@affinity magazine - spring 2015 - healing within

Spr ing 2015

Y O U R G U I D E T O H E A L T H & W E L L N E S SPerson-Centered Care

H e a l i n g

w i t h i n

The @Affinity editorial board is looking for community members to be a part of a listening group that helps us determine upcoming themes and topics for the magazine. Your opinions and ideas are important – so much so that we want to make you a part of a future issue! Please email Alison at [email protected] for more details.

A S I W R I T E T H I S, I C A N S E E T H E S U N is doing its best to disguise the fact that it’s downright antarctic outside these hospital walls – a stark contrast to the warm welcome I’ve felt at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Having moved to the Fox Valley from northern Wisconsin – where I was president of Howard Young Medical Center, Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital, Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital and Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital – this weather is old news!

Do you know what else is old news? Cold and flu season. It really took a toll on people this year, with 3,763 reported influenza-associated hospitalizations across Wisconsin (reported in early February). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says hospitalizations of the elderly are also the highest since the government started tracking that statistic nine years ago.

This got me thinking about what it means to “get well.” The sentiment has a whole section to itself in the greeting card aisle and is the driving reason for hospital gift shops, but there are many types and stages of healing. I consider the word “healthcare” to be synonymous with “healing,” but how do we go above and beyond a prescription to care for the whole person – physically, emotionally and spiritually?

In this edition of the magazine, we focus on a few different ways we foster healing within our health system: the journey that comes after defeating cancer, helping our tiniest patients grow steadily and strong in our neonatal intensive care unit, and lessons in living with rheumatoid arthritis – a crippling chronic disease.

Monica Hilt

The recipe on page 7 is the perfect #MeatlessMonday meal. A combination of quinoa, black beans, red pepper and avocado make for an unusual but unquestionably delicious – and nutritious – burger.

Other topics tied to healing fill pages 8-9, such as how to go easy on your vocal cords; the launch of our quick and convenient HealtheVisits online service; the role of our connection specialist (a real, live person) in finding the best doctor to fit your needs; classes and events such as Healthy Living Cooking in Chilton; and the healing properties of the new Fremont Tower on St. Elizabeth Hospital’s campus.

On page 20, a chaplain, acupuncturist, physical therapist, nurse and otolaryngologist admit the advice they’d give themselves if they were recovering from an illness or injury. Even the “find it” game on the kids’ page relates to healing.

So while the worst of the winter bugs may be over, healing should take place every day of the year – even in small doses. Make time for breakfast, an extra break at work, 30 minutes more of sleep at night, or a home-cooked meal with family or friends. Whatever it is, take care of yourself.

Sincerely,

Monica Hilt, President, St. Elizabeth HospitalVice President, Eastern Region, Ministry Health Care

Hey you!Getting to Know MonicaWe welcome (and entertain) Ministry Health Care’s new eastern region vice president and St. Elizabeth Hospital’s president with a short poll...

Q So far, your favorite aspect of the Fox Valley is…

A The people. They have been very welcoming.

Q Favorite comfort meal...

APizza or pasta. I never met a

noodle I didn’t like.

Q Favorite season…

A Spring. It is a time of

new beginnings.

Q If you were a crayon color, you’d be…

AGreen. I love the outdoors in the spring and summer

and love to garden.

Q If you could visit any city in the

world, it would be…

ANo specific city, but I would love

to visit Italy. It is on my bucket list.

Q If you could compete in

any Olympic sport, it would be…

AFigure skating.

Q Favorite part of your job...

AWorking with the people in the organization to ensure

that we are meeting the needs of our patients and the communities we serve.

Q Favorite way to spend a Sunday…

AWith my family preferably with no

planned activities.

w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o rg / b l o g S p r i n g 2 0 1 5 • @Affinity | 3

A YEAR IN REVIEWLate last year, Ministry Health Care and Affinity Health System replaced its printed annual report with a spick-and-span, digital community report. This format allows us to share stories of person-centered care taking place every day within our walls and the communities we serve. To read stories and watch videos about our patients, associates, clinicians, volunteers and other community members, visit www.affinityhealth.org/communityreport.

Mission, Promise, Vision and Values At Affinity Health System, our mission guides our actions.

MissionOur mission as a Catholic healthcare system is to further the healing ministry of Jesus by continually improving the health and well-being of all people, especially the poor, in the communities we serve.

PromiseWe earn trust by working together as one ministry to keep patients first in everything we do.

VisionHealthcare that works. Healthcare that is safe. Healthcare that leaves no one behind!

ValuesThe way we accomplish our mission is as important as the mission itself. These values of our sponsor, Ministry Health Care, guide our actions.

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 4 SHORT CLIPS

5 BY THE NUMBERS

6 CHEW ON THIS

8 HEALING WITHIN

18 LOOK WHO’S TALKING

20 GIVING BACK

21 FOUNDATIONS FOR GIVING BACK

22 YOU ASKED

23 KIDS PAGE

10 Forward Facing Cancer survivorship means different things to different people. Some say it begins with the cancer diagnosis. Others say it encompasses the period following treatment. The healing journey for Janice Zuege, who beat breast cancer twice, has been complicated, but one thing is for sure – attitude is everything.

14 One Pound Wonder Sabrina Nehr went into labor 17 weeks before her due date. Her baby girl, Morgan, came so early, in fact, that doctors were unsure her organs would sustain life. The little blue-eyed fighter spent four months healing in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Elizabeth Hospital and has grown into a happy, healthy baby today.

17 Real Talk Having lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 37 years, one woman shares lessons on living with the chronic, inflammatory, painful disorder.

c o n t e n t s

Cover illustration by Keith Negley | Photographs by Shane Van Boxtel, Image Studios

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S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

Affinity Health SystemAppleton, WIwww.affinityhealth.org

President, St. Elizabeth HospitalVice President, Eastern Region, Ministry Health CareMonica Hilt

Chief Marketing Officer,Ministry Health CareVince Gallucci

Editorial ManagementJennifer Wagner MaukJohn EganAlison Fiebig Mayer

Volume 4, Number 3The material in @Affinity is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

@Affinity is published three times annually by Affinity Health System.

For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, change your address, discontinue multiple copies or stop receiving @Affinity, please contact us at [email protected].

© 2015 Affinity Health System. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from Affinity Health System.

4 | @Affinity • S p r i n g 2 0 1 5 w w w. a f f i n i t y h e a l t h . o rg / b l o g

S H O R T c l i p s

A s the quote goes from the film classic Rudy, “Having dreams is what makes life tolerable.”

But in order to have a dream, one must be able to fall asleep. That can prove to be a problem for many people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently termed insufficient sleep as a public health epidemic.

“In my opinion, sleep conditions/disorders are somewhat taboo and can be embarrassing for patients as well,” Elena Fry-Hansen, a specialty nurse practitioner in pulmonology at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton and Calumet Medical Center in Chilton. “They may have to admit they snore, can’t sleep, or need stimulant medications (to stay awake) or even CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, which can be embarrassing and cause intimacy issues.”

Fry-Hansen notes that sleep deprivation impacts mind, body and spirit. It can increase the risk of heart failure, stroke or diabetes – even impact one’s libido, concentration and mood.

“Lack of sleep can even increase the risk for driving accidents, worsen depression and cause weight gain,” she says.

