Health and Wellness

Diana Charlson, FNP-BC Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and should it be treated?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing. It is

Audiology Awareness Month - Pattie Visscher, Au. D

Audiology Awareness Month: Protect Your Hearing from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Audiology team is

Jennifer Graslie, MSPS, PA-C Heart Failure Prevention

Heart Failure - A Little Bit of Prevention Goes a Long Way

As we approach World Heart Day, September 29, a day created to spread awareness about

Anne's Story

Anne Hinman was kind enough to leave this 5 star google review about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Wyoming Rehab: “I could not have been happier

A Holistic Approach to Healthcare

As an internist and primary care physician, I’m focused on delivering the highest level of care to all patients throughout their lives. I joined

Transitioning Home from Transitional Care

From changes to one's daily schedule to the adjustments necessary to return home – Sheridan Memorial Hospital's transitional care

Preventing Dehydration

Summer weather calls many of us to spend more time outdoors. While this time of year brings a welcome respite from our cold Wyoming winters,

Dr. Kristopher Schamber is the Medical Director for the new SMH Primary Care practice located in the heart of downtown Sheridan.

SMH Primary Care Complements Current SMH Service Offerings

Sheridan Memorial Hospital announces the late summer opening of a new Primary Care practice to serve patients of all ages in downtown Sheridan

Exercise and Type II Diabetes

A patient tells us … “I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes (or prediabetes) and my doctor told me to exercise. What now?” Bring told you have Type II

Did you know? Patient Portal Explained

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to offer convenient, secure, online access to your personal health information through our patient

Celebrating - Better Hearing & Speech Month

Better Hearing & Speech Month is an annual occasion designed to raise awareness of hearing loss and speech problems. The American Speech-

Prevention is Cure

On May 12, 2022 Governor Gordon signed a proclamation recognizing May as Trauma Awareness Month in Wyoming. Every year in May,

May – Stroke Awareness Month

What can you do? Know the risk factors. Free Drive-up Stroke Awareness Event May 24, 2022. Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone

Street Fentanyl vs Emergency Department Fentanyl

Newsworthy stories about pharmaceutical misuse and abuse can add an extra layer of complexity to our daily doctor-patient

Celebrate a World of Flavor!

March is “National Nutrition Month.” Each year we celebrate healthy eating with a theme. This year’s theme is “Celebrate a World of

Robert's Story

Robert Kessler has led a full life for sure. He has lived in Buffalo, WY, since 1964. He has been in the Navy, run his own business in Buffalo, and then

Talking about Saving Lives

It may not be the most glamorous subject, but talking about colorectal cancer saves lives. Unlike many cancers, we have effective tools to help

February is Heart Month – Taking Steps Toward a Healthier You

On average, Americans spend $27.4 billion each year on Valentine’s Day, and $1.8 billion is for

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Treatment for Urinary and Bowel Incontinence and Pain in the Pelvic Area

The term “Pelvic Floor Health” encompasses

Matt's Story

The challenges that come with a debilitating injury are more than physical. The mental challenges of not being able to do things that came easy prior

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By Diana Charlson, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing. It is caused when the upper airway temporarily closes or collapses. When this happens, the person either doesn’t breathe deep enough (hypopnea) or doesn’t breathe at all (apnea). These are brief episodes that typically happen multiple times throughout the night. During these episodes, the body is not getting appropriate oxygenation, which in turn impacts the entire body, and can cause various problems for people over time.

Because the episodes happen throughout the night, people often don’t know they have a problem. This can cause a delay in the condition getting diagnosed in a timely fashion. Many times, a person won’t get diagnosed for many years. Over time, a person will often begin experiencing symptoms secondary to the ongoing lack of appropriate oxygenation throughout the night. Some indications of OSA include snoring, witnessed apneic events during sleep, waking with headaches in the morning, feeling tired throughout the day, waking up gasping during the night, poor quality of sleep, not feeling rested upon waking, decreased vigilance, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.

Some risk factors for OSA include older age (prevalence increases from youth through the sixth to seventh decade), obesity, enlarged neck circumference, having a narrowed airway, family history, and using alcohol or other sedatives.

OSA is diagnosed with a sleep study. This is an overnight test that monitors breathing. In the past, a person needed to go to a formal sleep lab/office to perform a sleep study. However, newer technology allows some people to get a sleep study at home, in the comfort of their own bed! Although the home sleep study is not as comprehensive as the formal sleep lab study, it is still a valid test for many individuals.

The gold standard treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. Basically, this machine delivers air pressure through a mask, keeping the upper airway open throughout the night and thus preventing hypopnea or apnea. There are other treatment options available, as well.

Long-term, if OSA is not treated, it can lead to many complications. Sometimes a person is diagnosed with OSA after they have been treated for high blood pressure and despite treatment, their blood pressure remains high, which then prompts evaluation into OSA. Other long-term complications include heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, stroke, and heart failure. It is also linked to insulin resistance, which is a concern for the development of type 2 diabetes. A person with OSA may have more complications with certain medications and major surgeries due to their breathing difficulties and being more prone to breathing problems. Cognition can also be impacted by difficulties with inattention, memory, depression, and anxiety.

Because the presentation of OSA is slow and symptoms may develop over time, it is often not diagnosed for many years. But again, over time, the complications from untreated OSA steadily increase. As we age, we are more prone to complications and often OSA is identified in older individuals. It is important to treat OSA to prevent complications and improve the overall quality of life for both you and anyone who must sleep in the same room as you (as often a person with OSA keeps other people awake at night!)

According to CardioSmart from the American College of Cardiology:

Sleep Apnea by the Numbers

More than 18 million adults Americans have sleep apnea.
One in four older people has some degree of sleep apnea.
4 out of 5 cases go undiagnosed.
It occurs in about half of people with heart failure or atrial fibrillation and one-third of people with hypertension and coronary artery disease.

OSA has also been linked to a host of serious cardiovascular problems, including:

Coronary artery disease (CAD), a narrowing of the blood vessels to supply oxygen to your heart
Heart attack – people with untreated OSA are twice as likely to have a heart attack
Stroke
Sudden cardiac death
High blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and other medical problems
Abnormal heart rhythms, especially atrial fibrillation; people with OSA are four times more likely to have a-fib than those without OSA.

If you have questions or concerns about the possibility of having Obstructive Sleep Apnea, please discuss this further with your healthcare provider.

Audiology - Ivan point lion Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Audiology team is gearing up for National Audiology Awareness Month this October. This campaign was created to raise awareness of audiology and the importance of hearing protection in preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects many Americans. An estimated 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years have permanent damage to their hearing from excessive noise exposure.

