Housecall Bringing health care news to your home • columbushosp.org Summer 2023 Mako robot supports knee and hip surgeries 4 5 tips for a safe, fun summer 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. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Connect with us: columbushosp.org Contents ‘All in’ for cancer care 8 Comprehensive services help a cancer fighter become a survivor. Sneak peek Get an inside look at our Columbus Fieldhouse project. Parkinson’s support 12 New clinic helps patients regain their mobility and vitality. Serving together 14 Meet longtime volunteers Bob and Ann Hamling. Michael Hansen Michael Hansen, FACHE, president and CEO 5 Hello! I hope you enjoy Columbus Community Hospital’s Housecall, a publication that shares stories about the great work in our hospital and associated clinics. Our hospital proudly offers new and expanding health care services each season. In this issue, you will read information about psychiatry offerings, orthopedic services, cancer treatment and more. We pride ourselves on always looking toward the future and exploring how to provide better care to our community. For example, we’re looking forward to opening our Columbus Fieldhouse in 2024. Please take a moment to review this issue and read about the many ways we are building toward a healthier tomorrow for you and your family, friends and loved ones.
3 columbushosp.org Empowering and collaborating with patients Meet Christi Mastny, APRN, FNP Christi Mastny, APRN, FNP, is a nurse practitioner who wears two very important hats, as the saying goes: She provides patient care at clinics in Columbus and Humphrey, Nebraska, in the specialty areas of both family medicine and orthopedics. On Mondays and Fridays, Mastny sees patients of all ages at Humphrey Medical Clinic. As a family medicine nurse practitioner, she offers many primary care services, including annual wellness exams, sick-day care and chronic disease maintenance. Then, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Mastny works with hand specialist Dr. Kerri Kulovitz at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic. Mastny sees patients alongside Kulovitz and assists in the operating room with treatments ranging from carpal tunnel releases to finger joint replacements. Inspired by her parents Mastny’s path to medicine began many years ago when she was a little girl growing up in Howells, Nebraska. Her parents, Marvin and Deb Indra, were emergency medical technicians for nearly 33 years. “I remember, as a child, hearing that radio go off and knowing they were going to help somebody,” she said. “That was something I wanted to do when I got older.” After high school, Mastny earned a bachelor’s degree in family science from the University of Nebraska– Lincoln. She then completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by her Master of Science in nursing as a family nurse practitioner at Clarkson College, also in Omaha. Before starting her role at Columbus Community Hospital in 2021, Mastny worked at family practice and pediatric clinics in the SchuylerColumbus area. Earlier in her nursing career, she worked in hospital intensive care units and on patient floors at health systems in Omaha. Although she is trained in family practice nursing, Mastny also welcomed the opportunity to work with Kulovitz in developing care plans for patients. “I have loved orthopedics every step of the way,” Mastny said. “Each day is a new experience. I really enjoy the variety between family practice and orthopedics. I feel that working in both areas has been beneficial for my patients and my career.” Teaming up with patients for the best possible care Mastny believes in empowering her patients and their families through education. She also collaborates with her patients so that, together, they can make the decisions that are right for them. “I want my patients to be comfortable with the care plan,” she said. “It’s important to communicate with them.” She provides individualized care that addresses mind, body and spirit. She does this because “every patient has a unique situation that is important to acknowledge,” she said. Family time When she’s not seeing patients, Mastny enjoys cooking, especially baking. “I make a really good cinnamon roll,” she said. But spending time with her husband and their four children is what she most enjoys on her days off. They have three girls and one boy, ages 11, 9, 6 and 3. “We golf as a family, which is a lot of fun,” Mastny said. “Spending time with my family is the best.”
