Ask the Nurse

What you need to know about stroke. ...............................2

New Faces

Welcome these health care professionals. ............................4

A Healthy Chance

How several central Iowans got moving, lost weight and

changed their lives. ...........................................................5

Beam On

Amazing technology is significantly enhancing cancer care at

Mary Greeley. ................................................................. 10

Unforgettable

An inspiring lesson on living from a woman with metastatic

breast cancer. .................................................................. 16

At the Top of His Game

A popular doctor, unwavering Cyclones fan and devoted

volunteer talks about his decision to retire. ...................... 19

At Our Best

Meet Mary Greeley’s Innovation and Excellence

Award Winners. ..............................................................22

Rooms Filled With Care

Get all the details on our new dedicated oncology floor. .. 24

Schedule of Events, Classes and Clinics ..........26

In This Issue

Thank You to Our SponsorsThank you to the following businesses and individuals for supporting Mary Greeley Medical Center in 2012.

Sustaining SponsorsMcFarland Clinic PCInnova Ideas and Services, A Sigler Company

Life Saver SponsorsAmes National Corporation and affiliates

Boone Bank and Trust Co.First National BankReliance State BankState Bank and Trust Company, Nevada

Ames Tribune

Pacemaker SponsorEpicFirst American BankKinzler CompaniesSauer-Danfoss

Caretaker SponsorsAlpha Copies & Print CentersJester Insurance ServicesWells Fargo

SponsorsAlfred’s Carpet & Decorating, Inc.Bankers TrustSue Ellen and Bill BurkeCelebrations Party & Rental StoreColorfxDeb and Bill FennellyGateway Hotel and Conference CenterGreat Western BankKnapp Tedesco Insurance Agency, Inc.Kreg Tool CompanyNAI Electrical ContractorsNyemaster Goode, PCKaren and Robert ShirkSign ProWolfe Eye Clinic

On the cover:Radiation oncologists Dr. Gregory Yee, Dr. Shane Hopkins and Dr. Joseph Rhoades.

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1HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 2

About This PublicationHealth Connect is published four times a year for residents of central Iowa by Mary Greeley Medical Center. For more information about Health Connect, please contact the Mary Greeley Medical Center Community Relations Department at 515-239-2038.

Visit Us on the InternetLearn more about Mary Greeley Medical Center’s programs and services at www.mgmc.org.

Contact UsIndividuals are encouraged to contact Mary Greeley Medical Center if they have any concerns about patient care and safety in the hospital that have not been addressed. If the concern continues, individuals may contact The Joint Commission at One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. You may also call 800-994-6610 or e-mail complaint@jointcommission.org.

Opportunity for SupportYour contributions can help us care for those who come to us at every stage of life. Charitable giving to support Mary Greeley Medical Center has played a significant role in shaping your medical center. To learn more, contact the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation at 515-239-2147 or visit www.mgmc.org and click Giving to Mary Greeley Medical Center.

President and CEO Brian DieterDirector of Marketing and Community Relations Steve SullivanEditorSteve SullivanMedical AdvisorSteven Hallberg, M.D.DesignGreen Light CreativePhotographyJim HeemstraNgaire West JohnsonRick StowellMcClanahan StudioEmily AbbasVideo ProductionJason Mortvedt

Cancer CareOne of the high points of this year’s Mary Greeley Medical

Center Annual Benefit in May was Jessica Clem. To say Jessica is inspiring is a huge understatement. She’s facing metastatic breast cancer with her trademark humor and an attitude that, despite what she’s going through, is terrifically life-affirming. All of that was on display at the annual benefit, where she spoke openly about her condition and her appreciation for the care she received at Mary Greeley and the William R. Bliss Cancer Center.

But it’s the lessons Jessica is teaching all of us that truly deserve appreciation. You can meet Jessica in an aptly titled article, “Unforgettable,” on page 16.

Hearing Jessica and others talk about the care they received at Mary Greeley Medical Center makes me proud of the doctors, nurses and other staff members who are part of our cancer care program. Mary Greeley’s program has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1993. It was recently awarded three-year approval with contingency as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program. This accreditation serves as confirmation that Mary Greeley provides the high quality, specialized cancer care we are so proud of.

Our cancer care has now been greatly enhanced with the arrival of TrueBeam, a state-of-the-art system for radiation oncology patients.

We’re one of two hospitals in Iowa offering this amazing technology. TrueBeam has already helped numerous central Iowans with their

cancer treatment. You can learn more about TrueBeam on page 10. Be sure to visit our Facebook or YouTube page to see a video about the system and meet a lung cancer patient who experienced the benefits of TrueBeam.

Be sure to also look at the story on page 24 about the dedicated oncology floor with three new family suites that will be part of our new patient tower now under construction.

TrueBeam and the oncology floor will influence patient care at Mary Greeley for many years. So will Jessica. She helped raise money for the William R. Bliss Cancer Center with her appearance at the annual event. At her own celebration in April, which she and organizers dubbed a “FUN-eral”, she raised a remarkable amount of funds that will benefit everyone who receives services from the Center.

Even while facing death, her focus is on the abundant joys of being

alive. This is Jessica’s legacy. This is her lesson for us all.

B Y B R i a n D i e t e R

m G m c P R e S i D e n t a n D c e O

2

Ask the Nurse:Stroke Awareness

32

Q: What are the risk factors?A: Smoking doubles one’s risk of stroke. Other risk factors include:• Diabetes• Hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol levels)• Hypertension (high blood pressure)• Obesity• Heart disease• Previous stroke or TIA• Passive smoking (secondhand smoke)

Q: What can I do to help someone who is having a stroke?A: It’s important to learn stroke warning signs and how to respond to them. Use the FAST acronym as a test to remember warning signs:Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can the person repeat the sentence correctly? Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying. Q: Why is time so important in treating stroke?A: The earlier a stroke is recognized and the patient receives medical attention, the greater the patient’s chance of recovery. Once stroke is diagnosed, medical professionals can administer Alteplase, a drug that helps the body dissolve the clot and save brain cells. To be most effective, Alteplase must be given within three hours from when the symptoms began. In the last six months, only 16 percent of patients with strokes arrived at a hospital in time to be considered for treatment. By recognizing stroke symptoms and calling 911 immediately, you may be able to save a life.

Q: What does Mary Greeley Medical Center offer for stroke care?A: Mary Greeley was certified as a Primary Stroke Center in March 2012 by DNV, an independent, not-for-profit organization. (See sidebar.) We offer services to our clients through the full spectrum of stroke care: emergency, intensive, acute and inpatient rehabilitation. Plus, we have physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology at all levels of inpatient care as well as when the patient is discharged. Social work case managers help transition patients to the most appropriate level of care. We have five board certified neurologists and a neurosurgeon on staff. We also have an active stroke support group, which provides support for both stroke survivors and caregivers.

Q: Former Iowa State University football coach Dan McCarney had a stroke early this year that generated a lot of attention on stroke awareness. What lessons can we take from his situation?A: McCarney suffered numbness on the left side of his body and called 911. He was treated quickly and is doing well. In a statement he released a few days after his stroke, he credited the minimal impact of the stroke to early recognition of the symptoms and the quick response of paramedics. His statement offered great advice for all of us: “If there is any lesson to be learned in all of this it is to make yourself aware of the signs of a stroke and act immediately when those signs become present. I’m not sure if our quick reaction saved my life, but it definitely saved the quality of my life.”

HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 2

Mary Greeley Medical Center Named a Primary Stroke CenterMary Greeley Medical Center has received Primary Stroke Center Certification from DNV Healthcare.

The certification recognizes that Mary Greeley Medical Center is committed to meeting all the standards for quality stroke care. It also signifies to paramedics in central Iowa that stroke victims can be transported to Mary Greeley for emergency treatment. Immediate treatment is vital to stroke survival and minimal long-term disabilities.

The certification is the result of a review process that verifies the quality and comprehensiveness of stroke services in a variety of areas, including equipment, emergency procedures and neurological care. Neurological care is provided by five board certified neurologists with McFarland Clinic. Examiners with DNV visited Mary Greeley and followed the path of a stroke patient, from admission, intensive care, inpatient, physical therapy and discharge.

DNV is a recognized by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as an accreditation agency for U.S. hospitals. DNV’s Primary Stroke Center Certification program incorporates requirements from the Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and recommendations of the American Stroke Association.

Stroke is always on Sharon Ellrich’s mind. In her role as stroke program coordinator at Mary Greeley Medical

Center, Ellrich ensures patients experiencing stroke receive care that is considered best practice for the disease. A nurse at Mary Greeley for 27 years, Ellrich, R.N., M.S.N., provides stroke care and stroke awareness education for hospital staff, emergency medical workers and the public. She also stays busy making sure the medical center continues to meet all the standards for stroke care established by the Brain Attack Coalition. Here, she provides information about stroke that everyone should know.

Q: What is stroke?A: Strokes happen when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke). When this happens, part of the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, destroying millions of valuable nerve cells within minutes. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief period of symptoms similar to those experienced in a stroke.

Q: What are the symptoms of stroke?A: The primary stroke symptoms include:• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or facial drooping.• Sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Q: Why is stroke a big deal?A: According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and roughly every four minutes someone dies from a stroke.

Sharon ellrich shares stroke advice at the Senior expo in may.

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New Faces

m e D i c a l S t a F F S P O t l i G H t

Jeremy Fields, MDJeremy Fields, MD, will join the

McFarland Clinic Gastroenterology Department in August. He completed an internal medicine residency and a gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Fields received a medical

degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. For more information, contact the McFarland Clinic Gastroenterology Department 515-239-4450.

