Press Releases

Lakewood Health System has scheduled free dementia support group meetings for caregivers, family members, patients and any other person affected by dementia. Meetings will be held at the Staples Public Library from 3-4 p.m. on the following dates:

Thursday, September 9
Topic: The end stages of dementia, dying process and healthcare choices
Thursday, October 28
Topic: Open discussion
Thursday, December 2
Topic: Sensory and mind stimulation for someone affected by dementia

The dementia support group was created to facilitate discussion, learning and sharing of personal accounts among those who have a loved one affected by dementia. In the process of providing a continuum of care, Lakewood Health System recognized the need for patients and community members to learn and grow from each other’s experiences.

Discussion is facilitated by Katie Paine-Santos, RN, Memory Care coordinator and Erin Shultz, licensed social worker of Lakewood Health System.

It is not required to pre-register, but for more information or to RSVP, call Erin at 218-894-8288.

Babies Celebrated at Annual Birthday Party

August 26, 2010 — Lakewood Health System hosted its 7th Annual Expectations Birthday Party on Thursday, July 22nd. The event celebrated babies born at the facility between June 1, 2009 and May 31, 2010. During the year of 2009, 375 babies were born at Lakewood Health System.

The birthday party was hosted by the Lakewood Health System Expectations team, which is comprised of nurses who work with expectant parents and families through pregnancy, the birth of their child and beyond. More than 125 guests and 42 babies were treated to a time of celebration including gifts, pictures, a picnic dinner and of course, birthday cake! Each baby received a birthday gift bag.

To learn more about the Expectations program at Lakewood Health System, contact the Expectations team at 218-894-8525 or click here.

Grief Support Group Begins September 14

August 26, 2010 — Lakewood Health System will offer weekly Grief Support Group meetings every Tuesday, September 14 through October 19 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Lakewood Health System’s Main Campus in the Fireside Room. Anyone dealing with an experience of loss, especially the loss of a loved one, is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Grief Support Group will provide resources and mutual support to assist in navigating the grief journey. Join others for discussions centering on various aspects of the grieving process: the emotions of grief, holiday grief, coping resources, multiple losses, hope, healing, renewal and acceptance.

Sharing experiences after the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of pets, possessions and even your sense of family and faith can help lift the heavy burden of grief and bereavement. Gain insight, strength, and healing in a confidential, caring environment with skilled facilitators and group support.

For more information or to register for the Grief Support Group, please contact Gayle at 218-894-8623.

Pain Management Added to Specialties

August 26, 2010 — Lakewood Health System is proud to introduce Timothy Harley Olson, M.D., Ph.D., pain management physician as its newest collaborating specialist.

In pain management, a number of healthcare teams are employed, including physicians, care coordination, occupational therapy and clinical psychologists. Dr. Olson will work with each area to provide a malleable pain management plan for patients living with conditions such as acute/chronic back and neck pain, chronic headaches, neuropathy, whiplash injuries, complex regional pain syndrome and other painful conditions.

Dr. Olson practices from the Center for Pain Management in Sartell, Minnesota. His bachelor of science was earned at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge Massachusetts in 1993. In 2000, he received his Ph.D at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minnesota where he also earned his M.D. in 2002. Dr. Olson’s fellowship in pain medicine was completed with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Olson has begun taking appointments at Lakewood Health System. To make an appointment, consult your family physician or call 218-894-1515.

Allison Appelt, Medical Student, Welcomed

August 17, 2010 — Lakewood Health System hosts a number of internship programs throughout the year including mentorships for second-year medical students.

Allison (Allie) Appelt will spend the remainder of August with Lakewood Health System studying all aspects of rural healthcare. She began following healthcare professionals at Lakewood on August 9th and has seen the workings of the emergency room, pharmacy, radiology, clinic, physical therapy, behavioral health and long-term care.

“I am impressed with the access to specialty services patients can receive here at Lakewood. The sense of community paired with advanced technology is a win-win situation for each person receiving care,” said Appelt. “The family physicians can really treat their patients from start to finish without breaking the continuum of care.”

Appelt is originally from Plymouth, Minnesota and attended Arizona State for her Bachelor’s degree in Bio-Chemistry. She currently attends the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for medical school. She is undecided on a specialty, but has an interest in obstetrics and urology/gynecology.

Foundation Golf Tournament Slated for August 27

August 13, 2010 — Lakewood Health System’s 17th Annual Foundation Classic Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, August 27th at The Vintage in Staples.

The five-person scramble, co-sponsored by Nyhus Chevrolet-Buick and First International Bank and Trust, will offer two tee times for participants to choose from: 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Participants will be treated to breakfast, lunch, dinner, participation prizes, door prizes and awards. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Mission of the Foundation—to provide the opportunity to preserve and enhance health and wellness for the communities we serve by encouraging the support of our Foundation through charitable gifts.

Sponsorship levels include:

$500 team sponsor includes five playing spots and two golf carts.
$250 hole sponsor includes a sign at the hole and listing in the program.
$100 individual sponsor includes one playing spot.

The Foundation Golf Classic has room for 40 teams. Early registration is appreciated. For more information on this event, contact the Foundation Director, Heidi Chapman at 218-894-8503. Registration ends Friday, August 10th.

Dermatology Services Offered

August 10, 2010 — The practitioners of Dermatology Professionals, PA in Baxter have begun providing consultation services several days a month at Lakewood Health System in Staples.

Dr. Paul Lundstrom is a board certified dermatologist who treats patients of all ages with psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, acne and other skin conditions. He completed medical school and obtained his Doctoral degree from the University Of North Dakota School Of Medicine in Grand Forks, ND. He completed his post-graduate dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota.

In addition to Dr. Lundstrom, Nicole Manecke, certified Dermatology Physician Assistant and Becky White, certified Family Nurse Practitioner will also provide dermatology services at Lakewood Health System.

Dr. Lundstrom,

Dermatologist

Becky White, Nurse Practitioner

Nicole Manecke, Physician Assistant

Dermatology Professionals, PA is affiliated with the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. The main office is located in the Riverstone Professional Centre in Baxter.

To make an appointment with Dr. Lundstrom, Nicole Manecke or Becky White at Lakewood Health System call 218-454-7546 or 888-841-2897.

Zoe’s Angels Sing at August 1 Twins Game

August 5, 2010 — Zoe’s Angels, a March of Dimes team sponsored by Lakewood Health System sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” for the Target Field crowd at the August 1 Twins Game.

Zoe Greig and her grandpa Brad Farber proudly represented the March of Dimes while belting out one of baseball’s favorite songs. Zoe was born in 2005 at only 2 pounds, 14 ounces. Today, at five years old, Zoe, along with her parents Carly and Adam, little brother Ryder and Grandpa Brad, is one of the biggest supporters of the March of Dimes in Central Minnesota. At the May 1 Walk for Babies in Baxter, Zoe’s Angels raised over $10,000 for the March of Dimes.

To see the video of Zoe and Brad singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” click here.

Erickson Presents at Global Conference

July 26, 2010 — Melissa Erickson, Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse at Lakewood Health System recently presented a case study poster at the 2010 Joint Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) and World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET) Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

Erickson is one of two certified nurses in the Wound/Ostomy department at Lakewood Health System, providing specialized care for those living with wounds, ostomies and incontinence. In late 2009, Erickson submitted an application to present at the 2010 WOCN/ WCET conference on a case study involving a technique called Mist Therapy. Mist Therapy (also called Acoustic Pressure Wound Therapy) uses ultrasound and a saline mist to gently cleanse wounds and stimulate cells to promote healing.

Erickson was chosen as a presenter in January, 2010 and presented at the conference in June. Nearly 50 countries were represented at the conference, with more than 3,300 attendees.

Erickson has provided Mist Therapy to patients at Lakewood Health System since April, 2008. She provides education to patients and families regarding appropriate wound, ostomy and skin care treatment. The Wound/Ostomy department serves patients with non-healing wounds related to injury, pressure, diabetes, vascular deficiencies or non-healing surgical wounds and provides access to dressings and durable medical equipment for positive patient outcomes.

Interns Spend Summer with Lakewood

July 26, 2010 — Each year, Lakewood Health System hosts students for a paid summer job-shadow opportunity, available to any student who has completed his/her junior or senior year of high school and is enrolled as a post-secondary student with current or planned healthcare career coursework. This year, there are 19 students in the program.

Lakewood Health System providers and staff teach students about daily job functions, schooling requirements and career opportunities within areas of the students’ interests. Students often receive hands-on experience while working in each department.

