Housecall Bringing health care news to your home • columbushosp.org Winter 2025 New options help you find relief from pain When a heart attack seemed like ‘no big deal’ 14 10
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. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Connect with us: columbushosp.org Contents Foot or ankle problems? 5 Let our podiatrist help you get back on your feet. Help for severely deformed knees When other orthopedic surgeons couldn’t operate, Jim Cremers came to the experts at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic. Look your best 13 Our dermatologist offers a wide array of services for your skin, hair and nails. Check out our café 18 Find healthy, delicious options at our Prairie Wind Café. 6 BLOOD PRESSURE Why it’s important to watch yours Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, which can lead to severe health problems if left untreated. Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through your arteries and is given as two numbers: a systolic (upper) and a diastolic (lower). Your blood pressure is written like this: 130/90. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 and less than 80 mm Hg, while elevated blood pressure is 120 to 129 and less than 80. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is 130 or higher or 80 or higher. High blood pressure can cause: ● Stroke. ● Vision loss. ● Heart failure. ● Heart attack. ● Kidney disease or kidney failure. ● Sexual problems. For many people, all that’s needed to manage blood pressure are lifestyle changes, such as: ● Losing weight, if needed, or maintaining a healthy weight. ● Following a healthy diet — eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. ● Cutting sodium (salt) intake to 1,500 milligrams per day. ● Eating foods high in potassium, like sweet potatoes, spinach and bananas. ● Getting 30 minutes of aerobic activity five or more days of the week. ● Avoiding alcohol. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you may need medications. Sources: American College of Cardiology; American Heart Association
3 columbushosp.org A great surgeon and a great listener Meet Jacob Oran, MD Jacob Oran, MD, is a general surgeon — a specialty that’s often misunderstood. “When people hear ‘general surgeon,’ they’re still not quite sure what that entails,” he said. General surgeons specialize in treating a wide variety of conditions. Oran, for example, routinely removes diseased gallbladders, operates on the digestive system, performs breast cancer surgery and does emergency appendix and trauma procedures. In other words, general surgeons have to “know a lot about a lot,” Oran said. A special focus on robotic hernia surgery Oran has a special interest in hernias, which occur when a weakened area of muscle allows part of an organ to bulge through the abdominal wall. Hernias can cause pain and anxiety for people. An unrepaired hernia could also become trapped in the abdominal wall, which is a lifethreatening condition. Whenever possible, Oran repairs hernias using the da Vinci® Xi™ robotic system. Robotic hernia surgery requires only small incisions and offers patients a less painful recovery. Oran uses the same da Vinci® Xi™ robotic system offered in metro hospitals. “You’re not getting a lesser surgery because you’re in a smaller community,” he said. Becoming a surgeon Originally from Arizona, Oran moved with his family to Beatrice, Nebraska, when he was in fourth grade to be closer to his grandparents in Lincoln. After high school, he attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, which is where he decided to become a doctor. At the time, he’d been taking courses to prepare for a career in physical therapy. But in one of his physics classes, most of his classmates were pre-medical students. “I was around like-minded people in college and pushing myself to the maximum that I was capable of,” he said. Early on in his medical training, Oran realized he wanted to perform procedures. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, which also is where he completed his surgical residency. He joined Columbus Community Hospital in 2021. More than a surgeon Oran enjoys getting to know his patients and taking the time to answer their questions. Using a personable approach to patient care is very important to him, and he likes having patients share something about themselves. “I treat everybody on an individual basis and try to be more than just a surgeon,” he said. Family man and sports fan When he’s not at work, Oran spends most of his free time with his family. He enjoys coaching his son’s youth soccer team. “I’m also a die-hard Husker fan,” he said.
