Winter 2016 | Volume 8, Issue 1

Colonoscopy: A lifesaving screening

PAGE 6

A stimulating approach to back pain

PAGE 7

Get hip to joint-preserving surgery

PAGE 3PLUS...

After falling from her horse, the trauma team at Parker Adventist Hospital helped get Diane Minion back in the saddle.

When the unexpected happens, the new Level II Trauma Center at Parker Adventist Hospital is ready with a high level of emergency care.

Ride to Recovery

PHOTO BY ELLEN JASKOL

ORTHOPEDIC AND SPINE PATIENTS can now receive care on a specially designed unit dedicated solely to their treatment and recovery at Parker Adventist Hospital. The new 24-bed, state-of-the-art wing accepted its first patient in November.

“Once patients are out of surgery, they stay in the unit, receiving all of their therapy, care, and wellness right here in one convenient location,” says Desiree Duckworth, RN, clinical nurse manager at Parker Adventist Hospital. “With the new unit, our team of highly trained orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and nurses can easily integrate care with other disciplines while having access to the most advanced technology available.”

A comprehensive team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, nurses, and physicians helped design the new unit with the goals of improving efficiencies in care and making the patient experience more positive.

The new unit also integrates CREATION Health principles, a scientifically proven approach to wellness that incorporates mind, body, and spiritual health.

“We want to continue providing the best spine and joint care in the area, and this new unit helps us do so by truly putting wellness and healing at the forefront of our work,” Duckworth says.

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LEARN MORE about gluten at a FREE community seminar with Dr. Jerath on Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. See Page 3 for details.

Dr. Vandna Jerath

One-Stop Healing New orthopedic and spine unit opens at Parker Adventist Hospital

IT SEEMS EVERYONE IS AVOIDING GLUTEN these days. But should they be? We address three of the biggest gluten-free diet fads, with help from Vandna Jerath, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN and womens health expert at Parker Adventist Hospital.

FAD: Going gluten-free for health or weight loss

FACT: “There’s no proven medical or nutritional value to going gluten-free,” Jerath says. “In fact, it can be detrimental to your health and is not recommended for someone who doesn’t have celiac disease or a

true gluten sensitivity. And while you may lose weight, it’s not a weight loss diet.”

FAD: Blaming gastrointestinal symptoms on gluten FACT: There are so many other possible reasons for GI symptoms, Jerath says, from a stomach virus or irritable bowel syndrome to inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. “You can’t assume your GI symptoms are from gluten. Celiac disease occurs in only about one in 100 people, and gluten sensitivity in between 0.5 to 6 percent of the population,” she says.

FAD: Cutting gluten from your diet to find out if you have gluten sensitivity FACT: If you’re worried about wheat’s effect on your health, see your doctor to test for celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine. “You want to first determine if you have celiac disease, because it will require a lifelong gluten-free diet due to an increased risk for cancer and other medical conditions. Someone with celiac absolutely should not eat gluten,” Jerath says.

VITAL STATSParker Adventist Hospital’s new unit boasts the following:

24 private patient rooms with bathrooms Advanced technology and computer monitoring in

patient rooms Patient education classrooms Same-floor rehabilitation gym Specially trained orthopedic and spine surgeons and nurses On-site physical therapists and occupational therapists

Should you give up gluten? VS.

See more photos online at parkerhospital.org/expansion.

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free WINTER health seminarsJoin Parker Adventist Hospital for a series of FREE health seminars. All seminars are held in the Parker Adventist Hospital Conference Center, located on the Garden Level at the west entrance. A light lunch is served during daytime programs, and light snacks are served during evening programs. Registration is required for all seminars. Register online at parkerhospital.org/seminars.

You May Not Need GYN Surgery!Tue, Feb 9 | 5:30-7 p.m.Learn about simple office procedures to treat common gynecologic complaints.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Thu, Feb 11 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn more about this unique therapy to treat pain after back surgery.

Hip Pain in Athletes and Active People Thu, Feb 18 | 5:30-7 p.m. Learn about labral tears, impingement, and how we can get you back to your best.