Several autumn activities can cause noise-induced hearing loss without proper hearing protection. Prolonged exposure to the sounds of yard work tools, gunshots and motorized vehicles can all lead to irreversible hearing damage. Fortunately, you can take steps to keep your ears safe and prevent permanent hearing loss.

Leave Yard Care to the Professionals

Lawnmowers can create noise at 95 decibels, and leaf blowers produce 95 to 115 decibels of sound. Chainsaws are even noisier, with 106 to 120 decibels of sound. All emit unsafe noise levels (anything over 85 decibels can harm your hearing). Always wear hearing protection while doing yard work and consider investing in lawn tools with low decibel outputs.

Don’t Kill Your Hearing While Hunting

When you’re out in the wild, you’re focusing on the thrill of the elk/deer hunt, not on your ears. However, the noise from a gunshot, which measures between 120 and 130 decibels, is extremely hazardous to your hearing. Specially designed hunting earplugs or earmuffs are your best shot at preventing hearing loss.

Stay Away from Souped-Up Snowmobiles

Current snowmobiles are manufactured to emit 73 decibels, but modifying your snowmobile’s exhaust system can increase the decibel count to an unsafe level. It’s best to keep the original manufacturer’s exhaust system on a snowmobile to protect your hearing.

Be Aware While Enjoying Your ATV
ATV noise can reach around 92 decibels. Make your ride safer by remembering to wear hearing protection while engaging in any four-wheeling fun.

Preserve Your Hearing Health

Audiology Awareness Month is a great reminder to take care of your hearing. Consider getting a hearing test to confirm your hearing health or detect hearing loss. Shalyn “Shay” Ballew, AuD, has joined our audiology team within the past two months. We are here to keep your ears safe while you enjoy noisy activities—we offer custom hearing protection for maximum comfort and peace of mind. The Audiology office is located within the hospital’s Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic in the Outpatient Center.

If you have questions or want to set up an appointment, please call Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at 307.675.4646.

As we approach World Heart Day, September 29, a day created to spread awareness about cardiovascular disease, we find it fitting to address ways to combat it. Here at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, we diagnose and treat many forms of heart disease. This article addresses Heart Failure, what it is, risk factors, diagnosis and self-care.

Heart failure is a very common disease affecting 6.2 million Americans (CDC September 8, 2020). It is more prevalent than all forms of cancer combined. Heart failure occurs when fluid accumulates in the body because the heart cannot pump efficiently. High blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease and age can all contribute to causing this illness. Symptoms of heart failure can include fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling. As our population becomes older and more sedentary, we expect heart failure to become more widespread.

Prevention is the most effective measure for counteracting the risk factors that can lead to developing heart failure. There is ample medical evidence proving that a person can lower or prevent such risk factors as high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. It requires maintaining a healthy weight and diet and modifying certain lifestyle habits. If a person already has one or more risk factors, tight control of blood pressure or blood sugar and coronary artery disease can help prevent or delay the onset of heart failure. Even modest weight loss and increased cardio-respiratory fitness can significantly improve heart health.

There is some good news for those patients with a diagnosis of heart failure. Several medications produce wonderful results, including certain beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and Entresto. Patients with heart failure are experiencing fewer symptoms and some are living longer. Other patients are benefiting from special pacemakers that synchronize the heart, allowing it to beat more efficiently. These special pacemakers can further reduce patient symptoms and improve survival.

When heart failure progresses to an advanced stage or warrants hospitalization, it becomes an identifying marker for patients who will require more intensive follow-up care for the rest of their life. As a cardiology office, we routinely see patients with a heart failure diagnosis. Our focus is on providing up-to-date medical management for heart failure. The program involves providing in-depth patient education and having patients monitor their weight, blood pressure and sodium intake daily. Patients must also watch for and report these early warning signs: feet and ankles swelling more than usual, breathing that becomes more difficult, or a weight gain of 3 pounds in two days. These signs might indicate that fluid is building up in the body. Early intervention ensures ongoing symptom management and overall well-being.

With heart failure becoming more widespread over the next few decades, our understanding of preventing and treating this disease will also continuously improve.

To learn more about Cardiology at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, plan to attend our Doc Talk at The Hub on Smith on Thursday, September 22, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. We will have representatives from our Heart Center and our Cardiac Catheterization Lab on hand to show you devices, including stents, implantable pacemakers, and defibrillators. They will explain when and how they are used, what they do, and how they can save a life. Bring your questions to this free public event. The Hub is located at 211 Smith Street.

Anne Hinman was kind enough to leave this 5 star google review about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Wyoming Rehab: “I could not have been happier with the treatment and personal care of this team! I messed up my back and was in a lot of pain. Jeanne was able to squeeze me in for a consultation and really took the time to figure out where my pain was coming from and how to treat it. Highly recommend this clinic.”

Anne said a friend of hers recommended Wyoming Rehab – so she went to the hospital’s website and learned about the Free Screenings for non-emergent issues.

“I am a bit embarrassed to say that I had begun lifting weights and was experiencing “very much” pain – I’m 27 and was scared that I had really done something bad to my back and I hoped that physical therapy might help. It was awesome that Jeanne Brooks could fit me in the same day as I called Wyoming Rehab.

Jeanne checked out my back and walked me through some activities and motions that helped loosen up my back. It was a lot more help than I was expecting on a screening visit. Jeanne also gave me a list of things that I could do on my own to help alleviate the pain and relax my back.

Jeanne also said that I was welcome to come back for more help if need be, but I am doing fine on my own now. If I ever have an injury, I know I would go back to Wyoming Rehab.”

If you have nagging aches or pains, give Wyoming Rehab a call today to schedule a non-emergent free screening – 307.674.1632.

By Kristopher C. Schamber, MD, FACP, Medical Director at Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care

As an internist and primary care physician, I’m focused on delivering the highest level of care to all patients throughout their lives. I joined Sheridan Memorial Hospital because they share and support this healthcare philosophy. Now, as the medical director of our new Primary Care practice downtown, I have the privilege of leading a team of seven – three physicians, one physician assistant and three nurse practitioners – who have been demonstrating this patient-centered, mission-driven style of practice for years.

The team serving you in our new Primary Care practice downtown includes:

Internal Medicine (Adults Only)

Family Medicine

Our goal with the new Primary Care clinic is to expand healthcare services for the entire community. In addition to providing traditional adult medical care with our internal medicine providers, our new practice is an opportunity to re-establish family medicine in Sheridan. Here, we strive for a holistic approach for families, where multiple generations can build relationships with the same provider to make the healthcare process easier to maintain over time. For instance, family members can make appointments together and even see the same provider. Building relationships with our physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners as a family unit can improve healthcare outcomes for each member of the family. Increased access, same-day appointments, and extensive online healthcare tools are all part of our new practice and are designed to exceed patient needs and expectations.