Jean Hermsen, DOJean Hermsen, DO, will join the

McFarland Clinic Otolaryngology (ENT) Department in August. She completed a residency in otolaryngology/facial plastic surgery at Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She received subspecialty training in otology/neurotology,

pediatric otolaryngology, and head and neck cancer surgery. Dr. Hermsen received a doctorate in osteopathic medicine from Des Moines University. For more information, contact the McFarland Clinic Otolaryngology (ENT) Department at 515-239-4480.

Bryan Warme, MD Bryan Warme, MD, will join the

McFarland Clinic Orthopedic Surgery Department in August. He completed a sports medicine fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and an orthopedic residency at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Dr. Warme received a

medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California. For more information, contact the McFarland Clinic Orthopedic Surgery Department at 515-239-4475.

mary Greeley medical center and mcFarland clinic welcome these new health care professionals to our staff.

4 5HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 2

A Healthy Chance

Tales of victory from the front lines of weight loss.

There are so many ways to starting feeling and looking better. We have two stories that show how several central Iowans have done

it and achieved outstanding results. They’ve lost weight—a lot of it in some cases. They’ve found regular exercise to be habit forming. They’ve been able to cut down on medications. Some have done it with a diet program developed by a Jefferson physician, while

others have found success in a competition sponsored by a Story City fitness center. However you decide to do it, the stories are sure to provide inspiration for anyone who wants to look and feel better.

Stories by Kelly Roberson

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In August 2011, Jeb Ball went to see Dr. Constantine Panakos at the McFarland Clinic

in Jefferson, complaining about plugged ears and a cough that wouldn’t go away.

The results of other basic measures of well-being were troubling: Ball’s blood pressure was 180/110, and his weight was 375 pounds. Panakos asked Ball if he was ready to do something about his weight.

“I always knew I was overweight, but I started that day,” says Ball.

What Ball started was a life-changing, three-phase eating and exercise plan developed by Panakos. Over the years, the family practitioner had seen patients with a collection of conditions—high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, to name just a few—and obesity, says Panakos, is the number one cause of those conditions.

Panakos also has a personal connection to the struggles people experience with weight.

“Just about everyone in my family—including me—has struggled with weight,” he says. “Last year, I was getting close to 40, my knees and back hurt, and I had blood pressure issues. So I started researching weight loss for myself and my patients to find something that was simple, that worked, and that didn’t cost a lot.”

The Panakos Program

A Phased ApproachPanakos dove into the research. What he found was that sugars,

carbohydrates and processed foods can make it difficult to lose weight, but there are other foods that can help control hunger and increase metabolism. He doesn’t take credit for inventing anything new, but, like a cook personalizing an existing recipe, he’s tweaked what other physicians have done and made it his own. He assembled a couple of different handouts describing his plan and displayed them in his office to figure out what would connect with patients.

“People like the simplicity of it,” says Panakos. “If they see a 300-page book, they get overwhelmed. We’ve made it easy to understand.

The Panakos plan is broken into three phases.Phase 1, called rapid loss, lasts for three to seven days. It restricts

sugar and increases water. Allowed foods include certain kinds of meat and nuts, no- or low-fat dairy, eggs, oat bran and fiber, among others. Walking each day is also recommended.

Phase 2 includes alternating days of food from Phase 1 with a day that includes proteins and certain vegetables. The final phase, stabilization, allows patients to add fruit, high-fiber cereals, beans and whole grain breads back into their diet in limited quantities. There are also celebration meals and “days off.”

Panakos believes the plan is different because it includes a mental aspect that enables people to stick with the diet. “This gets rid of the guilt and shame. If you have a bad day, you start again,” says Panakos. “No one is perfect, so we give people the tools to face those things.”

Success StoriesFor Panakos, the plan has worked. He has stuck with the diet

for a year, losing 30 pounds and lowering his cholesterol. And the curiosity about it has increased to the point that he’s now doing group presentations and has created a Facebook page where people offer tips, recipes and support.

Ball has been on the program nine months and has lost 135 pounds. He’s moved from 5X to XL shirts and from 40-inch to 34-inch waist jeans. His wife, Diane Conroy, has lost 77 pounds, and has gotten creative with cooking within the guidelines. “In the beginning, it was a little bit hard, getting used to eating differently,” says Ball. “But once you get to that point, you don’t crave all that extra stuff, and I like that you don’t have to count calories.”

The triumphs keep Panakos motivated to continue to give talks and to encourage the community. “I enjoy getting people off medicine, and I love the success stories. I just recently had a patient come in who had been struggling with her weight, diabetes and blood pressure, and within two months we normalized her numbers,” he says. “I hear people say, ‘I’ve been big all my life, and I’m finally at a weight I feel comfortable with.’ I will keep doing this until people stop wanting to hear it.”

To see more information on the Panakos Weight Loss program, view www.facebook.com/panakosweightloss

Panakos will present a free weight loss seminar at Mary Greeley Medical Center’s Bessie Myers Auditorium on Monday, July 16, from 6 to 8 pm. Register at www.mcfarlandclinic.com or the Facebook site.

A Hea l t hy Chance

“I always knew I was overweight,

but I started that day.”

“People like the simplicity of it,” says Panakos. “If they see a 300-page book, they get overwhelmed. We’ve made it

easy to understand.”

Dr. constantine Panakos (left) helped Jeb Ball drop more than 130 pounds. (opposite) Ball’s “before” look.

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How a doctor concerned about his patients’ weight problems, as well as his own, helped one man lose 135 pounds.

88 HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 2 9

three Story city residents tell how a lifetime Fitness center program changed their lives.

Steve Gelder is a Type 1 diabetic who made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Shelly Nibe was tired of not having anything to wear and

found her joints aching more and more. Paul Hauer used the new year as a milestone for cementing his commitment to drop a few pounds.

All three participated in Weight Loss Wars, a competitive program offered at Mary Greeley’s Lifetime Fitness Center in Story City. Twelve participants received 12 weeks of classes, boot camp, small group and personal training, massages and nutrition advice. The 12 also kept food and exercise logs, tracked body fat percentage and measurements, and received wellness evaluations at Mary Greeley Medical Center. The winner—determined by percentage of total weight and body fat lost, inches lost, compliance, participation, and attitude—received a $1,000 cash prize.

Group programs such as this—with or without an end goal or a prize—are often a motivator for people looking to improve their health or habits. “That group mentality can be a good thing, especially if the group meshes well,” says Sarah Haveman, R.D., with Mary Greeley’s Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center. “A support system is important.”

The Weight Loss Wars focused on helping the participants make life changes rather than jumping on the bandwagon of the latest fad diet. It worked: Participants lost anywhere from 4.5 percent to 20 percent of their total weight, with many lowering cholesterol and blood glucose

as well as discontinuing medications for conditions such as high blood pressure. The combination of sound nutrition advice—eat more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods—with exercise was key.

“A lot of times, people try the latest and greatest diet, but diets never work because if it is a diet, it will end,” says Haveman. “For there to be true success in weight loss, it needs to be lifelong change, with changes you are OK with today and will be OK with in 10 to 20 years.”

Here are three stories of victory from Weight Loss Wars.

Paul HauerLost 58 pounds but gained a trophy

Before he committed to Weight Loss Wars, Hauer did some serious thinking: At 53, he would probably be the oldest and perhaps the heaviest to enroll in the program. But he was

tired of being heavy, and the whole package—fitness and nutrition—appealed to him.

So he signed up, with a goal to lose 40 pounds in 12 weeks. He had already been exercising a couple of times a week, but was a little leery of the boot camp aspect. The results surprised him. “The whole thing was custom-made for me,” says Hauer. “It pushed me to do the group stuff that I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise, and boot camp was

good because I found out right away I would work out much harder in a group than I would push myself alone.”

The food tracking also helped. Hauer went down to 2,000 calories a day. He ate the same foods he normally ate, just less of them. He also received important instruction on the correct way to work out. “In my personal training sessions I found out I wasn’t exercising correctly. I was doing the same machines over and over, so some of my muscles were really strong while others were not,” says Hauer.

Hauer won the program, losing a whopping 58 pounds and nearly 20 percent of his body weight. Post-program, he has maintained his commitment, with an ultimate goal of losing 70 pounds. His cholesterol screenings show improvement, and he’s dedicated to keeping up the changes he’s made. “I think I’ll always exercise a lot,” says Hauer. “I signed up with my daughter for the next boot camp, and I’m still doing yoga.

Steve GelderLost 45 pounds and halved his insulin use

When Gelder was 14, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, so monitoring his insulin, and in turn his weight, has important implications for his overall health. Even so, Gelder, who is a

registered nurse in the emergency department at Mary Greeley Medical Center, found himself overweight, topping 245 pounds on his 6-foot frame. “I had been wanting to lose weight for a while and started in January 2011 on my own as a New Year’s resolution,” says Gelder. “I’d lost about 20 pounds then, so the Weight Loss Wars was extra motivation.”

Gelder found the variety of exercise options and the personal trainer especially valuable. “I like to be able to do the classes, do things on my own, and have access to the trainer,” he says. “I ended up relying on my trainer and some of the other leaders, especially for nutrition advice, more than I thought I was going to have to.”

Gelder lost 45 pounds, ending up just below 200, which was 10 pounds lower than his goal of 210. “I told myself I wanted a ‘1’ at the beginning of my weight,” says Gelder with a laugh.

Even more importantly, his insulin use has essentially been cut in half, and he feels better. Since the competition ended in late March, he’s kept up with the exercise as best he can, working out about four days a week and setting goals, including signing up for a 5K. He’s maintained his weight fairly well and feels as though he now has the tools to enable a lifelong change.

Shelly NibeLost 33 pounds and said goodbye to acid reflux

Like so many other people, Nibe’s weight began to affect how she led her life. “I was pretty out of shape and not very active,” says

Nibe. “I quit doing a lot of things, I had a lot of joint pain, and I was frustrated with clothes—I felt like I never had anything to wear.”

