Otsego Health & Life Spring 2009 issue

GOODBYE, SHOULDER PAIN

Worry-freeimaging

BY THE NUMBERS: Health facts & figures to live by

In praise of PEONIES

4 tips for your mammogram

Plus

Spring 2009 / $3.95

T H E G O O D L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E f r o m O T S E G O M E M O R I A L H O S P I T A L

health&life

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2009 EventsMay - July

Special Events

Kick Off EventMay 13, 6:30 p.m.Come to the Otsego County Sportsplex to learn more about a program designed to get northern Michigan communities moving for 100 straight days this summer. Walk, jog, dance, garden, just move your way to fitness this summer! There will be free ice skating ($1 for rental skates) and $1 swimming at the kick off event! For more info visit the Let’s Get Moving website at www.lgmnm.org, or call 989-731-2193.

Bone Marrow Donor Drive June 6 & 7Register to be a bone marrow donor and one day you may save a life! Join us at the Otsego County Relay For Life Event at the Otsego County Fairgrounds. Marrow registrants will be asked to provide a few swabs from the inside of the mouth and will need to complete a brief health questionnaire. There is no blood draw or cost to you! Donors must be between 18-60 years of age and meet health guidelines. For more info call 989-731-2193.

For more informationplease visit our website at

goodhealthstartshere.com

Parent EducationChildbirth Preparation

Monday Night Sessions: June 15 -

July 27, 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Weekend: July 25, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Expectant parents learn breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as, medical pain mgt., breastfeeding, infant care, labor and birth. Cost is $45 or Health Department voucher.

Car Seat Safety Inspection

May 21, 1 - 5 p.m. Call for location.

Sibling Preparation

Saturday, May 9; 10 - 11:30 a.m.

For children ages 3-10 years of age. Parents are requested to accompany their children. Cost is $10 per child/max $25 per family.

To register for a parent education

program or for more information call

OMH Parent Educator at 989-731-

2124.

Support GroupsMother to Mother

May 14 & 28, June 11 & 25, July 9

& 23 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the PMB Conference Room. Call 989-731-2124 for more info.

Bereavement

Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in the OMH Professional Medical Building Conference Room. Call 800-252-2065 for info.

Cancer Support

May 29, June 26, July 31 at noon

in the OMH Oncology Center, 701 N. Otsego Ave. Call 989-731-7760 for info.

Organ Transplant

June 4 at 6 p.m. in the PMB Conference Room. Call 989-983-4188 for info.

Stroke

Last Friday of each month at 2 p.m. Held in the OMH Professional Medical Building Conference Room. Call 989-731-2341 for info.

Otsego Memorial Hospital825 N. Center Avenue

Gaylord, MI 49735

Toll Free Number(800) 322-3664

General Community EducationFamily & Friends CPR Course

A 3-hour training for the general public. CPR skills for infants, children and adults. In the OMH classroom. Cost $15 or $25/couple.

Heartsaver Pediatric

First Aid & CPR Course

Intended for persons other than healthcare providers who need CPR & First Aid training as a job requirement. May 20, 5-10 pm in the OMH Classroom. Cost $60.

BLS for Healthcare Providers

(Full Course & Renewal) For healthcare providers who need CPR certification as a requirement. Cost $50 for non-employees (includes required textbook). In the OMH classroom.

Heart Health Screening

Requires finger-stick blood sample & 24-hour fasting to test for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose as well as blood pressure and BMI. Held the first Thursday

of every month. Appointment

required. Cost $20.

To register for a program, or for more

information call OMH Community

Health Education at 989-731-2193.

The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in BLS, ACLS and PALS and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the American Heart Association, and any fees charged for such a course do not represent income to the Association.

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Contents

Welcome letter

For the recordBy the numbers Notable health-related facts and figures

Clinical update Goodbye, shoulder pain For this flexible, injury-prone joint,arthroscopy may be the answer.

Technology todayWorry-free imaging Radiology plays a vital role in diagnosing illnesses.

Better care4 tips for your mammogram How to be sure you get thebest read

Profiles in caringNew faces, big passion Freshly arrived in the area, thesephysicians bring a special zeal for the community.

Glorious foodGolden moment The season for apricots is short, but sweet.

In bloomIn praise of peonies Give your garden some springtime pop with this popular perennial.

Friends of OtsegoGiving that makes a difference One man’s mastery of his diabetes began with a solid foundation.