As a healthcare consumer, one of the most important steps you can take is establishing a Primary Care provider relationship. As we get to know you, your medical history, and your family’s medical history, we will provide timely, proactive, relevant healthcare. This relationship translates to major health benefits, including a decrease in hospital and emergency department visits, more effective management of chronic diseases throughout your life, lower overall healthcare costs, and improved quality of life.

In advance of your next appointment, and ongoing, I encourage you to take advantage of our patient portal (www.mysheridanhealth.org), also found on the Sheridan Memorial Hospital website. It offers 24-hour secure access to your personal health information as well as allowing you to:

View upcoming appointments
Communicate securely and privately with their provider
Request prescription refills
Conduct video telehealth visits
Access and complete forms necessary for upcoming appointments
View and print:
- Test results (including COVID-19 test results)
- Immunization records

Our new downtown practice is an important investment in Sheridan, a community that means so much to my family and me. We look forward to meeting you and your family, and of course, seeing familiar faces in our brand new space.

Kristopher C. Schamber, MD, FACP
Medical Director, SMH Primary Care

To Learn More – Click here or give us a call to make an appointment today – 307.675.2690

By Tiffany Sutton, PT, DPT, TCU Rehabilitation Coordinator at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

From changes to one’s daily schedule to the adjustments necessary to return home – Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s transitional care team of nurses, doctors, and therapists manage transitions and help you or your family member regain a level of independence for a safe return home following an injury, surgery, or serious illness. From daily rehabilitation to 24/7 nursing care, our multi-disciplinary team will work to keep you close to your community, friends, family, and the one place we plan to transition back to – home. After varying lengths of stay, patients are headed home, but how do we prepare them? Two invaluable tools our Transitional Care Team takes advantage of are our newly improved ADL Suite and Home Evaluations.

Activities for Daily Living Suite
Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s ADL (Activities for Daily Living) Suite is set up to emulate a home environment with a kitchen and bathroom where patients can practice skills before returning home. Simple tasks such as reaching for clothes in their closet, preparing a meal using various appliances, and taking a shower are practiced in our home-like suite with our care team’s guidance.

Completing sessions within the ADL Suite under the team’s guidance allows for “failure” in a safe environment. By putting our patients in real-life scenarios in a safe, controlled setting, we can motivate them toward their goals while quickly making modifications. Being in a hospital for an extended period can create a new set of habits because patients become used to delivered meals, showers without tubs, and a schedule made for them. The time with our therapy team in the suite allows one to better prepare for the transition back into their daily life and decision-making.

Tasks within ADL sessions allow for a collaborative and efficient approach among therapists. Cooking a patient’s favorite dish is one of the most common activities between therapist and patient, as it allows for observation of occupational, physical, and speech therapy progress. For example, physical therapists review one’s ability to stand at the stove and their overall balance and stability, occupational therapists watch for their ability to reach and turn things on/off, and speech therapists observe the ability to follow a recipe and swallow the food one makes.

Home Evaluations
The home evaluation is an invaluable tool for our team to ensure a safe and triumphant return to their living situation. The key to a successful transition is the personalization our team focuses on for each patient, their diagnosis, rehabilitation, and home environment. A vital part of patient care is meeting them where they’re at and keeping them safe. Sheridan Memorial Hospital prioritizes the home evaluation and is one of the few transitional care facilities in the area that takes the time to travel to the home with our patients to ensure it is in the best shape to transition back into the space.

A home evaluation isn’t a judgment of cleanliness or décor choices. This time is for a rehab therapist to evaluate the setup, the patient performing tasks, and their mobility throughout the home. This exercise helps to dispel the misconception that “when I go home, I will be able to do ______.” It presents a realistic picture of current levels of functioning and goal setting. A home evaluation is also a time for family members to learn about the adjustments needing to be made in the home, based on what is most important to our patients or additional services that might be required to provide proper care moving forward.

From simple adjustments like moving a rug and furniture which allows space for a walker to navigating life with a beloved pet that can be a tripping hazard, evaluations provide insight to the care team on how to serve our patients best. Home evaluations also decrease quick returns to TCU by eliminating dangers and determining issues a person might have when returning home.

Along with the visit within the home, there are discussions about daily living and the patient’s need for additional support. For patients who are alone in the home or only have a support system from afar, our team will familiarize them with community resources that specialize in providing these services. Home Care, Grocery Delivery, Goose Creek Transportation, and Home Delivered Meals through The Hub are just a few of the services our team familiarizes patients with, ensuring they’re able to return to a safe and fulfilling home life.

The newly improved ADL Suite, along with the many other amenities of the Transitional Care Expansion, will allow for enhanced care and even stronger transitions home for our patients. Our care team is looking forward to transitioning into the newly renovated space on the hospital’s 2^nd and 3^rd floors in the coming months, providing the opportunity to better serve our growing community with excellent patient-centered care.

Learn more about Transitional Care

By David Nickerson, MD – Medical Director of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Urgent Care

Summer weather calls many of us to spend more time outdoors. While this time of year brings a welcome respite from our cold Wyoming winters, it also brings higher temperatures and a greater risk of dehydration. Dehydration is the loss of too much water from the body and can disrupt its normal processes. While mild dehydration is easily treated by drinking fluids, severe dehydration can lead to organ dysfunction and is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

Although dehydration can also occur with increased fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or certain medications, an additional risk in the summer comes from warmer outdoor temperatures. Heat-related dehydration is a risk for any age group. For example, infants do not have the ability to move themselves to a cooler environment or increase their fluid intake. High school football players, who sometimes practice twice a day in the intense August heat, are also at risk. Working adults such as roofers and firefighters exert themselves in hot environments. In fact, with physical exertion in hot, dry conditions, the human body can lose 1-2 liters of fluid per hour.

Dehydration can be prevented or treated with self-monitoring and oral rehydration. Early symptoms to watch for include increased thirst and dry mouth, lips, or eyes. Additional fluid loss can progress to fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and organ dysfunction. The well-hydrated body produces pale to clear urine, which becomes progressively darker to yellow and then brown with increasing dehydration.

You can avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or sports drinks and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Keep in mind that diarrhea, vomiting, and fever all increase your water loss and can also predispose you to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Hydrate to the point that your urine is pale yellow or clear.

As an additional preventative measure, be mindful of the weather forecast and be willing to adjust your plans for the day. If it is going to be hot, don’t make big plans for exertion, and be sure to bring plenty of water. Plan any exercise, hikes, or outdoor work earlier in the day, when it is not as hot and you will lose less fluid through sweating.