So she decided to do something for herself and get active again. After the first week of the program, when she eliminated processed food and diet soda, she found her cravings had subsided too.

The exercise part she found more daunting—both physically and mentally. “I did not want to work out in front of other people,” she says. “That was almost a deal breaker for me.”

But work out in front of people she did, going to Zumba and TRX, realizing that she could keep up just as well as everyone else. She also worked with the trainer and became more confident in her abilities. “The trainer wanted me to try to do a pushup, and I remember getting really hot and sweaty and thinking I would pass out, but she kept saying I could do it,” says Nibe. “The next time I met her two weeks later, I could do all of the things she set out for me that first day.”

She found unexpected encouragement in the group setting. “All these people at the gym who are in shape always asked how I was doing, and they still ask. The online friends I have in my fitness and food tracking encourage each other too,” Nibe says.

Nibe wanted to lose between 30 and 40 pounds. At the end of the 12 weeks, Nibe had lost 33 pounds—and since has lost seven more. For Nibe, exercise and food monitoring have turned into a habit. Her acid reflux is gone, and her mindset is different, too. “I can’t believe all the things I can do,” Nibe says. “It really was life changing.”

Weight Loss WarriorsA Hea l t hy Chance

“The trainer wanted me to try to do a pushup, and I remember getting really hot and sweaty and thinking I would pass out,

but she kept saying I could do it,” says Nibe.

Steve Gelder, Shelly nibe and Paul Hauer demonstrate one of the exercises they did as part of their weight loss challenge.

Gelder, nibe and Hauer in the workout room at lifetime Fitness in Story city.

To learn more about Lifetime Fitness Center go to www.mgmc.org/wellness/fitness-center/ or visit them on Facebook.

10 11

Margaret Mumma had a choice: start radiation treatment for breast cancer on April 9, or wait a week.

It was a no-brainer. She waited a week. Here’s why: In April, the William R. Bliss Cancer Center at Mary Greeley Medical Center

began offering cancer patients cutting-edge treatment with TrueBeam radiotherapy technology. Mary Greeley is the second hospital in the state to have TrueBeam, which uses noninvasive tumor-destroying radiation to treat cancers throughout the body, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

On April 16, Margaret became the first patient treated with TrueBeam at Mary Greeley. TrueBeam’s higher energy allowed Margaret to do her treatment in 20 sessions instead of the usual 33. She also suffered none of the burning or redness that can result from radiation treatment.

“There was some trepidation at first because it was new to the staff,” says Margaret. “But the Radiation Oncology Team was wonderful to me, and once treatment began I realized everything was going to be fine.”

More Comfort for Cancer PatientsIn addition to TrueBeam, the William R. Bliss Cancer Center has another powerful

linear accelerator used for radiation oncology. A patient’s physician will determine which machine provides the most appropriate treatment based on the patient’s type of cancer. But, TrueBeam has clear benefits.

“With TrueBeam, we are able to deliver radiation therapy faster and more precisely,” says Shane Hopkins, M.D., a McFarland Clinic radiation oncologist who treats patients through the Bliss Center, which is jointly operated by McFarland and Mary Greeley. “This increases the options we have available in caring for our patients.”

One of the primary benefits for patients is that treatment takes less time and is, therefore, much more comfortable. Traditional radiation oncology treatments can take more than an hour to administer and sometimes require daily appointments for weeks. And because radiation therapy requires patients to remain still while treatment is being delivered, the shorter the “table time” —the amount of time the patient spends lying on the table in the treatment room—the better.

The TrueBeam can deliver radiation as much as seven times faster than conventional radiotherapy. This is particularly important for newer therapies in which fewer treatments and a larger dose are used. With the addition of the TrueBeam, the William R. Bliss Cancer Center now has two linear accelerators available.

“We have always been able to treat patients very effectively—that’s not the issue,” says Joseph Rhoades, M.D., a McFarland Clinic radiation oncologist with the Bliss Center. “This just delivers the dose of radiation so quickly that patient comfort is dramatically improved. And that comfort cannot be understated when you are providing care to cancer patients.”

Complex Care Close to HomeMargaret is from Jefferson. She does bookkeeping for her

husband Michael’s law practice, and is involved with her grandchildren, her church, the PEO organization, and the U.S. Senior Challenge Golf Tournament. She’s a busy woman, so being able to have advanced treatment for breast cancer so close to home was important.

Beam OnWith trueBeam, mary Greeley medical center takes cancer treatment to a new level.

HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 2

Radiation oncologists Dr. Gregory Yee, Dr. Joseph Rhoades and Dr. Shane Hopkins in discussion in the trueBeam room at mary Greeley medical center.

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STEP BY STEPFollow a cancer patient’s treatment journey.

Around two-thirds of patients diagnosed with cancer will receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment. In most cases, radiation therapy is not as physically draining as therapies like chemotherapy, but the patient’s journey requires adherence to a regimen that can last weeks.

While no two journeys are identical, the following steps detail what the average radiation oncology patient encounters when receiving care.

DiagnosisThe first step on the cancer journey is diagnosis. A primary care doctor

or one of three cancer specialists—the surgeon, the medical oncologist or the radiation oncologist—establishes that a patient has cancer.

ConsultationIn the initial consultation with the radiation oncologist, the patient

and physician review the stage of the cancer, the various radiation therapy treatment options, and other treatment options including surgery and/or chemotherapy.

Case ConferenceWhile the patient is not directly involved in this step, it is a vital part

of developing and carrying out the appropriate treatment plan. During the weekly case conference, physicians from a spectrum of specialties including medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, surgery, radiology and more gather to discuss specific cases and provide input on best practices to treat that case. The feedback and input gathered in the case conference is key in developing the treatment plan.

SimulationDuring the simulation process, 3-D images are obtained using the

CT simulator, which identifies the exact location and size of the tumor. This allows the physician, physicist and dosimetrist to develop the comprehensive treatment plan. This phase takes anywhere from 24 hours to five days to complete. Simulation allows for the development of devices and a setup that will ensure the patient is in the exact same position for each treatment.

DosimetryAfter the treatment plan is developed, the dosimetrist again reviews

the 3-D images to assign the prescribed dose of radiation based on the treatment plan provided by the physician. During this step, the dosimetrist considers a number of factors in order to protect as much healthy tissue as possible.

Quality AssuranceThroughout the process, the physicist maintains quality assurance on

all the equipment, including the linear accelerator, to ensure the correct dose is administered at all times.

TreatmentThe length of the treatment phase varies widely based on the type of

cancer and the impact on normal surrounding tissue. During treatment:

• The radiation therapist goes through a detailed set of steps to ensure the correct patient and location is being treated.

• The patient lays on a table in the lead-lined “vault” to receive treatment. This room includes a colorfully decorated ceiling— complete with blue sky and blooming trees—to soothe the patient and provide a diversion for longer treatments.

• Treatment is administered by the radiation therapist from outside the room. During this time, the patient must remain as still as possible. The treatment time—also known as “beam on” time— varies depending upon the type and location of the cancer.

MonitoringThe patient meets with the physician and registered nurse weekly

to monitor for tolerance and side effects, to provide education and to arrange for follow-up care.

Cancer Resource CenterThroughout the process, the Cancer Resource Center provides

information and support—including one-on-one consultation, group educational programming, support groups and a lending library—for patients and family members.

End of TreatmentWhen the prescribed treatment ends, patients establish a follow-up

schedule with the physician. These appointments are typically scheduled at three weeks, three months, six months and one year post treatment.

Back in January, Margaret had a mammogram at the McFarland Clinic in Jefferson. It revealed something small but suspicious in her left breast, so she was asked to come back for another look. A tumor was found and later biopsied. It was malignant.

Margaret has a history of breast cancer in her family. “It wasn’t a matter of if I would get breast cancer, but when,” she says.

She was referred to McFarland surgeon Dr. Mark Taylor, who, because of her history, ordered an MRI. That test revealed another tumor in Margaret’s right breast, which turned out to be benign. In February, Taylor performed lumpectomies on both breasts, as well as removal of the

sentinel node on Margaret’s left side.After she and her husband, Michael, enjoyed

a long vacation in Hawaii, Margaret prepared for radiation treatment.

Special care is needed when treating a tumor on the left side of the body because the heart can be close to the area being treated. But with TrueBeam, imaging of the area can be done quickly and easily so you can always make sure the heart is well away from the treatment field, says Rhoades, who treated Margaret.

“This will also allow us to treat more complex cancers,” adds Rhoades, who partners to provide care with Hopkins and Gregory Yee, M.D. “Patients we may have had to refer to larger hospitals in the past can now receive leading-edge treatment here. Cutting down on travel is a huge

benefit for patients and families battling cancer.”Two out of three people who are diagnosed with cancer undergo some form of radiotherapy

as part of their treatment, according to the American Society for Radiation Oncology. In simplest terms, radiotherapy uses beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells. TrueBeam offers a number of advanced functions that allow for faster, more accurate treatment, including intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT).

IMRT is a treatment technique where doctors customize the radiation dose affecting normal parts of the body by varying the amount of radiation delivered. IGRT uses advanced imaging so doctors and clinicians can visualize the tumor. This allows for verification of the exact location of the tumor so it can be precisely targeted.

Advanced Flexibility“Radiation oncology is a proven and very effective therapy,” Hopkins says. “As a result, there

has been a tremendous amount of advancement in the technology. But with that, it has been kind of disjointed. Not until the introduction of TrueBeam has there been a linear accelerator that offered hardware and software engineered hand-in-hand, digitally from beginning to end.”

That concerted development truly sets the TrueBeam apart.“Because of the way the TrueBeam is designed, we can add new treatment options to the

machine as they are introduced,” says Brian MacPhail, a board-certified medical physicist at William R. Bliss Cancer Center. MacPhail works closely with the physicians and staff to determine the proper amount of radiation to deliver during treatment and is responsible for quality control with the linear accelerators.