When you’re not getting enough sleep, your body is less likely to have the strength to fight off certain colds and viruses. And it’s no surprise that lack of Z’s can be downright dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigue is a cause in 100,000 auto

One Can Dream

crashes and 1,550 crash-related deaths a year in the United States.

Sleep allows the body to rest and heal. In order to promote that self-healing, one must overcome emotional hurdles to get the help needed. Fry-Hansen says that asking for help is key; getting past the “everyone is tired” mentality is the first step.

“Discuss your concerns with your primary care provider and know that you’re not alone,” she adds. “The first step in diagnosing a sleep disorder is an extensive history detailing the symptoms that exist, the length of time you have been suffering from the symptoms, and if any other underlying medical conditions may contribute to the problem.”

Once a diagnosis has been determined, many varied treatments are available. CPAP therapy, mandibular advancement devices (similar to a mouth guard that works by holding your lower jaw forward as you sleep), surgery, and medications are all tools in the arsenal of your team of healthcare providers to help you finally get the rest you need.

The healing power of sleep BY NICHOLAS HEENAN

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Human CompassMeet Sarah Stern, a connection specialist with Affinity who helps point you to a primary care or specialty doctor. Think of her as a healthcare concierge – a quick and easy option to navigating the hundreds of doctors available to you. After talking to you (in person or on the phone) about your needs and getting a feel for your personality, she not only helps you select a clinician and answer your questions, but she goes the extra mile and schedules your first appointment! Call Sarah: 920.628.9280 and let her do the work!

If you feel you may be suffering from lack of sleep or poor sleep, make an appointment with your family doctor, or Elena Fry-Hansen by calling 800.261.0088.


B Y T H E n u m b e r s

The year Johnson & Johnson introduced Band-Aid® Adhesive Bandages. The company scraped by in its first year with only $3,000 in sales, but the product became a staple in healing, comfort and protection. In 2001, the 100 billionth Band-Aid was made!

110,571 hours

contributed by volunteers at St.

Elizabeth Hospital and Mercy

Medical Center last year. While

there are few clinical studies that

show the direct health benefits of

volunteering on physical ailments,

there’s a strong body of research

showing its positive impact on

mental health.

A breathing exercise recommended by Dr. Andrew

Weil, an integrative medicine practitioner, to steady

nerves, calm internal tension, ease one into sleep and

curb food cravings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sit up straight in a chair.

2. Place the tip of your tongue up

against the roof of your mouth. Keep it there

through the entire breathing process.

3. Breathe in silently through your nose to

the slow count of 4.

4. Hold your breath to the count of 7.

5. Exhale through your mouth to the

count of 8, making a slight audible sound.

6. Repeat the 4-7-8 cycle another three

times, for a total of four breathing exercises.

Let it all out! About 90% of people who cry find that their moods improve afterward, according to one study done by the University of Minnesota. Emotional tears contain manganese, potassium and a hormone called prolactin, which help lower cholesterol, control high blood pressure and boost the immune system.

4-7-8

The ranking of St. Elizabeth Hospital’s

Heart, Lung & Vascular Center on the list

of the 30 Most Environmentally Friendly

Hospitals in the World. While the

center serves around 33,000 patients

annually, the building also brings “green”

healing to Mother Earth.

#16feet of noodles in every can of

Campbell’s® Chicken Noodle

Soup. According to Campbell’s,

Americans bought more than

200 million cans of the classic

comfort food in 2013.


chew on this Quinoa & Black Bean Burger Makes 6 patties INGREDIENTS• 16 oz. cooked or canned black beans• 1 c. quinoa, cooked• 1/4 c. peppers, finely chopped (whatever

your preference)• 1/4 c. yellow onion, finely chopped• 1/4 c. whole wheat bread crumbs• 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin • 1/2 tsp. salt• 2 eggs• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil• Burger toppings: lettuce, spinach,

tomato, red onion or avocado

DIRECTIONS 1. In a mixing bowl, combine black beans and quinoa.2. Add chopped peppers and onions to the mixing bowl. Then add all remaining ingredients. 3. Mix ingredients on low-medium speed until well incorporated. Form into six equal parts.4. Using a grill-pan on a stovetop or a frying pan (in which case you’ll need to add some olive oil), cook patties on medium to medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side.5. Assemble with preferred toppings and bun of choice.Recipe by Matt Laungla, executive chef, The Marketplace at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Resembling oatmeal but considered an ancient, remarkable protein, QUINOA has become the rising star of superfoods. High in the Andes Mountains, the quinoa harvest begins in late March, when farmers gather together for celebrations like the two-day Harvest Festival near the salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia. While more than 120 different varieties of quinoa are known, the Whole Grains Council explains there are three kinds of quinoa widely harvested: white, red and black. Of all the quinoa colors, white quinoa is the most common and touts a lighter texture and milder taste. Red quinoa (which has a brownish hue when cooked) has a richer, nuttier flavor and slightly chewier texture, while black quinoa is known more for its earthy, slightly-sweet taste. You can find it in the rice or pasta aisle at the grocery store. Read more on the next page!

The smooth truth about olive oil BY ALISON FIEBIG MAYER

Liquid Gold

live oil has been revered as a staple in Mediterranean culture and diet for thousands of years. It was the Greek gods who revealed the power of the substance to have healing properties, but today, healthcare experts have found it to have several healing benefits.

The organic component of plants (called phytonutrients) in olive oil reduces inflammation, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. It is rich in antioxidants, which help rid the body of free radicals that cause cell damage and may even lead to some forms of cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration reports that by ingesting olive oil each day, you may reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. It also contains up to 80 percent monounsaturated fatty acids, which helps to increase HDL (“good” cholesterol) and decrease LDL (“bad”cholesterol).

One study completed by Spanish researchers discovered a diet rich in olive oil could improve the arterial function of elderly individuals, and a natural compound called oleocanthal has been found to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease(and the mental decline that comes with aging) by changing the makeup of neurotoxic proteins.

It stimulates the production of bile and pancreatic secretions that drastically reduce the formation of gallstones. One experiment revealed the actual weight of a gallstone was reduced by 68 percent after two days of being soaked in pure olive oil!

It has been found to positively affect the thickness of bones – helping calcium absorption and preventing the onset of osteoporosis.

Sources: Food and Drug Administration, The Olive Oil Times,

and a study conducted by Northwestern University.

To read more about how to cook with olive oil, visit www.affinityhealth.org/cookingoils


QUINOAWhat-a? Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a seed (not a grain, meaning it’s gluten-free) and is a relative of the spinach family. It’s considered to be a superfood because it contains all nine essential amino acids, enzymes, an abundance of vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. Quinoa also contains high levels of magnesium, which helps relax your muscles and blood vessels (good for high blood pressure). It has almost twice as much fiber as most other grains – one-fifth of what you need each day in every one cup serving!

BLACK BEANA shiny, healthy addition to any meal in terms of fiber and water content – both of which make you feel fuller, faster. Black beans pack calcium (with 46 milligrams per cup), which is essential for maintaining bones, and potassium (611 milligrams per cup), which regulate your blood pressure and heart rate.

RED PEPPERCrisp and sweet, red peppers contain almost 300 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. They are also high in vitamin A, which helps support healthy eyesight, and vitamin B6, which reduces bloating and prevents against hypertension.

