Newton Independent

Big turnout for Skiff's Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K; race nets $1,800 for hospital's cancer clinic

Jon and Susie Dyck of Ankeny were the respective winners in the men's and women's divisions in Skiff Medical Center's inaugural Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K on Saturday.

Peyton Patterson, 12, of Newton, and Fred Matthias, 96-1/2, of Newton were the youngest and oldest participants in 5K race on Saturday that raised more than $1,800 for the Skiff Cancer Clinic.

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center's first-ever Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K turned out to be a red-letter day for the Newton hospital with 101 runners tackling the chilly course on Saturday and raising more than $1,800 for the Skiff Cancer Clinic.

Jon Dyck of Ankeny, who recently held an internship in Skiff's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, was the first place finisher in the men's division in a time of 16:58. His wife, Susie, completed the course in 17:38, the first woman across the finish line and the third place finisher overall, coming in only two seconds behind second-place runner Corey Jansen, also of Ankeny.

The winter 5K saw a large variety of runners, including the ages they represented. Eighty-four years separated the youngest participant, 12-year-old Peyton Patterson, from the oldest, 96-1/2-year-old Fred Matthias, both of Newton.

As for some of the more unusual wardrobe (or lack thereof) challenges posed, those were met directly. Contenders fro the craziest outfit included a young man who ran the race in the jeans and puffy vest of "Back to the Future's" Marty McFly, and another who wore a t-shirt illustrated with a bikini-clad female torso. But the winner was Ross McKay of Des Moines, who decked himself out in full Hawkeye regalia, including an old-fashioned leather football helmet, a black superhero cape, plaid pajama pants and a button-down shirt.

Two awards were handed out to the gentlemen who dared to bare by running the race only in spandex bicycle shorts, Chuck Fritz of Clive and Newton's Steve Rossler (husband of Joanne Rossler, Skiff human resources generalist).

Another admirable competitor of note was 24-year-old Jayme Barge of Newton who ran the course despite being in her eighth month of pregnancy.

"I don't think we could have asked for a better day," said Leisa Zylstra, events and community coordinator for Skiff. "It was cold, but the sun was shining and there was no ice on the ground. We are absolutely thrilled with the amount of participation the event got, both in runners and walkers, and in all the volunteers who helped make the 5K go smoothly. Skiff is proud to offer a wide array of cancer services right here in Jasper County, so that people don't have to drive far from their homes for care, especially when they're not feeling well. For this event to raise so much money for and awareness of local cancer care, it was a big success."

 For a complete list of race results go here.

Guest Article: A patient named Steve

By STEVE LONG, CEO
Skiff Medical Center

There is an old adage that says the best way for a service business to understand things from the customer point of view is to actually become a customer. This is difficult in the health-care arena because you generally need to be sick to be willing to partake of our services.

Several weeks ago, I volunteered to be a test patient in our new MRI. Test patients are important for the radiology techs to become familiar with using the new equipment in our environment. I was really looking forward to the scan for several reasons. First, I wanted to experience for myself the new, much more powerful digital MRI. Second, I wanted to immerse myself in the Ambient Experience and see if it lived up to all the hype I have been giving it (it does!). Finally, I have a history of diverticulitis and was hospitalized last year for a perforated colon so I was really interested in seeing what my insides looked like a year later.

I was quite impressed with our new scanner and the environment created by the Ambient Experience, a system of video, lighting and sounds designed to immerse the patient in an experience that takes their ind off of the clinical atmosphere and reduces the sense of claustrophobia that many patients feel while getting an MRI. I can honestly say that the experience exceeded my expectations.

I finished the scan and was talking to our remarkable techs about how good the experience was when they started asking me strange questions like, "Do you have heartburn? Do you have right shoulder pain? Do you have a fullness in your right upper abdomen?"

After answering yes to all these questions, I was really wondering what was going on. They answered my quizzical look by saying, "You have one of the largest gallbladders we've ever seen and it's full of gallstones!" Needless to say, I was floored. I had no idea that I had this problem, but there it was.