However, if you or someone else begin to experience dark urine, fatigue, confusion, or dizziness despite attempts to rehydrate orally, seek medical attention immediately. Our emergency department or urgent care can quickly check your hydration status, electrolytes, and organ function and give IV fluids if necessary. Enjoy the summer weather, but do so safely!

If you or someone you love needs medical attention, we can help! Visit SheridanUrgentCare.com or click HERE to save your spot online at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Urgent Care or call us at 307.675.5850.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital announces the late summer opening of a new Primary Care practice to serve patients of all ages in downtown Sheridan at 61 South Gould Street. The office will open with six providers who are currently part of the SMH staff in the Internal Medicine clinic, including Dr. Kristopher Schamber, Dr. Chris Prior, Diana Charlson FNP-BC, Jeffrey Shideman FNP-C DNP, Jessica Neau PA-C, and Rebekah Montgomery FNP-C DNP. Two additional providers are scheduled to start by September- Dr. Erica Rinker, a family physician currently working in Buffalo, and Dr. Derek Redinger, an internist who will be returning home from Idaho.

"Primary care is not a specific specialty, but rather a style of medical practice with a focus on addressing a majority of personal health care needs, through long-term relationships with patients and their families, and practicing in the context of family and community." Dr. Kristopher Schamber Dr. Hannah Hall, Dr. Juli Ackerman, Dr. Sierra Gross, Dr. David Walker, Erin Strahan PA-C, and Jason Otto PA-C will remain with SMH Internal Medicine and continue to see patients in their current location in the Outpatient Center.

According to Dr. Kristopher Schamber, Medical Director for SMH’s new Primary Care practice, “Primary care is not a specific specialty, but rather a style of medical practice with a focus on addressing a majority of personal health care needs, through long-term relationships with patients and their families, and practicing in the context of family and community. This includes initial diagnosis of acute and chronic problems, management of chronic illness, health and wellness promotion, disease prevention, and appropriate referral to specialists as needed. Primary care practices generally serve all age groups, often caring for multiple generations of the same family, from grandparents, to grandchildren.”

Primary Care ideally serves as the entry point to the health system. “In essence, primary care providers are the first responders for the community’s non-emergent medical needs. They create strong, holistic patient relationships which provide access to the information and resources required for optimal health outcomes for our patients,” says Holly Zajic, Chief Ambulatory Officer.

Traditionally, Primary Care practice includes Family Practice (caring for all ages), Internal Medicine (caring for adults only), and Pediatrics (caring for children only). Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care will focus on Family Practice, supported by our own Internal medicine providers caring for adults with more complex medical problems, and in collaboration with Northeast Wyoming Pediatric Associates for children with more complex medical problems.

If your current provider is moving to the new Primary Care clinic, you will simply have your appointments downtown going forward. Prior to any upcoming appointments at the new location, you will be reminded of this change.

Patients with immediate questions about this transition can contact Tyler Crossley, Primary Care Manager, at 307.672.1162. You may also visit the SMH Primary Care webpage at SheridanPrimaryCare.org for additional information. SMH anticipates scheduling in the downtown Primary Care practice to begin early August.

“We are excited to bring the new Primary Care practice to the community and provide a critical resource to gain access to care quickly and efficiently,” Zajic said.

Learn more at SheridanPrimaryCare.org

By Whitney Weborg, PT, DPT

A patient tells us … “I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes (or prediabetes) and my doctor told me to exercise. What now?” Being told you have Type II Diabetes can be daunting. We are happy to help people “ease” into exercise.

The Why – Studies show that exercise affects carbohydrate metabolism in both the short- and long-term. In the short-term, exercise can improve insulin sensitivity following a meal. In the long term, regular aerobic exercise can improve glycemic control, among other benefits. In fact, A1C may be reduced by 0.5-0.7 percentage points! In addition, some studies suggest that combining both resistance training and aerobic exercises could have an even more significant effect. Higher exercise intensity can also lead to larger reductions in A1C.

The How – Before we get into exercise recommendations, the best exercise is the one you enjoy and can maintain long-term. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends aerobic exercise and resistance training. When it comes to aerobic training, we should strive for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise 3 days per week. This might sound like a lot, but you don’t have to jump into it immediately. At Wyoming Rehab, we recommend a gradual build-up to allow your body to adapt to the new activity! When it comes to resistance training, ACSM recommendations are to train for at least two days a week and to work all major muscle groups to improve muscle strength and endurance.

Not sure how to get started? The ACSM has a helpful and informative website. You can check it out here: https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/trending-topics-resources/physical-activity-guidelines.

For more guidance on exercise and type II diabetes, call Wyoming Rehab today at 307.674.1632 to schedule a FREE screen. We can help you get started!

By Brady Shoemaker, Information Services Manager at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to offer convenient, secure, online access to your personal health information through our patient portal: MySheridanHealth. Once enrolled, patients can easily access their medical information 24 hours a day via an app on their cell phone or via computer at sheridanhospital.org.

MySheridanHealth is available to all patients at no cost. Originally implemented at the hospital in 2014,over the last year our team has been working to optimize the portal to make even more information available to our patients.

Patients of SMH, and its affiliated clinics, including Big Horn Surgical; Ear, Nose & Throat; Heart Center; Internal Medicine, Rheumatology; and the Women’s Clinic, can view appointments, request medication refills, communicate with healthcare providers and much more from MySheridanHealth.

Many options are available to our patients to access their medical records, including viewing lab results, medication lists, allergies and immunization records. In today’s world, MySheridanHealth can even be considered a mobile COVID-19 Vaccination card. When you have a COVID-19 or influenza test through the hospital – those lab results are posted in the patient portal as soon as testing is completed.

Patients can review summaries of recent office or hospital visits, surgeries or procedures. For example, patients can easily view the dates, history and results of tests and procedures, including colonoscopy, mammography, x-rays, provider visits, and more.

Other conveniences of MySheridanHealth include communication with staff via secure messaging, requesting an appointment, conducting a scheduled video visit or appointment with a provider, accessing forms needed for an upcoming appointment, tracking health conditions and wellness goals, and much more.

Granting access to others

Under certain conditions, you may grant access to your MySheridanHealth account, as in the case of a caregiver needing access in order to manage a patient’s care. This would also apply to parents or legal guardians of children under the age of 18 or those who care for individuals with mental or physical impairments. Or if an individual gives their permission for another person to have access to their medical records.

Enrollment

Signing up for the patient portal is easy. We are offering online enrollment to the patient portal by visiting MySheridanHealth.org on the internet – Required information includes:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Medical Record Number (This can be found on a copy of a recent hospital bill, or by contacting SMH Health Information department at 307-672-1070)
Your Email Address

An invitation email will be sent to the patient after online enrollment has been completed.

Those who want to access MySheridanHealth on their mobile phone can download the Heathelife app to obtain quick access.