AVOCADOThis fruit is packed with about 20 different vitamins and minerals, and a whole lot of fat – the good kind! It’s actually considered to be one of the fattiest foods on the planet. An avocado contains large amounts of fiber, which can contribute to weight loss, reduce blood sugar spikes and is strongly linked to a lower risk of many diseases. It contains more potassium than a banana, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure, and numerous studies reveal eating avocadoes can improve heart disease risk factors. DID YOU KNOW: Research shows the greatest concentration of antioxidants is in the dark green flesh that lies just beneath the skin!


We have all been guilty of taking our voices for granted until something happens to change our vocal quality.

Problems can arise from a variety of sources, including voice overuse/misuse, injury, infection or cancer, but we can all implement strategies in our daily routine to keep our voices healthy.

1. Drink water! Keeping your body well hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses each day is essential to maintaining a healthy voice. Limit use of alcohol and caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea or soda) as they can be dehydrating.

2. Don’t smoke! Primary and secondhand smoke passes by the vocal cords causing significant irritation and swelling, and can permanently change voice quality.

3. Heal! Your voice is not indestructible. In everyday communication, avoid habitual yelling, screaming or cheering.

Talking in noisy environments for long periods of time can harm your voice. Minimize throat clearing during the day and reduce your voice use as much as possible when you’re sick.

If you think you have a voice problem, consult an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) who can best diagnose a voice disorder. They may refer you to a speech pathologist who can help you improve the way you use your voice.

Our voices are invaluable. Proper care and voice use will give you the best chance

for having a healthy voice for your lifetime.

Written by Tammy Deacy, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech- language pathologist at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Calumet Medical Center.

Meet Your __________________________! vocal cords

St. Elizabeth Hospital has been serving the Appleton community and beyond for 115 years. As the area continues to grow, the hospital must too. Which is why a plan was launched to renovate the St. Elizabeth Hospital campus in 2006. As part of that plan, the brand new, state-of-the-art Fremont Tower was created to include an inpatient unit with 90 patient

rooms, radiology renovation, central utility equipment, and a restaurant-style cafeteria.Having opened in January 2015, the Fremont Tower is a welcoming and comforting

environment, offering patients a peaceful place in which to receive care and heal. SPACE » Each patient room is private and includes a bathroom, shower and wardrobe unit.

SERENITY » Noises a hospital visitor might not even notice can have a significant impact on a patient, which is why the rooms were designed with sound-absorbing materials so patients have a peaceful place in which to recover.

SUNSHINE » Natural light has been shown to help people heal more quickly and with less pain medication, so there is a large window in each room. Having a window especially helps ICU patients who experience delirium distinguish between day and night.

SAVOR & SOCIALIZE » A contemporary cafeteria called The Marketplace occupies the first floor. Executive Chef Matt Luangla aims to change people’s view on hospital food and has partnered with Riverview Gardens (an urban farm in downtown Appleton) to offer fresh, healthy options using locally-grown ingredients.

To read more, visit www.affinityhealth.org/fremonttower.

2,500 Years of Healing

As one of the world’s oldest medical practices, acupuncture has been used to alleviate pain and proven to treat various physical, mental

and emotional conditions. Tiny needles tapped into certain areas of the body have been found to correct imbalances of energy in the body. The therapy can remedy a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, such as back and neck pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, rheumatoid arthritis, headache and stroke. It is used to treat a variety of OB/GYN concerns, such as breech baby presentation, induction of labor and menopause symptoms. Acupuncture can also help heal an array of other common ailments like depression, allergies, nausea and stomach inflammation, and hypertension.

For more information, call Affinity Integrative Medicine at 920.223.7366.


Let’s Be HonestBy Nicole Bushman, licensed professional counselor, Mercy Medical Center

As a proud auntie of five young nieces and nephews, I am pleasantly reminded of the challenge

to manage emotions effectively – not only as the healthy adult amongst a mob of youngsters, but also as a teacher and guide for healthy, emotional expression and management. Whatever you may be feeling, you must acknowledge it honestly before you begin to heal. To do this, go back to the basics:

➊ Recognize the emotion. Define what you’re feeling.

➋ State the reason for the feeling. Think about the situation that had caused your emotion. What are the root causes?

➌ Acknowledge the feeling. Give yourself permission to feel the emotion without judgment or criticism, such as: “I shouldn’t be feeling this way” or “Other people have it worse off than me.” Validate your experience rather than avoiding it or punishing yourself for feeling negatively.

➍ Let it go. While we might not be able to control what we feel, we can certainly direct how we feel it. So what can you do? Many people benefit from physical activity, journaling, joining a support group, reading on the topic or speaking with a therapist.

From What You Eat to How You Eat There’s a difference between feeling full and feeling satisfied after eating a meal.

Those who struggle to separate the two might benefit from an eight-week class called Mindful Eating. Lori Deering, a registered dietitian who teaches the course, has decades of experience working with individuals who chronically diet or suffer from an eating disorder.

“Our thoughts are often fraught with negative self-talk around eating and food selection,” she says. “This program promotes self-acceptance and the removal of judgments we have about ourselves in regard to food and weight. That acceptance allows people to pay attention to their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.”

By learning how to eat mindfully, people savor and enjoy the taste experience rather than view mealtime as a struggle. For more details on how to rekindle a healthy relationship with food, go to www.affinityhealth.org/classes and search Mindful Eating.

DATES, TIME & LOCATIONS: Thursdays, April 9-May 28; 6-8 p.m. – Mercy Medical Center, OshkoshThursdays, October 1-November 19, 6-8 p.m. – St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton

Casey Van Sluys, executive chef at Cedar Lodge in Calumetville, will lead this year’s cooking demo at the Healthy Living Cooking event in Chilton. Using

foods rich in protein, fresh and local vegetables, and a hearty grain, Chef Casey will whip up three dishes you won’t want to pass up.

DATE: April 6, 6-8 p.m. (registration at 5:30) - LOCATION: Chilton High SchoolRSVP required! Call 800-362-9900 to reserve a seat.

Gone are the days when you must climb into your car and drive to the clinic when you feel sick. Affinity Health System has launched a new,

online diagnosis service called HealtheVisits. For $35 (out of pocket), patients ages 2 to 65 can submit a medical request using a smartphone, laptop or tablet device. Within an hour of submitting a request, an Affinity Medical Group doctor or nurse practitioner will personally review, diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan. If needed, you can select the pharmacy to which your prescription should be sent.

HealtheVisits treats common conditions that can be safely and accurately diagnosed online, such as:• Acid Reflux or Heart Burn (GERD)

• Allergies/Hay Fever

• Athlete’s Foot

• Canker or Cold Sore

• Cold

• Constipation

• Diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome)

• Diaper Rash

• Female Bladder Infection (UTI)

• Influenza (Flu)

• Influenza Prevention

• Jock Itch

• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

• Ringworm

• Sinus Infection

• Tinea

• Vaginal Yeast Infection

All you need is an internet connection and less than 10 minutes to complete an online interview process that collects information related to your condition. The best part? Not having to leave the comfort of your home.

For more information and to register (it takes seconds), visit www.affinityhealth.org/healthevisits

If interested in pursuing counseling to healthfully and honestly manage emotions, go towww.affinityhealth.org/locations and find a clinic near you.

Janice Zuege exudes positivity. Her zest for life seems to perpetually propel her ahead.

Picture bicycle tires circling round and round, a kayak maneuvering through clear waters, a pair of skis gliding across freshly fallen powder. Her passion is getting out and getting active, often times with Roy, who has hiked the Grand Canyon twice with his wife of nearly 30 years. But two years ago, all that forward momentum came screeching to a halt.