I visited my doctor the next week and he quickly referred me to Dr. Dominic Formaro, general surgeon here at Skiff. After a long discussion with Dr. Formaro, we decided that it would be wise to be proactive in this case and take out the gallbladder before it became a problem. I spent the next several weeks really thinking about it and discovered that I actually had most of the symptoms that my newly discovered condition was associated with. In hindsight, I had been chalking them up either to my diverticulitis or I had been studiously ignoring them in hopes they would go away.

I scheduled surgery for Dec. 23 so I would have some time between the holidays to recover. The pre-op process was great and the folks there were wonderful and did a great job in protecting my dignity (those gowns really do have a drafty backside!). Prior to surgery, I talked to the anesthesia folks and made one request: "I don't want to remember anything." I am happy to say that they met this request, as they do for every patient, and I really don't remember much at all. My wife tells me I asked for a Corvette for Christmas (she got me a Corvette Christmas tree ornament, so I guess my wish was fulfilled?) and said that I told her that I felt really good, if a bit light headed, right before surgery .... thanks again to the anesthesia!

My surgery went extremely well and Dr. Formaro used the high-definition laparoscopic video equipment we had invested in last year. I have pictures and video (from the inside of my abdominal cavity) that were taken during the surgery and I can tell you it is fascinating to watch (my daughters don't share my opinion after having seen glimpses of it; I think they used the word "gross" to describe their reaction). These pictures will become part of a presentation that Dr. Formaro and I are creating to show folks in our community the value of this technology.

I am a few weeks out from the operation now and am feeling really good - much better than before, in fact. I never expected to be a recipient of the phenomenal care we can provide here at Skiff, especially following the acquisition of the new imaging and operating room technology during the last couple of years, but I can tell you that I am genuinely happy that we had it!

Early registration deadline nears for Skiff's Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center is about to bring new meaning to the term "cold sweat" during the first-ever Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K on Saturday, Jan. 28.

The winter run/walk will benefit the new Skiff Cancer Clinic, located in the lower level of the Ross Medical Arts Building, 300 N. 4th Ave. E., in Newton.

Anyone is invited to walk, run or jog their way the Newton's newest - and coldest - 5K. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K beginning at 9 a.m. A kids' fun run is set for 10 a.m.

Pre-registration is $15, with an early registration deadline of Jan. 20. After that date the cost will be $20, including the day of the race.

All money raised will go to benefit the new Skiff Cancer Clinic.

"We wanted a fun way to introduce people to our new clinic," said Leisa Zylstra, Skiff's events and community coordinator, "but we envisioned it being a bit of a challenge to get people to come to an open house in the middle of winter. So, we thought we'd work with the cold weather, rather than having the weather work against us."

The course, which will start and end outside of the Cancer Clinic, was designed by local runners Matt Scotton (who ran the Houston Marathon on Sunday finishing 552nd overall and 92nd in his 40-44 age division) and Robyn Friedman (who ran in her third Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston on Saturday finishing 137 among the elite women runners of the nation). Both are physical therapists at Skiff Medical Center.

Prizes will be awarded to the first person to cross the finish line, the youngest and oldest participants, the craziest outfit and the barest outfit - i.e. swimsuits and tasteful undergarments (no nudity). All runners/walkers will receive a complimentary Skiff beanie stocking cap. Participants and spectators will also be provided breakfast foods and hot chocolate and are invited to the the Cancer Clinic.

A printable registration form may be found here.

For more information, contact Zylstra at 641-787-3179.

Skiff showcases new Imaging Center

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center showed off its new Philips Imaging Center during an open house today and was able to draw the interest of Des Moines TV stations, including this report from WHO-TV 13.

The Philips Imaging Center at Skiff features a 128-slice CT scanner that offers the lowest radiation in the area, along with an MRI suite that is the first in the nation to combine new MRI technology recently approved by the FDA with the Ambient Experience, a lighting and video system designed to reduce or eliminate the claustrophobia that some people experience with traditional magnetic resonance imaging.

Today's open house was hosted by WHO 1040 radio hosts Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas.

