Meet our mental health specialist 3 Housecall Winter 2026 Help for dry skin this winter 10 Bringing health care news to your home • columbushosp.org
2 Bringing health care news to your home HOUSECALL is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Columbus Community Hospital, 4600 38th St., P.O. Box 1800, Columbus, NE 68602-1800, 402-564-7118, columbushosp.org. Information in HOUSECALL comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. To recommend this subscription to a friend or family member, or request to be removed from this mailing, email aeblaser@ columbushosp.org. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Connect with us: columbushosp.org Contents Specialized PAD treatment A new collaboration brings limb-saving care to patients right here at home — no need to travel 6 Is your skin acting up in the colder weather? 10 The winter air might be the culprit; here’s how to soothe your skin Advanced wound healing close to home 14 See how our team of specialists can help you CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-855837-8682; TTY: 1-800-833-7352. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-855-837-8682; TTY: 1-800-833-7352. Columbus Community Hospital complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. The hospital does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Columbus Community Hospital: ● Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities so they can communicate effectively with us, including: ● Qualified sign language interpreters. ● Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats). ● Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as: ● Qualified interpreters. ● Information written in other languages. If you need language assistance services, call 1-855-837-8682. Crucial investments in cybersecurity Cybersecurity is incredibly important for protecting patient data and helping caregivers provide services without outside interference. Strong protection “We invest in the best equipment, software, processes and people to ensure that our organization doesn’t fall victim to a cyber threat,” said Chad Van Cleave, Columbus Community Hospital’s chief financial officer. “CCH follows cybersecurity best practices, which includes using several different strategies to protect the hospital’s network and data,” said Trenton Earley, an information systems analyst at the hospital. “It’s not just one shield protecting the hospital — it is really a layered defense system,” added Mike Jeffryes, the assistant information systems director. Support for cybersecurity Over the years, Van Cleave said, many people have helped develop and maintain CCH’s state-of-the-art cybersecurity system — from former employee Cheryl Tira (CCH’s first information services director) to CCH’s current information technology (IT) professionals and board members. “Our board of directors and senior leaders are very engaged in and supportive of what our IT team does to continuously eliminate threats,” Van Cleave said.
columbushosp.org 3 As most doctors will tell you, mental health is as important as physical health. At Columbus Community Hospital, we are fortunate to have expert mental health care. Our new full-time psychiatrist and outpatient psychiatric medical director, Susan Howard, MD, loves helping patients on their journey toward better mental health. “I really enjoy what I do,” Howard said. “I try to create a safe space to let you be yourself and tell me what you want me to know about you.” A traveling psychiatrist comes home Howard was born in South Dakota, but she and her family moved to Hastings, Nebraska, when she was a child. In college, she majored in chemical engineering. By the time she applied to medical school, she was interested in brain research. But while research was intellectually fulfilling, Howard ultimately realized she wanted to interact more with patients. Around that same time, a friend told her she would be an “exceptionally exceptional” psychiatrist. This specialty was the perfect fit. After medical school and residency, Howard practiced psychiatry primarily in central Nebraska, commuting to various towns so she could fill gaps in care. “There was a shortage of psychiatrists at hospitals,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve been very busy filling in at most of the hospitals throughout Nebraska, including Columbus, as well as in the prison system. Being back at Columbus feels like coming home. I’m super excited to be here.” It’s important for patients to be able to access care locally, Howard said. They’re more likely to trust a provider who knows the community. “If your background matches that of a lot of your patients, you can be more helpful to them,” she explained. “It may be an understanding of local resources, state laws or cultural aspects, but it’s also communication. A patient talks to you about their deepest, darkest things. They need to be able to trust you.” Expert mental health care in Columbus Meet Susan Howard, MD scan Schedule a visit Outpatient behavioral health services are available at Columbus Psychiatry Clinic for patients ages 2 and older without a referral. Visit columbuspsychiatry.org or call 402-562-4765 for an appointment. Patient-centered care No matter the person or diagnosis, Howard puts the patient at the center of their treatment process. “They should be able to choose their treatment,” she said. “I believe in helping a person understand what I’m seeing, what the treatment options are and what the benefits of those choices are. But the choice is theirs.” Howard also has experience in addiction medicine. “My background in chemistry and pathology has helped, because I constantly need to think about what people have been through physically,” she said. “The critical thing is knowing what you are treating. It’s a bit of a moving target, and a symptom is not a diagnosis.” Some common conditions Howard treats are attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), depression, anxiety, dementia, bipolar disorder and conditions related to alcohol and drug use. At Columbus Psychiatry Clinic, Howard and her team provide outpatient evaluations; therapy and testing for adults, teens and children; and medication management.
