Luther Midelfort News

Susan Barber Lindquist
715-838-3012

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. –– Luther Midelfort will offer its annual “Growing Up: What’s Happening to My Body?” classes for boys and girls, ages 10 to 13.

Going through puberty is a lot easier when children know what to expect. In separate classes, boys and girls and their parents learn about the natural process of growing up. The programs include a video about changes in males and females, a discussion of puberty-related events and the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed setting.

Participants are encouraged to arrive at 6:45 p.m. to help themselves to an ice cream sundae bar. Classes begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $5 per child and covers the cost of class materials and refreshments.

Dr. Kevin Gilmartin, pediatrician

Dr. Teri Stevenson, pediatrician

• Boys’ class: Wednesday, April 21. Dr. Kevin Gilmartin is the presenter.
• Girls’ class: Wednesday, May 26. Dr. Teri Stevenson is the presenter.

Both classes are in the Education Center at Luther Midelfort, 1221 Whipple St. Free parking is available in the ramp at the corner of Fulton and Whipple streets

To register, call Luther Midelfort’s Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Department at 715-838-KIDS (5437).

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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.

Susan Barber Lindquist
715-838-3012

Dr. Bill Klish, sleep apnea patient

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Dr. Bill Klish was sleepy during the day. He felt drowsy while driving and once fell asleep at the wheel, rear-ending an 18-wheeler on a Texas freeway. After Klish developed acid reflux, gained weight and saw his blood pressure get out of control, he realized he needed help.

At that time, Klish was a pediatric gastroenterologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, but also spent time at his home in Eau Claire. While in Eau Claire, Klish scheduled an appointment with Dr. Timothy Young, a Luther Midelfort neurologist who is board certified in neurology and sleep medicine.

Dr. Timothy Young, sleep medicine specialist

Young confirmed that Klish should undergo a sleep study at Luther Midelfort’s Sleep Disorders Center. “Our Sleep Disorders Center is an accredited sleep center, and that’s an important distinction from a sleep lab,” Young says. “A sleep lab just does the tests. We provide evaluation, diagnosis and follow-up regarding all sleep disorders. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has strict criteria for accredited sleep centers.”

National Sleep Awareness Week is from March 7 to 13. (Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 14, when we advance our clocks one hour. )

Tina Cross is one of the registered polysomnography technicians who performs sleep studies at the Sleep Disorders Center. During Klish’s sleep study, Cross monitored his breathing, heart rate, oxygen level, brain wave activity and leg movements. She observed that Klish’s oxygen level was low. In addition, he often stopped breathing.

After two hours of observation, Tina gave Klish a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask, a small mask worn over the nose, or over the nose and mouth for mouth breathers. After the CPAP mask was applied, Klish’s oxygen level remained steady, and he was still the rest of the night.

“After she put the CPAP mask on, I ended up having a good night’s sleep,” Klish says.

Klish followed up with Young who diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common sleep disorder. Young started Klish on a CPAP machine at home.

“CPAP eliminates all apnea episodes, as well as all snoring, by opening up the airway with a modest amount of air pressure,” Young explains. “The goal is to improve patients’ quality of life, as they sleep better and have less daytime sleepiness. Secondary medical effects include reducing their risk for heart attack and stroke.”

However, CPAP is not the only treatment for sleep apnea. Weight loss is often recommended.

“When patients feel better on the CPAP, they eat better and exercise more; therefore, they’re able to lose weight, so I think of CPAP as a bridge for some patients to reach their weight-loss goal,” Young says.

Klish says that his sleep study evaluation was a life-altering event. “Even as a physician who knows a lot about sleep apnea, I didn’t recognize it in myself for nearly two years until the symptoms had accumulated,” Klish says.

Klish tolerates his CPAP very well. He noticed a marked difference in
his daytime alertness after just two nights on CPAP.