4 Bringing health care news to your home Patients choosing knee or hip replacement surgery expect pain relief, improved walking abilities and a return to regular activities. They also desire quick healing. At Columbus Community Hospital, we are committed to providing the latest surgical technology for our patients to meet their expectations. The Mako Robotic Arm-Assisted Surgery system is just one of the hospital’s advanced technologies for knee or hip replacement. This state-of-the-art system uses 3D virtual modeling of a patient’s unique anatomy and a robotic arm to help orthopedic surgeons plan and perform total knee, total hip and partial knee replacements. “The software allows me to put the implant in just the right position, which helps the knee become more balanced and stable after surgery,” said Dr. Shawn Brandenburg, an orthopedic surgeon at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic. Based on data from 239 elective hip and knee procedures at the hospital in 2022, CCH patients experienced the following results compared to the national average: ● Returning to the hospital within 30 days — 0.42% versus the national average of 1.39%. ● Going home as expected — 98% versus the national average of 93%. Move forward with confidence Our patients feel at ease with Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine’s comprehensive approach. If you are contemplating joint replacement surgery, you can learn more at columbushosp.org. Mako robot provides successful joint-replacement procedures ● Length of stay in hours — 26.99 versus the national average of 34.76. ● Distance walked day of surgery — 277 feet versus the national average of 128 feet. Many benefits The system’s success rate speaks for itself. According to Mako SmartRoboticsTM, surgeons can precisely and accurately cut what they’ve planned based on information from the Mako systems. They know more and cut less. Patients receive better outcomes and suffer less bone and tissue damage. They also experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative pain because of the increased accuracy and customization of the surgery, leading to a quicker recovery. “The robot only cuts where it is directed to cut,” Brandenburg said. “As a result, patients do not experience any extra tissue damage during surgery.” Experts predict the demand for joint procedures will increase with the U.S.’s aging baby boomer population. The Mako system allows CCH to meet this need and enables patients to stay closer to home for their procedures.
5 columbushosp.org AN INSIDE LOOK at the Columbus Fieldhouse Columbus Community Hospital is proud to provide an inside look at the Columbus Fieldhouse project. The facility offers a space for fitness, wellness and rehabilitation services. The photos here show a fraction of what the facility will offer its community members. The jump zone will allow kids to have fun while boosting cardiovascular health and endurance. Indoor tennis/ pickleball courts will be on the east end of the fieldhouse area, while racquetball/handball courts will be near the jump zone area. The approximately quarter-mile walking track will circle the upper perimeter. Walkers, joggers and runners will get fit as they enjoy views of the turf and activities below. Baseball simulators will be on the mezzanine, and batting cages will also be available in the fieldhouse. Fun for kids What you don’t see in the pictures is a gaming area, a pre-teen exercise wall and a soft play area. The gaming area will consist of traditional gaming modules. As for the exercise wall area, kids will enjoy a projection screen/interactive display where they can compete and participate in other activities. The indoor soft play area will house a variety of foam items, building blocks and preschool learning materials — making it the ultimate fun place for younger kids. Follow our progress The hospital is very excited about the facility’s impact on our community. As the project develops, watch for additional photos and articles. Follow us on social media or columbushosp.org for updates on the project. The tennis/pickleball courts and elevated running track will be in the 65-foot-tall fieldhouse. A jump zone containing trampolines will be in the youth activity center in the pre-engineered portion of the metal building. As you come in the main entrance, you will find an open-concept mezzanine allowing for wide-ranging views of the facility. A mini-golf course will be located in the fieldhouse’s two-story main entrance area, along with three golf simulators.
6 Bringing health care news to your home is here for you COLUMBUS PSYCHIATRY CLINIC
7 columbushosp.org Come see us Columbus Psychiatry Clinic is in the Healthpark Medical Office Building, adjacent to Columbus Community Hospital, at 4508 38th St., Suite 165. For an appointment, please call 402-562-4765. At Columbus Psychiatry Clinic, your mental health is our top priority. We offer care for children, adolescents, adults and seniors and provide medication management, psychotherapeutic services, psychological testing and counseling services. The clinic started in 2019 with one psychiatrist, Dr. Venkata Kolli, and a licensed independent mental health practitioner. But soon, it became clear that the need for mental health providers was continuing to grow. “Rural communities pose different mental health challenges, and often acuity of mental health conditions is higher,” said Kolli. “Columbus Psychiatry Clinic has been nimble in tailoring our approaches based on the needs of our patients.” The clinic now has two psychiatrists, a psychologist, nurse practitioners and licensed independent mental health practitioners. When psychologist Dr. Tara Sjuts joined the practice in December 2021, Columbus Psychiatry Clinic began offering a new service — psychological evaluation and behavioral therapy for children. “The clinic has grown exponentially faster than I had originally anticipated,” Kolli said. “This has helped us treat more patients in the community in a timely manner.” A patient-centered approach The clinic’s patients have a wide variety of concerns — among them depression, anxiety, personality disorders, substance abuse, addiction and child behavioral issues. The staff has a very team-based approach, and when a patient or a family member needs help, we want to find just the right clinician for them. When you call us, our staff member will ask important questions about what you need so we can find the right match. Additionally, if you start seeing a clinician and they determine you or your loved one could benefit from seeing another clinician, they can connect you with the right person. Above all, Columbus Psychiatry Clinic uses evidence-based medicine to support our patients. No matter what we do, we make sure there is always science behind any approach we use. “A patient-centered approach has been our core philosophy, and we take pride in providing evidence-based interventions,” said Kolli. “We aspire to bring in new technologies, such as virtual reality-based treatments and computer-based cognitive evaluations, over the next few months.” From left are Drs. Erin Kindred, Venkata Kolli and Tara Sjuts.