4 Bringing health care news to your home No one has found a cure yet for Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder that affects memory and thinking and becomes worse over time. But there are medications that may slow the disease’s progression for people in the early stages. Those medications include monoclonal antibody treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Previously, people who were eligible for these treatments had to leave our community for care. Now that’s not necessary, thanks to a collaboration with University of Nebraska Medical Center–Nebraska Medicine. In fall 2025, Columbus Community Hospital began offering these medications locally. How the treatments work The drugs — lecanemab and donanemab — are given as a series of intravenous (IV) infusions over the course of 18 months. They target abnormal protein deposits in the brain that are thought to play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s. Donanemab is administered once a month; lecanemab is given twice a month. Each IV infusion takes about one hour. Patients also undergo periodic brain scans to monitor for plaque regression and side effects, which may include brain swelling or bleeding. “These are fairly new infusion drugs that reduce the amount of amyloid plaque that’s found in the brains of folks with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Mark Howerter, MD, CCH’s chief medical officer. “What the studies have shown is that in early Alzheimer’s, it seems to slow progression.” While the treatments do not reverse the disease and the cognitive problems it has already caused, they delay its advance, preserving memory, thinking skills and independence longer for patients with Alzheimer’s. “They get to enjoy and remember their relatives and friends and stay functional, stay vital,” Howerter said. “I think those things are huge.” Who might be eligible? In general, potential candidates are those who have early Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment and evidence of amyloid plaques in their brains. CCH’s partnership with UNMC– Nebraska Medicine is another way of ensuring that patients can receive treatment locally. Some people have been traveling to Omaha to receive these infusions. Now, those who are eligible for treatment can consult a UNMC doctor, receive a prescription and undergo infusion locally after receiving their first three infusions in Omaha. Howerter is working with neurologist Daniel Murman, MD, MS, of UNMC, to coordinate the local care. Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million Americans, most of them over 65 — a demographic that makes up a significant portion of the Columbus Infusion therapy may slow disease progression Alzheimer’s care close to home While the treatments do not reverse the disease and the cognitive problems it has already caused, they delay its advance, preserving memory, thinking skills and independence longer for patients with Alzheimer’s.
columbushosp.org 5 Get checked We all have occasional memory lapses. But Alzheimer’s disease changes are more disruptive and may include: Repeating questions. Having trouble completing familiar tasks. Being confused about time, people and places. community. Treatment can make a meaningful difference for those with early Alzheimer’s, which is why it’s crucial to discuss any memory, thinking or behavior concerns with your primary care doctor as soon as possible. “People sometimes don’t want to talk to the doctor because they’re afraid they’re going to get bad news,” said Howerter. “And the message has been: There’s nothing you can do about it. The opposite approach should be used these days: If you suspect it, get it checked out early. Understand that there is actually the potential for treatment that could conserve your ability to be independent, stay functional, enjoy your family and have a better quality of life. Waiting too long could disqualify you from a very important treatment.” Mind and body wellness Regular checkups with a primary care provider can help catch problems early. For a list of CCH providers, see our Physician Directory, under “Patients & Visitors,” at columbushosp.org. scan Our infusion therapy team, from left: Carrie Gauger, RN, BSN, life support instructor; Riley Coan, RN, BSN; Paige Settje, RN, BSN; Dona Kudron, RN, director; and Sandra Baustert, scheduler.