“This flexibility,” MacPhail continues, “ensures we can offer state-of-the-art treatment for the life of the machine.”

B Y a n D R e W Z a l a S k Y

Radiation oncology

is a proven and very

effective therapy,

Hopkins says.

“ “margaret

mumma, seen here with Dr.

Rhoades, was the first patient

treated with trueBeam.

Samantha Sodders, a certified medical dosimetrist, reviews an image.

14 HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 2

The William R. Bliss Cancer Center radiation oncology department sees about 300 new patients and administers approximately 7,000 treatments annually. A care team of 17 staff members work together to provide care for patients. The care team includes:

•3boardcertifiedphysicians •6radiationoncologytherapists•1boardcertifiedphysicist •1departmentsupervisor•2dosimetrists •1administrativeassistant•3registerednursesWhile many are familiar with the roles of registered nurses, therapists and administrative

staff, the radiation oncology department offers a few unique staff members:

Board Certified PhysiciansBoard certified radiation oncology physicians deal with the therapeutic applications

of radiation, and the study and management of disease, especially malignant tumors. These physicians have five years of training, which includes one year of clinical work followed by four years of radiation oncology training. Board certification is voluntary, but is a strong indicator of a physician’s commitment and expertise in a given specialty. To obtain board certification these physicians must pass a rigorous exam, regularly attend continuing education and adhere to a strict set of standards for care and professional behavior.

Tour TrueBeamScan this QR Code to take a video tour of TrueBeam with Dr. Shane Hopkins and hear from a TrueBeam patient about her experience at the William R. Bliss Cancer Center. You can also learn more about this new technology at www.mgmc.org/truebeam.

Mary Greeley’s Radiation Oncology TeamHere’s who delivers cancer treatments to hundreds of central Iowans.

Board Certified PhysicistThe medical physicist contributes to the effectiveness of radiological imaging

procedures by assuring radiation safety and helping to develop improved imaging techniques. The medical physicist also contributes to development of therapeutic techniques, collaborates with radiation oncologists to design treatment plans, and monitors equipment and procedures to ensure cancer patients receive the prescribed dose of radiation to the correct location. The medical physicist is also responsible for comprehensive quality assurance measures in the department.

DosimetristsThe medical dosimetrist is responsible for the radiation dose distributions and dose

calculations used in radiation therapy, which is typically a daily regimen over the course of several weeks, depending on the type and location of the patient’s cancer. Dosimetrists must have thorough knowledge in the areas of cancer treatment and brachytherapy. The dosimetrist helps ensure radiation is delivered in precise doses necessary to treat the cancer without harming healthy tissue and organs near the tumor. Designing the treatment plan for the cancer patient is a key responsibility of the dosimetrist.

14 15Radiation oncology team members Deb Dubberke, radiation oncology secretary; cheryl nogel, R.n., and kathi Stopps, R.n.

Radiation therapists Deb Gaunt, melissa kacmarsky (supervisor); kate Vinopal, Susanne Briggs, tracy Gadient and Brooke lund.

HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 216

Unforgettable

She made her entrance wearing a pink satin robe and boxing gloves.The crowd went wild. This fighter, who was bouncing on her

feet with her thin arms raised high, was the reason they were all there. They’d come to applaud her amazing strength and indomitable spirit. They’d come to support her cause. They’d come to laugh and cry and dance with her.

And they’d come to tell her goodbye. Because Jessica Clem, who had been nicknamed “Rocky” by her

friends, was dying of cancer. But her story isn’t about dying. It’s about how to live while you’re doing it.

“Jessica has overcome her disease in many ways,” says her oncologist, Dr. Larry Otteman with McFarland Clinic. “She’s never let the disease, particularly her prognosis, dictate how she’s going to live her life. She’s taken something terrible and turned it into something positive.”

Cancer, Twice In 2000, Jessica felt a lump in her breast and eventually was

diagnosed with early stage 1 breast cancer. She had surgery, did four rounds of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation at the William R. Bliss Cancer Center at Mary Greeley Medical Center.

Because her form of cancer grew with estrogen, she went through hormonal treatments to block production of the hormone. After she was declared cancer-free in 2006, Jessica and her husband, Patrick, decided it was time to start a family. But it was going to be a challenge because of the cancer treatments.

“I traded my oncologist for a fertility specialist,” she says, displaying her always-present sense of humor.

In 2007, Jessica gave birth to Carson.“Becoming a mom is fabulous,” she says of her son. “He’s a true

miracle. We didn’t know if we were going to get him, but we got him, and he’s healthy and happy and makes you forget all about your troubles.”

But nine months after Carson’s birth, Jessica experienced shortness of breath while running. The cancer had returned and metastasized to her lungs.

“You think the first one’s bad, but that one really sucked,” she says of the second diagnosis. “The first time, the doctors told me I wasn’t going to die from it, that it was going to be a bump in the road. It was when it comes back that you need to really worry. I was very angry, more angry than the first time around.”

A ‘FUN-eral’Anger eventually gave way to

acceptance and action. “You’re dealt your hand in life, and

you’re given choices to react poorly or react positively. I choose to be happy,” she says. “Just because I have cancer doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my life. I was born optimistic. Humor really helps. I was funny before, but I think I’m funnier now.”

Jessica helped the Cancer Resource Center plan the first retreat for couples facing metastatic breast cancer. She raised money for breast cancer through a “Breastfest” event. But the high point was in April when her life force shined bright.

Jessica had been, in her words, “feeling like crap” when her sister-in-law suggested a party was in order.

“In my prior life I liked to socialize and have social events. This was going to be the last hurrah,” she says. “And I like humor for relief, so I thought about making it like I’m throwing my own funeral. Why not be there to enjoy it? Have people say all those nice things to me, and me have an opportunity to say things to them. I don’t want people to remember me as the woman in the hospital bed. I’ve never been that way. I want life to be fun.”

And so, Jessica and her friends and family planned what they called a “FUN-eral.” And it wasn’t just going to be a party. It was going to raise funds for the place where Jessica had received so much care and compassion: The William R. Bliss Cancer Center.

They expected a few hundred people to attend. Over 500 people, from seven different states, came. “It felt like a wedding,” she says. “A couple of people came who had seen a notice in the paper. They didn’t know me but just wanted to come and show their support. Those people just blew me away.”

They hoped to raise $20,000. At last count (money is still coming in), Jessica’s “last hurrah” had raised more than $77,000 for the Cancer Center.

“She’s touched so many people and is leaving a legacy in so many ways,” says Otteman. “She’ll have an impact on what we’re able to do at the cancer center that will be felt for decades after she’s gone.”

“She makes me proud every day,” says her mom, Nancy Miller. “We’ve all been pulled along by her excitement for life. She’s taught us all a great deal.”

At PeaceJessica spoke at the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation’s Annual

Benefit, and at several points she told the crowd, “I’m dying, and it’s OK.” She has ended her treatments and now receives HOMEWARD Hospice care. She’s put herself in God’s hands and is focused on spending as much time as she can with Patrick and Carson. Her goal is to make it to the end of the year and get to see Carson start kindergarten.

Carson has only known his mom with cancer. He knows cancer is caused by bad cells in the body and that people can die from it. He knows his mom may die one day soon.

“I do scrapbooks, videos, a journal—everything so he’ll have a sense of who I am, what I was like,” Jessica says. “My biggest fear is that he wouldn’t remember me. I’m making sure he will have a memory.”

Anyone who knows Jessica knows creating memories isn’t going to be a problem.

“I’m a force,” she says. You’ll believe it after spending even just a few minutes with her.

“She’s really been the force that has helped her family and friends cope with all this,” says Otteman. “She’s an inspiration to other women, and she’s an inspiration to those of us who provide care to cancer patients.”

B Y S t e V e S u l l i V a n

Get in the Dragon BoatBreast cancer survivors and supporters create rowing team for July event.

Facing death, Jessica clem

embraces life and helps

everyone around her do the same.

This summer the William R. Bliss Cancer Center will sponsor its first pink dragon boat racing team by participating in the Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash on July 27 and 28 in Fort Dodge.

The Pink Dragon Boat Racing movement began in Canada in 1996 with a team under the guidance of a sports medicine physician who found that paddling not only provides a thorough cardio routine, but is also a great exercise for breast cancer patients. Additional studies have shown that paddling builds upper body strength, is beneficial to the recovery process and helps to prevent lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. Pink Dragon Boat Racing has since become a prominent sport among breast cancer survivors worldwide. The goal is to give hope and encouragement by sharing stories of physical, mental and spiritual strength and the benefits of dragon boating.

A total of 24 women representing breast cancer survivors, Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic staff are training on Ada Hayden in Ames and Badger Lake in Fort Dodge to compete at the summer festival.

For more information on the Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash, go to www.badgerlakedragonboating.com.

17

Jessica clem with her son, carson, and husband, Patrick, at their rural nevada home. (opposite) the clem family dancing at the big party.

HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 2 19

At the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation’s Annual Benefit Event, Jessica Clem spoke about her experiences at the William R.

Bliss Cancer Center, where she has been an oncology patient for nearly 12 years. The following is an excerpt from her speech. The entire speech is available at her public Facebook page, “We Love Jessica Miller Clem.”

“My journey to Bliss started in October of 2000. It was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and after watching hundreds of commercials, I decided that it was time I did a self-exam. That night I felt this teeny tiny pea shaped lump. My husband and I agreed that if it wasn’t gone in a week, then we would go to the doctor. The week passed so I made my appointment.