The team this year includes (as pictured from left to right,) Sitting: Turner Johnson and Tanner Roberts. Second row: Tyson Bell, Leighton Griffith, David Oliver, Samantha Saeber, Emilia Dellacecca, Ally Hunstad and Zach Israelson. Back row: Logon Sevendsrud, Jonathan Kohlhase, Trend Schwartz, Lindsey Duncan, Hallie Denning, Faith Kern and Kelly Reese. Not pictured: Erin Houselog, Greg Flickenger and Josh Leprince.

Through this internship opportunity, students are afforded the valuable opportunity to see behind-the-scenes, and also learn about some of the non-traditional careers that are available in healthcare. Karen Treangen, RN, is the clinical instructor at Lakewood Health System. She works with each student to customize schedules based on their interests.

Students are chosen through an application process. Program brochures and applications are sent each year to area school counselors for distribution.

Marketing Department Earns Aster Awards

July 20, 2010 — Lakewood Health System’s marketing department recently received national recognition by the Aster Awards for its excellence in healthcare advertising.

The Aster Awards is an annual medical marketing awards program allowing healthcare systems and advertising agencies to compete against similarly-sized organizations from across the nation and world. The Aster Awards is hosted by Creative Images, Inc., an internationally-recognized firm that has specialized in strategic healthcare marketing for more than 16 years.

Lakewood Health System received the following awards in 2010:

Bronze Aster Award: Billboard series “Your Home for Healthcare”
Bronze Aster Award: Brochure advertising “Soulstis Med Spa”

Winning entries, judged by a diverse panel of experts, are published in the Marketing Healthcare Today magazine.

To learn more, visit www.asterawards.com or call Rachel McDougall, Marketing Director, at 218-894-8635.

Care Center Adds New Bathing System

July 19, 2010 —Margaret Giese, Marge Pearson and Sally Ross pose in a photo with the brand-new MasterCare Integrity bathing system at Lakewood Health System’s Care Center. Two bathing suites at the Care Center have been renovated and installed with a new tub.

Evacuation Drill Completed July 9

July 13, 2010 — On Friday, July 9, Lakewood Health System completed a planned evacuation drill to exercise emergency preparedness and maintain safety awareness within the facility.

Lakewood Health System is an active member of the Central Minnesota Healthcare System Preparedness Program (CMHSPP). The CMHSPP’s mission is to assist regional hospitals, clinics, and long term care facilities in their planning and response to potential healthcare disasters. Lakewood Health System has been a key player in developing a regional evacuation template which will be used by many Minnesota hospitals. By conducting an evacuation exercise, Lakewood Health System has met this year’s regional program requirement.

The evacuation drill took place in the outpatient/surgery recovery area of the Lakewood Health System Main Campus. Student interns acted as patients, each with a specific condition. Patients ranged from a woman in labor to a four-year-old recovery from tonsillectomy to aged adults with heart conditions, etc.

Jessica Martensen, RN, Hospice/Home Care Director acted as a hospital nurse comforting a student (hospital patient) during the evacuation drill.

The objective of the drill was the safe transportation of patients down the stairwell using specialized evacuation equipment. Patients were evacuated to the classrooms in the lower level of the Main Campus. Staff involved in the evacuation included employees from all departments, including nursing, surgery, maintenance, dietary, central supply, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation, administration, management, environmental services and more.

Members of the maintenance and surgery departments transport a student through a stairwell during the July 9th Evacuation drill at Lakewood Health System.

Jena Doemel, Nutritional Services Director asks a patient for his food order after he was evacuated to the lower level classrooms.

To learn more about Lakewood’s safety program, codes and evacuation processes, contact Robin Johnson, Director of Safety at 218-898-7636.

Medical Student Studies at Lakewood

July 13, 2010 — Jenny Nelson, a second-year medical student at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus, chose Lakewood Health System to complete a summer internship. Through the month of July, she will study the work of healthcare professionals in all patient-care areas and ancillary areas such as health information management and employee health.

Nelson is interested in practicing in a rural area as a family medicine physician or OB/GYN once she completes her medical degree. “The Medical Home and Women’s Health programs at Lakewood make this the best place to learn,” said Nelson. “I am so impressed with the progressive attitude at Lakewood, not to mention the friendliness of the staff.”

Nelson said she became interested in medicine because she wants to be in a profession where she can help people. “Medicine will allow me to combine my interest in scientific and investigative work to help others.”

Nelson received her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Concordia College, Moorhead. She is originally from the Twin Cities. To learn more about intern opportunities at Lakewood Health System, contact Craig Wolhowe at 218-894-8600.

Quality Data Recognition Received

July 12, 2010 — The Minnesota Department of Health has recognized Lakewood Health System with the 2010 Data Quality Award and 2010 Parentage Award for providing timely, accurate data to the Department of Human Services. Lakewood’s data submission performance exceeds the National Center for Health Statistics’ standards in all required areas.

Lakewood Health System takes a proactive role to implement the state-wide Recognition of Parentage Program by providing parent names in more than 80 percent of all birth records. The current state average is 63 percent.

Only 13 hospitals in the state were recognized at the Minnesota Department of Health Awards Conference in April for their Recognition of Parentage Programs. Sheila Stokes and Shelly Kastanek, Health Information employees, accepted the award on behalf of Lakewood. Hospitals that achieved 80 percent or more parentage recognition were awarded this honor.

For more information about Lakewood’s efforts for the Recognition of Parentage Program, contact Health Information Supervisors Shauna Olson at 218-894-8641 or Lynette Buresh at 218-894-8481.

Respiratory Therapist Joins Lakewood

July 8, 2010 — Lakewood Health System welcomes Anita Ramirez, Registered Respiratory Therapist as the newest addition to the respiratory therapy department.

Ramirez comes to Lakewood after finishing her Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care at Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minn. She is licensed to practice in the state of Minnesota and a member of the National Board of Respiratory Care.

Ramirez will provide respiratory and oxygen therapy, airway management and resuscitation, diagnostic testing and monitoring, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary function testing, pulmonary rehabilitation and patient education at Lakewood Health System.

In addition, Lakewood Health System offers asthma education and smoking cessation services. To learn more, click here.

Scholarships Awarded to Area Students

July 7, 2010 — Each year, Lakewood Health System gives scholarship awards to area high school students who will be pursuing careers in healthcare. The 2010 Lakewood Health System and Lakewood Clinic $1,000 scholarship recipients include:


Lucas Kalina, Browerville	Gemma Shaffer, Staples Motley	Shelby Nokken, Pillager

Emily Mikkelson, Bertha-Hewitt	Ashley Lisson, Staples Motley	Crystal Haskin, Verndale

Lakewood Health System grants these scholarship awards in an effort to encourage area students to enter into the healthcare industry to help replenish the local healthcare workforce.

New CT Scanner delivers half the radiation

June 14, 2010 — Radiation dosage through the purchase of a new CT scanner at Lakewood Health System will be cut by 50 percent through the use of the Toshiba Aquilion 64 slice CT scanner. In addition, image quality will not be affected by the reduction of radiation. In fact, image quality will improve, along with faster image rendering and acquisition for reading.

Dr. Charles Benson, visiting Radiologist at Lakewood Health System said, “There is certainly a concern locally and nationally that radiation levels are quite high during regular CT scan procedures. The new scanner provides a remarkable reduction, putting minds at ease and improving patient safety.”

Through the recommendations and direction of Dr. Benson, Lakewood Health System purchased the new system after board and physician approval. With nearly 5,000 CT scans performed annually, the cost reduction will equal $80,000 in service costs.

Patient benefits in addition to radiation reduction include reduced time on the table, fewer repeated exams due to improved image quality, shorter breath holds to improve patient comfort, reduced downtime between results and less IV contract injections due to faster scan times.

The new CT scanner is in full use at Lakewood Health System. To learn more, call Charlene Sauer, Radiology Director at 218-894-8440.

Presenting Palliative Care at state conference

June 9, 2010 — The Minnesota Rural Health Conference in Duluth, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Rural Health Association and National Rural Health Resource Center, invited Lakewood Health System to present its Palliative Care program to other Minnesota providers and administrators as a model program.

Cindy Sauber, RN, Palliative Care Case Manager and Dr. Julie Benson, medical leader in Palliative Care at Lakewood Health System will present on Monday, June 28th in a breakout session titled, “Leading Community-Based Rural Palliative Care.”

Palliative care focuses on reducing suffering and improving the quality of life for people with advanced illnesses and for their families. Although several metro area hospitals offer palliative care services, it is still an emerging field, and programs are not found as frequently in rural communities. Stratis Health and Fairview Health Services are collaborating to help 10 rural communities develop or strengthen palliative care programs. In early 2010, Lakewood received one of 10 small grants from Stratis Health to help off-set traveling expenses incurred to regularly meet with the other 9 communities.

