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FamilyHealthN o r t h f i e l d h o s p i t a l & C l i N i C s

Summer 2011 • Vol. 16, No. 3 507-646-1494

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3Hearing promotes cognitive function

6Don’t sugar-coat your diet

4Cancer radiation facility opens in Northfield

Lifestyle of American youth fueling a rise in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is becoming a common affliction of America’s children. But researchers say we are doing this to ourselves.

In a recent presentation at Northfield Hospital, Suma Ku-mar, MD, an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Mayo Clinic, said the vast majority of childhood diabetes cases can be attributed to today’s lifestyle, what we eat and how we play. The number of children considered overweight or obese has tripled in the past 30 years. Now one out of three children fits that description.

Genetic makeup has not changed that much in three de-

cades, Dr. Kumar said, so lifestyle is the most logical explanation.

It’s a matter of energy in and energy out, she says. Today’s kids simply don’t expend enough energy to ward off the ill effects of high caloric diets and sedentary patterns.

FamilyHealth Medical Clinic pediatricians Todd Amunrud, DO; and Ben Flannery, MD; are concerned about this trend.

“This used to be primarily an adult-based disease,” said Dr. Amunrud, “but now we see it oc-curring more in children.”

Type 2 Diabetes develops when the body produces too much insulin, a hormone re-quired to convert sugar and starches into energy. The body’s tissues become insulin resistant, and no longer respond to it. Ex-cessive sugar in the bloodstream

“TODAY’S TRENDS SEND A CLEAR SIGNAL THAT WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE LIFESTYLE WE ARE CREATING FOR OUR KIDS.”

Continued, page 7Dr. AmunrudDr. Flannery

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A D O L E S C E N T H E A LT H

The only person you can re-ally control is yourself.

That lies at the heart of the parenting advice Kirk Martin, a parent educator, shared earlier this spring with a Northfield audience. A behavior consul-tant, an author and producer of numerous parenting CDs, Martin tells parents to take charge of their emotions. He attributes 85 percent of power struggles with kids to a parent’s own anxiety. It’s the anxiety that severs relation-ships, he said.

Beyond the central message of dialing back on your own anxiety, Martin offered these insights:• Kids need order, structure,

and consistency.• Always assume the best first.• Look beneath the surface

before you start the problem-solving.

• When you are upset with your kids, sit down. It’s hard to yell at someone when you are sitting down.

• Give kids a mission.• When kids are upset, draw

them towards you.• Kids need ownership over

their choices, or it breeds

defiance.Barb Howe, an instructor

at Open Door Nursery School, coordinated the May event. She mobilized a coalition of com-munity groups to underwrite Martin’s presentation. More than 180 people attended.

“All of his advice is common sense,” she said, “but we need to be reminded of it.”

Shari Sneary, a Northfield parent who supported the event, saw clear benefit in the presentation.

“If people walked away from the work-shop with just one additional tool that they or their children can use, then the event was worthwhile,” she said.

The sponsoring coalition has purchased parenting videos produced

by Martin and are making them available to the public through Northfield Public Library. For more about Kirk Martin go to: www.celebratecalm.com.

Parenting starts with controlling your own emotions

In just two years of operation, “Take It To The Box,” a local safe and responsible medication disposal program, has collected more than two tons of medication from Rice County households. Household medicine cabinets are one of the chief sources of opiate-based medication for youth, which can lead to life-changing patterns of addiction. Secure boxes are available 24 hours a day in the lobby of the Northfield Police Station, 300 5th St. West, and the Faribault Police Station for safe disposal of unneeded prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs. For more information, visit the Rice County Chemical Health Coalition website at www.ricecounty-chc.com and click on “Take It To The Box.”

Public embraces ‘Take It To The Box’

C L I N I C N E W S

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Ben Flannery, MD, has joined the pediatric prac-tice at FamilyHealth Medical Clinic in Northfield.

He will see a full range of pediatric patients from infants to 21-year olds and will be heavily involved in the pediatric and delivery call rotation. His physician services are provided by Mayo Clinic Health System.