“I felt like a freight train hit me,” she recalls, voice quivering with emotion. It had been 10 years since her first bout with breast cancer in 2003. A lumpectomy,

six weeks of daily radiation, five years of Tamoxifen, and regular check-ups finally gave way to a sense of normalcy.

The former teacher and long-time associate principal of Hortonville Elementary and Middle Schools felt like she had beaten the cancer that had turned her world upside down.

“Everything was fine,” she says. “I was doing great. No concerns whatsoever.” But as soon as she received the phone call asking her to return for a follow-up

mammogram, the same swirl of feelings – fear, uncertainty, anger – came flooding back all over again.

“At that point, my heart sank,” she says. The emotional element – not the physical – was a larger challenge to overcome

the first time around, she says, and the news that cancer had returned sent her reeling all over again.

One breast cancer survivor’s journey where she learned attitude is everything

and healed her batt le wounds by helping others

B Y P A U L N I C O L A U S | P H O T O G R A P H S B Y S H A N E V A N B O X T E L , I M A G E S T U D I O S

H E A L I N G W I T H I N

S p r i n g 2 0 1 5 • @Affinity | 11

Facing


her surgery to talk about genetic testing and how it can be helpful in making informed decisions.

“I was involved pretty early on in her second diagnosis and then walked with her along the way when her genetic testing results came back,” she says. “The results help guide not only [the patient’s] immediate treatment needs, such as the surgery, but also the survivorship piece in terms of being very careful in screening more diligently than we would the average general population.”

Along the way, she became impressed by the way Zuege took part in her treatment process.

“She’s smart, educated and information-seeking,” Johnson adds. “Janice really took an active role in that she participated and really respected her team. She utilized us to the best of our abilities.”

The second time around, Zuege’s cancer treatment plan included a bilateral mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and chemotherapy.

A TIME TO HEALNow in remission again, Zuege and others note the period following cancer treatment creates an interesting dynamic that can be just as difficult – and often times even more so – than the treatment period itself.

“When patients go through treatment, it becomes a routine,” Rogers explains. “When that routine is over, there are fears and anxieties that go along with it. There’s relief because they’re done, but then many of them say, ‘I’ve been fighting this for so long, so now what?’”

In addition, cancer often times seeps into many other areas of life. Some survivors deal with the financial impact, bounce back from the side effects of chemotherapy, reel from any physical changes and adjust to being back at work. In some cases there’s a need to reevaluate the many relationships in their life as well.

Survivorship means different things to different people. Some say it begins with the cancer diagnosis. Others say it encompasses the period following treatment. What can’t be argued is the fact that the number of cancer survivors is substantial.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 14 million Americans with a previous cancer diagnosis are living in the United States. Improvements in early detection and treatment have helped ensure that people are living longer after diagnosis. Because of this, the transition from active treatment to post-treatment is critical. It’s a time to take charge of life in a way that promotes healing and long-term health, and Affinity offers a variety of options for support.

P.E.A.C.E. (People Exercising After Cancer Enters) is an exercise program offered at Mercy Medical Center twice a week. Physical therapists help participants work on flexibility, strength, meditation, balance, endurance and relaxation training. The program is fully-funded by Mercy Health Foundation donors, making it free to all participants.

Integrative medicine is yet another option that can bring holistic

“When you hear that diagnosis, it is shock and disbelief,” Zuege says, “because I looked at myself and I thought, wait a minute. I’m living a healthy lifestyle, I’m watching what I eat, I’m exercising, I’m doing everything right, and there’s no history in the family. It was kind of the almighty question of, why me?”

She came to the realization that there’s no answer. There are no guarantees in life. You can do everything possible to live a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes that’s not enough.

Though she was left powerless in that sense, Zuege did realize she had control of one element, and it would turn out to be the fiercest weapon in her battle to overcome cancer.

NAVIGATING THE FIGHT“In both situations, I have come to accept the diagnosis, and once you accept the diagnosis you’re better equipped to face it head on,” Zuege notes. “I can’t change the diagnosis, but I can choose my attitude moving forward. I chose a fighting spirit and an attitude of I did it once before and I can do it again.”

It’s a mindset that did not go unnoticed by others. “Every time I talk to Janice, whether on the phone, in person or via

email, she is one of the most positive people I have ever met,” says Darci Grota, breast cancer nurse navigator at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.

Grota met Zuege shortly after her second diagnosis and followed her through treatment and beyond. Her role as a cancer nurse navigator includes equipping patients with information, joining them during surgery and medical oncology consultations, and maintaining regular contact through email.

“As navigators, we wear multiple hats,” Grota explains. “We wear the nursing hat when educating, we wear the supportive hat when talking to them during the times they may be a little bit scared or emotional, and we also cheerlead when they reach the hurdle of being done with surgery and chemotherapy.”

Nurse navigators act as the main point of contact. They serve as a guide, explain what to expect next and help inform patients on the variety of human resources available, ranging from a patient advocate or cosmetologist to a rehab or pastoral team.

“Our biggest role is being that go-to person,” adds Donna Rogers, cancer nurse navigator at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh. “Each cancer patient has their own journey. My job is to help guide them through it with the least amount of obstacles and barriers possible.”

Ten percent of all cancer is hereditary, explains Thea Johnson, genetic counselor at St. Elizabeth Hospital, meaning that there’s a genetic trait in the family that’s elevating the risk for certain types of cancer. Because of a number of factors, including an initial diagnosis at a young age and the second diagnosis, Johnson met with Zuege before

“Take it a day at a time and look forward to the future… that sun gets brighter and brighter as you heal, as you recover, as you get better.”

— Janice Zuege

healing approaches, such as adding acupuncture, massage, meditation and yoga into the mix.

Those looking for emotional and educational support can take part in “A Time to Heal,” a free, evidence-based rehabilitation program helping survivors and their caregivers regain physical, emotional and spiritual health after cancer treatment. The program is possible in part to a partnership between St. Elizabeth Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, as well as HOPE Cancer Connection.

Over the course of 12 weeks, program participants have the opportunity to learn about a wide array of issues and share their own story. Each week includes an expert speaker in a given topic area that helps create a new normal through aspects ranging from diet and exercise to relaxation and journaling. Participants are encouraged to find tools that can be used in their years of survivorship that lay ahead.

April Pipping, nurse navigator for head, neck and lung cancer patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital, served as one of the main facilitators in addition to Grota, Johnson and several community members. As part of that involvement, she presented on the long-term side effects of radiation and chemotherapy early on in this fall’s “A Time to Heal” program.

It was clear to her during that initial presentation that some of the participants were comfortable sharing, while others were a bit more reluctant and reserved. But when she returned for week 10, the group dynamic had dramatically shifted.

“They were all engaging,” Pipping shares. “It was really neat to see the difference six weeks can make.”

Six months after the session ends, the group holds a reunion as a chance to reconnect with one another.

AFTER TREATMENT Despite the many resources available, Zuege’s journey toward healing has been complicated.

She has had to shift from cancer patient to a support role for her husband, who has dealt with a rare form of skin cancer that was diagnosed

Only nine days passed before Nancy Wilms’ hair started to fall out in her hands.

“Nobody knew I had cancer until I lost my hair,” she says.