In addition, Sauber and Benson presented with Stratis Health at the Minnesota Gerantological Society Conference in April titled, “Innovative Models for the Aging Population” to further educate healthcare providers on the structure and strategies related to a successful Palliative Care program. The Conference was held at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Currently, Lakewood Health System provides Palliative Care services to approximately 20 patients at a time. To learn more, call Cindy Sauber at 218-894-8825.

Lakewood Health System Water is safe

June 5, 2010— The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed Saturday that the water at the main campus of Lakewood Health System is safe to drink.

“The water from Lakewood Health System was comprehensively tested by MDH,” stated Jon Groethe, Public Health Municipal Water Supply Engineer with the MDH in a telephone call. “It was analyzed by a certified laboratory and has been determined to be bacteriologically safe, which means it is entirely safe for consumption.”

On Friday, June 4, the Minnesota Department of Health, in conjunction with the City of Staples’ public works officials, tested several samples of Lakewood Health System’s water after an internal laboratory test found that some of the facility’s tap water may have contained bacteria. The City of Staples’ water was also tested on Friday and was found safe to drink.

Lakewood Health System took immediate action and precautions to ensure the health and wellbeing of its patients and employees, and to show that situations like this are taken seriously.

“We have – and always will – err on the side of caution and safety to guard the health of our community,” said Tim Rice, President of Lakewood Health System. “We value the trust and loyalty that our patients and employees put in us, and are committed to protecting that at any cost.”

Lakewood employees were quick to respond and continued to make patients their number one priority.

“At no time during the testing period was patient care compromised or even interrupted.” said Laurie Bach, Division Director of Acute Care Services. “I am proud of the way our employees handled this situation.”

No illnesses or injuries occurred as a result of this situation, and Lakewood Health System will continue with business as usual. Lakewood would like to thank the City of Staples and Minnesota Department of Health for their assistance and prompt response to this matter.

All further inquiries can be directed to Laurie Bach, Division Director of Acute Services for Lakewood Health System at 218-894-8617.

Taking Water Consumption Precautions

June 4, 2010— Lakewood Health System-conducted routine laboratory testing at the Main Campus of Lakewood Health System (49725 County 83, Staples, MN) on Friday, June 4 indicated that the water potentially contained bacteria, which – if consumed – could potentially pose health risks.

Further testing is being conducted through a partnership with Lakewood Health System, the City of Staples, and the Minnesota Department of Health. Results of these tests will not be available until late Friday night (June 4) or early Saturday morning (June 5) at the earliest.

In the meantime, the City of Staples has conducted testing of its water supply and determined that the city’s water is NOT affected. In other words, this is an isolated incident at the Lakewood Health System main campus, and city residents should rest assured that they not in danger, and are encouraged to continue with water usage and consumption as usual.

Until results are conclusive, precautionary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Lakewood Health System’s patients, customers, and employees. Notices have gone out to all employees informing them:

to halt all facility water and coffee consumption and drink only bottled water (which is being provided free of charge)
to use provided alcohol-based hand sanitizer after washing hands with the facility’s water
that testing and precautionary measures are underway, including a facility-wide “flushing” of the water system to sanitize the lines, as we know the water from the city is safe.

Nola Varilek is Employee of the Year

May 24, 2010 — Nola Varilek, Women’s Health Coordinator at Lakewood Health System was presented with the STAR Employee of the Year award at the annual Employee Recognition Banquet on Monday, May 17 for her dedication to quality work, customer service and teamwork amongst her peers at Lakewood.

The STAR (Service, Teamwork Award Recognition) Employee of the Year is chosen by the Lakewood Health System governing board. Contenders include those previously awarded a monthly STAR Award throughout the year.

Nola Varilek is one of the few employees who was chosen as a monthly STAR Award winner multiple times throughout the last year: once in September, 2009 and once in November, 2009. The first nomination was by Lynn Rice, Division Director of Support Services. A portion of the nomination reads, “Everything Nola does is with passion, energy and enthusiasm. Nola’s personality is larger than life and she role models the standards of behavior every day.”

In November, 2009, Nola was nominated for her role on the infertility services team. The nomination was submitted anonymously and reads, “I came to Lakewood Health System after a long, heartbreaking and draining battle with infertility and pregnancy loss. I left you with a renewed and restored spirit and faith in healthcare providers…Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”

Full nominations:

September 2009

November 2009

To learn more about the STAR program at Lakewood Health System, call Janet Jacobson at 218-894-8524.

Farmers’ Market starts up at Lakewood

May 21, 2010 — The Central Minnesota Farmers’ Market held their first market of the year at Lakewood Health System on Thursday, May 20. The market will continue through early October, every Thursday from 2 – 6:30 p.m.

Ed Boroski, a member of the market posed for a photo with Lakewood employee Deb Brauch over his jam and jelly table. Ed makes jams and jellies of all kinds, including sweet jellies, hot jellies and herb jellies for grilling.

Chuck Tangen also had a display at the market on Thursday. He talked with Vilas Moen of Staples about his potted vegetables, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and radishes. Tangen was also selling pickles and home-made jam.

Each Thursday will bring something new, such as fresh-picked produce, baked goods, meat ordering, flowers, farm-fresh eggs and more! Other markets in the area include:

Verndale, Wednesdays • 2 - 6:30 p.m.

Pillager, Fridays • 11 a.m. - 2p.m.

Wadena, Fridays • 2 - 6:30 p.m.

Staples Dairy Queen, Saturdays • 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Lakewood Health System supports the local farmers’ markets for the many benefits it offers the community. By buying locally, we help sustain our family farms and keep food dollars in the community. In addition, items at the farmers’ market offer increased nutritional value, maximum freshness and affordability. Learn more by calling Maggie at 218-894-8818.

More than 500 free bicycle helmets distributed

May 20, 2010 —The Lakewood Health System Foundation recently distributed 510 bicycle helmets to area children through its annual program “Helmets Worth Wearing.” Children of all ages—including adults—are encouraged to wear a helmet during wheeled activities like riding bike, rollerblading, skateboarding or riding a scooter. In addition to a free helmet, children received tips for safe riding and were properly fitted for their appropriate size. Helmet distribution locations included Staples, Motley, Pillager, Eagle Bend, Browerville and Verndale.

Volunteers and police officers assisted in explaining to children that when worn properly, bicycle helmets are effective in protecting against head injury.

Other important bicycle safety tips such as obeying road signs, using hand signals, watching for road hazards, using caution in wet weather, etc. were also emphasized at Helmets Worth Wearing.

The mission of Lakewood Health System Foundation is to provide the opportunity to preserve and enhance health and wellness for the communities we serve by encouraging the support of our Foundation through charitable gifts.

There are extra helmets available if you were unable to attend a helmet clinic. To receive your free helmet or for more information about “Helmets Worth Wearing” call the Foundation at 218-894-8503.

Isabelle Dobson of Staples received her free helmet at Lakewood’s Senior Campus on Saturday, May 8. Amy Kern, a Lakewood Health System employee spent the morning fitting children with new helmets.

Foundation Director Heidi Chapman fit Danny Heldman with a new helmet at Lakewood’s Pillager clinic on Friday, May 14.

Lauren, Bailey, Gabrielle and Emma Martin of Pillager posed for a photo wearing their new helmets.

Twin brothers Aiden and Arden Eckel of Eagle Bend received their free helmets on Monday, May 10 at Lakewood’s Eagle Bend clinic.

Minnesota Hospital Association ‘Innovator of the Year’

May 19, 2010 — On Friday, May 14, Lakewood Health System was awarded the 2010 “Innovation of the Year in Patient Care” for its Medical Home program at the annual Minnesota Hospital Association Award Program in Minneapolis.

The honor was one of 18 individual and group awards bestowed by the Minnesota Hospital Association. The organization’s annual program recognizes caregivers, administrators and others whose contributions kept the bar high at Minnesota hospitals last year.

Lakewood Health System’s efforts in developing the Medical Home and providing a high standard of care exemplify the kind of first-rate attention to quality that Minnesota hospitals are known for, said MHA President and CEO Lawrence Massa.

“Minnesotans are fortunate to have organizations like Lakewood Health System that consistently lead the nation in innovation, quality and patient safety,” he said. “They take great pride in striving for excellence and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.”

Dr. John Halfen, Lakewood Health System’s Medical Director and champion for the Medical Home accepted the award on behalf of Lakewood Health System on Friday. He said the award shows that Lakewood Health System is committed to providing personalized care to the communities it serves and will continue to pave the way for other Minnesota hospitals. “It is particularly fitting in the era of health reform for our system to offer a primarily outpatient innovation that helps keep people out of hospitals,” said Dr. Halfen.