Dr. Flannery comes to Northfield from Des Moines, IA, where he performed his residency at Blank Children’s Hospital. He received his medi-cal degree from the University of Iowa College of

Medicine and an undergraduate degree from Saint John’s University.

His areas of professional interest include childhood immunizations, di-agnosis and pharmacological manage-ment of children with attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder and parental counsel for the normal development and growth of children.

Dr. Flannery and his wife, Ali, have one son and live in Northfield.

The research is consistent. Hearing loss can contribute to the slide in cognitive function in older adults.

Dr. Miriam Attias, a licensed audiologist at FamilyHealth Medical Clinic, explains that a significant portion of the brain is used to process auditory stimuli.

“The brain needs input from the ears to help it interpret and comprehend the world around us,” she says. “An untreated hearing loss can starve the brain of the stimulation it needs to remain vital and healthy.”

Studies reveal a strong cor-

relation between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s. Even mild hearing loss can contribute to depression, anxiety and isolation, Dr. Attias says.

Conversation exercises the brain. Even active listening stimulates large areas of the brain optimizing auditory and lan-guage processes. Individuals with hearing loss can dramatically improve their quality of life by using hearing aids.

“It is important to keep the ears connected to the hearing areas of the brain,” Dr. Attias says. “With untreated hearing

loss, this connection weakens and it becomes more difficult for a hearing impaired individual to process and under-stand what is heard even when using hearing aids.”

Dr. Attias provides audiol-ogy services in the region and keeps regular office hours at FamilyHealth Medical Clinic both in Northfield and Lakeville.

Dr. Flannery joins FamilyHealth

Hearing promotes cognitive function

Patricia Richardson, MSW, LICSW, LMFT, a Northfield clinical social worker and family thera-pist, will be the featured speaker at a bereavement informational meeting sponsored by Northfield Hospice Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Northfield Hospital Conference Center.

Richardson has been in private practice in Northfield for more than 30 years. She will draw upon a wide range of experience working with grief and loss issues for her talk, titled “Weaving in the Threads of Loss.”

Richardson’s presentation will serve as a prelude to an optional six-week bereavement support group

offered by Northfield Hospice. The group, facilitated by Katie Jacobi, MSW, a Northfield Hospice social worker, will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the hospital’s Meeting Room A and then will meet every Wednesday through October 26. Both the presentation and the group are free and open to the public. You need not have had a family member in hospice to join the group. Pre-registra-tion is strongly encouraged. For more information about the group, or to register, contact Katie Jacobi at 507-646-1037 or jacobik@northfieldhospital.org. People may also register the night of the event.

Therapist to speak on grief and loss

Dr. Flannery

Dr. Attias

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O N C O L O G Y S E R V I C E S

Radiation oncologists are now treating cancer patients in North-field at the new Mayo Clinic Radiation Therapy Facility.

The $10 million facility mirrors the technology and capability of the radiation oncology department at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It includes a state-of-the art linear accelerator that delivers the exter-nal beam radiation that is used in 90 percent of radiation oncology cases. It is commonly used to treat lung cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Administrators say the presence of this service in Northfield will be a great convenience to patients who live in Northfield and surrounding communities. Radiation treatment regimens require multiple visits that can extend over several weeks. The logistics can be exhausting for patients and their families who are already under a great deal of stress.

Tim McKone, MD, a radiation oncologist, leads a staff of 12 at the therapy facility. He said they expect to treat 200 patients a year and will see 20 to 30 patients each day.

Mark Henke, president and CEO of Northfield Hospital & Clin-ics, said this facility complements the medical oncology offered at Northfield Hospital, expanding the cancer care available locally. In addition, Northfield Hospital has initiated a $2.3 million clinical ex-pansion to enhance the delivery of chemotherapy and other infusion services. The project is expected to be completed next spring.