Gluten-Free and Healthy Living Tue, Feb 23 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sort the facts from the fads about gluten intolerance.

MenopauseTue, Mar 22 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. How to balance your hormones and live vibrantly.

9395 Crown Crest Blvd., Parker, CO 80138grow is published quarterly by Parker Adventist Hospital—Portercare Adventist Health System—as part of our mission to nurture the health of the people in our community. To comment or unsubscribe, please email grow2@centura.org. grow is produced by Clementine Health Marketing of Littleton, Colo.

Executive Editor: Lisa Gates

YEARS OF ATHLETIC ACTIVITY OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORK can take a toll on the body, particularly the hips. When physical therapy, injections, and conservative treatments fail to fight the pain, hip arthroscopy — a minimally invasive joint-preserving technique — may be an option.

“Hip arthroscopy has been shown to reduce the risk of needing hip replacement surgery later in life,” says Justin Newman, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who performs hip arthroscopy at Parker Adventist Hospital. “The procedure is most effective on younger people who have not yet developed arthritis in the hip.”

DOES IT WORK?Hip arthroscopy involves two or three tiny incisions — one for the scope and one or two more for instruments the surgeon uses to diagnose and treat hip joint issues.

Generally, the surgery is done as an outpatient procedure or requires spending just one night in the hospital. With physical therapy and rehabilitation, most patients are walking normally in a few days and can return to full physical activity within three months.

IS IT FOR?Hip arthroscopy is most commonly recommended for patients with: › Impingement: A result of bone overgrowth that occurs around

the femoral head or socket. › Labral tears: Painful tearing of the labrum — the tissue

surrounding the hip socket — that limits the labrum’s ability to support and protect the joint.› Both: “Most of the time, patients have impingement

that contributes to developing a labral tear,” Newman says.

DOES IT HURT?Physical activity — running, skiing, golfing, or physically demanding work — can lead to these symptoms in younger patients that may signal a need for hip arthroscopy:› Pain or pinching sensation deep in the groin› Pain with repetitive athletic movements, positions, or

activities› Catching or popping sounds or sensations when

moving the hip

Hip, Hip HOORAY!Minimally invasive hip surgery can get you back on track without joint replacement

Dr. Justin Newman

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JOIN US for a FREE seminar with Dr. Newman to learn more about this

hip-preserving procedure on Feb. 18. Full details in box at right.

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saddle Parker's new Level II Trauma Center helps patients ride to recovery

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Back in the

Sixty-three-year-old Diane Minion started riding horses at the age of 8. She was accustomed to falls over the years, but none prepared Minion for the accident of her life, when her

trusty horse got spooked one day in the fall of 2014. “All I remember is my husband driving me to Parker Adventist

Hospital’s emergency room,” Minion says. “There wasn’t a question in our mind where we would go for care. The trauma team was awesome — they acted promptly and got me the care I needed.”

To improve both the speed of treatment and trauma care capabilities, Parker Adventist Hospital transitioned from a Level III to a Level II Trauma Center this past fall. To receive the designation from the State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Parker Adventist Hospital is required to have 24/7 onsite coverage by trained trauma surgeons and staff, plus a designated operating room for trauma patients. The hospital must offer immediate access to neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, radiology, critical care, and a variety of specialties based on the injury.

“The new designation means that Parker Adventist Hospital brings a high level of trauma care closer to home for our patients so that they receive treatment faster and have their families nearby,” says Chris Winter, MD, trauma director at Parker Adventist Hospital.

Mortality rates decline by up to 25 percent when trauma patients are treated at a designated trauma center, according to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Equestrian injury trauma specialties For patients like Minion, prompt trauma care close to home makes all the difference. Upon arrival at Parker Adventist Hospital’s emergency room (ER), Minion was immediately taken for a CT scan, which showed seven broken ribs and several displaced ribs. Minion received medication for the pain but when the drugs made her sick, her situation worsened.