4 Bringing health care news to your home Longtime ER physician is also chief medical officer Meet Mark Howerter, MD When he was growing up, Mark Howerter, MD, loved science fiction. He recalls browsing a bookstore at age 13, when an interesting title caught his eye. It wasn’t sci-fi, but it did change his life. “There was a doctor by the name of William Nolan who wrote several books about becoming a surgeon and the life of a surgeon,” Howerter said. “I really enjoyed the books and could visualize myself doing that.” That boy in the bookstore did become a doctor, though not a surgeon. Howerter is the chief medical officer (CMO) and emergency room director at Columbus Community Hospital. Loving the life of an ER doctor Howerter is originally from Chappell, Nebraska, and earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska– Lincoln. He thought about getting a doctorate in microbiology or entering pharmacy school, but after working a summer job in retail pharmacy, he decided to become a doctor instead. Howerter received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and completed residency training in family medicine at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in South Bend, Indiana. After five years in family medicine, Howerter transitioned to emergency medicine. He had moonlighted in an emergency room on the weekends during his residency training and found the experience to his liking. “I’ve always liked emergency medicine because of the variety and the urgency,” he said. “We deal with very sick people and extreme cases of trauma sometimes. I’ve always felt very competent and that I could connect with people in a good way when they’re in a vulnerable state.” In 2004, Howerter became CCH’s emergency department director. His approach to care is to tailor treatment to the individual, “meet people where they are” and hear their concerns. He likes to approach situations with humor, too, when appropriate. “I’ve had interesting things happen, like people with a walleye hooked to their finger and the walleye still on the hook,” he said. “Sometimes, people are a little bit embarrassed by what happened that led them to come to the emergency department, and I think disarming that situation with a little bit of humor helps,” Howerter continued. “And then there are people who are truly terrified about what’s going on, and that isn’t the time to be a jokester.” Our inaugural CMO Howerter’s other focus is administrative medicine. In 2023, he was named CCH’s first-ever CMO. There are many parts to his physician leadership role, but his main concern is ensuring that patients receive high-quality care, he said. When it’s time to recharge In his spare time, Howerter enjoys woodworking, carpentry, landscaping and taking his grandkids to Husker games. “That’s how I rejuvenate myself,” he said.
5 columbushosp.org You don’t have to go far for foot and ankle care Podiatrist specializes in getting you back on your feet If you’ve been sidelined by foot, toe or ankle pain, here’s good news: A highly-trained podiatry team right here in Columbus can help you get back on your feet and back to your life. The specialists at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic offer a full spectrum of foot and ankle care. They treat conditions such as: Foot problems. Many factors can contribute to bunions, hammertoes and flat feet, including poor posture, injuries and even shoe choices. Sometimes a change in the shape of your foot or an area of irritation can be an early sign. “If you’ve noticed a change to your foot and you’re having pain or discomfort associated with your foot or ankle, make an appointment, and let’s discuss what it could be,” said podiatrist Brandon L. Borer, DPM. Arthritis. This disease can cause stiff and achy toes, feet or ankles. Over time, some people can develop bone spurs along the arches of their midfoot. “You can actually feel a bony bump,” Borer said. Sports injuries. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an elite athlete, Borer and the team are here to address your sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures and other aches — even when physical therapy hasn’t been able to resolve your problem. Solving podiatric problems with surgery Borer’s patient-centered approach includes a wide range of treatment options to correct foot and ankle conditions, so you can get back to the activities you enjoy. “We sit down and have a conversation and decide what is the best option,” Borer explained. Often, that includes customized orthotics, shoe inserts, physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments. But if that’s not enough to ease your aches, it may be time to consider surgery. Borer performs an array of foot and ankle surgeries, including advanced procedures that aren’t often available, such as: ● Bunion correction. ● Flatfoot reconstruction. ● Hind-foot procedures. ● Joint fusions. ● Total ankle joint replacements. In some cases, certain procedures, such as hammertoe correction, can even be performed in the office. Take the first step You don’t need a referral from your primary care doctor to see Borer at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic. Call 402-562-4700 to make an appointment.