The linear accelerator at right is the same as the one used at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

Radiation therapy facility opens in Northfield

At the helm Tim McKone, MD, a radiation oncologist, is the director of the Mayo Clinic Radiation Therapy Facility. He has 16 years of experience in radiation oncology. Prior to that, he practiced as a general surgeon. Dr. McKone and his wife, Marian, live in Northfield. One of their three children is a graduate of St. Olaf College.

Dr. Tim McKone

5

Northfield Hospital’s Diagnostic Im-aging Department has added PET/CT scanning to its repertoire of diagnostic modalities. It is an important tool in the detection and monitoring of cancer. PET/CT technology integrates Positron Emission Tomography and Computed To-mography into a single device, making it possible to collect and correlate both an-atomical and biological information dur-ing a single examination. PET/CT mea-sures the body’s metabolic activity and then converts those measurements to digital images to help physicians detect many of the most of the common forms of cancer. The scans are simple, quick and painless, providing physicians with en-hanced capability to detect and diagnose diseases early. It is also an important tool for monitoring how cancer patients are responding to their treatment. Sandy Mulford, director of Diagnostic Imaging at Northfield Hospital & Clinics, said the addition of this modality will be a benefit to the patients in this commu-nity, especially for those being treated at Northfield Hospital’s chemotherapy clinic and Mayo Clinic’s new radiation therapy facility. She said data from PET/CTs per-formed at Northfield Hospital can be sent directly to the radiation therapy equip-ment at the Radiation Therapy Facility to ensure precise treatment planning and monitoring without the patient ever needing to leave town. “It’s wonderful that cancer patients can now stay near their homes and loved ones while receiving the highest quality diagnostic and treatment exams avail-able anywhere,” Mulford said. “It means one less thing to worry about on their journey to recovery.”

PET/CT aids in detection of cancer

O N C O L O G Y S E R V I C E S

Radiation therapy facility opens in Northfield

Photo: Mayo Clinic

6

Sugar is sugar. It doesn’t matter if its white sugar, brown

sugar, raw sugar or honey, for that matter; the calories from each are virtually the same.

We need sugar. Sugar and starches are our bodies’ main source of energy. But according to Kristi Von Ruden, RD, LD, a nutrition therapist at Northfield Hospital & Clinics, too much sugar in your diet over an extended period of time can compromise your health. Health problems associated with high sugar intake include: Type 2 diabetes mellitus with all of its associ-ated health risks, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Ex-tra sugar also crowds out more nutritional foods, depriving a person of important vitamins, minerals and fiber.

The recommended number of calories each day from added sugar is 100 for women and 150 for men. But re-

search suggests that the average American consumes some 400 calories a day of added sugar.

“It’s the equivalent of eating a side dish of 22 teaspoons of white sugar every day,” said Von Ruden. “I can’t imagine anyone finds that image very appetizing.”

The added sugar comes largely from our penchant for soda and soft drinks, including most fruit juices and sports drinks, but it lurks in all kinds of processed foods, including jellies, candy, ready-to-eat cereals and products such as honey-nut waffles and microwaveable meals.

If you want to talk about sugar or other food-related issues, contact Kristi Von Ruden or Courtney Eby, RD,LD, at 507-646-1410.

Von Ruden

H E A LT H U P D A T E S

What was the reasoning for developing the new MyPlate symbol?MyPlate was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture to promote healthy eating to consumers. The MyPlate icon replaces the previous MyPyramid graphic, which most found difficult to interpret. MyPlate is easy to understand and it helps to promote messages based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The new MyPlate icon builds on a familiar image – a plate – and is accompa-nied by messages to encourage consumers to make healthy choices. For much more information, visit:

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/QandA/index.html

Don’t sugar-coat your diet

How to steer clear of added sugar: –[ eliminate or reduce sugar-laden, non-diet sodas

–[ limit the candy, gum and desserts you eat

–[ avoid the frosted breakfast cereals

–[ have fresh fruit instead of cakes, cookies and pies

–[ eat fewer added-sugar processed foods

–[ avoid sugar-sweetened tea and blended coffee drinks flavored with syrup, sugar and sweet toppings

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H O S P I TA L N E W S

7

Northfield Hospital & Clin-ics’ Emergency Medicine Services (EMS) is sponsoring an Explorer Post that gives participating youth an introduction to the world of first responders.