Dr. John Halfen, Medical Director; Nicole Worden, Medical Home Care Coordinator and Tim Rice, President stand for a photo after receiving the Innovation of the Year in Patient Care award at the MHA Awards Program in Minneapolis on May 14.

For details on other awards presenting, including photos of winners, visit www.mnhospitals.org.

To learn more about Lakewood Health System's Medical Home, click here.

Leading tri-state area in laparoscopic surgery

May 18, 2010 — Lakewood Health System is proud to announce the implementation of a fully digital, high definition video transmitting system for laparoscopic procedures and surgery. This system transmits video from a tiny microscope that is inserted into the body during surgery onto a 26-inch High Definition monitor. The equipment at Lakewood Health System is the only of this quality in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. The video allows the surgeon to easily navigate during surgery with the same color and detail as through a large, open incision.

This video transmitting system will be used during all orthopedic arthroscopy procedures, general surgery, and gynecological and urological laparoscopic procedures. Benefits of this system include better picture clarity, wider frames and better color rendition for the surgeons performing the procedures; improved surgical outcomes and the use of LED light technology. LED light sources generate less heat during the procedure and utilize a smaller amount of energy.

Lakewood Health System is committed to offering personalized healthcare and advanced technology to its patients. The new laparoscopic equipment is available today. Call Cindy Swenson, RN, Director of Surgical and Outpatient Services at 218-894-8534 for more information.

Medical Home topic of MAFP Conference

May 17, 2010 — Lakewood Health System’s Medical Director, Dr. John Halfen, recently presented to physicians at the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) Annual Meeting and Spring Refresher in Bloomington on the topic of the Medical Home project, also known as “health care home.”

The MAFP asked Dr. Halfen to present on Lakewood’s Medical Home project as a main focus of the conference. Lakewood Health System made its Medical Home Training Package available for door prizes and gave 100 copies of “Medical Home: Putting the Principles into Practice,” authored by Dr. Halfen to attendees.

Nicole Worden, R.N., Medical Home Care Coordinator at Lakewood Health System, Dr. John Halfen and attendee Patricia Fontaine, M.D. gather to talk about Medical Home.

The Medical Home project at Lakewood Health System has been recognized across the state as a model for health care homes, referred to as a “Successful Model” for healthcare on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website.

Medical Home is designed to reduce costs by providing comprehensive, whole-person care. This, in turn reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations. To learn more about Lakewood’s Medical Home or Dr. Halfen’s participation at the Minnesota Academy of Physicians, please call Kristen Svobodny at 218-894-8818 or click here.

Celebrating Hospital and Home Week

May 13, 2010 — Lakewood Health System annually celebrates National Hospital and Home Week during the third week of May to recognize and thank the people who make Lakewood Health System successful: its employees.

During the week of May 17-21, Lakewood Health System will hold a week of games, contests and recognition for its nearly 900 employees. Also during the week, Lakewood will hold its quarterly employee forums to update all employees on advancements in growth, quality, finance, service and people.

On Monday, May 17, an annual employee recognition banquet will take place to honor years of service, retirees, and the STAR award winners throughout the past year. Longevity of employment is common at Lakewood Health System. There are currently 73 employees who have served more than 20 years. One dedicated employee, Margie Anderson has been serving at Lakewood Health System for 42 years. “I’ve been here since 1969 and I’m not really looking forward to retirement,” said Margie. “It’s not just a job, it’s my life.”

The STAR awards at Lakewood Health System allow employees and patients to nominate staff members who have shown excellence in their work, going above and beyond the call of duty. Each month, five STAR award winners are chosen and therefore eligible to be nominated as the employee of the year.

To learn more call Lynn Rice, Director of Support Services at 218-894-8511.

Zoe’s Angels Raises $10,400 for March of Dimes

May 13, 2010 — Lakewood Health System sponsored team, Zoe’s Angels, achieved their goal of raising $10,000 for the March of Dimes on May 1 at the Brainerd Lakes March for Babies at Forestview Middle School in Baxter.

“We weren’t sure if we’d hit our goal, but that’s why I set it so high,” said Carly Greig, the mother of Zoe Greig, who was born 10 weeks early in 2005. “The research made possible by the March of Dimes saved Zoe’s life, so I wasn’t afraid of a challenge.” Carly began raising money in February and asked Lakewood Health System to kick-start her efforts. Lakewood made a $1,000 donation and offered to purchase t-shirts for the entire team. Carly held a very successful bake sale in Staples and recruited family, friends and Lakewood employees to walk. “It was a lot of hard work raising the money but it was worth every minute,” said Carly.

Zoe’s Angels was the largest fundraising team at the Brainerd March for Babies, raising $10,400 for the cause. Each of the 150 team members sported t-shirts with Zoe’s birth information on the front and her foot prints on the back. “I’ll support the March of Dimes until I’m old and gray,” said Carly.

The 150 Zoe’s Angels team members gathered on stage at Forestview Middle School for a team photo after the March of Dimes walk on May 1.

Zoe’s team was confirmed the largest fundraising team to date in the Central Minnesota division by the March of Dimes group. The division includes the Brainerd Lakes, St. Cloud and Monticello annual marches.

Zoe Greig was born in 2005 at Lakewood Health System at 2 pounds, 14 ounces. She was rushed to St. Cloud intensive care, where she spent 72 days. Miraculously, Zoe recovered and is now a happy, healthy 5 year old. To read her entire story, click here.

Cub Scouts Celebrate May Day at Lakewood

May 6, 2010--Staples Motley Cub Scouts, Pack 61 and Boy Scouts, Troop 61 surprised Lakewood Health System hospital patients with May baskets on May 1st.

The scouts went room to room distributing baskets of hand-made tissue paper flowers to patients in the hospital and OB. Nurses and passersby’s also received a basket in honor of the day.

Back row from left: Garrett Carlson, Zachary Carlson, Zackory Morales and Pack/Troop Leader Jace Carlson. Front row: Jordon Carlson, Konner Morales and Evan Nanik.

Evan Nanik and Garrett Carlson surprised Jessica Mudgett and her new baby boy Jackson with a May Day basket on May 1st.

Foundation Dinner Auction raises $15,000

May 6, 2010 — The 17th Annual Foundation Dinner Auction was held on April 30th at Lakewood Health System’s Main Campus just east of Staples. More than $15,000 was raised through the silent and live auction, a diamond earring raffle and monetary donations from businesses and individuals to benefit community health projects.

“This year’s dinner auction, called “Hats off to Giving” was a success in so many ways,” said Foundation Director Heidi Chapman. “Everyone showed up in their favorite hat and generously supported our cause.”

Guests at the 17th Annual Foundation Dinner Auction spent the evening enjoying great food, games, and great items to bid on at the silent and live auction.

An employee campaign held prior to the event encouraged departments to donate themed silent auction baskets. Eleven immaculate baskets were donated, ranging from “Family Fun Night” to a fully stocked grilling basket complete with table-top grill. Collectively, the baskets raised more than $1,100. “We were thrilled by the size of the baskets donated,” said Chapman. “In the short time I’ve been a part of Lakewood, I can already see how dedicated the employees are to the communities they live in.”

Guests at the 17th Annual Foundation Dinner Auction spent the evening enjoying great food, games, and great items to bid on at the silent and live auction.

Donors included: Arvig Communication Systems (ACS), NXC Imaging, Northland Credit Control, Sawmill Golf Club, Central McGowan, Inc., The Academy of Healthcare Revenue, LLC, American Data, First International Bank, Sandy Blenkush, The Lampo Group, Inc, Minnesota Energy Resources Corp., Barb Benson, Optioncare, UHL, Mary Tuomi Fine Art, Giza Plumbing and Heating, BL Broadcasting, First American Equipment Finance, Farm of Plenty, Howalt-McDowell Insurance, Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis-Park Place, Ticketmaster, Kavanaugh’s Sylvan Lake Resort, Mann Theaters, Inc., Ryan Marshik, Brainerd Chamber of Commerce, Shooting Star Casino, Studer Group, Jeff Swenson, Art and Soul Custom Framing, Jim and Dr. Carol Uhlman, Prairie Bay Grill and Catering, Staples Eye Clinic, Dalco, KWAD/KNSP (K106 Superstation), Mary Theurer, Grandview Lodge, Walleye Dan, Curves, Range Printing, Bergstrom Jewelry and Northland Arboretum.

Pat and Donna Miller (left) and Jody and Mark Giza spent the evening enjoying the view from the patio level of Lakewood Health System.

A majority of the funds raised this year will go towards a memorial garden at Lakewood Health System, call Serenity Sanctuary. The garden will benefit all community members and Lakewood patients by offering a place to remember a loved one, celebrate an addition to a family or find silence and peace in a serene environment. The mission of the Lakewood Health System Foundation is to provide the opportunity to preserve and enhance health and wellness for the communities it serves by encouraging the support of the Foundation through charitable gifts.

