Completed Project

Clinic Nursing Station

Clinic Exam Room

Liz Rindel, RN working hard as Patient Education Coordinator

 

Dana Finnesgard working hard in the Clinic Business Office

Marilyn Andrick working in the Hospital Business Office

Joyce Wolter finalizing some paperwork in the Hospital
Business Office

St. Luke's Hospital Laboratory

St. Luke's Hospital Nursing Station

ER 1 in St. Luke's Hospital & Continental Resources
Emergency Center

St. Luke's Hospital Procedure room in Continental Resources
Emergency Center

Patient Room in the Acute Care Wing

Chapel that was graciously donated by the Gjovigs with
furnishings provided by Skabo Lutheran Church

St. Luke's Hospital Therapy Department Aquatic Therapy
Pool

Therapy Department

NEDAwareness

This week is National Eating Disorder Awareness week. I've been doing a little research and came across the health consequences of eating disorders to share with everyone. Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person's emotional and physical health. Eating disorders are not just a "fad" or a "phase." People do not just "catch" an eating disorder for a period of time. They are real, complex, devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. People struggling with eating disorders need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.

Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa: In anorexia nervosa's cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious medical consequences.

• Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which mean that the heart muscle is changing. The risk for heart failure rises as the heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower.
• Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones.
• Muscle loss and weakness.
• Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure.
• Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness.
• Dry hair and skin; hair loss is common.
• Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.

Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa:The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles of bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that can affect the heart and other major organ functions. Some of the health consequences of bulimia nervosa include:

• Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss of potassium, sodium and chloride from the body as a result of purging behaviors.
• Potential for gastric rupture during periods of binging.
• Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting.
• Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting.
• Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse.
• Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis.

Health Consequences of Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder often results in many of the same health risks associated with clinical obesity. Some of the potential health consequences of binge eating disorder include:

• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol levels.
• Heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels.
• Type II diabetes mellitus.
• Gallbladder disorder.

For more information on the damaging affects of Eating Disorders, or to learn more about the different diseases, prevention, or how to get help please go to http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ where this article was found.

Valentine's Day

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day (for all those men out there who didn't realize what the date was). It's a time of indulgence in love and of course food, but just because we like to indulge in a romantic meal and show our love for one another with gifts and the traditional chocolate desserts doesn't mean they have to add to our waistline. As I was searching around for some easy recipes that I could make for myself and my fiancee, I stumbled across a healthy eating website (not like they aren't hard to come across), this website had a special section on Valentine's Day food.         
As I was looking at the desserts I found this amazing Baby Tiramasu recipe that I thought I would share, it's healthy and looks just a "tad bit" delicious and romantic as you can share and indulge with the one you love. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup nonfat ricotta cheese, (4 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 12 ladyfingers, (about 1 3/4 ounces)
• 4 tablespoons brewed espresso, or strong coffee, divided
• 2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate chips, melted (see Tip)

Preparation

1. Combine ricotta, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
2. Place 6 ladyfingers in a 9-by-5-inch (or similar size) loaf pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons espresso (or coffee). Spread the ricotta mixture over the ladyfingers. Place another layer of ladyfingers over the ricotta and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons espresso (or coffee). Drizzle with melted chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

Tips & Notes

• Tip: To melt chocolate: Microwave on Medium for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving on Medium in 20-second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval. Or place in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir until melted.

Nutrition

Per serving: 107 calories; 2 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 3 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 0 g fiber; 125 mg sodium; 29 mg potassium.
Carbohydrate Servings: 1
Exchanges: 1 carbohydrate (other), 1/2 fat

For more recipes go to http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_valentines_day_recipes

-Erin

How to Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease

St. Luke's Hospital and Crosby Clinic has started its campaign for awareness of Heart Disease. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has some tips on how to prevent your risk for heart disease. Heart disease is not just a "man's disease" as it is prevalent in 1 out of every 4 women. If you have just one risk factor for heart disease it can double your chance of acquiring the disease.

Here are some of the NHLBI's ways to lower your risk for heart disease:


The first step toward heart health is becoming aware of your own personal risk for heart disease. Some risks, such as smoking cigarettes, are obvious: every woman knows whether or not she smokes. But other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol, generally don't have obvious signs or symptoms. So you'll need to gather some information to create your personal "heart profile."


You and Your Doctor: A Heart Healthy Partnership
A crucial step in determining your risk is to see your doctor for a thorough checkup. Your doctor can be an important partner in helping you set and reach goals for heart health. But don't wait for your doctor to mention heart disease or its risk factors. Many doctors don't routinely bring up the subject with women patients. Here are some tips for establishing good, clear communication between you and your doctor:

Speak up. Tell your doctor you want to keep your heart healthy and would like help in achieving that goal. Ask questions about your chances of developing heart disease and how you can lower your risk.  Also ask for tests that will determine your personal risk factors.

Keep tabs on treatment. If you already are being treated for heart disease or heart disease risk factors, ask your doctor to review your treatment plan with you. Ask: Is what I'm doing in line with the latest recommendations? Are my treatments working? Are my risk factors under control? If your doctor recommends a medical procedure, ask about its benefits and risks. Find out if you will need to be hospitalized and for how long, and what to expect during the recovery period.

Be open. When your doctor asks you questions, answer as honestly and fully as you can. While certain topics may seem quite personal, discussing them openly can help your doctor find out your chances of developing heart disease. It can also help your doctor work with you to reduce your risk. If you already have heart disease, briefly describe each of your symptoms. Include when each symptom started, how often it happens, and whether it has been getting worse.

Keep it simple. If you don't understand something your doctor says, ask for an explanation in simple language. Be especially sure you understand how to take any medication you are given. If you are worried about understanding what the doctor says, or if you have trouble hearing, bring a friend or relative with you to your appointment. You may want to ask that person to write down the doctor's instructions for you.

For more information please go to www.hearttruth.gov