8 Bringing health care news to your home At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people were worried about contracting the coronavirus. But RuthAnn Wachal was concerned about fighting cancer. During an annual visit to her doctor, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and needed surgery to remove half of her right lung. After the surgery, Wachal continued her checkups with her oncologist every three months. “You go back to the doctor for your checkup, and you expect them to say, ‘Everything looks good — see you next year,’” she said. “But instead, they found a spot that had spread to my left shoulder.” After receiving the news, Wachal needed a more aggressive treatment plan, which included radiation and chemotherapy. Due to the frequency and duration of her treatments, she knew it wasn’t feasible to travel to Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska. She later met with the team at Columbus Cancer Care, describing the experience as being “truly cared for by people who feel like family.” After starting her treatment, Wachal and her husband planned a bucketlist trip to Alaska. She worked with for cancer care Supportive cancer care To learn more about Columbus Community Hospital’s comprehensive cancer care services, visit columbushosp.org. her oncology team to design a treatment schedule that allowed her to go on the vacation of a lifetime. “They knew how important this trip was to me, and I’m forever thankful for everyone who helped make it possible,” she said. Rebuilding her life Upon returning from her trip, Wachal knew it was time to start rebuilding her life from scratch. While her recovery journey was long, Wachal credits her strength to her support system of family, friends and care providers. Unable to bounce back to “normal life” as quickly as she had after her initial surgery, Wachal recalls the initial struggle with dehydration she experienced while undergoing treatment. Columbus Community Hospital, Wellness Center and YMCA help a cancer fighter become a survivor ‘ALL IN’ Going
9 columbushosp.org “But thanks to my wonderful care providers and supporters throughout my journey, I’ve returned stronger than I ever imagined. I see the light at the end of the tunnel.” — RuthAnn Wachal “I became dehydrated following one of my chemo treatments, and I started hallucinating,” she said. “I called my nurse navigator, and after talking with me for a bit, she suggested I go to the hospital to receive extra IV fluids. I didn’t know this then, but she was home sick that day and still picked up the phone to help me — now that’s truly caring.” After completing her treatment plan, Wachal attended physical therapy at the Columbus Wellness Center to help regain her strength. Her physical therapist told her about the new "Livestrong at the YMCA" program, designed specifically for cancer patients and survivors, which CCH's Rehab Services and the Columbus Family YMCA had begun offering in the fall. Wachal was all in. Throughout the 12-week program, Wachal worked with Columbus Family YMCA and Rehab Services staff. These staff members are trained in supportive cancer care to help patients safely achieve their goals, such as building muscle and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. “They say, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’ and that’s how I felt with this program,” Wachal said. “I was so hopeless at the start of this journey that I told my husband I didn’t think I could do it if cancer returned. But thanks to my wonderful care providers and supporters throughout my journey, I’ve returned stronger than I ever imagined. I see the light at the end of the tunnel.” RuthAnn Wachal, left, works with Allison Frisch, occupational therapist at Rehab Services at the Wellness Center.