Community invited to tour Skiff's new imaging center Thursday

Newton Independent

WHO 1040 AM radio personalities Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas will showcase Skiff Medical Center's new Philips Imaging Center during a live remote broadcast from the Newton hospital from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday.

The public is invited to attend the broadcast as Skiff hosts an open house for the community to tour the new imaging center, now featuring some of the latest technology in the Midwest.

Skiff to host Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K fundraiser run

Runners and walkers from throughout central Iowa are invited to participate in the Skiff Medical Center Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Newton hospital. Registration for the fundraiser for the Skiff Cancer Clinic begins at 8:30 a.m. with a kids run set for 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for first across the finish line, youngest and oldest participant and craziest and barest outfits, though no nudity, please. Participants and spectators will be provided breakfast items and hot chocolate, as well as being able to tour the clinics in the Ross Medical Arts Building.

Skiff welcomes new chaplain

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center announced today that Larry Peterson, who previously served as the parish pastor of the Lutheran Church in Kellogg, has been hired as the new hospital chaplain.

Peterson, who fills the position previously held by Merle Smith until his recent retirement, said he has long had an interest in working in a hospital setting and has been impressed with the atmosphere he's always encountered while interacting at the Newton hospital.

"During my interactions I've had at the hospital, I've always been treated warmly," Peterson said. "Skiff is a friendly place and I've been impressed by the organization's various outreaches into the community. When I learned the chaplain position was open, I thought, 'This is a place where I definately want to interview.'"

Skiff's Director of Social Services, Lora Mattson, said Skiff officials were also impressed with Peterson.

"Larry has great experience as a hospital chaplain," she said. "He understands this position and very much values spiritual care as part of the healing process. The care he provides will be non-denominational, and he is eager to minister to patients in a way that is comfortable to them."

Peterson said Skiff officials recognize the importance of having a chaplain position within the hospital.

"Skiff recognizes that people go through unique, specific and life-challenging situations," he said. "I'm pleased that Skiff takes these difficulties very seriously and values a holistic approach to health care. Providing a spiritual care provider can and does have a positive impact on their healing."

Mattson said the chaplain role in the hospital will have a more focused scope going forward allowing it to be scheduled within 18 hours a week.

"When Merle was preparing to retire, Mary Swoboda (Skiff's Chief Nursing Officer) and I spent a lot of time analyzing the needs of the position," she said. "Merle, who worked 32 hours a week, spent a large portion of his time conducting funerals. While that was a wonderful service he offered, he recognized that it was also quite draining. Therefore, Merle, Mary and I felt that, going forward, we would not expect the new chaplain to conduct as many funerals. That alone reduced the number of hours needed for the position. Since Merle knew this job from the inside out, his support of this change was very important."

In addition, Skiff has brought on board Gary Marzolf, pastor at First United Methodist Church, as volunteer chaplain. Marzolf will be dedicated solely to the needs of the patients in the Monarch Wing. Peterson will not be required to fulfill those duties.

"We essentially have brought the chaplain position back to fit with the job description, which is primarily to provide spiritual support to patients and families in the medical center, as well as be a liaison to local clergy," Mattson said.

Peterson, who hails from Fairfield, Conn., and received his seminary training in Philadelphia, said he is looking forward to becoming part of the Skiff family.

"I'm excited to belong to a place where the employees are so engaged and clearly enjoy what they do," he said. "It's a privilege to join Skiff in making an impact on people's lives."

Peterson will be in the hospital on Mondays and Fridays with mid-week scheduling still to be determined.

Van and Bonnie to showcase Skiff's new imaging center during open house next month

Newton Independent

WHO 1040 AM radio personalities Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas will showcase Skiff Medical Center's new Philips Imaging Center during a live remote broadcast from the Newton hospital from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12.

The public is invited to attend the broadcast as Skiff hosts an open house for the community to tour the new imaging center, now one of the best radiology facilities in the Midwest.