“I felt like I had lost control of my condition because it was suddenly so public.”

Diagnosed in May 2014, Wilms will tell you that cancer doesn’t care if you’re ready to cope or not. She knows this because she only had one chemotherapy treatment and had to confront the destruction of the disease in the form of hair loss almost immediately.

Some chemotherapy drugs used to kill cancer cells can cause damage to hair follicles, which makes hair fall out.

“I had come to terms with the diagnosis and

refuge and support Mercy Health Foundation’s fundraising efforts to make it possible.

“Coming into this room should be as good as walking into your own salon,” Wilms says. “I want to help someone else going through it.”

To learn how you can help, visit www.mmcgift.org.

Strands of Courage

several years ago and since returned. In June, he underwent a lengthy surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and subsequently lost his right eye.

“I totally understand what my husband went through when I was going through cancer treatment, because now I am going through it as he struggles with cancer,” she says. “In some ways, even though going through cancer is very difficult for the patient, sometimes I think it is more difficult on the spouse.”

Zuege says the entire experience has resulted in an even stronger marriage and her current frame of mind remains optimistic, strong and thankful. But she has noticed a shift in perspective during her search for a sense of peace, comfort and healing.

“Life has taken on new meaning, and the meaning is one of deeper gratitude,” she says. “You take on a deeper appreciation for what you have rather than wishing for things that you don’t have.”

When asked how she’s managed to remain positive, Zuege points to a strong network of support: her husband, faith in God, employer and colleagues, friends and neighbors, and Affinity team members.

“The people you meet along the way, whether it’s the scheduler, the receptionist or the nurse that draws the blood – all of the Affinity employees I came into contact with – have been nothing but fabulous,” she says. “They’re kind, concerned and professional.”

Part of Zuege’s journey to healing seems to involve a desire to pay it forward and help others, Grota observes, which has revealed itself in a number of ways.

Recently, Zuege was nominated as someone who would be well-equipped to offer up valuable input as Affinity seeks feedback on progressing cancer services. She now sits on a patient advisory council, and she’s also become a self-described champion of mammogram screenings.

“As a result of my continuous preventive health recommendations, my cancers were caught at an early stage, and when they’re caught at an early stage they’re more treatable,” she says. “Prevention is the best intervention, so I feel that it is extremely important for women to get the annual screening mammograms.”

At other times, this desire to help others reveals itself in her willingness to share her story or a few words of wisdom with those who are enduring similar health challenges.

“Take it a day at a time and look forward to the future,” Zuege says. “At the time you go through a dark period in your life you start seeing the sun shine again, and that sun gets brighter and brighter as you heal, as you recover, as you get better. For me, I can’t dwell on the fact that I’ve had cancer twice. I just move forward.”

April Calvo Darci Grota Thea Johnson Donna Rogers

was ready to fight, but I wasn’t prepared to deal with what I would lose in the process,” she says, reaching up to graze her new pixie style.

Donna Rogers, cancer nurse navigator at Mercy Medical Center, and a friend of Wilms accompanied her to the wig room at the hospital. They discovered it was not a pleasing or positive environment. Wigs, scarves and hats were stored untidily in plastic bags. Privacy was limited and there was only a small mirror.

In October 2014, Wilms completed treatment at Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center within Mercy, but the emotional experience with hair loss has stuck with her.

Having been a volunteer at Mercy for five years, she now uses some of that time to transform the wig room into a welcoming


New mom Sabrina Nehr, 21, cradles her daughter, Morgan, in such a way that makes her look like a seasoned pro. Just waking up from a short snooze, the little one is looking up curiously while taking a late morning bottle. A bright grey, snow-soaked sunbeam pours through a nearby window, lighting up her angelic face and

pronouncing her long, naturally curled lashes.Morgan is three months away from her first birthday, which came

earlier than Nehr and her fiancé, Tyler Schroeder, planned.Nehr woke up on June 2, 2014 with lower abdominal pain and

discovered she was bleeding. Schroeder drove her to St. Elizabeth Hospital’s emergency department where she was admitted for pre-term labor.

She was only six months pregnant.

BIRTHDAY UNEXPECTED In the two days that followed, Dr. Christopher Wagener, Affinity Medical Group OB/GYN, and his team monitored Nehr closely.

“We knew the baby was coming,” Dr. Wagener says. “We can usually get a couple of days in the best case scenario, which is what we always hope for.”

Nehr was put on a course of antibiotics to protect the baby from

infection and steroids to improve lung maturity, minimize the risk of stroke and mature the intestines. As Dr. Wagener explains, Nehr was also given magnesium to temporarily slow labor, reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and allow more time for the steroids to work.

“My stay in the hospital is one big blur,” Nehr remembers. “It was hard to understand that I was going to have my baby before she or I were ready.”

Baby Morgan was born just after midnight on June 5 weighing one pound and 3.4 ounces, and measuring 11 inches long. Her due date was October 1.

Morgan’s birthday marked her 23-week, one-day gestational age, which is a measurement describing how far along the pregnancy is. Infants born before 37 weeks are considered premature, but Morgan was born so early that she was on the verge of viability, meaning her critical organs – such as the lungs and kidneys – may not have been able to sustain life.

Had she come any earlier, doctors might not have been able to resuscitate her. But Dr. Sandria Brekke, the OB/GYN on call during Sabrina’s delivery, was prepared.

“I arrived that day knowing Sabrina was there,” Dr. Brekke explains. “When I realized she was moving along, we got the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team there. They were positioned and ready when Morgan was born. The delivery went as smoothly as it could have.”

Dr. Brekke carried Morgan over to Dr. Kimberly Seeger,


One poundH E A L I N G W I T H I N

neonatologist at St. Elizabeth Hospital, who took over care for the baby post-delivery. Two NICU nurses and a respiratory therapist worked alongside Dr. Seeger to resuscitate Morgan.

“Our team has to work quickly in the delivery room to resuscitate babies,” Dr. Seeger explains. “She wasn’t breathing when she was born, so we had to breathe for her by placing a mask over her nose and mouth that pushed air into her lungs.”

That early morning on June marked the beginning of Morgan’s four-month-long stay in the NICU.

THE PREEMIE LIFE“Every time I would think about her, I would cry,” Nehr says. “And there were other times I couldn’t think about her because it was too emotional. I felt like I was a bad mom because I had her early. I definitely blamed myself.”

Nehr’s doctors say there was no way to know Morgan would come early; many premature births are unexplainable. By testing the mother’s placenta (after birth), doctors can determine if there is an infection that induced pre-term labor. Nehr’s test came back normal.

“Having the NICU onsite at St. Elizabeth Hospital is invaluable,” Dr. Wagener says. “Things can progress or change quickly with these

Born 17 weeks premature, Baby Morgan fought for her life in the neonatal

intensive care unit at St. Elizabeth Hospital

B Y A L I S O N F I E B I G M A Y E R P H O T O G R A P H S B Y S H A N E V A N B O X T E L


The NICU staff encourages a technique called kangaroo care, which is when a newborn is held skin-to-skin with a parent. Nehr enjoyed practicing this style of snuggling (aptly named because of its mimicking function of a kangaroo’s pouch). It has been proven to help stabilize a baby’s heart rate, regulate breathing patterns, improve oxygen saturation levels, gain sleep time, encourage weight gain and decrease crying.