10 Bringing health care news to your home 5 tips for a safe, fun summer When it comes to seasons, it’s hard to top summer, which is tailor-made for kicking back, firing up the grill, splashing in the pool and more. But you want every family memory to be happy, which is why these five safety tips are so important. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Safe Kids Worldwide Head off head injuries. Reduce the risk of a bump or blow that might cause a traumatic brain injury by: ● Checking to see if surfaces under playground equipment are safe, soft and well-maintained. ● Insisting that kids always wear a helmet or appropriate headgear when riding a bike or scooter, using a skateboard or in-line skates, or playing contact sports. Be a good role model as well and do the same. Grill smart. Missteps can lead to a serious burn or home fire. To lower that risk: ● Keep your grill away from siding, deck railings and overhanging branches. ● Keep kids away from your grill, too. Create a 3-foot kid-free zone around it. Keep ticks and mosquitoes from bugging your family. They may cause Lyme disease, West Nile virus or other illnesses. To help keep bugs at bay: ● Use an insect repellent outdoors where bites are likely — for example, in wooded, grassy or bushy areas where ticks may lurk. ● Check for ticks after being outside in tick-infested areas, including your backyard. ● Get rid of any standing water in your yard — for instance, in planters or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water. Stay sun-safe. Help protect your family from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, skin damage and skin cancer. Be sure that everybody: ● Applies a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside — even on cloudy days. ● Reapplies sunscreen every two hours or after swimming, sweating or toweling off. ● Covers up in a long-sleeved shirt and long pants for extra protection. ● Heads for shade, especially around midday when UV rays are the strongest. Make water safety a priority. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. Be sure to: ● Keep a close watch on children in and near water, even when a lifeguard is present. ● Never let children swim alone in open water — strong swimmers need buddies, too. ● Install a four-sided fence at least 4 feet high around home pools. ● Be prepared for an emergency by learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 3 2 4 5 1
11 columbushosp.org Creamy broccoli apple salad Makes 8 servings. Ingredients 4 cups broccoli florets 1/2 cup carrots, shredded 1/2 red onion, sliced thin 2 apples, diced 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey Salt and pepper, to taste Directions ● In a large bowl, combine broccoli, carrots, onion, apples, pecans and cranberries. ● In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice and honey. ● Combine yogurt mixture with vegetable mixture and toss well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. ● Chill until ready to serve. Nutrition information Serving size: 1 cup. Amount per serving: 140 calories, 6g total fat (1g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 5mg cholesterol, 20g carbohydrates, 5g protein, 3g dietary fiber, 25mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research New, free classes for diabetes support When you discover you have diabetes, you may have no idea what questions you should ask or whom you can turn to. Columbus Community Hospital offers several resources and support options for people with diabetes. Recently, the hospital started a new class for the community. Diabetes Tidbits is a free session that meets noon-1 p.m. every Thursday at the hospital. Diabetes educators lead the classes and provide expert advice about managing your health. “It can be very overwhelming when you are diagnosed with diabetes,” said Joan Plummer, diabetes educator at the hospital. “It’s a lot to try to change at once, so we encourage people to change their lifestyle gradually.” This class provides an opportunity for people with diabetes to get together and discuss what they can do to manage their disease. Each session begins with a predetermined topic. Once the diabetes educator finishes discussing that topic, she allows time for additional questions. “We want to provide ongoing support and encouragement for their day-to-day lives,” said Plummer. You do not need to enroll in the classes and may attend as many sessions as you would like. Family and friends are welcome to join as well. Live well For more information about Diabetes Tidbits, contact Joan Plummer at 402-562-4462.
12 Bringing health care news to your home Life can be challenging for a person living with Parkinson’s disease. Carroll McPhillips of Columbus is no stranger to these challenges. The first symptom he noticed was drooling, and after a few visits, doctors confirmed he had Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive motor disease that can cause difficulty with walking, balance, stability, speech, vision, handwriting, muscle stiffness, voice quality, swallowing and eating. Patients with Parkinson’s thrive best when they maintain an active and positive lifestyle. As a patient with Rehab Services at the Wellness Center, McPhillips works with an excellent support team, including speech, physical and occupational therapists. “We must keep moving, as there is no cure for this disease,” McPhillips said. “Along with my therapy, I also participate in the boxing class, which makes me feel good. Even though I am out of shape, it helps my breathing and movement after I finish.” Columbus Community Hospital recently started a new movement disorder clinic with Nebraska Medicine physician Dr. Erin Smith, a neurologist and movement disorders specialist. It brings together experts from many care areas who specialize in diagnosing, managing and treating people with movement disorders — specifically, Parkinson’s disease. After a referral, McPhillips met with Smith during the clinic. “The clinic was very well organized,” said McPhillips. “Dr. Smith was very get moving with new movement disorder clinic Locals with Parkinson’s
13 columbushosp.org Regain vitality To learn more about the Columbus Movement Disorder Clinic, call Michell Ruskamp at 402-562-4488, email mlruskamp@columbushosp.org or visit columbushosp.org. Carroll McPhillips, left, works with Michell Ruskamp, speech therapist at Rehab Services at the Wellness Center, on treatment for swallowing. easy to talk to and is a great listener. The clinic teaches you the right way to do things. Before, I just did things and didn’t know why. They have taught me there is a reason for every movement, and everything is done with intent.” McPhillips encourages individuals who think they may have Parkinson’s to take one step at a time, and everything will fall into place. Becoming involved at Rehab Services at the Wellness Center helped him get to know others who are experiencing the same challenges. He also realized that moving all the time to stay healthy is vital. Individuals with suspected Parkinson’s disease can expect to be in the specialized quarterly clinic for approximately three hours the first time. During this visit, they will meet with Smith for an initial evaluation, then undergo assessments with dietitians and physical, occupational and speech therapists. The hospital will also have nursing staff on-site to assist with the evaluations. Movement Disorder Clinic Columbus Community Hospital is offering the quarterly clinic on Sept. 28 and Dec. 7. A primary care provider or current neurologist will need to refer interested individuals before they can schedule an appointment with the clinic.