“When I started vomiting, one of my ribs punctured a lung,” she says. Thanks to Parker Adventist Hospital’s extensive trauma capabilities, Minion was quickly taken to a trauma-designated operating room for surgery to remove the splintered rib from her lung. During surgery, the trauma surgeons also stabilized her ribs with a rib-plate fixation procedure.

“With such a high incidence of equestrian-related injuries in our

Dr. Chris Winter

Diane Minion is riding high after the trauma team at Parker Adventist Hospital helped her recover from a fall that broke seven of her ribs.

grow ■ parkerhospital.org ■ 5

saddle Parker's new Level II Trauma Center helps patients ride to recovery

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area, Parker Adventist Hospital has gone to great lengths to ensure that we have the best trauma training and capabilities right here in our community,” Winter says.

Parker Adventist Hospital treats approximately 4,500 trauma patients a year, yet only one out of 14 trauma patients require hospitalization. Parker Adventist Hospital makes it a practice to have a trauma team bedside upon a patient’s arrival to assess pain levels and initiate further treatment if necessary.

“I can’t say enough good things about the entire trauma team at Parker Adventist Hospital,” says Minion, who spent 12 days at the hospital. “I wouldn’t be here today and back riding my horse if it wasn’t for them.”

Since retiring as an educator, Minion has volunteered at the front desk and led Curious George Tours at Parker Adventist Hospital for nearly seven years. She was back to volunteering three months after her injury and was riding her horse six months post-injury. A strong advocate of wearing helmets while riding, Minion now also wears an airbag vest.

“I’ve worn a helmet for years, and I know it saved my life,” she says. “If you’re around horses long enough, you will get hurt. The trauma team can do amazing things, but you have to protect yourself as much as possible.”

Care close to homeAs a Level II Trauma Center, Parker Adventist Hospital has extensively trained surgeons, nurses, and staff in the ER, intensive care unit (ICU), and throughout the hospital who can effectively treat all trauma incidents, from vehicle accidents to falls to equestrian-related injuries.

“The designation also means that our patients in the nearby Eastern Plains, like in Elizabeth and Kiowa, no longer have to travel farther to receive advanced trauma care,” Winter says.

Studies have shown that delays in trauma treatment — particularly for those in rural areas — significantly contribute to higher death rates.

Those with rare, severe injuries from any type of trauma may still require transfer to a Level I Trauma Center, like St. Anthony Hospital, a member of Centura Health and sister hospital to Parker Adventist Hospital, Winter adds. Patient transfers are seamless within the Centura Health system because all hospitals share one electronic medical record for patients, and they all have access to Centura’s Flight For Life air transport.

Trauma 101 What is a trauma injury? Any injury caused by an external factor, such as a car, bullet, ball, bat, or sidewalk. Trauma injuries can be both internal and external to the patient.

The three most common traumas treated at Parker Adventist Hospital:- Motor vehicle accidents- Equestrian accidents- Falls

Differing levels of care Trauma Center ER

– Brain injury – Mild concussion– Multiple fractures – Broken arm – Spinal cord injury – Bruised back – Amputation – Mild lacerations – Falls off animals, – Minor falls

buildings, ladders, from tripping etc.

Parker Adventist Hospital is part of the Centura Health Trauma System, the region’s largest and most comprehensive network of trauma care and emergency services.

Head injuries account for three out of five equestrian-related deaths, accordingto the Equestrian Medical Safety Association. Parker Adventist Hospital’s Equestrian Safety Program, sponsored by the Parker Hospital Foundation,

aims to reduce equestrian-related head injuries through education and promoting helmet use. Since 2009, the foundation has given out more than

1,000 free helmets to Parker-area riders.

Learn more online at parkerhospital.org/emergency-services

6 ■ Winter 2016 ■ grow

COLONOSCOPY is the only cancer screening test that can actually find precancerous growths and remove them. Yet, a recent study shows that two in five adults ages 50 to 75 are not up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening. Meanwhile, a separate study shows that more than three in five adults with a close relative who had colon cancer are not getting screened early enough.

