walk for safe, comfortable walking.
Call 360-856-7245.
To unsubscribe from this free community health care
publication, email Amy Cloud, editor, at acloud@
peacehealth.org and provide your name and mailing
address.
6
today
HEALTH
PEACEHEALTH ST. JOSEPH
MEDICAL CENTER
HEALTH SCREENINGS
Exercise Consultation
Where: ■
Info: Meet with a cardiovascular health
specialist who will assess your exercise capacity
and design a program to help you meet specific
health goals. Call 360-788-6719. $75
‘Take Heart’ Screening
Where: ■
Info: Includes electrocardiogram, cholesterol,
blood glucose, body composition, blood
pressure measurements, and consultation
with a health specialist. Call 360-788-6720
to schedule an appointment. $55
CHILDBIRTH
FREE Oh Baby! Planning Your Pregnancy
When: Tuesday, May 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: For information, call 360-788-6760 or
visit www.peacehealth.org/baby.
Childbirth Preparation
Info: Several classes are offered, including
Pregnancy and Childbirth, Preparation
for Childbirth and Parenting, Childbirth
Preparation Weekend, Understanding Birth
eClass, and one-time classes of Breastfeeding
(Basics and Beyond) and VBAC: Exploring
Your Options. Co-sponsored by Bellingham
Technical College. Call 360-752-8350 or
visit www.btc.ctc.edu/takeclasses.
FREE Childbirth Center Tour
Info: Register online at
www.peacehealth.org/childbirthcenter.
SUPPORT GROUPS
FREE Mended Hearts
Info: For those who have had heart
surgery or cardiac stents. To learn more,
call 360-933-1282.
FREE ICD Support Group
When: Tuesdays, June 2, Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: Call 360-734-2700 to register.
FREE CPAP Support Group
When: Second Wednesday of odd-numbered
months, 5 p.m.
Info: Call Sue Moore at 360-788-6112.
Please notify us if you do not wish to receive fundraising
materials from PeaceHealth foundations. Contact us:
360-788-6866; shcoleman@peacehealth.org.
HEALTH TODAY is published at a facility with an
emission system that uses up to 50 percent less
natural gas than conventional methods, and the
printer recycles all paper waste and uses inks that limit
environmental impact.
Events in your inbox! Sign up for our monthly
e-newsletter at www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you.
WHERE IS THIS CLASS?
Classes and events are at the following
locations, unless otherwise noted.
FREE Brain Injury Support Group
When: Second Thursday of each month,
7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Call for meeting location.
Info: Call Mary Hughes at 360-631-2054 or
360-548-8536.
FREE Bellingham MS Self-Help Group
When: Second Wednesday of each month,
noon to 2 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: Call Bonnie at 360-319-8511. Email
bellinghamms@yahoo.com.
FREE Caregiver Support Group
When: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each
month, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: ◆ Rehab Conference Room
Info: Call 360-788-6410 or visit
www.peacehealth.org/adultdayservices.
FREE Grief Support Group for Adults
When: Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., or
Wednesdays, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: Open drop-in sessions. Call
360-733-5877.
FREE Our TreeHouse
Info: For grieving children, teens, and families.
Call 360-223-6681.
FREE Spinal Cord Injury
Support Network
When: First Monday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: ◆
Info: Call 360-332-8484.
FREE Peripheral Neuropathy
Support Group
When: Third Wednesday of each month,
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: Call 360-676-0367.
FREE ALS Support Group
When: Second Thursday of each month,
noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: Call 360-733-5222.
FREE Bellingham Gluten
Information Group
When: First Tuesday of each month,
7 to 9 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: Call 360-734-4989 or 360-332-7435
or visit www.glutenfreeway.info.
■ = PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical
▲ = St. Luke’s Community Health
Center Main Campus, 2901 Squalicum
Parkway, Bellingham
Education Center, 3333 Squalicum
Parkway, Bellingham
FREE Hepatitis C Support Group
When: Third Monday of each month,
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Health Support Center,
1212 Indian St., Bellingham
Info: Call 360-671-6181 or
360-733-6714.
FREE Diabetes Support Group
When: Second Monday of each month,
7 to 9 p.m.
Where: ◆
Info: Call 360-588-4142.