Privacy

SMH takes great care to protect your health information. MySheridanHealth is completely confidential and meets all federal HIPAA guidelines designed to protect your personal health information.

For more information, go to MySheridanHealth or call the hospital at 307.672.1000.

Better Hearing & Speech Month is an annual occasion designed to raise awareness of hearing loss and speech problems. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) created Better Hearing & Speech Month in 1927, and President Reagan issued a formal proclamation designating May as the official month in 1986. The goal of Better Hearing & Speech Month is to encourage people to take action if they believe there might be a problem with their hearing or speech.

Hearing loss is common. An estimated 48 million Americans suffer from it and this is a number that continues to grow as the condition increasingly affects a younger demographic. One out of three adults 65 and older experiences some degree of hearing loss; by 75, that number jumps to one out of two. Other factors that contribute to hearing loss include ear infections, impacted earwax and ototoxic medications.

Hearing evaluations are the best way to detect hearing loss early. It is important to identify problems before they worsen and recommend treatment to those who might otherwise suffer debilitating social and emotional effects of hearing loss, including depression, isolation, memory loss and cognitive decline.

Hearing loss is not just a condition that affects older people. Hearing is the cornerstone of a child’s language and social skills; any degree of hearing loss can result in developmental delays. Early detection can ensure a child develops at a normal rate alongside their peers.

At Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic, our Audiology team provides comprehensive hearing evaluations for patients of all ages and they can also monitor patients’ hearing and investigate the need for hearing devices. The team includes audiologists: Pattie Visscher, Au.D., CCC-A, our newest addition, Shayln Ballew, Au.D., CCC-A and our audiology office coordinator, Sonia Coleman, who all work closely with Dr. Cheryl Varner, the otolaryngologist at the ENT clinic. Please join us in raising awareness and promoting healthy hearing!

To find out more about our Ear, Nose and Throat practice and Audiology services, click here. https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/clinics/ear-nose-throat/

By Toni Schoonover, BSN, RN – Trauma Coordinator at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

On May 12, 2022 Governor Gordon signed a proclamation recognizing May as Trauma Awareness Month in Wyoming. Every year in May, the American Trauma Society (ATS) and Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) join with other trauma organizations to celebrate National Trauma Awareness month by sharing injury prevention and education to highlight and prevent major causes of injury and death from trauma. This all started in 1988 when Ronald Reagan acknowledged the need for better trauma awareness and designated this month to focus time and resources into increasing education and prevention activities.

This year Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) is doing its part to help raise awareness and provide education to our community. During May, you will see Emergency Department Staff wearing Trauma Awareness shirts with the quote “Prevention is Cure.” Trauma Awareness is all about prevention: 94% of trauma patients seen at SMH in 2021 were due to blunt injuries such as falls and motor vehicle crashes. Many of these injuries could have been prevented with simple interventions such as wearing a seatbelt, not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fall prevention including home safety and eliminating fall hazards in your home, and maintaining good physical health.

This year’s theme for Trauma Awareness Month is “Safe Surroundings: Preventing Violence and Promoting Peace Community by Community.” Topics for prevention are: intimate partner violence, firearm injury prevention, mental health awareness and community violence intervention. To find free webinars related to these topics, go to sheridanhospital.org and click on the Emergency Department page.

SMH has been an Area Trauma Hospital (ATH) since 2001. An ATH, by definition, is an acute care facility with the commitment, medical staff, personnel, and specialty training necessary to provide primary care to the trauma patient. An ATH provides initial resuscitation, immediate operative intervention and ensures stabilization prior to transferring a patient to a higher level of care if indicated. In order for SMH to maintain this designation, we go through an extensive Wyoming Trauma Facility Site Review every 3 years. Our review, which takes place this week, ensures our hospital is providing the best possible care to our trauma patients. We are continually reassessing the care we are providing and implementing performance improvement processes as needed. Maintaining trauma designation holds several benefits for our hospital, patients and community. Research has shown it leads to better patient outcomes with decreased incidence of death. Maintaining the designation holds us to a higher standard of care, helps keep care local, and ultimately it can save lives.

To learn more about our Emergency Department and access the Trauma Awareness Month webinars click HERE or visit: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/emergency/

What can you do? Know the risk factors. Free Drive-up Stroke Awareness Event on May 24^th

Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone experiences a stroke. Stroke is a debilitating and deadly injury to the brain that causes a death every 3.5 minutes in this country. Often the death follows a lengthy illness that limits a person’s participation in the daily activities of life.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk factors of experiencing a stroke. Managing health conditions such as atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and eliminating lifestyle risk factors such as smoking can significantly decrease your risk of experiencing a stroke. Other lifestyle changes one can make to decrease the risk of stroke include maintaining a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise regimens, minimizing alcohol consumption, reducing personal stress levels, and maintaining regular appointments with one’s healthcare provider.

If you do experience signs and symptoms of a stroke, such as sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, or sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, call 911 immediately or immediately get to the Emergency Department. If someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, a quick and easy way to determine if this person may be experiencing a stroke is the F.A.S.T. mnemonic.

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Stroke Awareness Drive-Up

You can find out more at the hospital’s Stroke Awareness Education Drive-Up on Tuesday, May 24^th, from 9 to 11 am. Just come to the parking lot on the north side of the hospital, near the cafeteria entrance. Look for the tent and be sure to wear a face covering. Healthcare professionals will be there with more information on F.A.S.T. and lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent a stroke. They will also provide education on healthy habits to protect your heart and understand heart failure symptoms.

If you have any questions regarding your potential stroke risk factors, you are highly encouraged to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to address these concerns. If you don’t have one, check out Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Internal Medicine practice or call: 307.675.2650

By Erik Smith, MD – physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department
Newsworthy stories about pharmaceutical misuse and abuse can add an extra layer of complexity to our daily doctor-patient interactions in the emergency department.

Take these real exchanges for example:

Doctor to patient: Your heart is stuck in a very fast, abnormal rhythm. The treatment is to shock it back into a normal rhythm. Since this is uncomfortable, we will briefly sedate you with a medication called propofol.

Patient: Wait. Propofol? Isn’t that the “Michael Jackson drug?”

Doctor to patient: There is a very good chance you broke several bones around your ankle. Let’s get some xrays and start an IV so we can give you some pain medication.

Doctor to nurse: Would you please start an IV and give 50 micrograms of fentanyl.

Patient: Fentanyl? Oh no… not that dangerous drug. Absolutely not!