What gives?A study commissioned by StopColonCancerNow.com, a community of physicians dedicated to

promoting colon cancer screening, shows the reasons why people avoid colonoscopy are varied.28 percent don’t think it’s necessary20.1 percent say it’s too expensive20.1 percent dislike the procedure15.8 percent rely on other methods to avoid colon cancer6.5 percent say they didn’t know they need one6.5 percent are too busy

Don’t play with fireColorectal cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in the United States. Lisa Perryman, MD, a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Parker Adventist Hospital, says patients who skip screenings are playing with fire. “If you do not get a screening colonoscopy at age 50 or follow screening recommendations, you’re at risk of developing colon cancer or developing late-stage cancer that doesn’t allow for surgical intervention,” she says.

She sees the consequences firsthand.“Once colon cancer has spread beyond the colon, it typically goes to the liver. Then you are

really looking at different options from a surgical standpoint. It’s not as much of a cure option as it is a prolonging-life option,” she says.

The good news is when colorectal cancer is diagnosed early, before it has spread, nine out of every 10 colorectal cancer patients are still alive five years later.

“The whole point of a colonoscopy is to prevent or catch colon cancer at an early stage when it is treatable,” Perryman says.

becoming less routineScreenings

MANY AMERICANS ARE NOT UP-TO-DATE ON COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

DO THE PREPYou’ve heard the stories. There’s no question that bowel prep is one of the reasons people avoid colonoscopy. But newer bowel preps are lower in volume, taste better, and can be taken in separate doses or even mixed with Sprite, or light-colored Crystal Light or Gatorade. Some say drinking the prep solution through a straw helps it go down faster, decreasing bad taste.

Whatever you do, don’t miss a chance to keep your colon cancer-free. If you’re due for a colonoscopy, schedule it today by talking to your doctor.

Parker Adventist Hospital is part of the Centura Health Cancer

Network, delivering integrated, advanced

cancer care across Colorado and western

Kansas.

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$1,000 ColonoscopyParker Adventist Hospital offers uninsured patients* a screening colonoscopy for the fixed price of $1,000. To schedule your screening, or for more information, call 303-269-4185.

*Go to parkerhospital.org/colonoscopy to see if you qualify for this offer.

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ACHING BACK? You’re not alone. More than 80 percent of Americans will see a doctor for lower back pain at least once. For many people, treatments such as physical therapy will do the trick if the pain doesn’t resolve on its own.

But for others, even spinal surgery doesn’t dull the pain. That’s when it may be time to consider spinal cord stimulation.

LOW-VOLTAGE RELIEF“For people who have already gone through conservative treatments and surgery, spinal cord stimulation offers great potential,” says Stephen Campbell, DO, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at Parker Adventist Hospital.

Spinal cord stimulation involves the implantation of electrodes that deliver a low-voltage electrical current to the spinal cord to block the sensation of pain.

“Traditionally, it’s better suited to treating pain that travels down the arms and legs, but newer technology has been shown to work quite well for mechanical back pain, too,” says Brad Duhon, MD, a board-certified neuro-surgeon at Parker Adventist Hospital.

The process starts with an evaluation by a pain specialist. Patient education is essential, because people must have realistic expectations about the treatment and prove they’re able to work the technology involved.

For patients who qualify, treatment begins with a trial period

of about a week. Electrodes are implanted using a needle — no incision required — and connected to an external device. If spinal cord stimulation relieves their pain during the trial, patients move to a more permanent solution.

BUILT-IN PAIN BLOCKERParker Adventist Hospital physicians perform two types of spinal cord stimulation procedures. One is similar to the trial procedure, but a small generator and battery are implanted under the skin near the buttocks. In the second procedure, the device is implanted via a 3- to 5-inch incision, usually under general anesthesia.

“The advantage of the surgical approach is that the device can cover a much broader area for pain response with less likelihood of the leads moving,” Duhon says. “The disadvantage is more postsurgical pain and a bit longer recovery, although most patients still go home the same day or the next day.”