HEALTH
EMPOWERMENT
FREE Better Joints: Strategies
for Living With Arthritis
When: Tuesdays, June 2 and 9 or September 15
and 22, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: A free, two-session class covers weight loss
strategies; strengthening; and preventive care
for those with spine, hip, or knee arthritis. We’ll
also cover tactics for preventive care that may
help you feel better and get moving again. Space
is limited. To sign up, call 360-788-6024.
Diabetes Education
Info: People with diabetes will benefit from
the individual care provided by the Nutrition
and Diabetes Clinic nurses and dietitians.
Cost is covered by most insurers, including
Medicare and Medicaid. Call 360-752-5601
to register; physician referral required.
FREE Grief Relief for Women
Info: A group to help women who are grieving
six or more months after a death move toward
reconciling grief and discovering new life
pathways. To schedule a preregistration interview,
contact Whatcom Hospice at 360-733-5877
or jrobinson2@peacehealth.org.
FREE Memory Teddy Bear Workshop
When: Saturday, October 3
Info: Build a keepsake memory teddy bear with
clothing of your departed loved one. Contact
Whatcom Hospice at 360-733-5877 or
jrobinson2@peacehealth.org.
FREE Service of Memory
When: Sunday, May 3, 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: A special service for remembering your
loved ones who have died. Contact Whatcom
Hospice at 360-733-5877 or jrobinson2@
peacehealth.org.
FREE WAHA End of Life Choices:
Advance Care Planning
When: Monday, May 4, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Monday, July 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 28, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday, September 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 22, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: ▲
Info: Learn how to make your wishes
known to loved ones and doctors and how
to complete advance directives. For more
information, call 360-788-6594 or
visit www.whatcomalliance.org/
end-of-life-care.
PeaceHealth and WAHA partner
to care for patients with complex
needs to reduce Emergency
Department use and provide the
most appropriate care
Jim Hurley (pictured, center) has
challenging physical ailments.
Fortunately, when he needs care,
community partners are ready,
including Ryan Strunk, LMHC, an
Intensive Case Manager; Sharen
Sandell, RN; Rob Stevenson,
community paramedic; and
Lynnette Treen, of Whatcom
Alliance for Health Advancement
(WAHA).
NUTRITION
PeaceHealth St. Joseph co-sponsors cooking
and nutrition classes with Community Food
Co-op. Courses for the winter may include
Anti-Inflammatory Essentials, Setting Up a
Healthy Kitchen, and One-Pot Meals. To find
out more, call 360-734-8158 or go to
www.communityfood.coop/learn/classes.
Exercise and Thrive
Where: Bellingham YMCA
Info: Patients at least 90 days out of cancer
treatment can, with their doctor’s permission,
participate in a 12-week fitness program. Call
Tammy at the YMCA, 360-733-8630.
(Enrollment fee includes a YMCA membership.)
FREE Fit vs. Fatigue
Where: Bellingham Athletic Club
Info: PeaceHealth and the Bellingham Athletic
Club team up to help those with cancer battle
fatigue. If you are currently undergoing
treatment, ask your doctor for a referral.
Call 360-788-8220.
CANCER CENTER
FREE Brain Tumor Caregiver Group
When: First Friday of each month,
2 to 3 p.m.
Info: Hosted by volunteer Marianne
Brudwick. Call 360-788-8220.
FREE Look Good, Feel Better
When: Second Monday of each month,
1 to 3 p.m.
Info: Offered with the American Cancer
Society, this class focuses on skin and
hair care. Cosmetic samples are provided.
Registration is required.
The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center
offers the following programs on a continual
basis unless otherwise noted. Please call
360-788-8226. All classes and programs are
held at the Cancer Center and are for patients
of the Cancer Center, unless otherwise noted.
Cancer Transitions
When: Quarterly; next session Wednesdays,
July 8 to August 12, 5 to 7 p.m.
Info: A six-week educational course on
the challenges cancer survivors may face.
For people three weeks to two years out
of cancer treatment. Health care provider
permission and registration are required.
Call 360-788-8226.
FREE Gentle Yoga for Patients
When: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Info: Offered by instructors Holly Davidson
and Joani Glasser.
FREE Healing Through Creativity
When: Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Info: For those with cancer and survivors. All
supplies provided.