6 Bringing health care news to your home For years, Jim Cremers was a fixture in the meat department at Super Saver grocery store in Columbus. He was as well-known for his friendly smile as he was for his severe knee problems that made it difficult for him to walk. In fact, one day a concerned customer asked if she could pray over him. “People in the store were wondering why I was still working,” said Cremers. “The thing was, I didn’t want to take six months off from working so I could have two knee replacement surgeries.” A sign to take action Things came to a head in November 2023, when Cremers lost his balance at home and fell, breaking his hip. He had planned to retire the next month anyway, so he figured that was a sign he should stop working and undergo hip surgery. He went to Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic for the surgery. Cremers figured that as long as he was fixing his hip, he’d also look into repairing his knees. The clinic connected him with Kaare Kolstad Jr., MD, an orthopedic surgeon there. Cremers was wary, because other orthopedic surgeons had told him they wouldn’t be able to operate on his knees. But Kolstad was a different story. An expert up for the challenge “I have 30 years of experience, and I’m comfortable taking care of these kinds of deformities,” Kolstad said. “When someone has that severe of a deformity, you have to take other things into consideration as you fix it. One of those things is paying special attention to the ligaments, which are completely out of balance. There’s also an important nerve on the outside of the knee, and you can’t stretch it out too much during the surgery.” Kolstad scheduled Cremers’ right knee replacement for March 2024 at Columbus Community Hospital. From worn-out knees WALKING WITH EASE to “I’ve been really amazed and satisfied with how fast I can walk. All the people at CCH were tremendous to work with.” — Jim Cremers
7 columbushosp.org During a knee replacement surgery, the doctor removes the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and resurfaces the joint with a prosthesis, or artificial knee, that’s made out of metal and plastic. In Cremers’ case, the outer part of each of his knees was completely worn out, and he had lost a large amount of bone in that area. “We had to consider the severe bone loss,” Kolstad said. “We did that by using additional parts that were made of metal to fill in the bone loss. We also used a slightly different type of knee implant that made up for the damaged ligaments. You have to go into a surgery like this with a thorough plan, so you’re ready for any possibility.” An amazing transformation Cremers’ first surgery was a success, so Kolstad went ahead with his left knee replacement in May 2024. And oh, what a difference the surgeries made. Cremers progressed from needing to use a walker to being able to walk a mile without a walker or a cane. His wife, Marlene, said he gained four inches in height because his deformity was gone. “I’ve been just great since the surgeries and the physical therapy I had afterward,” Cremers said. “I’ve been really amazed and satisfied with how fast I can walk. All the people at CCH were tremendous to work with.” Kaare Kolstad Jr., MD, right, was able to successfully replace both of Jim Cremers’ knees, in spite of the challenges presented by the long-term damage they had sustained.
ADVANCED VASCULAR CARE When blood vessels need help 8 Bringing health care news to your home From poor circulation to varicose veins, problems with the arteries or veins in your legs can make daily activities painful and difficult. Fortunately, Columbus Community Hospital has a team of vascular experts who address these concerns right here in our community. “We have a full complement of services to treat people with vascular disease,” said Nikunjkumar Patel, MD, an interventional cardiologist who specializes in vascular conditions. Diagnosing and treating peripheral artery disease (PAD) PAD occurs when plaque builds up in arteries that carry blood from your heart to your legs. Leg pain during exercise or walking is a classic symptom. “You might start getting leg cramps, pain, tiredness or fatigue,” Patel said. “When you stop that exertion, the pain goes away.” Severe PAD can cause leg pain when you are resting. If your PAD isn’t too advanced, treatment can include medications and lifestyle changes. “In certain situations, such as if the patient has pain at rest, or their limb is threatened because of blockages resulting in wounds that do not heal, they may need interventions,” said interventional cardiologist Sabu George, MD. Specialists in CCH’s cardiac catheterization lab use balloons and stents to open blocked leg arteries. Surgery may be needed for people with extensive blockages. As George points out, PAD is often a sign that there may be plaque buildup in other arteries, which may increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Along with protecting your limbs, that’s another reason to consider getting screened for PAD, which can be detected with a painless test. PAD risk factors that you should discuss with your doctor include a history of smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. >