Doctor: It sounds like you keep up on the news…

Medications such as ketamine, propofol, and certainly fentanyl have been to blame for many tragic deaths over recent years, giving them infamous notoriety. The CDC, for example, reports as much as ⅔ of the 100,000 overdose deaths over a 12 month period ending a year ago are believed to be due to fentanyl. This has caused some in the general public to perceive these pharmaceuticals as very dangerous drugs of abuse without legitimate utility, similar to schedule I drugs like methamphetamine or heroin. Unlike methamphetamine and heroin, however, these agents are very commonly used class II and III medicines. They are used on a daily basis in every emergency department and operating room in the country. Chances are if you broke a bone, ruptured a vessel in your brain, or suffered a bad burn, you would be given fentanyl in the emergency department. If you needed further sedation, you would be given ketamine or propofol.

Is Fentanyl dangerous?

Fentanyl can be compared to fire. When in a fireplace, fire can bring warmth, comfort, and security. It can even save your life. When blazing through a structure or neighborhood, however, fire can have catastrophic effects on property and life.

Recreational, or otherwise abused, fentanyl is certainly dangerous. It is classified as an opioid, similar to morphine or oxycodone. It is more potent than other opioids. Therapeutic doses are in micrograms and the lethal dose is considered to be around 2 milligrams. The adverse effects that contribute to death are shallow breathing (respiratory depression) and low blood pressure (cardiovascular collapse). Abuse potential is relatively high as there is a dependence formed with prolonged use. Withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. One trend that has contributed to the increase in unintentional deaths is the addition of unknown quantities of fentanyl to other substances. Drugs or counterfeit pills obtained on the street could have lethal doses of fentanyl added.

Fentanyl, when administered appropriately in the emergency department, on the other hand, is actually safe and preferred over similar pain medications. It is fast acting and has less side effects than other opioids. It is even frequently given by nasal spray to children who need quick pain management, typically following trauma. It was developed over 60 years ago and has been used extensively in healthcare facilities for decades. Fentanyl is a preferred pain medication for paramedics as well.

Many safety precautions are in place when fentanyl is given by a professional. Nurses and paramedics verify the dosing and administer from small vials or prefilled syringes. For an errant high dosing to occur, multiple vials would be required, which would raise warning flags. Patients are typically monitored closely following administration. Equipment to assist with breathing and reversal medication (naloxone) are on hand if there are any signs of adverse effects.

My twofold recommendation:

Fentanyl associated deaths are beyond epidemic levels and continue to rise. If you, or someone near you, use recreational drugs or opioids beyond the recommendation of a physician, please consider quitting. The Addiction Medicine Clinic through Sheridan Memorial Hospital may be of help. Also, consider keeping naloxone (Narcan) on hand if you or someone near you is at high risk of opioid overdose.
If you have the misfortune of seeing us in the emergency department, there is a good chance that a newsworthy medication will be ordered. You are encouraged to discuss any medication choice, especially if a certain medication makes you uncomfortable. Please know, however, that the medications that we use are considered standard of care, typically proven safe over decades of testing and use.

Learn more about our Emergency Department and services by following the link: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/emergency/

Written by: Jennifer Larson MS, RD, LDN, CNSC (Registered Dietitian at Sheridan Memorial Hospital)

March is “National Nutrition Month.” Each year we celebrate healthy eating with a theme. This year’s theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavor!” By trying to incorporate foods from a variety of different cultures, you can incorporate new flavors into your healthy eating pattern. Many different cuisines offer beverages, sides and meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein which are increasingly more important for seniors. By including some of these items in your meal plan, you are able to plan meals that are full of nutrition and full of delicious flavor. Many of them are simple to prepare!

Breakfast, often thought of as the “most important meal of the day,” is a great place to add some alternative ingredients to create an amazing beverage or meal. It could be as simple as creating a smoothie with low-fat yogurt and tropical fruits such as mango, papaya or pineapple. Another great option is to make a Spanish omelet filled with potatoes, onions, bell peppers and a small amount of cheese. It is also easy to make a skillet if you prefer. If it is a cold day and you are looking for some hot cereal, try some Scottish oatmeal with low-fat milk topped with fruit and unsalted or lightly salted nuts.

For a meal starter, try to incorporate seasonal ingredients and healthful recipes from a variety of cultures. If you are interested in a hot soup, try Mexican Sopa (soup) Azteca (tortilla soup) with vitamin C-rich tomato and potassium-rich avocado. Another great soup is Tuscan bean soup which is rich in fiber, promoting healthy cholesterol levels. If you are looking for a tasty salad, try a Greek Horiatiki Salad, which consists of tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta and olives with a garnish of oregano, salt and olive oil – providing heart-healthy fats. Another tasty salad is Jicama salad which has jicama, tomato, avocado, lime and feta cheese. Jicama is a delicious low carbohydrate vegetable.

Perhaps most exciting is to plan a lunch or dinner entrée that you haven’t tried before. Or you could try Arroz con Pollo which consists of chicken thighs, rice, tomatoes, green olives and spices. Another great choice is Lamb Tagine, an African lamb dish traditionally served with couscous – a protein-rich grain. Lamb is a lean protein that easily fits into a heart-healthy diet. Another tasty choice is Egyptian koshary which consists of rice, macaroni, lentils and spices. Lentils and rice form a complete protein making it an excellent meatless meal!

Many people like to end a meal with a sweet treat. Try making a parfait with Skyr (Icelandic yogurt), granola and strawberries-higher in protein and fiber than a standard sundae. Another option is Marak Perot, an Eastern European Jewish dessert consisting of apples, dried plums, dried apricots and raisins – rich in vitamin A and C (recipe can be modified to reduce or eliminate added sugar).

Options outside of the home

Some people may be excited to try these ideas but have physical limitations that prevent them from spending a lot of time shopping, preparing and cooking the foods. However, Sheridan has quite a few options in town that can remedy that problem. Here are a few suggestions:

The Hub at 211 Smith Street: Creamy Tuscan Pork Pasta, chicken enchiladas, carrots with leeks

Frackelton’s at 55 North Main : Vindaloo salad (originating from India), edamame, mushroom udon (Japanese inspired noodle and pork dish). Soy products like edamame are high in protein and low in fat. Curry, found in the Vinadloo salad, also has anti-inflammatory properties.

The Daily Grind at 169 ½ Coffeen Ave: Chai tea latte- this beverage includes natural cinnamon, clove, cardamom, anise and ginger for the perfect spiced chai flavor (originating from East Asia). Many of these spices also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Celebrate National Nutritional Month with us by trying something new. Invite some friends or family to join you. Celebrate a world of flavor!

If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our dietitians, please call 307.675.2640.

Robert Kessler has led a full life for sure. He has lived in Buffalo, WY, since 1964. He has been in the Navy, run his own business in Buffalo, and then went back to school for a teaching degree and taught school in Ranchester and Buffalo for 20 years. To say he is always on the move is an understatement.