◆ = PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical
● = PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer
Center South Campus, 809 E Chestnut,
Bellingham
Center, 3301 Squalicum Parkway,
Bellingham
FREE Women’s Cancer Support Group
When: Mondays, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Info: For all women, regardless of age or cancer
diagnosis. Call 360-788-8220.
FREE Men’s Cancer Support Group
When: First and third Tuesday of each month,
3:30 to 5 p.m.
Info: For all men, regardless of age or cancer
diagnosis. Call 360-788-8220.
FREE Friends and Family
Support Group
When: Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Info: A place for information and support. Call
360-788-8220.
FREE Mindfulness Meditation
When: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Info: Led by Lisa Harmon, LMHC, therapist.
Open to patients, survivors, family, and
friends.
FREE QiGong for Patients
When: Thursdays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Info: Led by Kelly Williams, certified
instructor. Recent studies suggest that QiGong
may improve quality of life for people living
with cancer.
FREE Nutrition and
Cancer Management
When: Third Thursday of each month,
9:30 to 11 a.m.
Info: Includes tips for managing treatmentrelated symptoms.
= PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical
Center, 1117 Spring St., Friday Harbor
= PeaceHealth United General
Medical Center, 2000 Hospital Drive,
Sedro-Woolley
www.peacehealth.org
7
PAID
Manage Your Health Care,
Manage Your Health Care,
Anytime, Anywhere
Anytime, Anywhere
Portland, OR
Permit No. 2901
2901 Squalicum Parkway
Bellingham, WA 98225-1898
Your time is as precious as your health.
Your time is as precious as your health.
That’s why, as a PeaceHealth Medical Group patient,
That’s why, as a PeaceHealth Medical Group patient,
you’re offered easy online access to your medical records.
you’re offered easy online access to your medical records.
Recycle me! Share this mailer with others, and recycle when finished.
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
www.peacehealth.org/mypeacehealth
www.peacehealth.org/mypeacehealth
You can leave a legacy
largest gifts to the
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
Foundation have come from estates. Estate
gifts left by caring visionaries have helped
fund health care that has changed lives in
our community, such as Whatcom Hospice
House and the integrated Cancer Center.
It’s easy to become one of these
visionaries. If you already have a will,
you can add a gift through a codicil
(amendment). Or any asset for which
you can designate a beneficiary can be
bequeathed whole or in part, such as an IRA
and a paid-up life insurance policy. Other
assets that you can bequeath include cash,
securities, real estate, CDs, and U.S. savings bonds.
You may designate gifts to a specific department,
such as the Cancer Center, Cardiovascular Center,
or Childbirth Center. Or, if you provide unrestricted
dollars, that enables PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical
Center to use your gift where the need is the greatest.
To make sure your gift will enhance health care
through PeaceHealth, this language is sufficient:
“I give [the residue of my estate] or [____ percent of
my estate] or [the sum of ____ dollars] to PeaceHealth
DONOR SUPPORTED
Creature comfort
for our smallest
patients
SOME OF THE
St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation in Bellingham,
Washington.”
If you wish to make a legacy gift, we would be pleased
to work with you and your adviser to determine the gift
that best suits your situation and interests.
Want to give? Contact Karen Haggen by
phone at 360-788-6851 or by email at
khaggen@peacehealth.org.
Even for adults, it can be
pretty scary to be sick,
burning with fever and
struggling to breathe.
For a little guy, like 6-month-old
Dylan, a trip to the Emergency Department
(ED) can be terrifying.
But thanks to the compassionate care of
Jason Heiner, MD; the ED team at PeaceHealth
Peace Island Medical Center; and PeaceHealth
Peace Island volunteers, Dylan left both healthier
and happier.
Seen above clutching a toy orca, Dylan is one
of the children blessed with the special comfort
a stuffed friend can provide. PeaceHealth Peace
Island volunteers have provided a supply of new
stuffed animals for youngsters in the ED. Volunteers
are working to ensure continued donations and
ongoing funding so that our smallest patients leave
PeaceHealth Peace Island feeling well cared for.
If you’d like to help provide this creature comfort,
contact PeaceHealth Peace Island volunteers
at 360-378-2141 for more information.
Supermoms choose PeaceHealth!
Planning Your Pregnancy
Event–May 12
www.peacehealth.org/baby