9 columbushosp.org Get the care you need If you’re struggling with a vascular issue, treatment can protect your health and restore your quality of life. “You can get very appropriate and competent care close to home, from people who have a good deal of experience,” Albin said. Heart care and prevention Columbus Cardiology Clinic is here to help you get healthy. For an appointment, call 402-562-4835, or visit columbuscardiology.org to learn more about our services and providers. Treating wounds caused by vascular problems Blood flow problems and swelling due to vascular diseases can keep wounds from healing, said Brandon L. Borer, DPM, a member of the team at the Wound Ostomy Clinic (W.O.C.). Treating the underlying vascular issue may help with a wound patient’s overall care. “If I think the cause is arterial or venous in nature, I’m able to order the appropriate test to diagnose the problem, and then refer patients to the appropriate provider and get that problem solved right here at Columbus Community Hospital,” Borer said. “And it’s life-changing for that patient.” Expert care for venous disease “Venous disease in the United States is vastly underdiagnosed,” said Jeremy Albin, MD, a general surgeon at CCH. One of the many types of venous disease our team treats is venous insufficiency. This condition happens when valves in the legs stop working properly, allowing blood to pool there instead of flowing back to the heart. Symptoms of venous insufficiency can include twisted, swollen varicose veins; leg cramps and swelling; legs that feel weak, achy or heavy with prolonged standing; skin discoloration; and burning and itching of the legs. Without treatment, venous insufficiency can cause high pressure in the veins, which in turn could lead to swelling and nonhealing ulcers. When you treat venous insufficiency early, you may be able to prevent those complications and relieve symptoms. Initial options may be conservative and nonsurgical. If these treatments don’t work, procedures available at CCH include: ● Endovenous ablation. In this procedure, radiofrequency or laser energy is used to close off a diseased vein. This forces blood to flow through healthy veins, which can help the swelling in your legs. ● Adhesion. This process involves using medical-grade glue to seal off the problematic vein. > >
10 Bringing health care news to your home As a result, Millard has been able to recover completely from a life-threatening incident. “It was like the heart attack was no big deal,” he said. “But I think that was because (cardiologist) Dr. (Nikunjkumar) Patel was there.” Quick diagnosis On the day Millard, 72, had his heart attack, he had been lifting weights and running steps in his basement. He felt good … until he started experiencing chest pains. “I thought it was from lifting weights,” he said. “I thought, ‘It couldn’t be a heart attack.’” He took the aspirin just in case, sat in his sauna for a minute, went to bed and then decided he needed treatment. His wife took him to CCH. The right heart care in the right place If there were a course on how to react to a heart attack correctly, Terry Millard would receive a gold star. He did everything correctly: 1 When he first felt tightness in his chest, he took an aspirin. 2After he went to bed and felt that something was wrong, he didn’t just go to sleep. Instead, he asked his wife, Beth, to take him to the emergency room. 3He headed straight for Columbus Community Hospital, which has a cardiac catheterization lab in which doctors can treat heart attack patients around the clock.
11 columbushosp.org At the emergency room, Millard told the receptionist he was having chest pains. He was immediately sent to a room where a caregiver performed an electrocardiogram (EKG) on him. An EKG is a quick test that records the electrical signals in the heart. “In big-city hospitals, there are sometimes delays because their emergency rooms are so busy,” said Alex Kazos, MD, the emergency room doctor who treated Millard. “But at CCH, we can get an EKG within two minutes of the patient walking in the door. I’m usually at the bedside waiting for the printout of the EKG.” Sure enough, the test showed that Millard was having an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which is a type of severe heart attack in which the coronary artery is completely blocked. This means oxygen-rich blood is unable to reach the heart, which could result in death if not treated. Treatment from the experts The moment Millard’s EKG came back with abnormal results, it set in motion a sequence of events that ensured doctors could treat him very quickly. Caregivers contacted Patel, the on-call cardiologist, and they notified the rest of the cardiac catheterization team that they needed to prepare the cath lab right away. “With a STEMI, time is muscle,” said Patel. “The longer we take to open up that blockage, the more damage the heart sustains.” The reason Terry did so well was because he came to get treatment in a timely fashion. Many patients who get chest pain think it’s heartburn or something else, and they delay coming in to the emergency room.” — Nikunjkumar Patel, MD (continued on page 12) Terry Millard, left, receives a follow-up visit from Patel at Columbus Cardiology Clinic.