“I feel so much better,” Klish says. “My reflux disappeared, and my hypertension has significantly improved. I’ve gotten much more ambitious during the day. Before, I just wanted to lie around and sleep all the time, and now I’m out in the yard working. I wouldn’t trade that CPAP mask for anything right now.”

Klish and his wife, Marian, are enjoying their retirement in the Third Ward neighborhood where they were both raised. He is involved in the community and serves on the board of directors for the UW-Eau Claire Foundation and the Chippewa Valley Symphony.

“Dr. Young impressed me incredibly — he’s very good at what he does,” Klish says.

Are you tired of being tired?
Do you or someone you care about experience the following symptoms?

• Snoring
• Choking, gasping or holding breath during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Learning and memory difficulty
• Irritability
• Sexual dysfunction
• Falling asleep inappropriately 
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Low energy level
• Heartburn or acid reflux 

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you should discuss these symptoms with your physician or a sleep specialist. Or, contact the Luther Midelfort Sleep Disorders Center at 715-838-3420, ext. 4.

Sleep Apnea Risks
Consequences of untreated sleep apnea include:

• Disturbed sleep      
• Excessive sleepiness during the day   
• Job impairment
• Motor vehicle accidents
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Congestive heart failure
• Depression
• Stroke
• Sexual dysfunction    
• Premature death

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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.

Susan Barber Lindquist
715-838-3012 

Dr. David Schlagel, psychiatrist

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. –– Dr. David Schlagel, a psychiatrist, has joined Luther Midelfort’s Behavioral Health Services.

Schlagel received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He completed his general psychiatry residency and geriatric psychiatry fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and genetics from the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities.

Schlagel has special interests in treating patients with dementia and delirium, which is a decline in attention, awareness and mental clarity. But he is devoted to treating the full range of psychiatric disorders in adults.

“I am committed to my patients and will do my best to live up to the high standards of my department and Luther Midelfort as a whole,” Schlagel said.

For information about Behavioral Health Services at Luther Midelfort, call 715-838-5369.

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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.

Contact: Susan Barber Lindquist
715-838-3012

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16- to 19-year-olds than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Luther Midelfort and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) are teaming up to offer Car Control Class, a daylong event to allow 30 teen drivers to experience real-world accident situations in a safe environment and then learn how to correct them.

Car Control Class will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at CVTC’s West Campus, 4000 Campus Road. The class is open to ages 16 through 19. The cost is $30 per teen, which includes supplies and lunch for the teen and parent(s). Participants should dress for the weather as time will be spent outside.

The day will include classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel coaching from a trained professional in the passenger seat next to the teen driver. At least one parent or guardian must attend the class for the whole day with each teen driver.

The goal of this class is not to teach teens how to drive. Rather, trained professionals will coach teens on how to be safer drivers while having teens experience situations — like hydroplaning, skidding, heading toward a ditch or avoiding a deer in the road — that frequently cause panic and overcorrection resulting in accidents.

Dr. Leland Mayer, Car Control Class coordinator

“Programs like this are offered nationally with great success, so I am excited Luther Midelfort and CVTC are able to bring this to Eau Claire,” said Dr. Leland Mayer, Luther Midelfort orthopedic surgeon and Car Control Class coordinator. “By combining our resources — CVTC’s facilities and instructors and Luther Midelfort’s medical knowledge and commitment to trauma prevention — we hope to prevent teen accidents, injury or even death.”

Bruce Barker, CVTC president

“This partnership, with Luther Midelfort using CVTC instructors and the CVTC Driving Range, will help save lives and prevent heartbreak.  It’s the right thing to do,” said Bruce Barker, president of the technical college.  “Safety is proactive.”

Participants must register and provide:
• Proof of insurance. Liability, uninsured/underinsured coverage required. Collision coverage is optional, but drivers are responsible for any damage that may occur.
• Signed waiver. Found with registration materials at www.luthermidelfort.org.