To learn more, contact Heidi Chapman at 218-894-8503 or e-mail heidichapman@lakewoodhealthsystem.com

Arthritis and Joint Replacement Event

April 29, 2010 — Lakewood Health System will host an educational event on Tuesday, May 11 to discuss arthritis and the new joint replacement program at Lakewood Health System, called Joint Connection. The event will be held at 5 p.m. at Lakewood’s Main Campus just east of Staples.

Joint Connection is a comprehensive knee replacement program at Lakewood Health System for anyone suffering from joint disease, arthritis, or the negative effects of normal wear and tear. Through Joint Connection, patients attend educational sessions prior to surgery, led by Jennifer Strickland, RN, Joint Connection Coordinator. Northern Orthopedic surgeons from Brainerd perform the surgeries right in Staples. Care is coordinated from the first consultation throughout recovery, and focuses on seamless, convenient healthcare for the patient.

The free event on May 11 is open to the public to learn more about arthritis and Joint Connection. At 5 p.m., attendees will enjoy refreshments, free chair massages and tours of patient rooms, physical therapy and Joint Connection activity areas. At 5:30 p.m., a free dinner will be served, after which Dr. Christopher Metz of Northern Orthopedic will present “Arthritis: Restoring Your Mobility, Restoring Your Life.” At 6:30 p.m., a panel question and answer discussion will take place, inviting attendees to ask questions of any of the panelists including: a Joint Connection patient, Dr. Metz; Jennifer Strickland, RN; Ron Murray, Director of PT; Rob Schmieg, CRNA; and Stacy Willgohs, social worker.

Please RSVP by calling Gayle Christenson at 218-894-8623. To learn more about Joint Connection, call Jennifer Strickland at 218-894-8578.

Celebrating Women’s Health Week

April 29, 2010 — During National Women’s Health Week, the week of May 9-15, Lakewood Health System will afford the opportunity to educate patients and share the technology, tools and resources available to women pursuing healthy lifestyles.

On Monday, May 10, Lakewood Health System will begin celebrating Women’s Health Week with a booth at the Staples Clinic, which will continue through Friday, May 14. During the hours of 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. each day, women’s health staff will offer information regarding healthcare tools available to women, schedule appointments and of course, give prizes. Also during the week, staff from women’s health and Soulstis Med Spa, a wellness offering of Lakewood Health System, will provide free skin scans and personalized skin care plans.

The women’s health program at Lakewood Health System offers a comprehensive list of services including digital mammography, breast cancer diagnosis, support and treatment; infertility services; OB/GYN services; obstetric education and support; aesthetic skin medicine; incontinence therapy; heart disease risk assessment and so much more.

To learn more about women’s health week at Lakewood Health System, call Nola Varilek, women’s health coordinator at 218-894-8586.

Additional OB/GYN Joins Lakewood

April 29, 2010 — Lakewood Health System welcomes Kari J. Wessman, OB/GYN from Fargo as a consulting specialist for the obstetrical and gynecological healthcare team.

Dr. Wessman will practice in addition to Lakewood Health System OB/GYN Dr. Carol Uhlman to offer women’s health services including surgery, delivery and prenatal and postnatal care.

Dr. Wessman completed her residency at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan after finishing medical school at the University of Minnesota Duluth School of Medicine and University of Minnesota Minneapolis Medical School. Dr. Wessman is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“As a long-time friend and trusted colleague, Dr. Wessman is the perfect fit for Lakewood Health System,” said Dr. Uhlman. “She will be a great addition to our growing obstetrical staff.”

Dr. Wessman has made it a part of her career to provide medical care in Tanzania, East Africa in addition to her dedication in the states. She was named OB/GYN Surgeon Select in 2006 by the Singida Government Hospital Project and in 2004 by the Lambi Hospital Project; both in Tanzania; for her time as a medical volunteer. In 2004, Dr. Wessman was presented with the National Benedictine Spirit Award for community focus.

To make an appointment with Dr. Wessman, talk with your primary healthcare provider or call Lakewood Health System at 218-894-1515.

Foundation Director Joins Lakewood Health System

April 28, 2010 — Lakewood Health System welcomes Heidi Chapman as the new Foundation Director. Chapman joined Lakewood Health System in early April.

Chapman comes to Lakewood Health System from the United Way of Crow Wing and Southern Cass Counties where she served as Executive Director for ten years. Chapman will be responsible for raising funds to use for community health initiatives from a variety of sources. She will also spend much of her time planning event and projects such as the Annual Dinner Auction, Helmets Worth Wearing, Bids for Kids, Seasons of Lights, and Serenity Sanctuary—a memorial garden created at Lakewood Health System for community members to remember, reflect and celebrate. Chapman’s experience in a foundation setting will bring excellent direction in planning new community-benefitting programs to carry out the Foundation’s mission.

The mission of the Lakewood Health System Foundation is to provide the opportunity to preserve and enhance health and wellness for the communities it serves by encouraging the support of the Foundation through charitable gifts.

Upcoming Foundation events include “Hats Off to Giving, a dinner auction on April 30 and Helmets Worth Wearing, May 8-14. To learn more about these events or other Foundation initiatives, contact Heidi Chapman at 218-894-8503 or heidichapman@lakewoodhealthsystem.com

Lakewood Named ‘Healthiest Workplace’ in Minnesota

April 27, 2010 — The Minnesota Psychological Association (MPA) recently presented Lakewood Health System with the “Psychologically Healthy Workplace” award at the 2010 Spring MPA Annual Meeting and Convention in Plymouth, Minnesota. The award is designed to recognize five major areas of employee well-being: employee involvement, work-life balance, employee growth and development, health and safety and employee recognition.

Minnesota Psychological Association award committee members Jay McNamara, PhD, LP (left) and Jack O’Regan, PhD, LP, committee chair, stood for a photo with Jennifer Strickland, Lakewood Health System RN, after announcing Lakewood Health System as the 2010 Psychologically Healthy Workplace.

The MPA awards committee, consisting of 10 licensed psychologists, first gave the Psychologically Healthy Workplace award in 2001. In the application process, Lakewood Health System employees conducted a confidential survey, participated in phone interviews with MPA committee members and hosted the award committee in a site visit. According to the MPA, “organizations presenting programs, policies and procedures that are above-and-beyond the ‘standard fare,’” are highly considered.

“Lakewood Health System was chosen for this award based on meeting several key criteria,” said Jack O’Regan, PhD, LP and award committee chair. “I was most impressed with the recognition employees could give each other for doing good work. The implementation and dedicated use of recognition cards by managers and employees truly speaks volumes for the organization as a whole.”

In 2009, the award was presented to Gillette Children’s Hospital. At Lakewood Health System, initiatives include quarterly employee forums, organizational excellence training sessions, employee feedback surveys, employee health programs, an extensive employee recognition structure and benefit fairs.

To learn more about the Minnesota Psychological Association’s Psychologically Healthy Workplace award, click here.

For more information about Lakewood Health System’s employee satisfaction initiatives, contact Janet Jacobson, human resources director at 218-894-8524.

Free Bicycle Helmets at ‘Helmets Worth Wearing’

April 16, 2010 — For its 7th year, the Lakewood Health System Foundation will be distributing free bicycle helmets to area children during an annual event entitled, “Helmets Worth Wearing.” The program will kick off on Saturday, May 8 and continue through Friday, May 14. Children of all ages will be properly fitted and given a free helmet along with instruction on the importance of wearing a helmet during activities like riding bike, roller skating, skateboarding, etc.

Many statistics point to the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and it is estimated that 75 percent of bicycle related fatalities among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet. To help prevent such injuries, the Foundation gave more than 600 helmets to area children during last year’s Helmets Worth Wearing Clinics. Clinic locations, dates and times for this year are as follows:

Saturday, May 8

10 a.m. – noon

LHS Senior Campus Gazebo

Monday, May 10

3 – 5 p.m.

LHS Eagle Bend Clinic

Tuesday, May 11

3 – 5 p.m.

LHS Motley Clinic

Wednesday, May 12

3 – 5 p.m.

LHS Browerville Clinic

Thursday, May 13

5 – 7 p.m.

Verndale Public School (during “Hoots ‘N Toots” event)

Friday, May 14

3 – 5 p.m.

LHS Pillager Clinic

All area children are welcome to attend any one of the scheduled Helmets Worth Wearing Clinics to receive a free helmet. For more information, please contact Heidi Chapman, Lakewood Health System Foundation Director at 218-894-8503.