The closeness and bonding also helps stimulate mom’s milk supply. Though moms with premature babies can’t breastfeed right away, they can pump. OB nurses helped Nehr learn to pump and fill a syringe so Morgan could benefit from the vitamins and nutrients in breast milk.

“When your baby has all these tubes and wires coming off her, it makes connecting with her hard,” Nehr explains. “When I practiced kangaroo care, she could hear my voice and I feel like it soothed her, like she knew I was her mom.”

LITTLE BODY, BIG FIGHT Morgan was released from the NICU on October 7 – six days after her actual due date. Her stay was not without challenges, but the time she spent in the NICU provided her a foundation for a happy, healthy life.

“Everything we do helps preemies heal,” Dr. Seeger says. “Our goal is to help both the baby and parents thrive so they can be discharged from the NICU and be at home with their family.”

Transitioning from hospital life to life at home can be difficult for parents, which is why St. Elizabeth Hospital offers “rooming in” – a dress rehearsal for what’s to come – which allows parents to stay overnight in a room with their baby before being discharged from the hospital. Nursing staff is on hand to address concerns and answer questions throughout the night. It’s not required, but first-time parents, like Schroeder and Nehr, favor the option.

“Morgan was still on a bunch of medications, so it was helpful to have them there when we needed them to walk us through her doses,” Schroeder says. “It gave us the confidence we needed before starting a new life together.”

Today, Morgan weighs 14 pounds. Nehr is well aware of the miracle that is her tiny fighter. And while they take it day by day, Nehr is grateful for the care Morgan received during her stay.

“They were like family to us for a long time,” says Nehr. “They saved my daughter.”

tiny patients, so it’s critical we have those services available to us. We can consult with NICU doctors and staff before a baby comes to promote seamless care at the time of delivery.”

The NICU is a dimly-lit, hushed place in the hospital where clinicians work around-the-clock to help babies find comfort, strength and routine.

“Our environment allows us to monitor and help preemies’ bodies to heal and develop,” Dr. Seeger explains.

Moments after birth, NICU team members focus their attention on a preemie baby’s breathing. Full-term babies are born with lungs that produce a protein called surfactant, which keeps lungs from collapsing when a baby exhales. Premature babies lack surfactant, so Morgan was given that medication shortly after her birth.

Lungs are one of the biggest challenges, putting very premature babies at risk for developing respiratory distress syndrome and chronic lung disease. However, a lack of oxygen to other parts of the preemie’s body can result in other difficulties.

Eyes are especially vulnerable to injury after birth. Inflammation of the retinas and an abnormal growth of the blood vessels in an infant’s eye called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can lead to detachment or blindness.

“We have an eye doctor examine a baby’s eyes regularly,” Dr. Seeger explains. “Often times, babies born at 23 weeks gestation need to have laser surgery to preserve their vision.”

Morgan experienced some ROP, but never severe enough to call for laser surgery.

Premature babies also eat differently than full-term babies. They don’t know how or when to pause and swallow, so the act of pacing and breathing while eating has to be taught. They also eat better and more safely in certain positions, such as on their side instead of upright. Pediatric speech therapists work with NICU nurses to teach babies how to eat. They also coach family members on techniques to help their little one become efficient eaters.

Nothing could have gotten in Nehr’s way of visiting her tiny fighter at the hospital. She and Schroeder visited once – sometimes twice – a day during Morgan’s stay.

“Our nurses are there to care for, hold and feed the babies, but nothing replaces parents being directly involved,” Dr. Seeger says. “We see definite improvements in how a baby does when parents are present.”

Sandia Brekke Kimberly Seeger Christopher Wagener

“They were like family to us for a long time. They saved my daughter.”

— Sabrina Nehr


Rea l H E A L I N G W I T H I N

For 37 years, Sarah Troxell has lived with biting pain, paralyzing fatigue and the comings and goings of other health hardships associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosed at age 25, she has learned how to navigate the peaks and valleys of the debilitating condition.

Years ago, treatment goals focused on limiting discomfort and slowing the progression of the disease. Today,

rheumatologists are more aggressive initially with treatment and decisions to switch therapy based on disease activity. Troxell credits her Affinity Medical Group rheumatologist, Dr. Eric Gowing, for equipping her with the knowledge and positive affirmation to push on.

“When suffering from chronic disease, healing has to incorporate three principles: education about your disease and how you go about treating it; responsibility to follow instructions; and support from a compassionate team consisting of medical providers and family members,” Dr. Gowing says.

He explains that RA can be very unpredictable as to why and when a flare-up presents. A flare-up, which is defined as an increase in pain, stiffness or swelling of a joint(s), needs to be managed aggressively by changing or increasing therapy, brief trials of anti-inflammatories including corticosteroids, or local corticosteroid injections. Managing RA without medications is not usually an option.

“The biggest daily struggle for someone with RA can be humility,” Dr. Gowing adds. “Seemingly trivial tasks can be a monumental struggle for someone with RA; buttoning shirts, tying shoelaces, and opening up jars can be very difficult.”

Maybe it’s the job she held as a nurse for so many years, but Troxell manifests a buoyant attitude that borders on motivational speaking. For many years, she helped many patients work through chronic pain and arthritic issues, noting how she was able to connect with them on a personal level. A year ago, she has detailed her lessons on living with RA in an article that appeared in The Rheumatologist.

Lessons on l i v i ng w i t h rheumatoid arthritis

B Y A L I S O N F I E B I G M A Y E R

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) » a chronic, inflammatory disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue (typically in the hands and feet) and causes painful swelling Autoimmune disease » RA is one of about 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, which is when one’s immune system no longer tolerates the tissues and organs in the body The cause » A general explanation is one’s genetic predisposition coupled with environmental triggers, such as viruses and toxinsOsteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid arthritis » Osteoarthritis involves the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in your joints, while RA affects the lining of the joints and causes painful swelling

IN HER WORDSEveryone defines healing differently, but in my RA journey, I find peace in these four rules:

➊Finding the right medication is crucial. It’s a lot of trial and error. Honestly, you feel a bit like a guinea pig. They call you a patient, so yeah, you have to be patient! Communication and being honest with your doctor is huge.

➋A person who has RA can live a meaningful life and have a wonderful family. I’ve had this chronic illness my whole adult life, but I don’t let it define me. You’re going to have days when you want to quit, and that’s OK. RA is tough, but you have to be willing to do things, look beyond, cope and live. The more you know, the less you are afraid.

➌Having RA does not exempt patients from other health problems. People think of arthritis as aches and pains, but RA is a systemic problem. It affects your blood count, organs, heart and lungs. I have endured 13 orthopedic surgeries and waged not one – but two – cancer battles (breast cancer in 2003 and appendiceal cancer in 2012). I learned in 2006 that I had Parkinson’s disease. I know how deeply RA can impact one’s health.

➍Assemble a team of health professionals and follow their advice. Accept help. Rheumatologists are really medical detectives. Find a doctor who is good at explaining why you have to take certain medications. Dr. Gowing is thorough, and he listens. I always felt I was being understood. He genuinely wants you to feel better. But you – the patient – have to be the captain of your healthcare team. The doctor plays in the game with you, but you have to call the plays.

“Dr. Gowing is a gifted diagnostician! When I wasn’t feeling well, I’d call him and he’d respond quickly. Together, we’d get to the bottom of it.” — Sarah Troxell

look who’s t@ lking Get to knowyour clinicians We ask Affinity team members to pick an item that brings them healing, comfort and peace.

bzzz

Q: What item brings you comfort?