On the day of the class, each teen must bring:
• At least one parent who must attend the entire class with the teen. Parents attend all classroom presentations with the teen and observe the driving exercises. Parents will assist with cone resetting.
• The car the teen drives most often. All loose items in the car should be removed. No full-size sports utility vehicles or pickups are allowed.
• Valid driver’s license. Learning permits are not accepted.

Registration is limited to 30 teens and their parents or legal guardians. To register, go to www.luthermidelfort.org and click on “Car Control Class.”

Car Control Class also is planned to be offered this fall. For more information, call 715-838-3073.

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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.

Contact: Paul Meznarich
715-838-5805

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Luther Midelfort became one of 10 local businesses to receive the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural “Green Business” designation. The recognition remains in effect for two years.

Gordy Howie displays the Green Business award from Eau Claire Chamber President Bob McCoy.

Businesses submitted applications for consideration and were evaluated against defined criteria pertaining to recycling, waste prevention, energy and water conservation, as well as environmentally sustainable practices in purchasing, transportation and environmental advocacy among employees.

“We’re committed to being a good neighbor to our community and our environment,” said Gordy Howie, director of Maintenance – Facilities Services. “This award let’s us know we’re moving in the right direction.”

As award recipients, Luther Midelfort is joined by Applied Data Consultants, Department of Interiors, Laser Product Technologies, Liberty Exteriors, Phillips Plastics, RealityWorks, Sacred Heart Hospital and Superior Auto Body.

“This not only gives businesses an opportunity to receive the designation, but it will show customers and the community that they are committed to being a ‘green’ business,” said Bob McCoy, Chamber president. The Chamber hopes to have at least 100 businesses designated by the end of the year, McCoy said.

One of the “Green Business” program’s goals is to connect existing green-focused organizations to share ideas and practices. Earlier this year, members of Luther Midelfort’s Green Committee participated in a “Hospital Peer Exchange – Energy Best Practices” forum in Arcadia.

Examples of Luther Midelfort’s environmental practices include:

• Installing energy-efficient light bulbs and other energy-saving devices that saved more than 900,000 kilowatts of electricity in one year.
• Recycling more than 90 percent of waste materials from new construction.
• Adding low-flow aerators to faucets to reduce water consumption.
• Landscaping with native plants that require minimal watering or maintenance.
• Donating unused food to the St. Francis Food Pantry.

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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.

Paul Meznarich
715-838-5805

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — March is national Athletic Trainers Month. Licensed athletic trainers often serve as the first line of defense for athletes against sports-related injuries.

Kurt Jacobson, licensed athletic trainer

In addition to working with patients, Luther Midelfort’s licensed athletic trainers provide support at several area high schools: Augusta, Eleva-Strum, Elk Mound, Fall Creek, Mondovi, Osseo-Fairchild, Pepin and Plum City. Licensed athletic trainers from Luther Midelfort Northland provide support to Barron and Cameron high schools.

Luther Midelfort licensed athletic trainer Kurt Jacobson offers athletes 10 tips that could ward off injuries or improve performances on the playing field:

Tip #1: Sleep

• Eight to nine hours is ideal. Most teens average about seven hours, while 26 percent get six hours or less!
• Challenge: Many teens don’t feel sleepy until 11 p.m. or midnight because of caffeine and other stimuli.
• Bonus tip: Open curtains in the morning — sunlight is a good wake-up tool.

Tip #2: Hydration

• Before, during and after the event.
• Bonus tip: Urine should be clear if you’re properly hydrated.

Tip #3: Stretching

• Start with an “active” warm-up.
• Bonus tip: Hold stretches for at least 30 seconds to lengthen muscle fibers.

Tip #4: Evaluate pain

• Don’t ignore pain.
• Bonus tip: Whether it’s a traumatic injury or a chronic/over-use injury, seek medical attention before a bad injury turns worse.

Tip #5: Iron

• Iron aides in oxygen delivery and cell growth within the body.
• Bonus tip: cereal, cream of wheat, sunflower seeds and potatoes are excellent sources of iron.