Lakewood Health System Marching for Babies

April 12, 2010 — On May 1st, a team of Lakewood Health System employees and the family and friends of the Adam and Carly Greig family will walk in the Brainerd Lakes March for Babies at Forestview Middle School in Baxter to raise funds for the March of Dimes—by name of “Zoe’s Angels.”

The Greig family is passionate about sharing the story of their daughter, Zoe. Zoe was born at Lakewood Health System in 2005 at only 2 pounds, 14 ounces. After 72 days in intensive care at CentraCare in St. Cloud, Zoe pulled through due to technology funded by the March of Dimes. Now, 5 years old, Zoe Greig is the Brainerd Lakes 2010 March of Dimes Ambassador.

At the 2009 March for Babies, the Greigs collected a total of $7,500. Again this year, the Greigs, along with Lakewood Health System, will sport t-shirts proclaiming their team name, Zoe’s Angels. With Lakewood Health System’s $1,000 donation to kick-start their fundraising efforts, the Greigs are nearly half-way to their fundraising goal of $10,000.

Zoe’s story is one of millions of children who didn’t get a healthy start. The March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality and is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.

Learn more about the March of Dimes.

To help Zoe’s Angels reach their fundraising goal, donate here.

‘Pregnant Pause’ Event to be held in Staples

April 13, 2010 —Lakewood Health System’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Clinic will hold “Pregnant Pause,” an event to bring awareness and understanding for disorders related to alcohol use during pregnancy.

Minnesota is ranked ninth in the nation for binge drinking amongst women of child-bearing age. This statistic is thought to increase the number of children born with FASD each year. To recognize and spread the word about FASD, Lakewood Health System invites pregnant women, spouses, partners, friends and other community members to this fun, educational gathering on May 1. The event will take place in the lower level of Twisted Sisters Tavern in downtown Staples from 1—3 p.m.

The event is free and will feature opportunities to make handmade soap, lotion and a decorative sign for baby’s room, as well as sample exotic non-alcoholic drinks and plenty of snacks. Each participant will be given a free t-shirt and diaper bag and have a chance to win door prizes including a car seat and Bumbleride stroller valued at more than $450.

Pregnant Pause is sponsored by Lakewood Health System in partnership with the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS). To register, call Mary Jo at 218-894-8054 or e-mail maryjohofer@lakewoodhealthsystem.com. For more information, click here or visit or www.mofas.org

Sebeka resident is $1,000 Winner

March 30, 2010 — Samantha Walter of Sebeka, Minn. was recently awarded $1,000 as the Lakewood Health System “Her Story” winner.

Nola Varilek, women's health coordinator at Lakewood Health System presented Samantha Walter of Sebeka a $1,000 check for winning the Her Story promotion.

Starting in September of 2009, all women who mentioned a “Her Story” ad when making an appointment at any Lakewood Health System clinic were entered in a drawing to win $1,000—a cash prize to represent the dollars saved in healthcare costs by regularly scheduling preventative clinic visits.

The Her Story campaign highlighted five different women who changed their health outlook for the better by accessing services of Lakewood Health System. Stories ranged from breast cancer to depression to sleep disorders. The Her Story campaign ended on February 20th during Laugh and Live Well—Lakewood Health System’s biennial women’s health expo. All five women who shared their stories attended the event to speak with women face-to-face and offer real-life accounts of their healthcare journeys. Just prior to the event, Samantha Walter’s name was drawn as the Her Story winner.

To read the stories, click here.

To learn more about Lakewood Health System’s Women’s Health Program, call Nola Varilek at 218-894-8586.

Piecemakers Thanked for Donating More than 1,700 Quilts

March 30, 2010 — Lakewood Health System extends a warm “Thank You” to the Staples Area Piecemakers Quilting Club for the approximately 1,750 quilts presented to Lakewood over the last eight years. For each new baby delivered at Lakewood Health System since 2002, the Piecemakers donated a gender-appropriate bassinette quilt to be gifted to the proud parents.

“We’ve been so fortunate to have the support of the Piecemakers Quilting Club,” said Sarah Baumgartner, OB Manager at Lakewood Health System. “The quilts become priceless keepsakes for many of the families because they symbolize the start of - or addition to - a family.”

In 2002, the Piecemakers began making quilts for each new baby to congratulate the family and welcome the little one into the community. Over the years, it’s become a tradition for the Piecemakers to meet monthly.

After eight years, the Piecemakers have decided to end on a high note with Lakewood Health System at a record number of births—372 in 2009. The club is shifting their efforts towards making quilts for injured soldiers who are transported during war. “When we started out in 2002, we were only making 90 to 100 quilts. Last year was a big year--we’re thrilled that so many babies were born,” said Lorna Wiens, Piecemakers member.

Although the Piecemakers will no longer be making quilts for Lakewood, the group isn’t ready to completely stop making baby quilts. “You’ll periodically see quilts show up at Lakewood Health System. When we have scraps of baby (themed) material; we’ll be sure to use it. We’re excited about our new endeavor and quilting for injured soldiers will help keep us connected to healthcare,” said Lorna.

To learn more about the Piecemakers’ quilt donations to Lakewood Health System, call Sarah Baumgartner at 218-894-8505.

“Hats off to Giving” Foundation Dinner Auction scheduled

March 24, 2010 — The Lakewood Health System Foundation 17th Annual Dinner Auction is scheduled for Friday, April 30. The theme for this year’s dinner auction is “Hats off to Giving.” Attendees are invited to wear their favorite hats of any kind to celebrate the community-wide campaign to raise funds for local projects. The Foundation Dinner Auction is held every year to raise needed funds for community health-related projects.

“Hats off to Giving” will be held on the patio level at Lakewood Health System’s Main Campus (just east of Staples on highway 83) and will begin at 6 p.m. This year’s theme encourages Staples and the surrounding communities to “lift their hats” and support projects that preserve and enhance health and wellness in the communities that the Foundation serves. Past projects include Helmets Worth Wearing, an annual campaign to distribute more than 600 helmets to area children; Stability Balls, a campaign to infuse health and wellness into classrooms throughout Lakewood’s service area; Serenity Sanctuary, a beautiful memorial garden to be built on Lakewood’s Main Campus to celebrate, honor and remember loved ones; the purchase of life-saving equipment including Jaws of Life for all area police departments, equipment for fire departments and emergency defibrillators for area churches.

At this year’s dinner auction, attendees will enjoy a first-class meal, wine and beer, a silent and live auction, and entertainment and games.

Last year, 180 guests attended the Foundation Dinner Auction and more than $18,000 was raised to fund area projects. This year’s fundraising goal is $20,000. The dinner auction is one of the Foundation’s largest fundraisers throughout the year. The contributions of attendees at events like the dinner auction make funding support of area projects throughout the year possible.

Tickets are available for $45 a person or $250 for a reserved table of six. To reserve your seats, call Gayle Christenson at 218-894-8623, or e-mail gaylechristenson@lakewoodhealthsystem.com

A “Gem” purchased for customer convenience

March 22, 2010 — Since Lakewood Health System opened its new hospital and clinic campus in Staples in December 2006, its Guest Services department has been offering free, heated rides from the parking lot to the front door by way of golf cart. Today, the transportation isn’t just a typical golf cart. In March, Lakewood purchased an environmentally friendly Gem® e4 (4 passenger) electric golf cart to pick up patients at their vehicles.

Gary Timbs, Guest Services cart driver poses by his new ride in front of the main entrance at Lakewood Health System. Patients can receive free, heated rides from their vehicles to the front door five days a week. Not pictured: Doug Judd, Guest Services cart driver.

The Gem® e4 is 100 percent electric and emits zero tailpipe emissions due to its six 12-volt flooded electrolyte batteries. The Gem® e4 simply recharges by night plugged into a 110-volt outlet. The cost to operate is a mere 2 cents per mile.

Patients and visitors of Lakewood Health System can hop a ride to the front door five days a week during business hours. To learn more about Lakewood Health System’s sustainability initiatives, call Sarah Bach-Bergs at 218-894-8575.

National Hospice Teleconference to be Held March 24

March 15, 2010 — Lakewood Health System will host Hospice Foundation of America’s 17th Annual Living with Grief Teleconference, titled “Cancer and End of Life Care.” The teleconference is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24th from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. and will be held at Lakewood Health System’s Main Campus classrooms. This nationally recognized distance learning program annually reaches 125,000 people in 2,000 communities to educate professionals and families on issues affecting end-of-life care.

This year’s conference will address care options related to cancer diagnoses as well as loss and grief reactions for patients, families and professional caregivers. The teleconference will examine psychosocial aspects of cancer, pain management, and ethical issues. Discussion will focus on the complexities of professionals working with end-stage cancer patients and families when transitioning to hospice and palliative care from curative treatment, including how to employ effective communication skills, practices and protocols while also sensitively recognizing obstacles for the patient and family.