Q: What get well advice would you give yourself?

A: “Honey. Beekeeping is an interest I enjoy with my wife, Ann. The process – each little step – brings me comfort. I’ve been beekeeping for seven years, but last summer we harvested 500 pounds of honey from three hives. Up until then, we had never harvested more than 30 pounds. We share most of it with our friends!”

A: “Eat well, get well, and get lots of sleep.”

A: “Coffee. It’s warm and relaxing. When I have the day off, I ease into my morning with a cup.”

A: “I would surround myself with caring people to help me.”

DR. GREGORY SWANSONROLE: Otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) for Affinity Medical Group

How do you help patients find healing? “By creating a partnership with those I treat. I can perform surgery to fix a fundamental problem, but ultimately the patient must choose to do the healthy thing and get well.”

STACY THIELROLE: Emergency department nurse at Calumet Medical Center

How do you help patients find healing? “Many people have anxiety about coming to the emergency department. Waiting for a diagnosis is hard. I think when I sit down next to a patient and truly listen to their concerns, it brings them comfort.”

18 | @Affinity • S p r i n g 2 0 1 5

We ask Affinity team members to pick an item that brings them healing, comfort and peace.

A: “Three rocks. Each one was given to me during difficult times to remind me of God’s presence. When I have a difficult day, I throw one in my pocket and carry it around all day. One of the rocks was gifted to me by the NICU staff. Its surface is meant to remind me that things will smooth out.”

A: “Continue to keep the faith in God. He cares for you. He hasn’t abandoned you. And seek the help of others.”

A: “A jar of salsa, because canning is an activity I do with my children. All the ingredients we use come from our family garden. Eating healthy, getting outside, being active – canning brings it all together.”

A: “Sleep and eat right.”

A: “Bert from Sesame Street. He comforts my two-year-old daughter, Violet, and she brings me comfort! Whenever she’s upset, I look for Bert.”

A: “Rest, drink plenty of water, take time for myself, meditate, breathe and get a massage or acupuncture treatment!”

REV. CALVIN REYBURNROLE: Chaplain at St. Elizabeth Hospital

How do you help patients find healing? “I visit with them, encourage them, share God with them, and listen to them. Oftentimes the power of knowing others are thinking about you is healing. By helping them find spiritual and emotional healing, patients often times find the strength to get well physically.”

TANYA FULLERROLE: Pediatric physical therapist at Midway Place Specialty Clinic/ St. Elizabeth Hospital

How do you help patients find healing? “I look at the child’s needs, and his or her family’s needs as well, and do my best to empower them. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to them. Sometimes healing means accepting the things we cannot change.”

CORRINE RATHBUN ROLE: Acupuncturist at Affinity Medical Group Greenville Clinic and Mary Kimball Anhaltzer Center for Integrative Medicine in Oshkosh

How do you help patients find healing? “Everyone heals differently, so I meet patients where they are in their healing journey. I create a space that is safe and nonjudgmental, and I let them tell me what helps them. I also recommend meditation

– the ability to breathe properly balances the nervous system.”


BY PEGGY KLAPPERICH, Patient Registrarin the Urology Department at Mercy Medical Center

they needed and moved on. Our support group convenes

on Saturday mornings every other month. Al presents a topic of interest followed by an open group discussion. All kinds of information is exchanged, from blood test results and doctor recommendations to restaurant reports, new products and advice on how to manage family events. We also have some type of gluten-free product to sample. The group spends time getting to know each other, sharing stories and becoming friends.

In our culture, food is used for more than just nourishing our bodies; it is a way of showing care and love to those around us. Food is present at most social and family events and because of this, many of our support group sessions are spent discussing strategies to manage those occasions and stay safe.

In the early days, I saw my role as the supportive spouse and the person in charge of food and treats – a role I played confidently and enjoyed very much. Baking has always been a special love of mine, so early on in our gluten-free journey I challenged myself to convert all of Al’s favorite cookies and cakes to be gluten-free.

Over the years, my role has expanded as I began to actively share my homemade recipes and knowledge with our support group. Through my own trial and error, I have been able to offer assistance and advice to support group members on the best flours to use and how to make meals anyone would enjoy. It is a joy to keep a family tradition alive by simply helping to make a favorite recipe gluten-free.

More recently, I have held a baking class for our members. We are hoping to expand this into some hands-on baking labs.

Our group provides members

Caption TK

IN 2003, AFTER BEING ILL FOR ABOUT two years, my husband, Al, realized he needed to follow a gluten-free diet. In the five years that followed, we learned a lot – Al using research and online discussion boards, and me in the kitchen attempting to replace all those gluten-filled goodies I loved baking for him.

We took cooking classes, went to conferences and events, and researched products in an effort to educate ourselves as much as we could about gluten intolerance. It became evident that this new journey was about more than the food itself, but every situation that may involve food: cross contamination and using the same kitchen with gluten-eating spouses and family, dining out, family and holiday gatherings, work environments, dining while traveling, and even taking communion at church!

Gluten-free eating is more than a diet. It is a lifestyle. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease which is the result of an immune system response to the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley). Individuals who experience distress when eating products containing gluten and show improvement when following a gluten-free diet may have gluten sensitivity. These individuals are unable to tolerate gluten and develop an adverse reaction when eating it. This is what Al has.

In discovering this, Al found comfort in online discussion boards and conversing with other individuals experiencing the same struggle. It was there that we met a new group of people with whom we shared not only information and recipes, but our struggles and triumphs, too. Those folks in cyberspace became our friends and support system.

By 2008, we felt very comfortable in our new-to-us, gluten-free lifestyle. It was about that time that Al said to me, “I want to start a local support group for people who have to follow a gluten-free diet.” He recognized it was time to help others heal, and so the Gluten Intolerance Group of East Central Wisconsin (GIG of ECW) was formed. Our first meeting consisted of six people, but as time passed, more people joined our little group. Some have stayed and some have gained the knowledge

Tough CookieEach issue, we share the story of an Affinity Health System team member who volunteers at a local non-profit organization. Affinity is committed to supporting local organizations and charitable events aligned with our mission of providing services that promotethe health and well-being of the communities we serve.

giving b@ck


a place to express fears and frustrations. It is a place for encouragement and validation of the choices they must make when family just doesn’t “get it.” It takes the form of a summer potluck picnic where members may eat all the food while not having to worry or fear being different. It is friendship and healing in a world that can be harsh and difficult. It is a place to gain knowledge, and with that knowledge comes confidence, power and health.

I speak for both myself and Al when I say this journey has brought us so much more than we have given. It has brought us friendships and experiences we never would have had. It has given us an opportunity to give back. It has given us a purpose.

“It is a joy to keep a family tradition alive by simply helping to make a favorite recipe gluten-free.” — Peggy Klapperich

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 2-3 dozen

Directions• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

• Mix together almond flour, baking soda

and salt. • Mix together sugar, vanilla, egg and

melted butter.• Combine dry and wet ingredients,

then add chocolate chips.

• Place tablespoon-sized dough balls

on a cookie sheet. • Bake at 325 for 14 -15 minutes or

until edges lightly golden brown.

A Note from Al “Healing that comes from a supportive spouse can be the difference between success and failure from someone who struggles with the disease. I know I would not be as successful without Peggy’s support. Sadly, all too often those in the gluten-free community do not get the support from their family members or loved ones. This fact makes support groups even more important for those navigating the gluten-free lifestyle.”