14 Bringing health care news to your home Volunteering together It’s been said that couples who play together stay together. In the case of Bob and Ann Hamling, you could say “couples who volunteer together bring cheer together.” The Hamlings have spent a combined 39 years volunteering at Columbus Community Hospital. You’ll usually find them right when you enter the hospital — greeting guests at the main information desk. “I help people find their way around the hospital,” said Ann. “Many people are very interesting, and it makes me happy to help them.” Ann was born in St. Edward, grew up on a farm west of Genoa and graduated from Assumption Academy in Norfolk, all in Nebraska. After living in Omaha, Nebraska, briefly, she returned to Columbus and worked for an insurance company until she married Bob. In January 1999, she started volunteering at the old hospital and has worked at the information desk for 23 years. Bob was born in Norfolk and grew up on a farm near Humphrey, Nebraska. He graduated from St. Francis High School in Humphrey. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army for three years before beginning at Cornhusker Public Power District. After 40 years, he retired from being a lineman at the power company and joined his wife at the desk. He has guided people at the hospital for 16 years now. “I thought it would be something I would enjoy as well,” said Bob. “I get to meet many people, which is very rewarding.” A heart for service and each other Until this last year, the couple also volunteered at St. Anthony’s Elementary School for 16 years, helping with lunches. During their years of volunteering, they have become friends with many employees who appreciate their service to the hospital. They encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to join the hospital — there are many different positions and hours to accommodate anyone. In Ann’s free time, she enjoys watching game shows, completing word puzzles, tending her flower garden and staying in touch with family through Snapchat. When not helping at the information desk, Bob takes care of his sixacre city farm, where he has a few calves. Bob and Ann feed the birds and enjoy watching the visiting cardinals, orioles and hummingbirds. They have four children, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, whom they greatly enjoy. The couple will celebrate 55 years of marriage this year. Join our team To learn more about volunteer opportunities available at the hospital, visit columbushosp.org.
4600 38th St. Columbus, NE 68601 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Focus on health Baby care Breastfeeding Support sessions are available by appointment. Call 402-562-3266. 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. Club CHIP support group To learn more, call 402-562-4490. Cooking classes To learn more, call 402-562-4462. Enhanced Fitness classes To learn more, call 402-564-9477. Food Thoughts To learn more, call 402-562-4462. Spine Fit classes To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Walk with a Doc To learn more, call 402-562-4480. Support groups A Time to Heal To learn more, call 402-562-4794. Columbus Cancer Care To learn more, call 402-562-4840 or 402-562-4436. Grief support group To learn more, call 402-562-4449. LOUD Crowd exercise group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Parkinson’s wellness group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s To learn more, call 402-562-3333. TBI and stroke support group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Education and support group sessions are free unless otherwise noted Visit columbushosp.org ● Manage your hospital bill online. ● Make a donation to the CCH Foundation. ● Send an e-card to a loved one or friend at CCH. Learn health tips and more about specific conditions by visiting our website at columbushosp.org. Harvest for Health Community Wellness Fair Columbus Community Hospital is proud to host its Harvest for Health Community Wellness Fair, 7 a.m.-noon Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Ramada River’s Edge Convention Center. You are invited to attend the event, which will feature health screenings, services and healthcentered presentations. There will be event favors and hourly prize giveaways, including a Roomba® vacuum, a $100 Walmart gift card and a 50-inch television! We will also provide complimentary coffee and healthy snacks. Save the date for this one-of-a-kind event! SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Sept. 7 7 a.m.-noon Ramada River’s Edge Convention Center
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=