12 Bringing health care news to your home Caregivers brought Millard to the cath lab right away and prepared him for the procedure. Patel arrived within 10 minutes and inserted a catheter into his wrist, which allowed him to thread a smaller plastic tube to his heart. He was able to use an angiogram (a medical imaging technique) to find the area that was blocked, insert a guide wire with a balloon into the tube to the blockage, then briefly inflate the balloon to open up the blockage. After the initial brief balloon dilation, which restored the blood flow, Patel replaced the balloon with three stents (metal coils loaded on a balloon). He then placed the stents at the site of the blockage, where they kept the blocked artery open to maintain the free flow of blood. Finally, Patel removed the catheter, balloon and guide wire. “The reason Terry did so well was because he came to get treatment in a timely fashion,” said Patel. “Many patients who get chest pain think it’s heartburn or something else, and they delay coming in to the emergency room. But in Terry’s case, we were able to open up the blockage rapidly.” While patients might be hesitant to see a doctor because they’re not sure if their symptoms are bad enough for a heart attack, Patel said, “It’s better to be wrong than late.” A full recovery Millard’s heart attack was the night of April 6, and he was home by April 8. Now, he thanks his lucky stars that Columbus has a cardiac catheterization lab right in town. “The alternative was going to be a helicopter ride to Omaha,” he said. “Instead of having that care right there and being able to reduce the damage to my heart, I would have been waiting for a pilot to take me to Omaha.” As a result, Millard’s “door-to-balloon” time would have been more than two hours, rather than less than 30 minutes. The week after he returned home, he came back to the hospital for cardiac rehabilitation to help his heart become stronger. Even though he has technically graduated from cardiac rehab, he still attends sessions to become stronger and more heart-healthy. Millard, who is a new Columbus Community Hospital Foundation board member, has now seen firsthand the importance of having high-level medical facilities in his hometown. “I’m really fortunate that Dr. Patel was there and able to treat me,” he said. The right heart care in the right place (continued from page 11)
13 columbushosp.org Help for dermatology problems Get answers and relief at our clinic Cosmetic treatments. Look and feel your best with Botox for fine lines and wrinkles. The clinic also has skin care products to help with cosmetic and medical concerns, such as sun damage and textural changes. Treatment for skin, hair and nail conditions. Clarey specializes in diagnosing and managing a variety of dermatology problems, including eczema, psoriasis, warts, rashes, dandruff, itching, hair loss, nail fungus, acne and more. “We’re a general dermatology clinic, so we’ll treat any problems people have,” Clarey said. Depending on the condition, treatment options can range from gentle cleansers to powerful prescription medications, such as Accutane for severe acne, said Clarey. Skin cancer checks. Whether you’re at risk for skin cancer because of your health history or you have a mole or spot that concerns you, a checkup is worth your time for the peace of mind. Melanoma, for example, may be easier to treat successfully when it’s found early. If needed, a biopsy takes about 10 minutes and can be done in the office. “It’s nice for people to have access locally,” Clarey said. “They don’t have to drive to Norfolk or Omaha or Lincoln to get the biopsy done, come back home, then get the result and drive back there again.” Schedule a visit Columbus Dermatology Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 402-562‑4870 to make an appointment. You don’t need a referral. Did you know you can see a dermatologist who can help you with a skin, hair or nail problem right here in Columbus? Columbus Dermatology Clinic is here for you with a wide array of expert services. Boardcertified dermatologist Dillon Clarey, MD, leads the clinic. Clarey is highly trained and compassionate, and he understands how dermatology conditions can affect your health, your quality of life and even your self-esteem. Here are just a few of the services the clinic can offer you or your family.