6 Bringing health care news to your home PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE Limb-saving treatments close to home Your legs, like your heart, need a healthy blood supply to thrive. If you have poor circulation, which is called peripheral artery disease (PAD), you may need specialized treatment to restore your mobility and quality of life or heal wounds. Thanks to a collaboration between cardiologist Sabu George, MD, at Columbus Community Hospital, and David Vogel, MD, a vascular surgeon in private practice, people in our community can receive treatments for PAD. These treatments can restore blood flow, relieve pain and, in many cases, help prevent amputation. Limb-saving care PAD develops when blood vessels outside the heart narrow or become blocked by plaque and calcium. The condition is often silent at first, but may eventually cause leg pain that makes it hard to walk or sleep well. Some people develop nonhealing wounds, infections and even gangrene that can lead to amputation. In the past, Columbus-area residents with PAD often had to travel out of town for specialized procedures to restore their circulation. Now Vogel, George and other providers who diagnose and manage patients with PAD can offer minimally invasive treatments right here in CCH’s cardiac catheterization lab. Those procedures include: ● Angiograms to diagnose blockages.
columbushosp.org 7 ● Atherectomy, which cuts away plaque. ● Balloon angioplasty, which widens arteries. ● Stent placement, which involves placing a wire mesh into the artery to prop it open. ● Shock wave therapy, which breaks up calcium in arteries. The doctors perform most of these procedures through a small hole in the groin under local anesthesia. They insert specialized catheters equipped with balloons or other tools into an artery and use it to treat the blockage. Patients typically go home the same day, with little to no downtime, Vogel noted. For the most complex cases, some treatments may need to take place at specialized facilities with additional advanced resources. But in many instances they can be performed right here. Teaming up for patients Many patients who receive vascular disease treatments come to see George at the cardiology clinic. That’s no coincidence. People who have coronary artery disease — blockages in the heart — often have blockages in the arteries of their legs, neck or other areas, George noted. It’s important that people who are already being seen by a cardiologist also receive screening for vascular disease. “We search for these blockages,” George said. “And when we find them, if they need intervention, we intervene.” In other instances, patients first seek care in CCH’s wound clinic for advanced foot wounds. “The goal is to help people keep their legs so they can keep their functional status and quality of life,”Vogel said. Vogel brings his vascular expertise to Columbus twice a month, working with George’s cardiology team and other providers. People who come to CCH for heart or wound issues can receive referrals for vascular disease testing and, if needed, treatment. Often, George completes the diagnostic imaging (angiogram) and Vogel performs the vascular interventions. “When we collaborate this way, the patient benefits,” George said. For many patients, the ability to receive these treatments locally is life-changing. As George pointed out, what may seem like a short drive can be a significant burden for patients with limited mobility or transportation. “I’ve had some patients tell me, if you can treat me here in Columbus, I’ll agree to the procedure. If I need to go far away, I’m not doing it,” George said. CCH made the right decision in establishing the cath lab for the community’s benefit, George said, noting that it has already served thousands of people. The people of Columbus and the surrounding communities deserve to get that care here.” — Sabu George, MD Signs of poor circulation Talk with your doctor about getting tested for peripheral vascular disease if you have risk factors, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, or if you notice any of the following warning signs: ● Cramping, aching or tiredness in the legs while you’re walking that goes away when you rest and returns at a predictable distance. ● Cold, shiny or hairless skin on the legs or feet. ● Nonhealing ulcers on the legs or feet. ● Leg or foot pain at rest — especially at night. Sabu George, MD David Vogel, MD
8 Bringing health care news to your home What would a life without the limitations of debilitating back pain mean to you? For starters, it might mean having the freedom to enjoy many of your favorite activities once again. That’s not just wishful thinking if you’re living with a common type of low-back pain called vertebrogenic back pain. A minimally invasive option for treating this type of pain is available close to home at Columbus Community Hospital. Targeting the problem without surgery Vertebrogenic back pain stems from damaged vertebral endplates, which are layers between the disks and bones in your spine (vertebral bodies). About one in six people with chronic low-back problems have this type of pain. It’s commonly felt in the middle of the lower back and worsens when you’re bending, sitting, lifting or engaging in prolonged physical activity. Beating back pain once and for all Intracept procedure helps people get back to life