Tip #6: Food choices

• Plan and pack healthy food and snacks.
• Bonus tip: Convenience foods aren’t always the healthiest.

Tip #7: Rest

• Give your body a chance to heal or recover from a workout with rest.
• Bonus tip: Taking breaks from your sport also can help keep you mentally fresh and decrease the chances of feeling “burned out.”

Tip #8: Be properly equipped

• Replace old and worn equipment.
• Bonus tip: Don’t underestimate the value of mouth guards.

Tip #9: Calcium

• Calcium helps keep bones and muscles strong.
• Bonus tip: Female athletes are particularly susceptible to calcium deficiencies. You cannot “catch up” on calcium deficiencies.

Tip #10: Be clean

• Wear clean clothes.
• Many skin conditions are easily avoidable through proper hygiene.
• Bonus tip: Don’t forget to wash your hands! (H1N1, meningitis, colds and flu)

Luther Midelfort Sports Medicine provides comprehensive care to athletes, from X-ray and diagnosis to treatment and surgical repairs to rehabilitation and performance enhancement.

For more tips or to schedule an appointment, contact Luther Midelfort Sports Medicine at 715-838-MEND (6363).

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 In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.

Paul Meznarich
715-838-5805

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Repeated bouts of heartburn? They might be the warning signs of a more serious condition known as gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD).

Dr. Jack Ramage

Luther Midelfort gastroenterologist Dr. Jack Ramage will be presenting a free talk on digestive health 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at Borders, 4030 Commonwealth Ave. “Digestive Health From Head To Tail” explores causes and treatments for GERD, as well as other digestive health concerns, such as colon cancer and its prevention.

The National Heartburn Alliance reports 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn every month, but that post-meal burning sensation in the chest or throat might be the result of a weakened muscle near the stomach that is allowing acid to pass back up the esophagus. Not only is the condition painful, but over time, GERD can result in scaring or bleeding of the esophagus and even be a risk factor in developing esophageal cancer.

“It might seem like a mild inconvenience or discomfort at first, but it can lead to serious complications” Dr. Ramage said. “GERD is easily diagnosed and treated, which can significantly improve quality of life.”

Other advice for reducing heartburn symptoms include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing
• Avoiding foods that trigger heartburn (fatty or fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, coffee)
• Not lying down after a meal
• Quitting smoking

For more information, contact Luther Midelfort’s Digestive Health Department at 715-838-6020, or visit www.luthermidelfort.org.

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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.

Contact: Paul Meznarich
715-838-5805

Dr. Terry Borman

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Luther Midelfort is recognizing National Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 7 to 13. This is an education and awareness-building campaign by the National Patient Safety Foundation to improve patient safety at the local level.

At Luther Midelfort and all its regional sites, “Partners In Safety” brochures are available encouraging patients to have open conversations with their healthcare providers. In it’s eighth year, the 2010 National Patient Safety Awareness Week theme is “Let’s Talk! Healthy Conversations for Safer Healthcare.”

Dr. Terry Borman, Luther Midelfort medical director, recommends the following steps for patients to help their doctors and nurses get a correct diagnosis:

1. Tell your story. Be clear, complete and accurate.
2. Be a good historian. Remember past treatments, how the illness has progressed over time and whether family history might put you at risk for certain illnesses.
3. Be a good record keeper. Know your medical record, test results and medications. Bring your medication list with you when you see your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
4. Be an informed consumer. Research your illness online (www.mayoclinic.com), learn about the tests or procedures you’re having done, and know any side effects of your medication(s).
5. Make sure it’s the right diagnosis. Sometimes the “most likely” diagnoses isn’t the right diagnosis. Don’t be afraid to ask “What else could this be?” or to encourage your healthcare provider to think of other possible reasons for your illness.

Look for “Partners In Safety” brochures in brochure racks throughout the hospitals and clinics of Luther Midelfort, Luther Midelfort Chippewa Valley, Luther Midelfort Northland and Luther Midelfort Oakridge.

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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.