14 Bringing health care news to your home Program expansion brings more options to Columbus If chronic pain makes your everyday activities unbearable, a long car ride to a pain center isn’t likely to be a comfortable experience for you. Now you can get the expert care you need without traveling. In collaboration with John Massey, MD, from MD Pain in Lincoln, Columbus Community Hospital recently expanded its pain management options to include several advanced pain procedures that can significantly improve spine, joint or nerve pain. “Our No. 1 goal is to improve function,” Massey said. “We want you to get back to your normal life activities as completely as possible. And that is closely followed by reducing your pain.” Minimally invasive pain relief If ongoing pain is affecting your daily life, it may be time to see a pain management specialist. Treatment typically starts conservatively, and strong pain drugs aren’t the focus. “That’s not modern pain medicine,” Massey said. A comprehensive approach may instead include options like physical therapy or a short course of medications. But if that’s not enough to adequately relieve pain, a minimally invasive procedure may be the best option. Here are some of the advanced procedures we offer: ● Dorsal root ganglion stimulators. After these devices are implanted, they send electrical signals to specific nerves to block pain signals from those areas. ● Intracept™ procedure. Degenerative changes to the spine can cause back and leg pain. This procedure uses heat (delivered with a needle) to shut off the nerve to diseased disks and vertebral structures in the spine, relieving pain. Advanced pain solutions, close to home
15 columbushosp.org “We perform this procedure so people don’t hurt when they sit, stand, drive or work,” Massey said. “Before, it would require fusion surgery and take 12 weeks for somebody to get back into their lifestyle. Now they can go home that same day and, inside of a week, they’re back to their life.” ● Kyphoplasty. People with osteoporosis can develop painful compression fractures of the spine. “With kyphoplasty, we can inject bone cement through a needle,” Massey said. “It looks like toothpaste, and an hour later it’s harder than the original bone. It heals the fracture and almost instantly makes them feel better.” ● Spinal cord stimulators. These devices use electrical stimulation to treat persistent back, leg, arm or neck pain. “With the new technology that several different companies have, we routinely see 80% or 90% improvement in pain, in a long-term fashion, whether it’s the back or neck or legs or arms,” Massey said. Holistic pain management services Massey has more than 20 years of experience in pain management. He’s also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and he has helped develop national pain management guidelines. At CCH, he works with other members of the team to provide treatments. “Chronic pain can be a debilitating problem for people,” said Kayla Gehring, manager of perianesthesia services at the hospital. “With chronic pain, they can’t do the things they once enjoyed. With Dr. Massey offering these enhanced procedures, we’re providing a service that wasn’t offered locally. It’s going to change how people live their lives for the better.” You can expect to receive holistic care from Massey and the CCH team. In designing your treatment plan, they’ll consider how your pain affects your life and your physical and emotional well-being. “He knows how to really connect with his patients and listen and understand their story,” said Kathy Decker, surgical services consultant for the hospital. “That’s half the battle.” Intracept is a trademark of Relievant Medsystems, Inc. “Our No. 1 goal is to improve function. We want you to get back to your normal life activities as completely as possible.” — John Massey, MD Put your pain behind you To learn more about pain management at Columbus Community Hospital or to schedule an appointment, call 402-858-0117 or visit columbusvisitingphysicians.org.
16 Bringing health care news to your home Pre-employment testing. “We offer a couple different types of pre-employment physicals based on a company’s needs,” said Danielle Frewing, BSN, RN, director of the program. One example is Physical Capacity Profile®, a screening tool developed by an orthopedic physician that helps determine if an employee is physically matched to the job for which they’re applying. Matching employees to jobs may reduce injuries and workers’ compensation claims. Employee health and wellness We offer pre-employment physicals, drug screening and more Have you heard of occupational health? It’s an area of medicine that may benefit people and businesses by keeping employees healthy and safe. Columbus Community Hospital has an Occupational Health Services program that provides several core tests and examinations. Here’s a brief review of some of them. Pre-employment testing also has benefits for employees, according to Vilma Rodriguez-Cline, MD, an occupational health doctor at the hospital. In addition to helping keep workers safe in their jobs, these exams sometimes reveal hidden health risks employees didn’t even know they had. “Some of them find out that their blood pressure is a little elevated,” Rodriguez-Cline said. “And then we refer them to their doctors. Or, if they don’t have one, we tell them we have a list of good doctors.”