Jim Ingham, a paramedic with Northfield Hospital EMS and a leader of the post, said the experience allows members to learn more about careers in emer-gency services as well as gain valuable training in assessment and life-saving protocols.

The Explorer Post is affiliated with Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are 14 and have completed the eighth grade or 15 to 20 years old. The EMS post now numbers 13. They meet every other week for three-hour sessions. Members become certi-fied as First Responders and ben-efit from more advanced training.

They also acquire job skills along the way, Ingham says.

The Explorers assist EMS

at summer events and will help with the aid station during Defeat of Jesse James Days.

Northfield Hospital offers prepared childbirth classes periodically throughout the year. The four-session program meets on Tuesday evenings at Northfield Hospital. The next open sessions are: September 6-27 and November 1-22. The next

available weekend series are October 1 and 2 and November 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The cost is $50 for either session.

To register, contact Nancy at 507-646-1035 or e-mail to: moen@northfieldhospital.org.

EMS department sponsors Explorer post

Prepared childbirth class dates announced

The EMS Explorer Post assisted at Northfield’s Healthy Kids Day last May.

can lead to long-term complica-tions such as heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and damage to the eyes and feet. It can be life threatening.

This disease often enters quietly with no signs or symp-toms. But some children experi-ence classic symptoms, such as increased thirst and urination,

increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue or blurred vision.

Dr. Flannery said risk factors include obesity, decreased physi-cal activity and a family history of diabetes.

“Today’s trends send a clear signal that we need to pay atten-tion to the lifestyle we are creat-ing for our kids,” said Dr. Flan-nery. “The best prevention for this disease is a healthy, balanced

diet that includes fruits, vegeta-bles and whole grains instead of foods high in fat, and to encour-age daily physical activity.”

If you would like to discuss Type 2 diabetes or other pediatric issues with either Dr. Amunrud or Dr. Flannery, call Family-Health Medical Clinic, 507-646-1494.

Mayo Clinic Health System provides the physician services of Dr. Amunrud and Dr. Flannery.

Diabetes: It can lead to long-term health complicationsFrom page 1

N o r t h f i e l d h o s p i t a l r o u N d u p

FAMILYHEALTH is published as a community service for households served by Northfield Hospital & Clinics. Addi-tional copies are available by calling Community Relations, 507-646-1034.

MarkHenke DixonBond President and CEO Chair, Board of Trustees

RandyReister,MD ScottRichardson Clinic Medical Director Editor

Information in FAMILYHEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.

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Clinic office hoursNorthfield Hospital & Clinics Annual Report for 2010 is now available on

the hospital & clinics website. The report features a review of 2010 and a look ahead to

2011 by Mark Henke, President and CEO of Northfield Hos-pital & Clinics. It also contains statistical comparisons over the last several years in selected service areas, a breakdown of revenues and expenses during the year, and a report on “com-munity benefits” provided by the organization.

To find the report on line, go to www.northfieldhospital.org, click on “News” and then on “Annual Report.”

If you visit Northfield’s Riverwalk Market Fair any Saturday this summer and into the fall, look for our “Recipe for Good Health.”

Each week, Northfield Hospital & Clinics is offering visitors a healthy recipe to support their search for nutritious eating. Nutrition therapists from Northfield Hospital & Clinics provide the recipes with an eye to available seasonal produce. The recipes can be found in the main Riverwalk booth, which sits near the Fourth Street Bridge.

Northfield Hospital & Clinics is also sponsoring self-guided walks each Satur-day morning. Walking loops of varying distances are provided on a map. Walkers are invited to make this a part of their weekly fitness program.

Now in its second season, Riverwalk Market Fair is a festive, outdoor market for artists and farmers spread out along Northfield’s picturesque Can-non River. It runs each Saturday through September from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2010 Annual Report available online

FamilyHealth offers recipe for ‘good health’ at Riverwalk

Annual Report 2010