After either procedure, the device is programmed to get the level of electrical stimulation just right: enough to relieve the pain but not so much that it’s bothersome. Depending on the device, batteries last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced.

Especially for patients who have exhausted all other options or have had back surgery that failed — or perhaps aren’t healthy enough to have surgery under anesthesia in the first place — spinal cord stimulation can bring significant pain relief.

“If you’re facing a life of progressive narcotic painkillers or chronic pain,” says Duhon, “this is a viable alternative.”

WORK IT OUTIf back pain doesn’t resolve on its own within a few weeks, one treatment option to try is physical therapy.

In fact, Stephen Campbell, DO, says he sends almost all of his patients with back pain to physical therapy.

“Staying active is an essential part of the healing process, and physical therapy is an important part of that,” Campbell says.

“When we hurt, we don’t move. And when we don’t move, our muscles become short and tight and a source of pain all on their own. Physical therapy can help alleviate some of that.”

JOIN US for a FREE seminar with Dr. Campbell to learn more about spinal cord stimulation on Feb. 11 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. See Page 3 for details.

Dr. Stephen Campbell

Fifty percent of patients taking narcotic pain

medications for at least three

months are still on narcotics

five years later. Narcotic pain

medications have their place, but

long-term use can lead to addiction

and overdose.

50%

Dr. Brad Duhon demonstrates the pinpoint placement of this minimally invasive procedure.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Campbell, call 303-269-2626.

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDDenver, CO

Permit No. 4773

Part of Centura Health, the region’s leading health care network.Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 303-804-8166. Copyright © Centura Health, 2016.

Joshua Long, MD, a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon at Parker Adventist Hospital, sheds light on three common weight loss surgery misconceptions. Armed with the truth, a patient’s support system is more beneficial.

“The more positive and supportive family and friends can be — which comes from knowing the facts — the better the outcome for the patient,” Long says.

Lose the MisunderstandingsKnowing the truth about weight loss surgery leads to greater success

9395 Crown Crest Blvd. Parker, CO 80138

Portercare Adventist Health System

Dr. Joshua Long

MISCONCEPTION #1It’s the easy way out.Genetic mutations and hormonal imbalances prevent many severely obese patients from losing weight and despite their efforts to exercise and eat healthy, their bodies work against them, Long says. Bariatric surgery requires following strict guidelines and committing to ongoing work well after surgery. “The truth is that bariatric surgery may be the only way out for some people,” Long says. “Surgery requires a high level of commitment from the patient and certainly isn’t an easy way out.”

MISCONCEPTION #2You look sick after surgery.With proper follow-up and supplements, bariatric surgery helps patients regain health and quality of life, Long says. People have a reaction when someone who has been overweight for years loses weight. “They look different, so we automatically think that’s bad,” Long says. “In reality, you’re actually seeing your loved one as a healthy adult.”

MISCONCEPTION #3It’s dangerous. Most bariatric weight loss surgeries are performed laparoscopically. This minimally invasive technique lowers the risk for complications and reduces recovery time.

To schedule a consult with Dr. Long, call 303-269-4370.

Better Together Parker Adventist Hospital offers specially designed support groups and resources to guide patients through every step of weight loss surgery and on to maintenance. Support groups are held monthly in the evenings, and anyone is welcome to attend. A phone support group is also available for those unable to join in person. Learn more at parkerhospital.org/bariatricsurgery.

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Pioneering Health in Parker

FREE Weight Loss Surgery Seminars

Join our bariatric surgeons for a look at various surgical weight loss options, and learn whether you’re a candidate for surgery.

Presented by Dr. Joshua LongWed, Jan 13 | 6:30-8 p.m.Wed, Feb 10 | 6:30-8 p.m.Wed, Mar 9 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Presented by Dr. Katy Irani Wed, Jan 27 | 6-7:30 p.m.Wed, Feb 24 | 6-7:30 p.m.Wed, Mar 23 | 6-7:30 p.m.