Frank Sesno, Professor of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University and Special Correspondent with CNN will be moderating the teleconference along with a distinguished panel of ethicists, educators and hospice experts. At the close of the teleconference, Lakewood Health System Registered Nurse and Palliative Care Coordinator, Cindy Sauber, will lead a discussion on Palliative Care and take questions from the audience.

The teleconference is produced by Hospice Foundation of America, a not-for-profit organization, which acts as an advocate for the hospice concept of care through ongoing programs of professional education, public information and research on issues relating to illness, loss, grief and bereavement. Lakewood Health System annually hosts the program on behalf of its hospice program.

The program will be useful to a range of professionals including hospice staff, psychologists, counselors, clergy, social workers, nurses, case managers, other healthcare workers, funeral directors, educators, teachers and school-based personnel. The information will also be helpful to individuals who offer education on loss, grief, dying or death.

Please pre-register by March 22nd by calling Gayle at 218-894-8623.

Medical Home Training Package Introduced

March 10, 2010 — Lakewood Health System, a comprehensive healthcare facility located in the heart of Minnesota introduces a step-by-step training package for the state-supported “health care home” model of health care. The package is available for purchase by other clinics and systems looking to build a similar model of care.

Lakewood Health System’s health care home, called “Medical Home,” is a progressive model of comprehensive care that takes an integrated, whole-person approach to health management. The health care home was developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Osteopathic Association and several other primary care organizations. Starting July 1, 2010, state funding for health care home reimbursement will be available in Minnesota.

Medical Home applies old-fashioned, personalized healthcare to today’s tools and technology—marrying the benefits and minimizing the setbacks each offers. In today’s world, the possibilities for receiving care are endless, from advanced technologies and facilities to the availability of sub-specialized providers. Patients faced with these choices and accompanying medical advice need guidance in interpretation and decisions. For example, when a patient receives care by a number of specialists, in a number of facilities, using a number of technologies, it is difficult for the patient and even their primary care physician, if they have one, to make the best decisions. At Lakewood Health System, the Medical Home puts the pieces back together through electronic medical records, enhanced communications, evidence-based medical standards and team-based care coordination.

About the Medical Home

When a patient becomes a part of the Medical Home at Lakewood Health System, he/she has full phone and e-mail access to a his/her physician with the assistance of a registered nurse (Care Coordinator) who answers questions in a timely fashion, educates, helps schedule appointments (sometimes last-minute) and keeps track of patient history. In turn, the patient also has more “say” in health care decisions and treatments, and becomes more proactive in his/her health. For example, patients are kept up-to-date with written documents itemizing their allergies, medications, diagnoses and preventive care needs. Educational needs are noted and efforts such as a monthly newsletter are used to help educate about the latest healthcare news and views.

Medical Home Training Package
Lakewood Health System’s Medical Director, Dr. John Halfen began building the Medical Home at Lakewood in 2007. Due to the high number of requests to Lakewood Health System from other practices for guidance, a Medical Home Training Package was developed over the last few months. The package includes:

The book “Putting the Principles into Practice,” written by Dr. John Halfen, Medical Director and founder of Lakewood Health System’s Medical Home Program
Patient perspectives
Training presentation (in Power Point), narrated by Dr. Halfen
Frequently asked questions with Dr. Halfen and Nicole Worden, Medical Home Care Coordinator at Lakewood Health System
Necessary documents for implementation, including steps for developing a medical home, program benefits, recommended team structure and principles, criteria for admission, consultation requests, and examples of patient communication materials

The package is available for purchase by calling Kristen Svobodny at 218-894-8577. Cost of the training package is negotiable per quantities requested and/or if packages are distribution through state and regional non-profit organizations.

In February 2010, the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper featured an article on Lakewood Health System’s Medical Home and related state funding. Read the article here.

Dr. Halfen has additionally authored articles for Minnesota Physician, including the November, 2009 edition. Read Transforming Care: A medical home combines old-fashioned care with 21st-century technology by clicking here.

In addition to statewide publicity, Lakewood Health System’s Medical Home has influenced national health care discussions. The 2009 Report to the Secretary: Rural Health and Human Services Issues featured an evaluation of the Lakewood Health System Medical Home by the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Follow this link and skip to page 25 to read the report.

To learn more about Medical Home at Lakewood Health System click here or call Maggie Lausten at 218-894-8818.

Nearly 400 Women Attend Laugh & Live Well

March 5, 2010 — Lakewood Health System held its 3rd Biennial Women’s Expo, “Laugh & Live Well,” on Saturday, February 20 for nearly 400 area women. The event was held at Central Lakes College in Staples. Attendees browsed 80 local business exhibits, attended their choice of 12 breakout sessions and participated in a key-note speaker session during lunch. Robin Getman of the InterACT Group in Minneapolis spoke on “Laughing to Your Toes,” a hilarious session of laughter, reflection and inspiration.

Lakewood Health System holds Laugh & Live Well every other year to educate, pamper and empower women to realize their healthiest, happiest selves. Lakewood Health System presented some of its brand-new programs and wellness offerings at Laugh & Live Well including Joint Connection, a comprehensive joint replacement program; Soulstis Med Spa, an aesthetic medicine clinic in Baxter; Palliative Care and many more.

The next Laugh & Live Well Women’s Expo is slated for 2012. To learn more about health and wellness through the Women’s Health Program at Lakewood Health System, contact Nola Varilek, Women’s Health Coordinator at 218-894-8586.

Gayle Christenson, Lakewood Health System Education Department, welcomes attendees during registration.

Kelly Coughlin, Lakewood Health System Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Education presented a program called “Eat This, Not That” and gave tips for healthy eating.

Lakewood Health System nurses offered free blood glucose screenings at the PACT (Pursuing Active Change Together) booth during Laugh & Live Well.

Robin Getman (center) gave a keynote speech titled “Laughing to Your Toes.” During her presentation, she asked attendees to participate in activities related to finding happiness in everyday life.

Missy Trees of Nisswa kissed her 4-month old son Isaac after sharing her journey through the Infertility Program at Lakewood Health System during a breakout session called “Her Story: A Dream Fulfilled.” Kelly Thompson, NP-C also spoke on all the options Lakewood offers for infertility treatments.

Lakewood Health System’s Laugh & Live Well Women’s Expo attracted nearly 400 women from the area to enjoy a day of education, pampering and fun. The next Laugh & Live Well Women’s Expo is planned for 2012. Nola Varilek, Women’s Health Coordinator at Lakewood Health System poses for a photo.

Neurology Care Now Available

March 5, 2010 — Iris Brossard, M.D., a neurologist and visiting specialist from CentraCare Clinic - River Campus, is accepting appointments at the Staples Clinic on the second Thursday of each month.

Dr. Brossard will diagnose and treat neurological disorders in all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. To make an appointment with Dr. Brossard, contact your physician or call (218) 894-1515.

Dr. Brossard finished her medical degree at Albany Medical College in New York. She also completed a neurology residency at the University of Colorado, Denver, and an electroencephalography and epilepsy fellowship at the University of Massachusetts at Worcester Medical Center.

For more information, call Craig Wolhowe, Director of Clinic Services, at (218) 894-8600.

Foundation Dinner Auction Fundraising Begins

March 4, 2010--Lakewood Health System Foundation’s 17th Annual Dinner Auction, “Hats Off to Giving”, is tentatively scheduled for April, 2010. Our goal for this year is to raise $20,000. Successful events, like the Dinner Auction, are a result of generous contributions from organizations like YOURS. You may show your support by way of a monetary donation or contributing a silent or live auction item(s). Your organization will be recognized both in our auction program and on our website.

As part of our commitment to preserve and enhance the health and wellness of the people we serve, all proceeds from this Foundation event will go towards the Mission Fund, supporting a variety of projects throughout our region. Funding for past projects has focused on:

Education and equipment to promote area youth fitness and to help kids incorporate and understand the importance of healthy lifestyle habits
Training, education and equipment support for local fire and police departments
Support of the Eagle Bend Public Library to serve homebound, elderly citizens
Support of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Diagnostic Clinic – serving Central MN
Purchase and free distribution of children’s bike helmets throughout the region in an effort to promote bicycle helmet safety

Your contribution really does make a difference! Our continued success depends on support and generosity like yours, and we would be extremely grateful for your assistance.

Donations may be mailed to:

Lakewood Health System Foundation

49725 County 83

Staples, MN 56479

If you would like additional information, please contact Sarah Bach-Bergs at 218-894-8575, or via e-mail at sarahbergs@lakewoodhealthsystem.com. Thank you in advance for helping us better serve our region through making this event a success! “Hats Off to Giving”…and Hats off to YOU!