Spring 2009 health&life

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THE GOOD LIVING MAGAZINE from OTSEGO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

COVER IMAGE: MASTERFILE

TOC_OTS_109_v6.jcREV 4/17/09 9:10 AM Page 1

WE ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT THIS INAUGURAL

issue of Otsego Health & Life, focusing on some of the most

exciting advances and trends in healthcare. We hope this

magazine will serve as a guide for you and your family as you

continue to focus on your health and healthcare in

2009 and beyond.

In this and upcoming issues, Otsego Memorial Hospital

staff joins with physicians from around the country to discuss

the latest treatments available at healthcare organizations

nationally as well as locally.

At Otsego Memorial Hospital, providing the highest

level of quality healthcare for the community is our No. 1

priority. As a progressive, fully accredited acute care hospital, we

are proud of our mission to partner with area physicians to

provide patient-focused care with quality and services second

to none.

Otsego Memorial Hospital provides a broad range of ser-

vices to inpatients and outpatients each year. For additional

examples, read this special issue of Otsego Health & Life, as well

as the other three issues published each year, all full of inspiring

examples of the exemplary healthcare available to residents of

northern Michigan.

Bringing you the best in healthcare

Welcome LETTER

THOMAS R. LEMON, CEOOtsego Memorial Hospital

For additional information about Otsego Memorial Hospital, visit ourwebsite at www.goodhealthstartshere.com.

Sincerely,

health&life

OTSEGO STAFF

CEO

THOMAS R. LEMON

president, board of directors

MARY SANDERS

marketing director

ESTHER BEERY

graphic design/journalism specialist

KIMBERLY RULEY

foundation director

CHRISTIE PERDUE

special events/database assistant

SARA FREEMAN

WAINSCOT STAFF

editor in chief

RITA GUARNA

art director

SARAH LECKIE

senior editor

TIMOTHY KELLEY

managing editor

JENNIFER CENICOLA

assistant editor

KRISTIN COLELLA

Otsego Health & Life is published by Wainscot

Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ

07645, in association with Otsego Memorial

Hospital. This is Volume 1, Issue 1. © 2009 by

Otsego Memorial Hospital. All rights reserved.

Material contained herein is intended for infor-

mational purposes only. If you have medical

concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare

professional.

THE GOOD LIVING MAGAZINE fromOTSEGO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

CEO-Mast_OTS_109_v4.jc 4/8/09 2:08 PM Page 4

10.3millioncosmetic procedureswere done in the U.S. in 2008.Source: American Society forAesthetic Plastic Surgery

By the numbersNOTABLE HEALTH-RELATED FACTS AND FIGURES

Top 6 causesof deathin the United States,2005:1. Heart disease 2. Cancer 3. Stroke 4. Chronic lower respiratory

diseases5. Accidents or unintentional

injuries6. Diabetes Source: The National Center for HealthStatistics

of Americans under the ageof 65 did not have healthinsurance in 2006.Source: The National Center for HealthStatistics

The top 10 most prescribedmedications, 2007:1. Lipitor (cholesterol-lowering agent)2. Singulair (used for the long-term

treatment of asthma)3. Lexapro (antidepressant drug)4. Nexium (used to treat acid reflux

disease)5. Synthroid (thyroid medication)6. Plavix (prevents blood clots after a

recent heart attack or stroke)7. Toprol XL (used to treat hypertension)8. Prevacid (used to treat acid reflux

disease)9. Vytorin (cholesterol-

lowering agent)10. Advair

Diskus(used for thelong-term treatment of asthma)

Source: RxList

The quest forhealth—online8 million adults search for healthinformation by computer on anaverage day, and 58% of themsay online guidance has affectedtheir treatment decisions. Here’swhat they’re looking to learnabout: • 64% a specific disease or

medical problem• 51% a medical treatment or

procedure• 49% diet, nutrition or vitamins• 44% exercise or fitness• 22% depression, anxiety, stress

or mental health issues• 9% smoking cessation• 8% drug or alcohol problemsSource: PEW Internet and American Life Project

75.2YEARS

16%

80.4YEARS

In 2007,

20%of U.S. adults smoked,

down from 22.5%in 2002

Source: The National Center forHealth Statistics

Gender and lifespan

32 million Americans take three or more medications daily.

Source: American Heart Association

What’s normalFind out where you fit in by comparing your numbers to these ranges:BODY MASS INDEX:• 18.5 to 24.9 is normal body mass index (BMI) for adults. (142 million

adults are considered overweight or obese. Calculate your BMI atwww.nhlbisupport.bmi.)