The Philips Imaging Center at Skiff features a 128-slice CT scanner that offers the lowest radiation in the area, along with an MRI suite that is the first in the nation to combine new MRI technology recently approved by the FDA with the Ambient Experience, a lighting and video system designed to reduce or eliminate the claustrophobia that some people experience with traditional magnetic resonance imaging.

New offerings that will be coming in 2102 to the imaging center include cardiac scans and stroke scans.

The public is invited to tour the facility during Van and Bonnie's live broadcast, meet the radio personalities and partake in the refreshments that will be provided.

For more information on Skiff's new imaging center, call 641-78-SKIFF (787-5433).

Physician to join Newton Clinic in summer 2012

Newton Independent

Family practice physician Andrew Cope, D.O., has accepted an offer to join Newton Clinic next summer where he will join 13 doctors, one physician assistant and two nurse practitioners in offering a full array of medicine.

Dr. Cope is currently in his final year at the Genesis Quad-Cities Family Medicine Residency Program in Davenport.

Originally from Utah, he received his undergraduate degree at Weber State University and attended medical school at Des Moines University.

Once coming on board, Dr. Cope will be one of six Newton Clinic doctors who deliver babies at Skiff Medical Center. He will also perform c-sections.

"We are incredibly pleased that Dr. Cope has chosen to build his medical practice in Newton," said Newton Clinic Administrator Mark Thayer. "His arrival will continue to strengthen the high-quality obstetrical care we provide to residents of Jasper County."

Dr. Cope's decision to pursue medicine came during his junior year of college.

"I wanted to have a genuine skill that would benefit others in a substantial way," he said. "I was seeking a job that went above and beyond, yet was applicable to just about everyone."

He was also interested in having a career that would allow for a one-income household, something he experienced growing up as one of six children with a stay-at-home mom in Utah.

Dr. Cope met his wife to be, Leah, a music teacher originally from Dubuque, while attending Des Moines University. The two married during his second year of medical school and they now have two sons.

Dr. Cope's first encounter with Newton came as a result of some bad weather.

"Leah and I were driving to visit her family when we ran into some bad weather," he said. "We ended up sliding off the road, quite close to the 164 exit."

He and his wife waited at Country Kitchen - now Montana Mike's - until his father-in-law could come and pick them up.

Some time later, when Dr. Cope received information about Newton Clinic in the mail, the Newton name rang a bell.

"I actually read the card rather than pitching it like I usually would have," he said.

Dr. Cope was interested in the features the Newton Clinic offers.

"It was a physician-owned practice that was interested in a family practioner who also does OB," he said. "It's rural enough that you can do anything and everything you've trained for, but close enough to an urban area that you feel you have all the resources you need. And with the size of the practice, I knew I'd have support and wouldn't be functioning as a solo practioner. Overall, the practice model was ideal."

Dr. Cope and his family visited Newton this past summer and signed a contract in September. He is currently doing a three-week rotation at Newton Clinic. His anticipated start date in Newton is Aug. 6, 2012.

Skiff Medical Center positioning itself for 'long term vitality'

By PETER HUSSMANN

Two years ago, Skiff Medical Center was bleeding badly. A year ago its financial condition was not much better. But now, after undertaking some new procedures, the city-owned hospital is much improved and appears well on the mend.

Those are some of the findings that can be found in Skiff's recently filed audit report of its financial condition for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

At the end of the 2009 fiscal year, Skiff reported that expenses topped revenues by $3.39 million. The loss in the following fiscal year was not much better at $3.16 million.

But by the end of the latest fiscal year, those losses were cut dramatically. The Newton hospital reported $862,000 in expenses over revenues before contributions, which if added drops the loss to $692,000 for the year.

In a hospital management analysis included as part of the audit conducted by Seim Johnson of Omaha, Skiff officials attribute much of the financial turnaround to a strategic plan it adopted two years ago aimed at improving its "long term vitality."