This is where I met Dr. Tyler Thoen—the first person to save my life. I was 28 years old, had no family history of breast cancer but had a palpable lump. He told me that we could do a couple of different tests, wait six months and see if it grows or I could be referred to a surgeon. We decided to go the testing route and I had a mammogram and ultrasound done, but neither of them showed the lump. Now here is why Dr. Thoen is one of my heroes: Instead of just sending me home he referred me to a surgeon who ends up taking out a malignant tumor.

Dr. Gregory Vandenberg is the next stop on my journey to Bliss. By this time, I have been told by many people that I am too young to have breast cancer. And quite frankly, it never really crossed my mind that I had it. I figured at most it was a cyst caused by drinking too much caffeine. And by the way, I drank a lot of caffeine!

I opted for the surgery route. Even after the surgery, I remember Dr. Vandenberg telling me that it didn’t look like cancer, but they would send it out to be sure. When my husband and I came to my follow up appointment, it was Dr. V who got to be the bearer of bad news. He had a horrible job to do and yet he did it with such incredible grace and a

welcoming bedside manner. Dr. V even referred me to Mayo to have a sentinel lymph node biopsy, which was new at the time and no one had done it enough down in Ames.

From 2001-2006, I was a regular at Bliss Cancer Center. I can honestly tell you that I have never meet a more wonderful group of people. The office staff, the doctors and nurses, the lab techs, even the people that take your money, are never in a bad mood, they always know your name—which can be hard with us cancer people since we are so hair “trendy.” They always make you feel welcome—and they are sincere about it. Bliss Cancer Center was like a family to me. Even though the reasons I was going there weren’t fun, I always had fun. I was treated with the best service and got to know some really fabulous people along the way.

Fast forward to 2009, and my husband and I were the proud parents of our 9 month old miracle baby Carson when our world was shattered once again. My cancer had metastasized to my lung lining. I remembered being told when I had cancer the first time that I would not die from it. I even remember hearing that I had only a 1% chance of it reoccurring since I didn’t fit the mold, had no family history. I will never forget the look on Dr. (Larry) Otteman’s face when he told me the news. That man is my favorite hero. He can tell you just about anything and has you leaving the office feeling much better about things than when you came in.

For the past 4 years I have been back to the Bliss Cancer Center for treatments. I am once again a family member of the Bliss Cancer Center. I always will be. It feels comfortable. I feel safe there. People know me there. I can be happy or cranky there. No one judges there. It’s really like a second home to me.

I have been to bigger institutes for second opinions and each time I come back, I am grateful for Bliss because it’s small enough where everyone knows my name—and I am not just a number. I don’t feel like I get lost through the cracks here.”

Jessica clem talks about being part of the William R. Bliss cancer center family.

‘Like aFamily

to Me’

18

At the Top of His Game

as he heads into retirement, well-known ames physician Jon Fleming sits down for an interview to talk about his passions:

patient care, volunteering and iowa State university.

News of Jon Fleming’s retirement no doubt gave some people a stomach ache, which is ironic, since that’s the sort of ailment that have led so

many people to seek help from the silver-haired gastroenterologist.But after nearly a quarter of a century in practice at McFarland Clinic

and Mary Greeley Medical Center, Fleming has more than earned it. And what better time? He’s leaving on a decidedly high note.

Fleming graduated with highest distinction from Iowa State University with an interesting pre-med major: meteorology. He attended the University of Iowa School of Medicine, completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Kansas, a fellowship at Mayo Clinic, and then came to Ames.

This spring, the Charles City native was awarded Mary Greeley Medical Center’s Innovation and Excellence in Medical Practice award, given each year to a doctor who makes a significant contribution to his practice and patients, is a leader, contributes to the community, and fosters the spread of knowledge. Comments in the nominations letters praised his energy, diligence and professionalism. One letter noted “his thoroughness in evaluating patients and their problems is unparalleled.”

Fleming recently saw G.I. Services at Mary Greeley Medical Center receive best-in-state ratings. He is also helping to lead an ambitious $6 million capital campaign to help fund the $129 million expansion project at the medical center.

The doctor recently sat down with us to explain why he’s hanging up his white coat and what he plans do to now. Hint: It still involves giving of his time, cheering for Iowa State, and, finally, getting a pet.

Q: First, do you want to take this opportunity to urge people to get a colonoscopy?A: Absolutely. Colonoscopy is essential in increasing the detection rate and removal of colon polyps, which are precursors to colon cancer. Numerous studies have substantiated that screening colonoscopy and removal of polyps have decreased the incidence of colon cancer.

Jessica clem speaks at the mary Greeley medical center Foundation annual Benefit

Dr. Jon Fleming is retiring from medicine, but not volunteering.

To make a gift to the Jessica Clem Fund in support of the William R. Bliss Cancer Center contact the Foundation office at 515-239-2147, 111 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 or visit www.mgmc.org/foundation/make-a-gift.

21HealtH cOnnect | S u m m e R 2 0 1 220

Q: As the director of McFarland Clinic’s Gastroenterology Department, you have helped hundreds of patients through their gastrointestinal challenges. Where did your interest in this field of medicine come from?A: I developed an interest in liver disease during my residency days at the University of Kansas. I was truly inspired by my all-time favorite teacher/mentor, Dr. Norton Greenberger, who is a world renowned liver and gastrointestinal specialist. I was his Chief Resident during my final year at the University of Kansas and to this day, even though he has relocated to Boston, communicate with him on a regular basis.

Q: Considering your years of service to gastrointestinal care, it must be gratifying to see Mary Greeley’s G.I. Services receive a best-in-state rating from HealthGrades?A: It’s terrific, and well deserved for many reasons. I started the program back in 1986. Over the years, we’ve been very fortunate to recruit and retain very high-quality physicians. So we have continuity of care, and the physicians are just the best. We also have a phenomenal staff at McFarland and Mary Greeley—very effective, very caring, very easy to relate. Our patients love them.

The close working relationship and geographic proximity of the clinic and hospital are ideal for providing an optimal and efficient working environment. This greatly assists in providing a high quality of care. I just think we have the ideal chemistry right now.

Q: It must be equally pleasing to watch progress on the medical center’s building project, which is being partially funded by the Extraordinary Visions campaign that you co-chair.A: An institution or organization must always move forward. Nothing stays the same, so if you stay the same, even though you think you’re staying the same, you’re actually moving backward because everything else is moving forward.

Mary Greeley is definitely moving forward, and the building project is evidence of that. This campaign is very important to continuing our high-quality care. And I feel this is a project that will position us very well for many years into the future.

Q: You are a busy volunteer. What compels you to give so much of your time and talents?A: I have been involved in many volunteer groups. I’m not sure I can even list them all. (Editor’s note: So let us list them! They include the

John Dasher: Dramatic Action When It Was Needed Most

“I want my colon removed now.”Those words, uttered 10 years ago by

John Dasher, stopped Dr. Jon Fleming in his tracks. Dasher was at Mary Greeley undergoing treatment for serious colon problems, and Fleming was making rounds, catching up with patients after returning from vacation. His actions after Dasher’s dramatic statement show why gastrointestinal care at Mary Greeley has been rated so highly by HealthGrades.

Fleming immediately halted his rounds, examined Dasher and sent him for an X-ray. By the time Dasher returned from X-ray, Fleming had made arrangements to get him

21

Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation, National Cyclone Club, chairing the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors, serving as an ISU Foundation Governor, serving on ISU’s Partnership for Prominence national campaign, the Parks Library Foundation committee, Hope 4 Africa, the Jewish Life Center, fundraising for WOI, fundraising for Ames’ youth sports complex, and the United Way. When his fraternity at ISU, Theta Chi, burned to the ground in 1996, it was Fleming who led efforts to get a new house rebuilt.)

But I’m very passionate about them. I’m very passionate about the direction of the University.

And working with Theta Chi Fraternity and assisting the undergraduate brothers is my number one priority. Nothing is more satisfying to me. If just one member each year becomes better prepared for life after graduation, it is well worth all my time and effort.

I feel volunteering is an obligation. It’s something everyone should do. I think there’s a real need.

Q: In 1995, you were named “Cy’s Favorite Alum” by the ISU athletic department. How does one achieve that status?A: Back when I was in the tenth grade, I visited my brother at Iowa State for a football game—Iowa State vs. Colorado State. It was 1969 at

the old Clyde Williams Field. I thought, “This is it. This is Utopia. At the age of 16, I have found my love.”

And in the 26 years I’ve lived in Ames, I have missed only one home football game and two men’s home basketball games.

The reason I missed the football game was that it was my brother’s surprise 50th birthday party in Boston. When my sister-in-law told me the date, I said, “You know, it would be much more of a surprise if rather than have it on his birthday, you’d have it a month later.”

And she asked me, “Is there an Iowa State game that day?”

Q: You’re retiring in June. Why retire now, at just age 59? And how are you going to spend it?A: I love what I’m doing, but sometimes you just know it’s time. And for me, it’s time. I’ve been here 26 years. Professionally, this was the best move I made when I came to McFarland Clinic and had the opportunity to work with Mary Greeley Medical Center. I feel we deliver an extraordinarily high quality of care. Mainly, I’ll spend retirement volunteering. I’m going to stay very, very involved. And I think I’ll get a dog. I just didn’t have the time or the lifestyle to have a dog before. So I’m getting a Westie. I’m looking forward to being able to do that.

into surgery to have his colon removed. “He told me that the surgeon there said I had four hours to live,” says Dasher.

Dasher credits Fleming with his saving his life. “He could have gone on his rounds, and I would have died. But he didn’t,” says Dasher. “Once you say something like I said to him, he goes on point.”

Dasher and his wife, Linda, have long been involved with Mary Greeley Medical Center. Linda was the volunteer gift buyer for the hospital gift shop for 38 years and is a former chair of the Mary Greeley board of trustees. The Dashers are also on board of governors for the ISU Foundation.