But in 1972, Robert “broke his knee” and a little lump developed behind his knee that never went away. Then, recently while traveling in Australia, his knee became very painful. Once home, he went to the VA Hospital in Sheridan and in May of 2019 received a diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma (cancer) in that lump.

After radiation and surgery, additional cancer was found in the lymph nodes of his thigh . That’s when the chemotherapy started.

“It was a pretty tough regimen and I know now why people hate chemo,” Robert stated. “You get to a point where you wonder if it’s worth it.”

After receiving the first round of chemo in Salt Lake City, Robert was able to transition his care to the Welch Cancer Center (Welch) in Sheridan for the next round.

“It’s 30 minutes away instead of eight hours,” Robert said, “and it meant a lot.”

Robert started the second regimen at the Welch in 2020 after a PET scan revealed the first round had not done its job. Having his treatment close to home made it much more palatable.

“This time, I was able to be home and that was very helpful and comforting,” he said.

However, after the second round of chemo, he was told by his doctors in Salt Lake that the cancer was still progressing and the prognosis was dim.

“I asked them how long I had, and they told me 12 months. So I started to get my affairs in order, as they say, to make sure my family was taken care of. I even bought a stone and put my name on it. I cried all the way home from Salt Lake,” Robert said.

Lucky for Robert, shortly after that hard-to-swallow conversation, a new drug hit the market. Robert and his cancer care teams agreed it would be good to try.

“And after visiting with Dr. Ratterman, it was determined I could get the treatment at the Welch,” he added. “The coordination between the team in Salt Lake and the Welch was amazing. Very professional.”

The new treatment began in October of 2020 and the following April, another PET scan revealed a significant improvement, so additional treatment was in order. Another scan after that showed even more improvement.

“We pretty much have it on the run, but cancer is diabolically sneaky,” Robert said. “This coming February, I will have my 17^th treatment of the new drug regimen. We will keep going as long as it keeps working and my immune system continues to tolerate it.”

There are a few lingering effects from all the cancer care, but he says things are good now, “I feel good and it isn’t slowing me down. I do everything I used to do, only a little slower. I have no after-effects from the treatments. After my last infusion, we got in the car and drove to Arizona.”

Robert has high praise for the teams that continue to keep him going. He says the coordination of care between all the teams was professional and the level of respect was very evident. He adds that he felt the knowledge base of the Welch team was great and he never had to wait for an answer.

“The level of care at the Welch was fantastic and I would encourage anyone needing cancer care to visit with the team at the Welch,” he said emphatically.

With a little chuckle, he adds, “They have done a great job of keeping me alive two years after my expiration date. But in all seriousness, I have nothing but glowing respect and admiration for Dr. Ratterman and Nurse Practitioner Nina Beach and the whole team of nurses at the Welch. I always feel like they are treating one of their own family when I see them. They are very caring people and they never treated me as if I was going to die.”

Anyone wanting to learn more about services provided at The Welch Cancer Center please visit https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/welch-cancer-center/ or call 307.674.6022.

By Sara C. Smith Maguire, MD, FACS, of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Big Horn Surgical Practice

It may not be the most glamorous subject, but talking about colorectal cancer saves lives. Unlike many cancers, we have effective tools to help decrease the development of colorectal cancer and identify its presence at an earlier stage.

The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, with more than 90% of the cases we see being diagnosed in people age 50 or older. Most colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people who do not have a family history of colon cancer. There are many factors that are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Some of these risk factors are related to lifestyle choices and are therefore modifiable. Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, not smoking or chewing tobacco, avoiding heavy alcohol intake and eating a balanced diet that limits intake of red or processed meat can all help decrease your risk of colorectal cancer.

Some risk factors can’t be changed. Colorectal cancer is more common as we age. It is also more common in people with a personal history of adenomatous colorectal polyps or a previous colon cancer. Being diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis, increases your risk.

Colorectal cancer may cause symptoms as it grows. These symptoms include seeing blood in or on your stool, unintentional weight loss, a change in bowel habits and weakness or fatigue caused by a low blood count.

Screening is the practice of looking for cancer or pre-cancer in individuals without symptoms. Screening is incredibly effective when it comes to colorectal cancer because from the time the first abnormal cells start to develop, it takes on average 10-15 years for those cells to become a colorectal cancer. Screening is one of our most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer because it allows us to identify precancerous polyps and identify people who would benefit from more frequent screening. Screening can also identify small cancers that aren’t yet big enough to produce symptoms.

There are several screening tools for colorectal cancer, including colonoscopy which allows us to both find polyps and remove them at the same time. Talking to your doctor about your risk factors can help identify the most effective and appropriate screening test for you. In general, screening is recommended between the ages of 45 and 75, though there are reasons to start earlier or stop later for some people.

If you are 45 or older, it’s time to talk to your doctor about Colorectal Cancer Screening. It can save your life. If you have questions, the staff at Big Horn Surgical would be happy to assist you – call 307.673.3181.

By Allison Harper, BSN, RN – Registered Nurse at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Heart Center

On average, Americans spend $27.4 billion each year on Valentine’s Day, and $1.8 billion is for candy, with 58 million pounds being chocolate. Although many people associate Valentine’s Day with February, most do not realize that national Heart Health Month also occurs in February. In December 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared February 1964 as the first American Heart Health Month. He urged “the people of the United States to give heed to the nationwide problem of heart and blood-vessel diseases, and to support the programs required to bring about its solution.” This February marks the 58^th consecutive year in celebrating American Heart Health Month.

Throughout these ensuing years, public, private, and governmental organizations have worked on programs and initiatives to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Currently, approximately 647,000 Americans die each year from heart and blood vessel disease, continuing to make this the number one cause of death. The yearly cost of heart disease in the form of healthcare services, medicines, and lost productivity due to death is $363 billion.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of heart disease, including advanced age (65 years old and over), gender (males tend to have earlier heart attacks than women), genetics, smoking, low physical activity, being overweight or obese, stress, alcohol, poor diet, and particular disease processes (such as diabetes), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Symptoms to watch for that are suggestive of heart disease are fatigue with simple activities, decreased appetite, heartburn-like symptoms (especially with exertion), gradual shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs. If you experience these symptoms, talk with your doctor to discuss these concerns. Symptoms that start suddenly and do not go away quickly may include: shortness of breath, tightness or a squeezing sensation in the chest, nausea, vomiting, jaw or back pain, left arm pain, sudden vision loss or blurry vision, inability to speak, profuse sweating, and/or sudden dizziness. Early and prompt evaluation of these symptoms is critical! The emergency room nearest to you is the most appropriate place to start if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Management of heart disease starts with lifestyle changes. Becoming more physically active and eating healthier is a great starting point. Challenge yourself to start walking at least 30-45 minutes each day. Educate yourself on reading food labels and become aware of hidden added sodium content. Consider monitoring your blood pressure and pulse routinely. Technology can be your friend! Many smartphones, watches, and other wearable trackers have the capability to help you monitor this. Manage your stress levels. Don’t be afraid to practice mindfulness or meditation to help decrease your stress.