Specifically, Skiff's strategic plan focuses on five points:

1. Put people first by fostering a culture of ownership focused on our core values, a shared hopefulness on the part of each caregiver, and a desire to make Skiff the best possible place to work and provide patient care.
2. Remain a full-service hospital but evaluate individual services for potential growth or replacement based on environmental trends, community needs, and financial performance.
3. Enhance physician and public confidence by improving our ability to care for higher acuity patients; developing more advanced diagnostic capabilities, introducing new out-patient based therapeutic services and specialties; and ensuring physician inclusion in our decision making process.
4. Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations through the implementation of measurement tools and the use of national best practices, thus creating a sense of urgency throughout Skiff in regards to the importance of being the best at what we do.
5. Be intentional in telling the Skiff story to the community and focus our efforts on increasing physician referrals, building good will, and increasing awareness about our service offerings.

"We believe that continuing implementation of this plan which focuses on creating a culture of ownership, growing volumes, and increasing efficiency of operations will place the hospital in a good position for long term vitality," the management analysis of the audit states.

The management analysis also makes note of the savings realized by the reduction in force initiative undertaken at the hospital in November of 2009. Since the end of the 2009 fiscal year, employment levels at Skiff have dropped by 72 full time positions, to 283 at the end of the latest fiscal year, resulting in a total aggregate reduction in hospital employed salaries of $3.3 million.

The hospital's management analysis also discusses local economy. Though the number of jobs in the county dropped 30 percent between 2000 and 2010, largely due to the closure of Maytag, the population levels have remained nearly steady. Data from the 2010 Census show a population decline of just 2 percent (350 residents) from population levels a decade ago.

"A late 2010 economic analysis by Iowa State University indicated that the primary impact of the departure of Maytag, and the subsequent nation-wide recession, was a shift in the location of jobs out of Newton without a corresponding change in population," the analysis states. "Essentially, Newton has made the transition to bedroom community status. Newton and Jasper County are now essentially operating as a far-flung eastern suburb of Des Moines."

The report also makes note of some new local industries, like wind energy companies TPI Composities and Trinity Structural Towers, the growth of existing employers like Caleris and Springboard Engineering, and the advent of new firms like box company Walter G. Anderson and tour bus company Hawkeye Stages. The Iowa Speedway also adds to the local economy, the report states. Negatively, however, Iowa Telecom's sale to Windstream resulted in the loss of 150 local jobs.

" As the local economy continues to improve, these trends are having an amplified impact on the hospital," the report states.

The report notes that Skiff's entrance into the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program that provides cost-based reimbursement for in-patient services will provide Skiff with a degree of financial stability over the next five years as it works to continue with its strategic plans. In addition, its new digital radiology room, 128 slice CT scanner and Iowa's first digital broadband MRI "is most exciting as it will set Skiff apart as the leading rural hospital imaging center in the upper Midwest," the report states.

"It is clear that Fiscal Year 12 will be another challenging year, but positive steps are being taken and we have high hopes for the future," the report concludes.

Skiff to offer flu vaccines at Newton's home basketball game on Friday

Newton Independent

Skiff's Public Health Nursing Services will be on hand to administer flu vaccines at Newton's home basketball game against Oskaloosa on Friday evening.

Flu mist and shots will be available for students. Parents must be present to sign a consent form.

For those who qualify for the Vaccine For Children program, the flu vaccine will be administered at no cost. Those with private insurance are asked to bring their insurance card so information can be obtained for filing purposes. Adults may also get a flu mist or shot if insurance information is provided or at a cost of $30.

The basketball flu clinic is one way in which Skiff's Public Health is joining the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC to recognize this week as National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). The CDC established NIVW in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.

Public health officials note that flu vaccination traditionally drops off quickly after the end of November due to the misperception that getting vaccinated after that time is too late.

"That's simply not true," said Jasper County Public Health Director Brenda Smith. "As long as flu viruses are circulating, people can get sick. We know flu activity generally peaks in January and February and lasts into the spring, so it is definitely not too late to get a vaccination."

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body's immunce response to provide full protection.

"With flu activity increasing and friends and family gathering for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones," Smith said.

The CDC recommends a year flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. It spreads easily from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. The flu has a sudden onset with symptoms including fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days.