But being a patient and seeing the inner workings of the hospital and a doctor first hand is different—especially in a life-and-death situation like Dasher experienced. “If you have to be in the hospital, Mary Greeley is a great place to be,” says Dasher. “It is a happy hospital, and the people who work there feel good about working there and it shows. Patients feel it and sense it.”

Since his life-saving operation a decade ago, Dasher has found out that his experience with

Fleming wasn’t all that unusual. “I’ve found out from many people that’s the kind of doctor he is. He’s just determined,” says Dasher. He’s an extraordinary doctor.”

McKinlee Gibson: Diagnosis and Help after Years of Pain

Fresh out of graduate school and with a full-time job, the world should have been McKinlee Gibson’s proverbial oyster. But instead, the Waukee resident found the set of symptoms that had troubled her off and on since her teenage years getting worse and worse. “When I was about 15 years old, I had some kind of extremely painful attack and never found out what it was, but it passed after a month,” says Gibson.

In her quest to figure out why she wasn’t feeling well, McKinlee went from one doctor to another, but no one was able to diagnose her condition. Desperate, in February 2009 she called McFarland Clinic, where she had gone when she grew up in Ames and attended Iowa State University. Two days later, Gibson had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease by a team that included Dr. Ali Husain.

She also has received treatment at Mary Greeley Medical Center.

Since then, Gibson, now 27, has received progressive care and medication. “They’ve made it as seamless and easy as possible, and Dr. Husain has always been available to me,” Gibson says. “They really try to stay up on my condition and make sure symptoms don’t worsen.”

As she manages her condition, Gibson continues to rely on the support and resources of McFarland and Mary Greeley. “As a young professional I don’t have the luxury to miss work,” she says. “The doctors are working together and with me to stay on top of my symptoms so I can carry on with my life.”

More on HealthGradesHealthGrades is the only health care ratings

organization that bases ratings on clinical outcomes alone. All the HealthGrades ratings are available to the public at www.healthgrades.com.

IOWA’S BESTMary Greeley’s GI and General Surgery Services Receive Top Ratings from Leading Health Care Organization

It’s great when a major organization says you’re the best, but it’s even better when patients tell you. HealthGrades, a leading independent provider of comprehensive information about physicians

and hospitals, gave Mary Greeley “best in the state” ratings in general surgery and gastrointestinal (GI) care. These two services were also rated as among the 100 best in the country.

HealthGrades rates more than 5,000 non-federal acute care hospitals nationwide and uses millions of volumes of data from a variety of public and private sources, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, state records of payer data, state medical board records and publicly available directories. By using a variety of sources, HealthGrades ratings take into account all aspects of a patient’s experience while in the hospital.

Along with the staff of Mary Greeley Medical Center, four fellowship-trained, board-certified gastroenterologists from McFarland Clinic provide GI care. A new gastroenterologist who specializes in endoscopic ultrasound will join the staff in the fall.

“Absolutely everything we do is focused on excellent patient care. These high marks from HealthGrades are recognition of these efforts,” said Brian Dieter, president and CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center. “But, ultimately, ratings are just one measure of our quality. What is most important to us, is what our patients think. We listen to what they have to tell us and constantly work to improve everything we do.”

We’ll hear from general surgery patients in our fall issue. Meanwhile, here are two stories from patients who’ve received gastrointestinal care from Mary Greeley.

John Dasher talks with Dr. Fleming.

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Innovation and Excellence: Nursing Award

Sara Macy, RNDischarge Planner, Birthways

“My grandfather and my aunt were both doctors, but it was my mom’s influence that made me decide to become a nurse. She’s a nurturer—she cares about anybody and anyone.

I started in obstetrics at a little hospital in Iowa Falls. Right away, I just loved it. When my husband and I moved to Ames and I joined Mary Greeley, I felt like I was advancing in knowledge and with technology. The staff on Birthways is intelligent and fun. What we’re doing is research-based. The leaders support your ideas.

I really want to have a positive day every day. I like to make every minute count and have fun at what I do. I like to motivate, and see moms and babies attach and then take off on their own. It’s very rewarding to see the nurturing process be successful.

And I feel like I make a difference. Health benefits of breastfeeding include decreased childhood obesity, reduced risk for chronic diseases, resistance to infections, and many more. Our breastfeeding initiation rates at Mary Greeley continue to improve. By helping babies and moms be healthier, I’m able to make a long-term impact.”

Innovation and Excellence: Service Delivery Award

Kay Pfaltzgraff, CNAPatient Care Technician, Oncology

“I first came to Mary Greeley as a patient. Seven years ago I was diagnosed with colon cancer.

My daughter was going through nursing school at the time. I told her how much I appreciated and loved the care they gave here at Mary Greeley, and how I wished it was something I could be a part of. My daughter told me to get trained as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It took a while for me to recover first, but I did become a CNA. I started working in the nursing home where my daughter worked, and discovered that I loved caring for people.

I started working at Mary Greeley when I moved to Ames four years ago. I absolutely love it here. I have the utmost respect for the doctors, nurses and hospital staff from being a patient.

I feel like we all work together, like a well-oiled machine. We each have our parts; we all have value; and we all have to work together every day to achieve the results we want. We work hand-in-hand. We’re all important.

My passion is to give the same outstanding care I received while I was in the hospital. I hope every day I can give people great service and make them feel important—make everybody feel like they’re special.”

exceptional patient care is what truly matters to mary Greeley medical center innovation and excellence award winners.

At Our BestMary Greeley Medical Center annually recognizes employees who have made outstanding contributions to

the quality of our patient care. Awards are presented in three categories: Nursing Practice, Service Delivery and Leadership. This year’s honorees include a director who oversees four major departments, a technician and cancer survivor who provides support for oncology patients, and a nurse who is a leader in the promotion and practice of breastfeeding. (A Medical Service award is presented to a physician. Please see page 19 for that story.)

Innovation and Excellence: Leadership Award

Jane Jackson, RN, BSNDirector, Ambulatory Care Services (Includes Ambulatory Care Services, Gastrointestinal Services, Wound Healing Clinic, Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center, Inpatient Wound/Ostomy/Continence Care, First Nurse and the Primary Stroke Center)

“It’s always humbling to know what effect a nurse has on a patient’s life. When you tell people you’re a nurse, no matter where you are or in what context, they always respond with a look of trust and a smile, and that’s rewarding.

In my role at Mary Greeley, I feel very strongly about the importance of being visible, being approachable and helping whenever I can. The care my team provides affects hundreds of lives each day. My team is so important to me, and I want them to know it. At the end of the day, I want them to go home with a smile on their face, knowing they have had a positive influence on our patients’ lives.

I love the excitement and the constant change that working in this field provides. Mary Greeley, more than any other facility I have worked for, keeps up-to-date on all new equipment and procedures. Virtually everything ‘new and improved’ that can be done to make a patient’s life better is available at Mary Greeley.

Mary Greeley also has such a huge presence in the community we serve—in public health, emergency preparedness, mental health, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics—I could go on and on. We aren’t just a hospital providing care to the patients who enter our doors—we truly care about our community, and I am so proud of what we do both inside and outside of the hospital.”

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Rooms Filled with Care

Everyone who met Alice Burke liked her.“She had a welcoming and nurturing approach toward people,”

says her daughter Kathy. “She was strong, supportive, had a wonderful sense of humor, and cherished her family. She was Dad’s life partner both at home and in the family business. She confronted her diagnosis with spirit and conviction.”

Alice’s diagnosis was cancer. She battled the disease at Mary Greeley Medical Center. The large Burke family frequently gathered in Alice’s room during her extended stay on the Oncology Unit, and on more than one occasion, Alice wished aloud that the rooms could be larger.

“When Mom died, Dad proposed the construction of a family suite, expanding the regular room size to double and adding amenities that would allow family members to stay in the room with the patient,” Kathy says. “Dad hoped that by expanding the room, the environment could become more home-like.”

In 1993, Bill Burke, Sr. made his wife’s wish a reality by making a gift in her memory to the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation to support the construction of the Burke Family Suite. Since then, countless families have experienced the benefits of the Burke family’s vision.

Today, plans for a new Oncology Unit are included in the hospital’s Extraordinary Visions building project. The new unit will incorporate three family suites, thanks to the Burke family’s generous gift in support of the construction.

Space for FamiliesCancer care involves families as well as patients. “Especially in

oncology, we have a lot of families who stay overnight with our patients, including loved ones and kids,” says Sue Scoles, R.N., B.S.N., director of Oncology Services at Mary Greeley. “All of our new rooms will be larger and provide more space to accommodate families, but our three Burke Family Suites will be special.”

The family suites will be approximately twice the size of a regular room and will include a kitchenette, an additional bathroom, a separate living space for families and other amenities. The suites will be used when a patient is facing extended hospitalization or could otherwise benefit from the larger family environment.

“The current Burke Family Suite is almost always full,” says Scoles. “Multi-generational family celebrations are a common occurrence. We are indebted to the Burke family for their foresight into the needs of families and patients and are grateful for their support of the new family suites.”

In addition, the Burke Family Suites will feature a positive airflow environment, providing more positive air exchanges per hour—a vital protection for acute patients with compromised immune systems.

“The positive air rooms will maintain the flow of air out of the room, protecting patients from contaminants and pathogens. This will be especially beneficial for patients getting ready for bone marrow or stem cell transplants because it reduces the risk of infection,” says Scoles.

A Healing EnvironmentThe length of stay for oncology patients averages 5.9 days in the

hospital—compared to 4.2 days for all patients—and the need to create a better healing environment is essential.

“Research shows a positive healing environment reduces stress and anxiety and promotes recovery,” says Scoles “making the direct access from the Oncology Unit to the rooftop garden ideal for our patients and their families.”

The new rooftop garden will be accessible to all patients, visitors and staff from the fifth floor of the new patient tower. The garden will not only provide accessibility to the calming and rejuvenating effects of being in nature, but also provide respite for quiet reflection and a place to gather with loved ones.