Foundations for Giving Back

High-pitched shrieks. Uncontrollable shaking. Difficult to

comfort. These are symptoms experienced by an infant born to a drug-addicted mother. Cindi Jungwirth, a clinical nurse educator with Affinity Health System (AHS), estimates that one to two babies are born with these symptoms each month at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.

To counteract this growing problem, St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation (SEHF) and Mercy Health Foundation (MHF) have worked together to provide funds for a Newborn Withdrawal Project, which is designed to provide specialized care for infants showing signs of withdrawal.

“There has long been a need for a local program dealing with newborns that display symptoms of withdrawal at birth,” says Tracy Adams, clinical coordinator for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

A baby born to a mother taking drugs (prescription or street drugs) during pregnancy may be born addicted, showing signs of withdrawal within a few days of birth. The effects of the drugs on these babies are excruciatingly painful, devastating and – without proper intervention – potentially deadly.

“Babies suffering from drug withdrawal need to have a very quiet, low-stimulation environment,” Adams explains. “We encourage families to turn the lights down and lower speaking volumes. Sleep does not come easily for these infants, so it is important to cluster all of our cares together – including diaper changes, assessments, medications and feedings – and let them rest and sleep uninterrupted afterward.”

Jungwirth explains that project funds may go toward training on how to use the Finnegan Scoring Tool, which is how the staff objectively assesses a newborn for withdrawal symptoms. Funds are also used to purchase items and equipment that may be used to monitor and treat symptomatic infants.

Staff receives education on techniques to help decrease symptoms and improve infant comfort, such as swaddling, reducing environmental stimuli, rocking, motion, frequent feeding, and others. Items such as swaddle sacks, infant swings and other motion-producing equipment can help soothe the babies.

“These babies need to be cared for differently than other babies in the hospital,” Adams says. “It’s imperative that the staff is well informed on how to best provide care for these infants and to make sure that this is done on a consistent basis.”

This project recognizes the challenge our community faces. “Both Foundations are committed to providing the best medical care to all of our

patients, regardless of circumstance,” says Tonya Dedering, regional director for SEHF and MHF. “It is thanks to donor dollars and our skilled nurses and physicians that we’re able to do our best to mitigate this growing issue.”

Responding to Our Community’s Challenges By Nicholas Heenan

Ingredients• 2 1/4 c. almond flour (Honeyville)

• 1 tsp. baking soda• 1/2 tsp. salt• 1/2 c. sugar with 1 Tbsp. water

(just enough to create the

consistency of honey)

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract• 1 egg• 1/3 c. melted butter• 1 c. chocolate chips

To learn more about the Gluten Intolerance Group of East Central Wisconsin, visit www.gigofecw.org or find them on Facebook.

To make a tax-deductible charitable donation to support St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation and Mercy Health Foundation, please visit www.affinityhealth.org and under ‘About Us’ click on ‘Foundations.’


you @sked

Vanessa Cebulski

As a young, active, healthy adult, why is it so important to get an annual physical?

It is great to be young and healthy, and we want to stay that way, which is why seeing your doctor once a year is crucial! Research shows that people who have an ongoing relationship with a doctor have better overall health. Aside from following a healthy diet and doing regular exercise, there are some screenings for specific age groups that are recommended to continue enjoying the benefits of good health. For instance, we want to screen for diabetes and high cholesterol as many young-adult screening tests nowadays show pre-diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Having that information early on can motivate young patients to modify diet and lifestyle, and prevent complications in the future. Education regarding a self-breast exam and a thorough review of family history is also provided to determine future risk factors. Find a doctor you can connect with and trust; you will never regret it.

— Dr. Maria Bautista-Santos, family practitioner, Appleton

I’ve read a lot about soy and how women should watch their intake. How does too much soy consumption affect a woman’s health long-term?

Soy is touted for beneficial effects on cholesterol levels, bone health and menopausal symptoms. However, long-term use of unfermented soy (tofu, soymilk, TVP) can decrease your levels of calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron and copper due to high levels of phytic acid. Soy also contains phytoestrogens, which can negatively impact endocrine function at high doses. I recommend use of fermented soy products (miso, tempeh, traditionally fermented soy sauce) at moderate doses (up to 25 grams of whole soy protein daily), which can be a great nutritional source – vitamin K in particular, which is essential for bone, cardiovascular and immune system health.

— Dr. Jackie Koski, family practitioner, Neenah

What would be the best vitamins to help with hair and nail growth, and why?

A necessary nutrient and B-complex vitamin called biotin helps with keratin formation (a protein that makes up hair, skin and nails) and is commonly found in hair and nail supplements along with several other B vitamins. While supplements can yield results, the natural form of vitamins and minerals found in foods are often better absorbed and effective when ingested. Try adding more Swiss chard, mushrooms, eggs, berries, avocados, turkey and salmon to your diet. Hippocrates said it best: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

— Charmaine Mohr, nurse practitioner, Oshkosh

A B O U T

“They’re orange, is that going to be a problem?” Vanessa jokes, showing off her ski pants before having her photo taken. The 27-year-old names snowboarding as one of her top interests

– and why wouldn’t it be, having grown up a short car ride from Granite Peak in Wausau. Her penchant for winter is unmistakable, but let’s not kid. She’s counting down the days until Appleton’s summer music festival, Mile of Music, returns this August. Vanessa works as an account manager at BConnected, LLC, a social media management company owned by her husband, Brad. When the Appleton couple isn’t tweeting and Facebooking for their clients, they are decompressing over a sushi dinner or with a Netflix-fueled movie marathon.

Our experts weigh in on your questions


i sk dFirst-Aid Kit QuestAccidents and injuries can happen at any time, so it’s important to keep a first-aid kit handy at home, school and in the car! Find the first-aid objects in the picture below. For a full list of recommended items to put in your kit, visit www.redcross.org.

Thermometer

Scissors

Bandage

Non-latex gloves

Tape First aid instruction book

Antibiotic ointment

TweezersAspirin

Bandage Bandage

Bandage

TR

AV

IS F

OS

TE

R

Affinity Health System 1506 S. Oneida St.Appleton, WI 54915

Abby Krostue, WinneconneFresh, wild duck wrapped in bacon, paired with local acorn squash with brown sugar and butter.

Nikki Voelzke, AppletonBaked cod, steamed broccoli and roasted potatoes.

Maria Myers, Appleton Spicy pho from Basil Café in Appleton.

#whatsforlunch Watch for our designated hashtags on Facebook and Twitter! So far, we’ve introduced #whatsforlunch and #whatsfordinner. Use the hashtag when you post a photo and we may publish it! (Tip: Click on the hashtag when surfing Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to check out what others are eating.)

hashtag: (noun) an unspaced word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) and used to identify messages on a specific topic.

Beth DesJardin, Appleton Coconut and turmeric chicken over rice.

› Nicole Olson, NeenahI knew I was saving this indoor carrot-gardening project for something. Bringing some summer flavor to this ridiculously cold day!

#whatsfordinner

Angela Martinez, Appleton Tostadas!

Rachel Manek, De Pere My hubby made a shrimp po’boy for me.

Jessica Dennis, Appleton Turkey, black beans, avocados, corn and quinoa skillet.

@affinity magazine - spring 2015 - healing within

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