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL:• Under 200 mg/dl is a desirable level for adults. (48.4% of adults

have cholesterol levels that are too high.)BLOOD PRESSURE:• Normal for adults is 120 mmHg or less over 80 mmHg or less. (1 in

3 adults has high blood pressure.)Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Heart Association; National Heart,Blood and Lung Institute

Which sex is really tough? Here’s the lifeexpectancy at birth for each for kids bornin 2005.

MALES

Source: The National Center for Health Statistics

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Numbers_OTS_109_v4.SLrev 4/17/09 9:04 AM Page 18

IF YOU FEEL PAIN IN YOUR SHOULDER,don’t ignore it. Even a small pain that seems to comeand go could be the sign of a more serious conditionneeding a healthcare professional’s advice.

Shoulder pain can afflict anyone from adoles-cents to the elderly. It can be caused by sports injuries,arthritis, overuse injuries, instability, tears, fractures or“impingement syndrome”—an inflammation of themuscles and tendons that secure the arm to the shoul-der, often produced by repeated overhead arm move-

6 / S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

ClinicalUpdate

Goodbye, shoulder pain

FOR THIS FLEXIBLE, INJURY-PRONE JOINT,

ARTHROSCOPY MAY BE THE ANSWER

ments. Whatever the cause or the level of pain, err on theside of caution by having the shoulder examined. Earlyintervention may prevent further injury.

Your orthopedist may suggest rest, physical ther-apy, medication and strengthening exercises to ease yourshoulder pain. But if such treatments don’t work, youmay be a good candidate for arthroscopy—today’s min-imally invasive shoulder surgery.

Arthroscopy has become the norm for treatingmany shoulder problems in the past 10 to 15 years asmedical technology has advanced. Its goals are to allevi-ate pain, repair damaged structures, prevent furtherdamage and restore function.

“The arthroscopic technology and equipment atOtsego Memorial Hospital are state-of-the-art for allhospitals in northern Michigan,” says Gilbert Noirot,M.D., of OMH N’Orthopedics. “Patients are referredhere by word of mouth from all over.” Dr. Noirot hasperformed procedures on patients from MackinacIsland, Roscommon, Alpena and Charlevoix.

Arthroscopy involves making small incisions andinserting the arthroscope—a small tube containinglenses and fiber optics, which allows the surgeon to seeinside the joint, thus both confirming the diagnosis ofshoulder problems and treating them without having tomake large incisions. Shoulder arthroscopy is usuallydone in an outpatient setting, and most patients gohome the same day.

At Otsego Memorial Hospital, about 250 to 300arthroscopic shoulder surgeries are performed each year.

4 WAYS TO AVOID SPORTS INJURIES

1Warm up before you play. Your pre-game warm-up should

include strengthening and cardiovascular exercises and

gentle stretching.

2Cool down afterwards. Try not to shift abruptly from rapid

exertion to full rest; instead, let your activity taper off.

3Get regular exercise. Experts suggest at least a half hour

of exercise most days—but check with your doctor before

starting an exercise program.

4Give yourself a break. Take a day off between games or

workouts to allow muscles to heal and to prevent strains

and injuries from overuse.

Ortho_OTS_109_v5.jc 4/8/09 12:43 PM Page 20

O T S E G O H E A L T H & L I F E / 7

“These range from people with athletic injuries to thosesuffering from arthritis,” says Dr. Noirot. “I help indi-viduals who are looking for pain relief.” While some peo-ple think only of knee and hip replacements when theyconsider orthopedic surgery, he does a much broadervariety of procedures. “I perform shoulder, elbow, wrist,knee and ankle scopes for overuse injuries, traumaticinjuries and sports injuries,” he says.

Arthroscopic surgery is done with the patientasleep, and a nerve block is often given before the proce-dure to provide postoperative pain relief. Saline solutionis pumped into the joint, expanding it and controllingbleeding, helping the surgeon see better. With this tech-nology, still images can be captured from the videofootage of the surgery, allowing the patient to see whattook place during the operation.

Less invasive than conventional open surgery,arthroscopy is appealing for people who wish to avoidpotential scarring and overnight hospital stays. It alsoavoids the potential complications of open procedures.