To learn more about the basketball flu clinic provided by Skiff, call Public Health at 641-792-5086.

Skiff to hold commercial auditions Wednesday

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center is holding auditions for a chance to appear in new television commercials showcasing the Newton hospital's brand-new, state-of-the-art Philips Imaging Center on Wednesday.

Skiff is seeking local people to fill the following roles:

• 8 men and women, various ages.
• 11 children (ages 5 to 12).

All of the adult roles and most of the children's roles will have one spoken line of three to 12 words. Involvement is voluntary and actors will not receive compensation.

Auditions will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Skiff Medical Center board room located just inside the south entrance to the hospital. No advance preparation is needed.

Individuals selected for the commercial must be available to attend the filming session on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. Child performers must arrive as soon as possible after school dismisses that day.

For more information, contact Stephanie Alexander at 641-791-4339 or email her at salexander(at sign)skiffmed.com.

 

Skiff nurse earns prestigious medical certification

Newton Independent

Christine Hinshaw, a registered nurse in the Skiff Medical Center obstetrics department, has been named an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), an accreditation that places her with a select number of breastfeeding experts, with less than 100 in the state of Iowa.

"This is the world-wide gold standard in lactation support," Hinshaw said. "Whether you're from Iowa or Peru or Israel, you sit for this same exam. Passing it establishes strong credibility that you truly know what you say you know."

The test is offered just once a year, worldwide. Only a select number of individuals even qualify to take the test, with pre-requisites including 45 hours of specific lactation education and at least 1,000 hours of direct contact with families who have chosen to breasfeed their infants.

"Every minute of spare time I had between March and July was spent studying," Hinshaw said. "This was a lenghty, all-day exam that focused on all the best practices. It included multiple-choice questions that commonly included all options being correct answers, but required a priority rating, with rationale. It was incredibly rigorous."

Hinshaw will have to recertify as a certified lactation consultant designation, a step above the majority in the field who are lactation educators, every five years and have to retake the test every 10 years. Though the rigorous exam was an arduous process, Hinshaw said she sought the designation because of her commitment to the families who come to Skiff.

"Moms can feel frustrated or guilty if breastfeeding isn't easy in the beginning," she said. "But this really isn't surprising. There is always a learning curve for every newly acquired skill. Thank about being a newborn - never before have they been cold, tired, hungry or lonely. Being born is a huge adjustment, and now they have to work for their supper."

While breastfeeding is the healthiest choice - "Human milk is the best biological match for human babies," Hinshaw said - she adamantly opposes being "heavy-handed" or imposing guilt about feeding choices.

"My role is to help families chose to feed and nurture their babies in the way they think is best," she said. "While it's important to offer guidance on techniques and information on the benefits of breastfeeding, I also believe it is vital to give them reassurance, emotional support and empathy. I try to step into their shoes and understand where they're coming from."

About 65 to 68 percent of new moms at Skiff currently choose to breastfeed their newborns.

Hinshaw has worked in lactation support at Skiff Medical Center since January, 2007.

 

Skiff to host annual bake sale; gold buy-back returns

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center Auxiliary will host its annual Deck the Halls baked goods sale event on Monday and Tuesday next week.

Scheduled to run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, the sale will feature homemade pies, bars, snack mixes and more. The sale will be held near the gift shop in the lobby of the hospital at 204. N. 4th Ave. E. in Newton.

"People look forward every year to this fundraiser," said Connie Annis, Auxiliary president. "Since Thanksgiving follows just a few days later, it's a chance to have additional delicious homemade items at your holiday table without extra time spent in the kitchen. Every dollar we raise goes toward Skiff's patients."

Returning to this year's event will be a table hosted by The Gold Refinery. The Gold Refinery will purchase old, broken and unwanted gold, silver and platinum jewelry items based on weight and karat. Those selling jewelry will receive money on the spot for their items, though it is recommended that the items be appraised prior to the event in order to compare quotes.