Grand Opening for New Browerville Clinic, March 11

February 24, 2010 — Lakewood Health System will be celebrating the opening of its brand-new clinic in Browerville on Thursday, March 11th with a grand opening from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., with refreshments and tours to follow. Lakewood Health System staff and administrators will be in attendance to give tours, answer questions and visit with the public.

The clinic is located just south of Browerville on highway 71 near Dan’s Prize and will be open for business on Monday, March 15th. Groundbreaking for the clinic started in September of 2009 by NorSon Construction Company. Lakewood Health System will continue to offer clinic services in Browerville at the address of 333 Gillis Avenue S until March 15th.

In early 2009, Lakewood Health System officials made the decision to build a new clinic to accommodate community growth and the need for additional services. The new building improves visibility for highway 71 traffic and offers the convenience of more parking and accessibility. The 6,400 square foot clinic includes six exam rooms—three more than the previous location, physical therapy services and the addition of a second medical provider. Also new to Browerville, a Lakewood Health System surgeon will visit the clinic for appointments twice a month.

RSVPs are not required for the grand opening, but are very appreciated. Please call Maggie Lausten at 218-894-8818 to RSVP.

Orthopedic Physician Assistant Joins Lakewood

February 2, 2010 — Lakewood Health System welcomes Alesandra (Sandy) J. Boily, Physician Assistant specializing in orthopedics, to its healthcare team. Boily joins Lakewood as part of Joint Connection—a comprehensive joint replacement program designed to guide patients through a joint replacement from consultation through recovery.

As an on-staff physician assistant, Boily will assist consulting specialists in providing accessible, on-going care for Lakewood Health System Joint Connection patients. Boily comes to Lakewood with 22 years of physician assisting experience; 18 of which are in orthopedic services. Boily earned her Bachelor of Science and Medicine degree at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan after finishing her Bachelor of Arts at Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

Boily is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assitants and certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. For more information, contact Craig Wolhowe, Clinic Services Director at 218-894-8600.

Podiatrist Added to Medical Staff

February 1, 2010 — David C. Schleichert, Podiatrist, recently became one of Lakewood Health System’s on-staff specialists, joining a team consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, surgeons, an OB/GYN, an oncologist, a rheumatologist and an anesthesiologist.

Dr. Schleichert previously consulted at Lakewood Health System on a regular basis, but now as part of the on-staff team, Dr. Schleichert will spend two days a week at the Staples clinic in addition to practicing privately through Central Minnesota Foot and Ankle in St. Cloud.

Dr. Schleichert graduated from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois in 1987 after his undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis in 1983. Dr. Schleichert’s long history of practicing podiatry in Central Minnesota offers Lakewood Health System patients extensive experience in diagnosing, treating and providing surgical services dealing with the foot, ankle and lower leg.

Dr. Schleichert is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and holds licenses in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American Diabetes Association.

To make an appointment with Dr. Schleichert, consult your family medicine physician. For more information, contact Craig Wolhowe, Clinic Services Director at 218-894-8600.

“Laugh & Live Well,” a Women’s Expo

February 1 2010 —Lakewood Health System (LHS) will hold its third biennial Laugh & Live Well Women’s Expo on Saturday, February 20 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Central Lakes College in Staples.

This highly anticipated event will offer a day of health, wellness and hilarious fun for women of all ages. More than 70 various vendors will display, discuss and sell their woman-focused products and services throughout the event. Attendees will have the chance to choose from 12 health-focused breakout sessions including:

“Her Story: A Dream Fulfilled”

Kelly Thompson, LHS Certified Nurse Practitioner and Missy Trees, Infertility Program patient

“Catching your Zzzzs: Women and Sleep Disorders”

Karla Provost, LHS Director of Respiratory Therapy/Sleep Center and Corlie Carter, Sleep Center patient

“Managing It All: Seeking Work-Life Balance”

Julie Eggers Huber, LHS Behavioral Health Psychologist and Deb Herbaugh, LHS Advanced Practice Psychiatry Nurse

“Mood Changes Later in Life”

Julie Eggers Huber, LHS Behavioral Health Psychologist; Deb Herbaugh, LHS Advanced Practice Psychiatry Nurse and Iras Chapin, Lakewood Reflections patient

“Palliative Care: Quality of Life for the Seriously Ill”

Cindy Sauber, LHS Palliative Care Case Manager

“Eat This, Not That”

Kelly Coughlin, LHS Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetic Educator

“The Dilemma of Diabetes”

Laurie Bach, LHS RN, Certified Diabetic Educator

“Arthritis: Restoring your Mobility, Restoring Your Life”

Amy Lelwica, MD, Northern Orthopedic Surgeon

“Answers to Embarrassing Questions”

Carol Uhlman, LHS MD, OB/GYN

“Breast Cancer: A Test of Courage”

Kris Posner, LHS Breast Health Navigator and Brenda Caird, breast cancer survivor

A sit-down lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., with a key-note speaker to follow at 1 p.m. Robin Getman, a funny, motivational speaker from the InterACT Group in Minneapolis will have attendees “Laughing to Your Toes” during her performance. Lakewood Health System’s Laugh and Live Well helps women embrace health and wellness in a lighthearted, enjoyable way. The day is designed to empower and pamper women, while offering a fresh perspective on new and innovative ways to look at healthcare.

Seating is limited, so please call 218-894-8586 to reserve your ticket. Ticket pick-up locations are at all Lakewood Health System’s clinics in Staples, Motley, Pillager, Browerville or Eagle Bend; or at Soulstis Med Spa in Baxter. Tickets are $7. The first 350 women will receive a free gift bag.

Grief Support Group Starts in February

January 6, 2010 — Lakewood Health System will offer weekly Grief Support Group meetings to be held every Tuesday from February 2nd through March 9th from 3 – 4:30 p.m. at Lakewood Health System’s Main Campus in the Fireside Room. Anyone grieving the loss of a loved one, child or any other loss is welcome to attend one or all meetings.

Grief support can alleviate pain associated with illness and death. Join others for discussions centering on various aspects of the grieving process: shock and denial, anger, depression, guilt, hope, renewal and acceptance.

With grief support, sharing experiences after the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of pets, possessions and even your sense of family and faith can help lift the heavy burden of grief and bereavement.

For more information or to join the Grief Support Group, please contact Gayle at 218-894-8623.

Local Businesses Invited to Participate in Women’s Expo

January 12, 2010 — Lakewood Health System in Staples invites all local business owners to participate in Lakewood’s biennial women’s expo called Laugh and Live Well. The expo will be held on Saturday, February 20th at Central Lakes College in Staples from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event attracts 350 women from across Central Minnesota to view vendors, attend health-related breakout sessions and enjoy lunch and door prizes. The day is designed to empower and pamper women, while maintaining a fresh take on new and innovative ways to look at healthcare. The keynote speaker, Robin Getman, is a humorous motivational speaker from the InterACT Group in Minneapolis. She will perform at 1 p.m., immediately following lunch in the Commons at Central Lakes College.

Click here to learn about participating as a vendor at Laugh & Live Well. To reserve a booth space, call Nola Varilek, Women’s Health Coordinator at 218-894-8586.

New Year’s Baby Born

January 5, 2010 — Twenty-ten brings the celebration of birth for Nikkia and Jessy of Staples, who welcomed their new baby boy, Chase Owen into the world on January 1st. The first baby of the New Year at Lakewood Health System, Chase was born at 3:37 p.m. and weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 21 inches.

Delivering physician, Dr. Sheila Froemming was assisted by Registered Nurses Lori Knudson and Kay Crist. Only a day after Chase Owen was born, the Lakewood Health System Auxiliary and Piecemakers Quilting Group presented gifts to the family in honor of the New Year. The Auxiliary gave a gift of $100, presented by Marilyn Wilson of Staples. Annette Good of Staples, on behalf of the Piecemakers Quilting Group of the Staples area, gave a beautiful handmade quilt, prepared months in advance just for the 2010 New Year’s baby.

The Auxiliary and Piecemakers Quilting Group annually present gifts to the family of the New Year’s baby at Lakewood Health System. The Piecemakers Quilting Group also gives a bassinette quilt to each new baby at Lakewood Health System. In 2009, 270 families received a handmade quilt.

On left: Marilyn Wilson and Annette Good posed with the New Year’s baby family – Jessy, father; Nikkia, mother; big brother Kyler and new baby boy, Chase. Registered Nurse Lori Knudson and Delivering Physician Dr. Sheila Froemming posed for a photo to congratulate the happy family. Not pictured: Kay Crist, RN

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