17 columbushosp.org Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals. Certified providers at CCH perform DOT exams to ensure that drivers are medically fit to operate commercial motor vehicles. Employers, owner-operators or individuals may request DOT exams. Drug and alcohol testing. Drug and alcohol testing can be offered as part of a pre-employment screening. CCH also provides post-accident, follow-up and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing. In the case of a positive test result, the hospital has a certified medical review officer to review and confirm or refute the findings and provide a report. Occupational Health Services also offers a DOT consortium, which serves employers across the state and the wider region who require random drug testing per DOT guidelines. “We manage a consortium of more than 400 companies and about 1,800 employees within that random testing pool,” Frewing said. Someone is available 24/7, should an employer need to reach the clinic outside of regular hours for assistance or support regarding a drug test. “If a company needs us, they can call upon us any time,” Frewing said. Hearing testing. Occupational Health Services provides in-house and on-site hearing testing services to companies that are federally mandated to have a hearing conservation program. “And we have an audiologist who oversees our program,” Frewing said. Respiratory testing. Testing helps workplaces with regulatory compliance. Pulmonary function (breathing) tests ensure that employees’ lungs are physically able to support wearing a respirator. Employees are fitted with the correct make, model, style and size of respirators. “So, when they’re in a real-life situation, they can be assured that they are protected at the job site from any fumes and harmful chemicals that may be a detriment to their health,” Frewing said. Discover more All of this is just a snapshot of what CCH’s Occupational Health Services provides to more than 1,300 companies throughout the state. For more information, please visit columbushosp.org/ services/occupational-health-services or call 402-562-4480. Pre-employment physicals also provide opportunities to offer preventive medicine. Rodriguez-Cline talks to employees about issues such as proper lifting techniques and using hearing protection. Frewing summed it up this way: “We want to serve the customer — our employers — but we also want to make sure those employees are safe,” she said. “Our goal is to help an employee attain the job that they’re applying for, but in a safe manner. And if we can identify things along the way that need to be addressed to get them to that point, we’re here.”
Prairie Wind Café is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu featuring homemade soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Other options include: Heart-healthy foods. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. A fully stocked salad bar with many varieties (weekdays only). Meatless Mondays. New salad options on Thursdays. Grab & Go options, including heat-and-eat choices, specialty sandwiches and fresh fruit. If you don’t see anything you like, our nutrition services staff encourages you to share your suggestions on the Columbus Community Hospital website at columbushosp.org/ nutrition-services-feedback. For questions, please contact nutrition services at 402-562-4463 or visit columbushosp.org. 18 Bringing health care news to your home Nutrition services means healthy options at Columbus Community Hospital Nutrition services is a “symbol” for healthy options at Columbus Community Hospital. Our weekly menu includes symbols to help you with your meal selection. The café is open from 6:30 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu featuring homemade soups, salads, desserts and entrees. Other options you will find include: Heart-healthy varieties Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options A fully stocked salad bar with many varieties (weekdays only) Meatless Mondays New salad options on Thursdays Grab & Go options including heat & eat choices, specialty sandwiches and fresh fruit If you don’t see anything you like, our nutrition services staff encourages you to share your suggestions on the CCH website at columbushosp.org/nutrition-services-feedback. For questions, please contact nutrition services at 402-562-4463 or visit columbushosp.org!
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. Education and support group sessions are free unless otherwise noted Focus on health 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. More About Carbs classes 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. Food Thoughts To learn more, call 402-562-4462. Healthy Lifestyle Club CHIP/Pivio™ To learn more, call 402-562-4490. Spine Fit 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 402-562-4449. Helping Hands Cancer Foundation support group To learn more, call 402-270-7740 or 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. TBI and stroke support group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Trade regular soda for water flavored with citrus, cucumber or melon slices. Sweeten cereal or oatmeal with fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries. Swap sugar for unsweetened applesauce when you bake. Flavor coffee or tea with cinnamon, mint, nutmeg or other spices. 1 2 3 4 Sweet ways to eat less sugar Source: American Heart Association
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