All About Oncology CareThe fifth floor of the new patient tower will be dedicated solely to

oncology. In addition to providing inpatient care, the unit will also feature a four-chair outpatient suite for patients who need to come to the hospital for blood or blood-product infusions.

“Because the care we provide requires particular expertise—chemotherapy administration and delivery of care to patients with side effects of chemotherapy including low immune system function—having a dedicated unit means our nursing and support staff can specialize to best serve the needs of patients with cancer,” says Joseph Merchant, M.D., with McFarland Clinic’s oncology and hematology department. “Enhanced staff skill means better—and safer—care for our patients. It means better outcomes, especially in the cases where we are taking care of complex diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. It also means we attract and build a staff with the compassion to care for cancer patients, an area of medicine that is full of emotional challenges for families and other caregivers.”

The location on the fifth floor also provides flexibility with space, allowing the medical center to change as cancer care changes and stay current with advances in care.

“Mary Greeley has made a big investment in the long-term excellence of their cancer program,” says Merchant. “Many patients and families will benefit immensely from the thoughtful way this unit has been designed.”

The William R. Bliss Cancer Center provides patients with a full range of services, from the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer,

a new dedicated oncology unit will provide for the safety and comfort of both patients and families well into the future.

to follow-up and survivorship care, at a single location. The Center’s integrated and comprehensive care is provided by a team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons and the Cancer Resource Center. The Cancer Resource Center services include a patient navigation program, cancer genetic counseling, survivorship programs, cancer support groups, clinical trials, a library of resources and a boutique offering swimwear, breast prostheses and a complimentary wig and head covering

program. The Cancer Resource Center will remain on the second floor of the medical center’s north addition.

For more information about the Extraordinary Visions building project or to take a virtual tour, visit www.mgmc.org/foundation.

B Y m e G a n B l a i R R e i D

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INSIDE THESE WALLSActs of appreciation help the

Extraordinary Visions campaign grow. From the top of the Mary Greeley

Medical Center parking ramp you can get a wonderful view of the progress being made on the first phase of the Extraordinary Visions building project.

Enormous cranes are in operation, construction crews are busy working and the foundation walls for the new six-story tower are taking shape. While it’s exciting to see the building activity, it’s important to remember that Extraordinary Visions isn’t about just bricks and mortar. It’s about what happens inside the building.

In my role as director of the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation, I have the opportunity to hear first-hand from patients and families who are grateful for the care and compassion they received during their

time here. So grateful, in fact, that they have chosen to make gifts to honor our exceptional physicians, nurses and other caregivers.

Mom received incredible care, and we wanted to say thank you.

People told me I should go to a bigger hospital for treatment, but I quickly discovered I was already in the best place for my care.

The staff was like a family—with us every step of the way.

These testimonials serve as a great reminder that this building project is ultimately about the comfort of our patients and the care we provide. And it’s because of people like you that our Extraordinary Visions will become a reality.

I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months. In the meantime, I hope you will visit our website to learn more.0 1 2 3 4 5 6

$ in millions

$5.1 million raised to

date

$6 million

goal

Extraordinary Visions Campaign Progress

Visit www.mgmc.org/foundation to view our video, take a virtual tour, see the current progress on our building

or make a gift to the campaign.

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B Y m e l i S S a J O H a n S e n D i R e c t O R , e x t e R n a l R e l a t i O n S

an architectural rendering of the dedicated oncology floors shows patient rooms (light green), family suites (dark green), the outpatient treatment suite (purple), staff areas (yellow), elevators (red), and lobby, reception and waiting areas (blue).

Visit www.mgmc.org/foundation to • View our video • Take a virtual tour• Make a gift • View the building progress

26

Schedule of EventsJuly — September 2012

Prime Time AlivePrime time alive programs are designed to help you achieve a vital balance of the physical, financial, emotional and spiritual components in your life. Don’t miss all the fun and learning! You can become a member and register for events online at www.mgmc.org or by calling 515-239-2423 or 800-303-9574. Preregistration is required.

Food or Supplements: Which to Choose?Tuesday, July 10, 2 p.m. Quality Inn & Suites Starlite Conference Center, 2601 E. 13th St., AmesPresented by Laura Elliott, MPH, RD, CSO, LD, clinical dietitian, Mary Greeley Medical Center Dietetic Services

Learn how you can evaluate your diet and decide whether you need supplements or not. Find out how to get the nutrients you need from foods or supplements so you can eat your way to maximum health. Sponsored by Prime Time Alive and the Cancer Resource Center.

Understanding Incontinence and Treatment OptionsTuesday, July 17, 2 p.m. Quality Inn & Suites Starlite Conference Center, 2601 E. 13th St., AmesPresented by Damon Dyche, MD, Urology, McFarland Clinic

Urinary incontinence is a part of many people’s daily life. Both men and women can have urinary control problems, though incontinence is most prevalent in women. Understanding your symptoms can help determine the type of incontinence you have and the appropriate treatment. Treatment options vary, one of the newest options available is InterStim® therapy. Join Dr. Dyche for a discussion about incontinence and the treatment options available.

Robotic Advances in SurgeryThursday, August 9, 2 p.m. Quality Inn & Suites Starlite Conference Center, 2601 E. 13th St., AmesPresented by James Partridge, MD, General Surgery, McFarland Clinic

Minimally invasive surgery techniques, like laparoscopy, have helped change the surgical field for medical staff and patients. Robotic surgery using the da Vinci surgical system has further advanced the way many general surgery procedures are performed at Mary Greeley Medical Center and provide even greater benefits to patients. Join Dr. Partridge for a discussion on robotic surgical techniques.

Cooking Demonstration: Berry Delicious DinnerThursday, August 30, 2 p.m. Mary Greeley Medical Center South AuditoriumPresented by Mike Leach, Certified Executive Chef, Mary Greeley Medical Center

Find out how to use berries to enhance every dish of a delicious dinner. This demonstration will include an entrée, salad and dessert. It will be berry delicious!

Proton Therapy: How and Why it is UsedTuesday, September 4, 2 p.m. Quality Inn & Suites Starlite Conference Center, 2601 E. 13th St., AmesPresented by Shane Hopkins, MD, McFarland Clinic Radiation Oncology

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses high beam energy to treat tumors. Because doctors are better able to control where the proton therapy releases its highest concentration of energy, less damage may be done to surrounding healthy tissue, resulting in fewer side effects. Join McFarland Clinic’s Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Shane Hopkins, for a discussion on proton therapy.

Day Trip: Fairfield, IowaThursday, September 27Join us on an adventure to Fairfield, Iowa, where we will visit the Maharishi University, Maharishi Vedic City, The Raj, Creative Edge (water-jet fabrication flooring), Bovard Studios (stained glass), and the Harper Brush factory. Call the Prime Time Alive office at 515-239-2423 or 800-303-9574 for space availability.

No Mallwalkers program is scheduled for July. Have a happy Independence Day!

Music and Vitality: Does Playing Music Promote Good Health?Tuesday, Aug. 7, 8 a.m. North Grand Mall

Presented by Katy Parker & Dirk Thieben, Class Leaders, Critchett’s Lowrey Music Center

Katy and Dirk will present an exciting musical program addressing the roles that music plays in our lives and why playing music has become a source of vitality and wellness for adults over 50.

The Low-Down on Blood Pressure MedicationsTuesday, Sept. 4, 8 a.m. North Grand Mall

Presented by Cheri Schmitt, Pharmacist, Medicap Pharmacy

This presentation will discuss the basics of hypertension and the different classes of medications used to treat hypertension.

Prime Time Alive

Mallwalkers

27

Auxiliary and Volunteer Services

Shop with a Purpose! all proceeds from the Gift Shop support auxiliary programs

and services of mary Greeley medical center. For more

information call 515-239-2190.

Dutch Mill BulbsAugustAttention, gardeners! During the month of August, the Gift Shop will accept orders for Dutch Mill Bulbs. Since 1960, Dutch Mill has imported bulbs from Holland. Plant these bulbs in the Fall, and they are guaranteed to bloom in the Spring. Select from a variety of tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, crocus, narcissus and more. Each package will sell for $6. Bulbs will ship to the Gift Shop in September, and customers will be notified upon their arrival.

Masquerade $5 Jewelry SaleWednesday, Sept. 5 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. South AuditoriumThis sale will feature a variety of bracelets, necklace and earring sets, watches, scarves, ISU and U of I collegiate jewelry, and other accessories, priced at only $5 each. Shop early for the best selection.

Art ScheduleJulyNancy Thompson Pastels and prints North Addition HallwaySteve and Miky CunninghamPottery Main HallwayDave ParkerPhotography North Addition HallwaySteve and Miky CunninghamPottery Display Case

AugustNancy Thompson Pastels and prints North Addition HallwayDave PopelkaPencils and acrylics Main HallwayHarriet Clements and Marcus KainzMixed media North Addition HallwaySassy Sally’s SilksSilks Display Case

SeptemberDena TollefsonOils Administrative HallwayDave PopelkaPencils and acrylics Main HallwayHarriet Clements and Marcus KainzMixed media North Addition HallwaySassy Sally’s SilksSilks Display Case

Cancer Resource Centermary Greeley medical center regularly schedules programs to provide cancer education and support. For more information and to register for

events, call 515-956-6440 or 866-972-5477. Preregistration is required.