Quit tobacco. Ask your doctor for help if you have difficulty quitting on your own. Nicotine hardens the arteries over time, making them less flexible, thus increasing your chance of plaque buildup.

Over time, the plaque can break off or crack the artery wall, causing it to bleed and creating a blood clot that will partially or completely obstruct your artery. When this happens, the blood flow ceases, and the heart becomes “irritated” due to the lack of blood supply. It is at this point when a myocardial infarction (aka heart attack) begins. TIME IS TISSUE! The earlier you are evaluated, the sooner treatment begins in re-establishing blood flow to the heart, and the smaller the amount of irreversible heart muscle death occurs.

What can you do? Be proactive! Make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your chances of developing heart disease and what you can do to decrease your risk. Medications may be prescribed to help lower your cholesterol levels, decreasing the amount of plaque buildup. Blood pressure medications may also be added to your regimen. This will reduce the workload on your heart, allowing it not to strain or work as hard to pump out the blood efficiently throughout your body.

Heart Health Month kicks off on February 4^th with National Wear Red Day, raising awareness of heart disease in women. February 13^th – 19^th is National Heart Failure Awareness Week.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital will be offering a free blood pressure check drive-up event on February 22^nd from 9:00 am – 11:00 am in the employee parking lot just north of the hospital. Staff will be on hand to provide information on improving your health, administer blood pressure checks and answer your questions.

Challenge yourself, and have your new year’s resolution include taking the first step toward a healthier you this year. Your heart will thank you.

Click here to find out more about the Free Blood Pressure Screening on February 22nd. Or call Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Internal Medicine at 307.675.2620 to schedule an appointment with a provider.

By Lisa Mohatt, MS PT, CWS, CLT, Physical Therapist with Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Wyoming Rehab

The term “Pelvic Floor Health” encompasses several important functions. It relates to urinary and bowel dysfunctions, including incontinence, pain anywhere in the pelvic area, pain or problems during and after pregnancy, and problems related to prostate cancer and surgery in men.

Urinary incontinence affects over 200 million people worldwide and is considered a public health problem. “Stress Urinary Incontinence” can result from weak muscles in the bottom of the pelvis – the pelvic floor muscles – that are not strong enough to withstand sudden increases in abdominal pressure, such as with coughing, sneezing, jumping, and other exertions. “Urge Urinary Incontinence” occurs before a person is able to reach the bathroom, usually before a strong urge is felt. Eating and drinking a lot of bladder irritants and not enough water, as well as overtight pelvic floor muscles, can cause this incontinence. Some people may have one or both of these types of incontinence, referred to as “Mixed Urinary Incontinence.” Physical therapists trained in pelvic health can determine the underlying factors of each type of incontinence by assessing lifestyle, medical history, and musculoskeletal factors and tailor a program accordingly. Most patients find this rehab extremely effective, empowering them to have control over a problem previously thought of as “normal” after a certain age, surgery, or childbearing.

Pelvic pain affects up to 25% of women in their lifetime. This type of pain affects primarily younger women and then women around menopause and can be from many different causes. Physical therapists trained in treating pelvic pain will look at past medical history, lifestyle, posture/ergonomics, and any contributing musculoskeletal factors. Many women avoid seeking help with pelvic pain since it can be debilitating, frustrating, life-changing, and emotional. Physical therapy can help with a private, individualized program that aims to help women gain control over this pain and be able to self-manage or eliminate it.

Bowel dysfunctions, specifically fecal incontinence, can affect up to 15% of people and up to a whopping 46% in nursing homes. Most people do not discuss this with their physicians unless directly asked due to embarrassment. Pelvic health physical therapists trained in bowel dysfunctions can help minimize this embarrassing issue with sensory training, pelvic floor muscle training/strengthening, behavioral modifications, dietary education, and other strategies aimed to increase awareness and control.

Lastly, benign prostate hypertrophy, prostatitis, and prostate cancer can all lead to urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunctions. This can affect up to 44% of men in the U.S. Physical therapy can help with pelvic floor muscle training, modalities to encourage muscle contractions, lifestyle/behavioral changes, education and use of external devices, as well as education before any surgical interventions.

Pelvic health physical therapy plays a role in a multidisciplinary team approach to treating pelvic problems in both women and men. It’s important to realize that treatment for pelvic problems is available and can be very effective and empowering.

Ask your medical provider for a referral to Wyoming Rehab to start managing this today! Or give us a call at 307.674.1632 to find out more.

The challenges that come with a debilitating injury are more than physical. The mental challenges of not being able to do things that came easy prior to the injury can be beyond frustrating. And the baby steps it sometimes takes to get back to “normal” can seem to take forever.

Matt Kemerling’s shoulder injury from a workplace mishap took him through some very challenging times. “I separated my biceps from my shoulder is how the doctor described it to me,” Kemerling stated. “The news that I had to have surgery just shattered me. But the doctor assured me that the surgery followed by a strong physical therapy regimen I could get back to normal.”

Kemerling admits his first thoughts about physical therapy were “that it’s a waste of time. I wasn’t a big believer in it.” But he was willing to give it a try and after the surgery he got to work with Charlotte Walter and Mike Duncan at Wyoming Rehab.

“I don’t think I could have been more fortunate to work with two people who fit my personality better,” Kemerling said. “I was super impressed with them both. They are super motivators and helped drive me to get done what I needed to get done.”

The regimen was three days a week to start and slowed to two days as progress was made.

“As we started doing therapy at the (Wyoming Rehab) facility and I did my homework, I saw improvements and that was a huge factor in my motivation,” Kemerling added. “Just the way Charlotte and Mike listened and talked to me really raised my spirits and helped with the mental aspect of dealing with this injury. That was so important.”

Kemerling was impressed with Walter and Duncan’s approach to therapy, the way they kept his goals in front of him and how they were invested in his success.

“The relationships I developed with the team at Wyoming Rehab were amazing and it was a little sad when I was done with my therapy and had to tell Charlotte and Mike good-bye,” Kemerling said. “It was an awesome experience, with a very professional team and I would recommend them to anyone.”

Learn more about Wyoming Rehab services by following the link sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/rehabilitation-services/ Specific exercises and stretches from a qualified professional at Wyoming Rehab will alleviate and can prevent common health problems. Call Wyoming Rehab today to set up a free screening for non-emergent physical impairments or injuries – 307.674.1632.

Health and Wellness