The Gold Refinery will be on site throughout the full event on Monday and until 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

In addition, Skiff Hospice will be selling its new cookbook, "Monarch Memories," as well as memory wreaths and Christmas ornaments. Money raised at the hospice table will go directly back to that department.

New P.A. to join Newton Clinic

Newton Clinic will be adding to its roster of health-care providers when physician assistant Shari Lagodzinski begins seeing patients next week.

A Des Moines native, Lagodzinski received her bachelor of science degree in exercise and sports medicine from Iowa State University. She went on to receive her paramedic license and her certificate to work as a medical assistant. She worked in a family practice setting in both areas for the next 10 years before returning to school at Des Moines University where she received her physician assistant training. Upon graduation in 2009, she worked in a metro area emergency department.

"I enjoyed that," she said, "but I wanted to get back in family practice. I love the consistency, getting to know your patients, getting to educate them in preventative medicine."

As part of her course work at Des Moines University, Lagodzinksi did a four-week rotation at Newton Clinic. When she learned it had an opening for a physician's assistant, she said she jumped at the opportunity.

"It was a perfect fit," she said. "It's a big clinic, with 60-plus employees, but it doesn't feel big. It's cozy and homey, a place where people can get to know each other."

Officials with Newton Clinic are pleased that she will be joining the staff.

"Shari's entire career has been in health care and she has excelled in every position that she has held," said Mark Thayer, clinic administrator. "Shari was in the top 10 percent of her class at Des Moines University and we are confident that our patients will find her to be experienced, educated and friendly."

Lagodzinski will be accepting new patients of all ages. She be in the office Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. She will also work about one Saturday morning a month at the clinic.

Skiff Hospice debuts new support group for young widows

Newton Independent

Skiff Hospice is announcing the organization of "Picking Up the Pieces," a new grief support group for widows ages 60 and younger.

The new group was conceived by Jennifer Barnett, Skiff Hospice bereavement coordinator.

"I have noticed there are several younger women in the Newton community who have had a spouse die recently," she said. "Young widowed women have some very different issues from a 70- or 80-year-old woman who is grieving the death of her spouse."

Issues to be addressed by the group include being single again, helping children grieve and balancing work and home.

The group will meet on Tuesday evenings from Nov. 15 to Dec. 27 (with no sesson on Dec. 13). People need not have utilized the services of Skiff Hospice to join the group.

Attendance for "Picking Up the Pieces" is free, but pre-registration is required. Call Barnett at 641-787-3074 for more information.

Skiff's trick-or-treating tradition continues

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center in Newton will once again tranform its halls into a Halloween haven for local children and families by hosting trick-or-treating from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Since 1994, Skiff has hosted a Beggar's Night experience for local children with costumed employees and community volunteers handing out candy to children winding their way through whimsical and (gently) spooky settings.

This year, in addition to hospital employees, the Newton Community Theatre has chosen to again take part in handing out treats to area children.

"We're delighted the Newton Community Theatre is partnering with us again this year to make the event even bigger and better," said Leisa Zylstra, Skiff's events and community coordinator.

The Skiff Auxiliary will again be taking photos of costumed kids (and parents, too, if they wish) on an autumn-themed set in front of the hospital. Photos will be taken throughout the evening with the 5X7 color photos available for pickup from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Skiff Auxiliary gift shop inside the main entrance to the hospital. Cost is $5. All proceeds go to benefit hospital improvements.

New this year is the addition of Domino's, which will be on site selling pizza and other refreshments to trick-or-treaters. Domino's has agreed to donate 20 percent of all proceeds to the Skiff Auxiliary.

The event is free. Participants are invited to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the local food pantry.

New nurse practitioner joins Skiff's Colfax Clinic

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center's Colfax Clinic is expanding to three primary health-care providers with the addition of nurse practitioner Nici Topliff.

Topliff received her education as a registered nurse at Missouri Western State College before going on to get her master's degree at the University of Iowa.

"I've wanted to become a nurse practitioner ever since I was a 'baby' nurse," Topliff laughed. "I love being a generalist and treating people of all ages. I take a holistic approach and work to treat the whole person. I like to say that I'm a partner with them in their health care."