columbushosp.org 9 Doctors can confirm that you have this type of back pain by looking for specific changes with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. For years, experts primarily looked at the disks that cushion the spine as the source of pain. But they now know that a significant portion of back pain comes from a nerve called the basivertebral nerve within the vertebral bodies. That’s where the Intracept procedure comes in. It uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to ablate (heat and shut off) this nerve, preventing it from sending pain signals to the brain. According to researchers, Intracept appears to offer long-term relief. In studies, patients had improved pain and function more than five years later. And it achieves these results in a single procedure, without more invasive treatments such as spinal fusion surgery, which joins together one or more vertebrae with screws and other hardware. “So, now, rather than forever changing the architecture of that spine with a fusion, we can just do a 30-minute procedure that essentially makes that nerve pain not a problem for people permanently,” said John Massey, MD, from MD Pain in Lincoln. Massey, who performs the Intracept procedure at CCH, is designated as an Intracept Center of Excellence physician because of his experience and outcomes performing the procedure. So, how do you know if you’re a good candidate for the procedure? It might work for you if you have had back pain for at least six months that limits your function and hasn’t responded to other treatments, such as physical therapy or pain injections. “The goal is to reduce your pain and, more importantly, improve your function,” Massey said. For many people, that could mean returning to cherished activities, such as gardening, golfing, playing with grandkids or taking long road trips. The procedure has been wellresearched, and studies show it’s highly effective. In one randomized controlled trial, for example, 75% of patients experienced at least 50% pain relief, and many were pain-free. What you can expect You’ll be sedated during the procedure, so you won’t feel or remember anything. A doctor inserts a needle through a small incision to deliver the RF energy to the problem nerve in your spine. You’ll go home about an hour after the procedure without a lot of limitations on activities. You may have a sore spot on your back for a couple of weeks. Pain relief from the procedure usually begins to take effect after about three weeks. Is it right for you? Intracept is a treatment option for people with a common yet specific type of back pain. It differs from sciatica pain that extends to the legs, for instance. If you have back pain, ask your doctor if the Intracept procedure is a good option for you. John Massey, MD, is an Intracept Center of Excellence physician. The Intracept procedure is a treatment option for back pain available at Columbus Community Hospital.
10 Bringing health care news to your home Dry, irritated winter skin? Dry air can cause eczema to flare Cold, dry air can take a toll on your skin, contributing to a variety of skin issues. Among the most common is eczema — a red, itchy rash. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage eczema and care for your skin during cold weather without having to head south for the winter. Dillon Clarey, MD, examines a patient’s skin.
columbushosp.org 11 Why skin acts up in the cold While eczema can be a chronic skin condition, it frequently flares up in the winter. During winter months, the air is less humid and, as a result, skin can lose its moisture quickly. “Your skin may start to feel a little more irritated or appear red or flaky,” said board-certified dermatologist Dillon Clarey, MD, of Columbus Dermatology Clinic. “It just doesn’t hold on to water as well as it did during the summer when it was warm and humid.” Eczema can look like pink, scaly patches on the fronts of elbows, backs of knees, and hands or even eyelids. Self-care for winter skin “For most people, tackling dry or irritated skin in winter starts with moisturization,” Clarey noted. The best time to moisturize your skin is right after a shower or bath while the skin is still damp. This tends to seal in moisture more effectively. Also, consider applying a moisturizer after you’ve been sitting near a fireplace or other heat source, or if you’ve recently used an alcoholbased hand sanitizer, which can strip away oils from the skin. Moisturizing creams and ointments may be a better choice than lotions, which sometimes contain fragrances that can irritate the skin, Clarey said. Options include brands like Vaseline, Aquaphor, Vanicream, CeraVe and Cetaphil. Vaseline and Aquaphor are “a little bit greasier on your skin” but tend to seal in moisture better, Clarey said. If you feel burning on your skin after you apply a product, stop using it. There may be something in it that’s irritating your skin. If you have ongoing skin concerns, see a doctor. Your provider may suggest an over-the-counter topical steroid that can help ease inflammation and itching. Prescription topical steroids can also help reduce redness and inflammation. For more resistant or widespread eczema, other topical medications or even injectable treatments can be effective options. A word about Raynaud’s Other conditions can also become more noticeable in cold weather, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This condition causes blood vessels in the fingers to narrow, which restricts blood flow. As a result, some people with Raynaud’s experience color changes in their digits, which can be white or bluish when exposed to cold. “The color of the fingers usually goes back to normal if you warm them up,” Clarey said. Most cases of Raynaud’s are primary, meaning they occur without an underlying disease. However, in some instances, Raynaud’s can be secondary to an autoimmune condition. Treatment is available for Raynaud’s phenomenon. “If you have a family history of autoimmune diseases, consider getting evaluated,” Clarey said. Other steps that can help soothe dry, irritated skin include: ● Using a gentle soap. ● Keeping an eye on your home’s humidity levels (and using a humidifier, if necessary). ● Wearing gloves outside to shield skin from the air. “For most people, tackling dry or irritated skin in winter starts with moisturization.” — Dillon Clarey, MD Schedule a skin checkup Columbus Dermatology Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 402-562-4870 to make an appointment.