Partners in Progress: Clinical TrialsTuesday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m. North Addition A & BPresented by Joseph Merchant, MD, Oncology & Hematology, McFarland Clinic

Clinical trials are a step in medical research conducted to allow safety and efficacy data to be collected for health interventions. Clinical trials often involve patients with specific health conditions who then benefit from receiving otherwise unavailable treatments. Join Dr. Merchant in a discussion on the role and purpose of Clinical Trials. Co-sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Couples’ RetreatOct. 5, 6, 7 The couples’ weekend retreat is designated for women living with metastatic breast cancer and their spouse or partner. Couples facing metastatic breast cancer must learn to live with stressors that can affect their relationship. The weekend event is an opportunity for couples to retreat from the routines of treatment and daily life to experience a weekend of renewal. This retreat is complimentary thanks to support from the Foundation. Space is limited. Contact the Cancer Resource Center at 515-956-6440 for more information.

Lilly Oncology on Canvas ExhibitOct. 9-12, 15-19 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Mary Greeley Medical Center will host a selection of artwork through Lilly Oncology On Canvas. The Exhibit is presented by Lilly Oncology and the National Coalition Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). The exhibition honors the journey patients, their family members and friends face when confronted with a cancer diagnosis.

Peripheral Neuropathy Cause and TreatmentNov. 6, 2 p.m. Quality Inn and SuitesPresented by Juan Acosta, MD, Neurology, McFarland Clinic Joint Prime Time Alive and Cancer Resource Center program

Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Patients with peripheral neuropathy may have tingling, numbness, unusual sensations, cramps, weakness or burning (neuropathic) pain. While diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, cancer therapy drugs such as vincristine (Oncovin and Vincasar) and other medications can also be a cause. Join Dr. Juan Acosta as he addresses the causes of and treatment for peripheral neuropathy.

When You Forget to RememberTuesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. North Addition A & BPresented by Larry Otteman, MD, Oncology & Hematology, McFarland Clinic

Dr. Otteman will explore how cancer treatment affects brain function and can lead to changes in memory and concentration for cancer survivors. He will also discuss strategies to manage these changes.

Clinics

Childhood Immunization ClinicsHOMEWARD offers childhood immunization clinics for Story County residents on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m at the HOMEWARD office located at 1114 Duff Ave. Upcoming dates include:July 10, July 24, Aug. 14, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Sept. 25Parents of children receiving immunizations are asked to bring previous immunization records with them. Even if a child has never received an immunization, he or she may start a program at any time. Call 515-539-6730 for more information.

Adult Immunization ClinicsHOMEWARD offers adult immunization clinics for Story County residents every week at the HOMEWARD office located at 1114 Duff Ave. The clinics are held Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HOMEWARD: Blood Pressures with Prime Time AliveA social time with free blood pressure checks by HOMEWARD is held 30 minutes before each Mallwalkers program, from 7 to 8 a.m., on the first Tuesday of every month at North Grand Mall.

Senior Health ClinicsHOMEWARD Senior Health Clinics offer foot care, blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing and health education for Story County older adults. Call 515-239-6730 for more information. HOMEWARD will offer clinics at the following locations, dates and times:

AmesGreen Hills Health Care CenterWednesday, Aug. 1, Sept. 51:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Heartland Senior ServicesThursdaysJuly 5, 12, 19, 26 Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30Sept. 5, 13, 20, 279:30 a.m. – noon Keystone ApartmentsThursday, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 271 – 2:30 p.m.

Regency V ApartmentsWednesday, July 25, Aug. 22., Sept. 269:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Stonehaven ApartmentsWednesday, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12 10 – 11:30 a.m.

The Waterford at AmesWednesday, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 191 – 3:30 p.m.

CollinsCity HallSenior Meeting RoomWednesday, Aug. 1, Sept. 59 – 10 a.m. ColoCommunity CenterTuesday, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 1810:30 – 11:45 a.m.

HuxleyWalnut Grove Community RoomThursday, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 61 – 2:30 p.m.

MaxwellCommunity CenterWednesday, Aug. 1, Sept. 510:30 – 11:30 a.m.

NevadaSenior CenterWednesday, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 1212:30 – 2 p.m.

The Meadows ApartmentsTuesday, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 181 – 3 p.m.

Story CityStory City Community Health CenterWednesday, July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 261 – 4 p.m.

Cedar PlaceThursday, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 131 – 4 p.m.

Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Disease Support GroupJuly 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4This group meets the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. in North Addition Room D. Call 515-239-6730 or 800-529-4610.

Bereavement Support GroupsMen’s CoffeeThis group meets the third Monday of the month from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Circle of HopeThis group of women meets the first Monday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Six-Week GroupThis group meets at the Israel Family Hospice House two to three times a year.For more information on grief support groups, contact HOMEWARD Hospice at 515-956-6038 or 877-469-0079.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Support GroupThis group meets twice in the fall and twice in the spring. Call 515-239-6780 for meeting times and additional information.

Diabetes Support GroupThis group meets the first Tuesday of every month from October through June at 7 p.m. Call 515-956-2880 for more information.

Diabetes Support Group for YouthThis group meets quarterly. Call 515-956-2880 for more information.

Parkinson Support GroupCall 515-239-2608 and ask for Susan Trevillyan for more information.

Stroke Support GroupThe Stroke Support Group is free and open to the public. Call 515-239-2323 for more information.

Family Birthing ClassesRegister online at mgmc.org or call 515-239-2444 or 800-951-9222 for specific information and to register. Preregistration is required.

Big Brother, Big Sister ClassClasses are offered for ages 2 to 4, mixed ages, and ages 4 and up.Ages 2 to 4: July 9, Aug. 2, Sept. 10Mixed ages: July 19, Aug. 23, Sept. 20.Ages 4 and up: July 26, Aug. 30, Sept. 245:30 to 6:30 p.m.Main Lobby

Childbirth ClassesBirthways offers a one-day and Tuesday series childbirth class to help women in their seventh to eighth month of pregnancy and their support persons prepare for childbirth. $30 donation per class.

One-Day Childbirth ClassSaturday, July 7, July 14, Aug. 4, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Sept. 158:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.South Auditorium

Tuesday Series Childbirth ClassTuesdays, July 10, 17, 24; Aug. 7, 14, 21; Sept. 4, 11, 187 to 9 p.m.South Auditorium

Birthways TourBirthways offers tours of the hospital and unit for expectant women and their support persons.Wednesday, July 25, Aug. 29, Sept. 267 to 8 p.m.South Auditorium

Breastfeeding ClassesMonday, July 2, Aug. 6, Aug. 16, Sept. 6, Sept. 106:30 to 8:30 p.m.South Auditorium$10 donation

HOMEWARD Expectant Parent ClassWednesdaysAug. 15, 22, 29Sept. 12, 19, 267 to 9 p.m.North Addition A & B$5 donation

Fitness ClassesCall for specific dates and times. Call 515-956-2731 for Ames classes or 515-733-4029 for Story City Classes. Preregistration is required.

Ames ClassesMoms in Motion: Designed for prenatal women, this class includes gentle stretching, strengthening and mild cardiovascular exercises. Following guidelines from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, Moms in Motion prepares women for the physiological changes associated with pregnancy, and develops stamina and strength for labor and delivery. Class participants enjoy a unique bond exercising with other moms-to-be.

Story City ClassesCore Box: Punch and kick your way to a stronger core and a leaner, meaner body. Core Box mixes kickboxing combinations and high intensity drills along with high energy music for the ultimate in kickboxing fun! Yoga: Combine traditional yoga postures with modern fitness moves for an excellent mind/body experience—perfect for those seeking strength, flexibility, stress reduction and total relaxation. Bring your own yoga mat. Power Hour: Pump it up and join us for this total body strength training workout using free weights, bars, tubing and more. This workout is appropriate for all fitness levels.

SilverSneakers: Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activity for daily living skills. Weights, elastic tubing with handles and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated or standing support.

H.E.A.T.: If you want to take your fitness and fat loss to the next level—without spending more time in the gym—then H.E.A.T. could be exactly what you’re looking for! Push yourself to your limit with athletic-style cardiovascular exercises—both choreographed and drill-based. Get your metabolism fired up before most people are out of bed! Zumba: Ditch the workout and join the party! Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program. Enjoy an exhilarating hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate! Body Blast: Get your heart and muscles pumping when you mix strength and endurance training with cardiovascular drills. Body Blast will give you a full-body workout with a high-powered calorie burn. All fitness levels are welcome—the intensity can be raised or lowered individually. Pilates: With an emphasis on breathing, core conditioning and body awareness, Pilates creates stronger, longer, leaner muscles, flatter abdominals, core stability and body balance. It will leave you looking toned and moving with ease! Pilates/Sculpt:Combine the benefits of Pilates with the latest strength moves to create a leaner, stronger you. Build muscle and burn calories in this “best of both worlds” style class.

TRX Small Group Training:The latest in total body conditioning, TRX builds strength from the core using suspension, angles and body weight. Sculpt a strong, lean and powerful you.

Boot Camp Challenge:Our boot camps provide you with the latest tools and strategies to take your fitness to the next level. Join us for fun and games as you rev up your

metabolism and greet the day energized, ready to burn calories all day long.

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1111 Duff Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010

Thursday, September 13

5 to 8:30 p.m.

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Bessie Myers Auditorium

Featuring two-time cancer survivor Conor Cunneen,

who will share his experiences as a prostate cancer

patient. Born in Ireland but now a resident of Chicago,

Cunneen promises his talk will leave you “with a spring in

your step, a beat in your heart and a smile on your face and

those of your loved ones.”

Also, Dr. Damon Dyche, a urologist, and Dr. Shane Hopkins,

a radiation oncologist, will discuss the latest in prostate

cancer treatment, including radiation therapies and the use

of robotic surgery techniques.

Cost: $12 (includes meal)

2012 Symposium:Prostate Cancer

Preregistration is required, limited to first 150 paid registrations received.

Call 515-239-2038 for more information (No phone registrations please) or visit www.mgmc.org to register and pay online.

Conor Cunneen

HC_ Sum_12_Back ad.indd 1 6/19/2012 12:55:49 PM