Brett Altman, clinical operations officer for Skiff, said that Topliff is an ideal fit for both the hospital and Jasper County medical community.

"Nici is an excellent communicator with outstanding character," he said. "She's enthusiastic, efficient, honest, intelligent, caring, compassionate and hard-working. Her patients are going to find her to be reliable, flexible and dedicated."

Topliff will be joining fellow nurse practitioners Susanne Landgrebe and Jodi Holloway at the clinic.

"It's very exciting for us to have her as a new provider," Landgrebe said. "She is so friendly and she comes with great experience and skills."

Topliff's arrival to the clinic will allow for extended hours of operation. Effective Monday, Oct. 31, patient appointments at the Colfax Clinic will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Colfax Clinic offers full-service family medical practice care, including physicals, lab services, minor procedures, casting and fracture care, on-site physical therapy and medical aesthetics.

All three providers are accepting new patients, including children. To schedule an appointment and for more information, call 515-674-4186.

SHIIP volunteers available to counsel on Medicare Part D changes

Newton Independent

Several changes for people on Medicare relating to their Part D prescription drug coverage have started taking place this month and local counselors are wanting to ensure that everyone impacted is made aware.

First, representatives of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) state, are the new dates for the Part D "open enrollment period. The new time period began Saturday, Oct. 15 and runs to Dec. 7. This is the time individuals can change Part D plans for 2012, enroll in a Part D plan or drop coverage. Choices made during the open enrollment go into effect Jan. 1, 2012.

"This is a change from past years when the open enrollment was Nov. 15 to Dec. 31," said Mike Anderson, chief financial officer at Skiff Medical Center and the Newton hospital's liaison with SHIIP. "We're asking everyone to remind family, friends and neighbors that the dates for changing have moved up a month. We don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to make their choice of plans for 2012."

Anderson said plans can change coverage and costs from year-to-year so comparing plans during the open enrollment period is critical. The "Annual Notice of Change" sent out by plans to explain drugs covered, benefits and cost changes have already been sent, as have "Notice of Credible Coverage," which tells Medicare-eligible enrollees if their drug coverage will be "as good as or better than Medicare's coverage" in 2012.

Two other changes are coming to Part D next yer, too. The "donut hole" or "coverage gap" will continue to close. Recipients will again pay 50 percent for brand-name drugs covered by the plan, but the cost for generic drugs will be reduced from 93 to 86 percent. Each year those costs will drop until the "donut hole" is closed.

Currently, anyone in a nursing home on Medicaid and Medicare does not pay anything for drugs covered by the Part D plan. In 2012, the same will be true for individuals who qualify for the Medicaid Elderly Waiver Program.

The local SHIIP office has volunteers available to assist those with questions. Located at Skiff Medical Center for the past 20 years, adjacent to the public relations office on the third floor of the hospital, SHIIP volunteers offer one-on-one appointments to review each client's prescription drug regimen and assist in finding the plan that provides the most affordable coverage.

Current volunteers are Terry Townsend, Lois Vogel, Kathy Brandt, Jewel Gullet and Tom Hoover. The service is offered free of charge. To arrange an appointment, call 641-791-4899.

Skiff delivers a dozen pounds to love

Newton Independent

When Stephanie Alter was in the last few weeks of her pregnancy, she didn't know that she would soon be setting a record for the Obstetrics Department at Skiff Medical Center.

On Sept. 21, Alter gave birth to daughter, Autumn Rose, who tipped the scales at 12 pound, 4.6 ounces. And that was a week before her due date.

"Over the next few days after Autumn was born, one of my colleagues and I went back through the delivery books dated back to 1970," said Ashley Swartz, RN. "From what we can tell, she is the biggest baby we've had in at least four decades."

"My doctor had me deliver at 39 weeks because ultrasound showed my baby was growing pretty big," Alter said. "My son was nine and a half pounds and I myself weighed 10 pounds when I was born, but I never dreamed I'd have a 12-pound baby."