12 Bringing health care news to your home There’s no denying that the prostate gland is a common source of trouble for men as they get older. So it’s good to know that great care for prostate problems is available right here in our area. Here are four important questions men may have about prostate health, with information from Brett Hill, MD, a urologist with UroHealth Partners in Columbus. Why do prostate problems happen as men age? The prostate is a reproductive gland that helps make semen. It’s typically about the size of a walnut in your 20s, but it can grow to the size of a lemon by the time you’re 60. In many men, the prostate grows large enough to interfere with urination, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms include: ● Trouble starting a urine stream. ● A weak urine stream. ● Dribbling after you urinate. ● Waking up to urinate at night. ● Having an urgent need to urinate. ● Feeling like your bladder hasn’t emptied fully. Treatments for BPH include medications that relax muscles near the prostate or shrink the prostate gland. But if that doesn’t help, a minimally invasive procedure may offer you relief. Options range from traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to newer laser and thermal treatments, as well as a procedure that lifts the prostate out of the way. Do I need prostate cancer screening? Prostate cancer is another condition that becomes more common as men age. It often causes no early Prostate health: What men should know
columbushosp.org 13 symptoms, which is why screening is important. One method is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which looks for elevated levels of PSA in the blood. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. “In general, men ages 55 to 70 with a life expectancy of at least 10 years and an average risk of prostate cancer should consider screening every two years,” Hill said. Men at higher risk, including African American men or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, may need to begin earlier or get screened more often. Conditions other than cancer can cause a high PSA. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prostate scan can help define the right next step. “It’s an excellent test to clarify whether a high PSA requires a biopsy,” Hill said. What’s more, MRI allows the medical team to target suspicious areas of the prostate more precisely for highly accurate results. What if prostate cancer is found? Not every prostate cancer requires immediate treatment. Because many cases are low-risk and grow slowly, active surveillance may be the best approach. That means closely monitoring the cancer with tests but only treating it if it starts to change in a way that could threaten a man’s health. “If we find cancer with a biopsy, there are newer tests we can do to help assess the risk of the disease — to see if treatment or active surveillance is appropriate,” Hill said. For surgical treatment, the advanced da Vinci® Xi™ Robotic System is often preferred over more traditional methods. “It’s a more accurate approach. So you have less post-surgery pain and quicker recovery of function.” — Brett Hill, MD (below, with the da Vinci® Xi™) For instance, genomic testing on biopsy tissue taken at CCH can help estimate how likely the cancer is to grow or become harmful. “It’s testing the expression of proteins on different cancers, because they all come from different mutations,” Hill noted. MRI prostate scans at CCH have also become an important part of surveillance. MRI helps provide a clear view of whether anything is changing over time. What if I need treatment? Treatment options available locally may include surgery or radiation. For surgical treatment, the advanced da Vinci® Xi™ Robotic System is often preferred over more traditional methods. “It’s a more accurate approach,” Hill said. “So you have less postsurgery pain and quicker recovery of function.”
14 Bringing health care news to your home Expert wound care to help you heal Wound Ostomy Clinic brings advanced wound therapies to our community If you’re one of the many people in our community living with a chronic wound, you should know this: You don’t have to travel to Omaha or Lincoln to find specialized wound care, including some of the most advanced treatments available. Columbus Community Hospital’s Wound Ostomy Clinic (W.O.C.) offers state-of-the-art wound care to help you get back to a fuller life. Wounds that resist healing Chronic wounds are those that don’t heal after about six weeks. They often become infected, causing pain, redness and drainage at the wound site. In these cases, the normal healing process often stalls early during what’s called the inflammatory phase. “Most of our advanced therapies are targeted at getting that wound to go from that chronic inflammatory phase to a more favorable situation for healing,” said Jeremy Albin, MD, a general surgeon and certified wound specialist. A variety of factors can contribute to wounds and poor healing, including: Diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and circulation issues. Obesity. Excess weight means increased pressure on the legs, and obesity can also lead to circulatory problems. Pressure. Pressure wounds develop when there’s prolonged pressure on a body part. Problems with the veins or lymphatic system in the legs. With venous insufficiency, vein problems cause blood to pool in the legs, increasing pressure that can break down the skin. Another problem, lymphedema, can hamper fluid drainage in the lower legs and cause wounds. Fortunately, the W.O.C. is equipped to manage wounds caused by these and other conditions. Treatments tailored to your wound A variety of wound treatments are available, ranging from relatively simple to advanced approaches, including: Surgical debridement. Removing unhealthy or dead tissue from a wound can help it heal. Compression therapy. Special garments help improve healing by keeping blood and fluids moving through the legs. Wound VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) therapy. This approach uses negative pressure to help seal and heal wounds, speeding wound closure. “That therapy really helps with patient comfort,” said Albin. Targeted antibiotic therapies. “A lot of times, wounds don’t heal because of a low-lying chronic infection,” Albin noted. In these situations, he prescribes antibiotics to treat the infection. Advanced dressings. Dozens of different dressings are available, including wet or dry ones and treatments that provide healing cells. “We have a broad variety of products that we can tailor for each individual patient,” Albin said. At the W.O.C., you’ll have access to advanced imaging technologies, including infrared and heat-mapping imaging to indicate blood flow and detect infections early — often before symptoms are noticeable. These tools, combined with hospital-based vascular studies such as ultrasound, help improve overall care.
columbushosp.org 15 A team of wound care specialists focused on you The W.O.C. team includes physicians and nurses with special training in wound care. They are able to give patients more personalized attention than a large medical center typically can provide. Led by Myron Morse, MD, the wound clinic’s medical director, the team includes Albin and podiatrist Brandon Borer, DPM; general surgeon Jacob Oran, MD; and several dedicated wound and ostomy care nurses. The team works with other specialists to speed up wound healing — for example, by helping patients with diabetes control their blood sugar and recommending essential nutrients in the right amounts to boost wound healing. “A lot of wound care is lifestyle-related,” Albin explained. In addition, patients have access to vascular and vein treatments so they can address circulation problems or other underlying causes of wounds. “We’ve worked hard to create a multidisciplinary wound care service,” Albin said. Indeed, the Wound Ostomy Clinic is a point of pride for our community. Move beyond your wound Ask your provider about wound care. For more information, call the Wound Ostomy Clinic at 402-562-4620. The W.O.C. staff includes (back row, from left): Brandon Borer, DPM; Myron Morse, MD; Mikayla Kelley, physician assistant; Jacob Oran, MD; Jeremy Albin, MD; and Michele Smith, RN, BSN. Front row, from left: Danelle Kratochvil, RN, BSN; Karen Hass-Gomez, RN; and Tanya McKeen, RN, BSN.
4600 38th St. Columbus, NE 68601 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Visit columbushosp.org ● Manage your hospital bill online. ● Donate to the CCH Foundation. ● Send an e-card to a loved one or friend at CCH. Focus on health Education and support group sessions are free unless otherwise noted Baby care Bump & Beyond Prepared Childbirth class To learn more, call 402-562-3266. Diabetes education Diabetes activity group, education classes and support group To learn more, call 402-562-4462. Fitness & nutrition Ai chi water exercise classes To learn more, call 402-564-9477. Cooking classes To learn more, call 402-562-4460. Enhance Fitness classes To learn more, call 402-564-9477. Healthy Lifestyle Club CHIP/Pivio™ To learn more, call 402-562-4490. SpineFit classes To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Support groups A Time to Heal To learn more, call 402-562-4794. Columbus Alzheimer’s & dementia support group To learn more, call 402-910-8111 or 402-910-8580. Grief support group To learn more, call 402-562-3300. Columbus Cancer Care support group To learn more, call 402-562-4436. Parkinson’s wellness group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Speak Out! exercise group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Breast cancer genes: What you should know More than 60% of women who inherit a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will get breast cancer. BRCA1-related breast cancers are more likely to be triple-negative, a type that is harder to treat. And these gene mutations also increase the risk for other kinds of cancer. Reasons to get tested ● A family history of breast or ovarian cancer. ● Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish ancestry. ● A personal history of breast cancer. ● A personal history of ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer. ● A BRCA gene mutation in your family. Managing cancer risk If you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, you can lower your risk by starting breast cancer screening earlier. Other options include preventive medications and preventive surgeries to remove breast tissue. Talk to your provider about what’s right for you. If you’re concerned about your risk, ask your provider about genetic testing. Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute
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