Demand for shoulder arthroscopy is on the rise,doctors say, for three reasons:• Fast-improving technology and surgical expertise pro-

vides for excellent outcomes and patient satisfaction.• An aging population with increased life expectancy

wants to stay active.• There is enhanced public awareness of this less-

invasive option.Dr. Noirot also stresses the importance of physical

therapy, both for those who don’t need surgery and forpatients following their procedures. “To be successful,physical therapy of the joint is a must,” he says. “Wehave a great facility here with the OMH RehabilitationServices Department to help patients get back to a nor-mal routine.” ■

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For more information about shoulder arthroscopy at

Otsego Memorial Hospital, contact OMH N’Orthopedics

at 989-732-1753.

The shoulder is made up of three bones: the clav-

icle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade) and

the humerus (upper arm bone). The shoulder joint

is of the ball-and-socket type, though its “socket”

is less complete than that of the hip joint. The

ball is the top, rounded portion of the upper arm

bone; the socket-like glenoid is a dish-shaped

part of the outer edge of the scapula into which

the ball fits.

The glenoid is like the concave surface

of a golf tee, on which a golf ball sits and which it

can slip off with relative ease. Similarly, because

the bones provide little stability to the shoulder

joint, it depends on surrounding soft tissues—

mainly the ligaments, tendons and muscles

known as the rotator cuff—to hold the ball in

place. That inherent instability is both good and

bad: It makes the shoulder the body’s most mov-

able joint, able to pivot in almost any direction,

but it also makes it prone to injury.

Shoulder anatomy 101

clavicle

scapula

humerus

STABILITY DEPENDS ON SOFT TISSUES

Ortho_OTS_109_v5.jcREV 4/17/09 9:07 AM Page 21

ONE DAY IN 1895, GERMAN PHYSICIST WIL-helm Roentgen was doing experiments with electronbeams in a gas discharge tube. While projecting thebeams onto a fluorescent screen, he saw a silhouette ofthe bones of his hand. By accident, he had discovered X-rays—and the science of diagnostic radiology.

Today, this science and its imaging tools help doc-tors diagnose many conditions. But much depends onhaving top-flight equipment. That’s what you’ll find atOtsego Memorial Hospital. Here are two key examples:

• MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units are used indiagnosing cancer, diabetes, heart and vascular disordersand other conditions. The scanner uses magnetism andradio waves to produce remarkably clear pictures, whichhelp doctors tell healthy tissue from diseased tissue.

Being scheduled for an MRI exam can be unset-tling, but the procedure itself is as quick and comfortableas possible with the open-bore, short-bore fixed mag-netic resonance scanner at Otsego Memorial. (A wider,shorter “bore”—opening—improves patient comfort.)

“There is no other unit like this in northernMichigan,” says Andrew Lanway, director of radiology.“It allows exams to be completed quickly, with less repo-sitioning of the individual.”

“Think of the shape of this unit as a donut ratherthan a tube,” says MRI technologist Trista Sitz.

The high-field MRI magnet (the higher the fieldof strength, the better the images) previously used wastoo small for some patients. They would have to be sentelsewhere or be scanned in open MRI systems with low-field magnets, limiting the images’ diagnostic useful-

ness. The new unit, the Siemens MAGNETOM Espree,can be used for patients weighing up to 550 pounds.

Results of the MRI scans can be viewed electroni-cally on the hospital’s network or placed on CDs.

• 3-D ULTRASOUNDUltrasound is based on the principle of echolocation,with which whales and dolphins navigate. A technicianmoves a tool called a transducer probe over the body topick up high-frequency sound waves, sending data to acomputer that creates an image viewed on a monitor.

Otsego Memorial was the first hospital in north-ern Michigan—and one of the state’s first—to acquirethe most advanced three-dimensional ultrasound equip-ment. “The Siemens S2000 is completely up-to-date,with an image quality significantly better than our com-petition’s,” says Lanway.

At Otsego Memorial, two large-scale ultrasoundmachines will enable 3-D imaging over many applica-tions, while using varying acoustic energies to assess tis-sue stiffness. Thus they may be used to evaluate livertumors or abnormalities in fibrous tissue. A handheldultrasound, used in the hospital’s Birthing Center,allows fetal positioning to be checked at the bedside. ■

RADIOLOGY PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN DIAGNOSING ILLNESSES

Worry-free imaging

TechnologyToday

To learn more about imaging services at Otsego

Memorial Hospital, please call 989-731-2100.

LEFT, Trista Sitz performs an MRI with Otsego Memorial Hospital’s

open-bore MRI unit on patient Megan Heller. RIGHT, Alisa

Calamari allows Kristen Roberts to view her baby using Otsego

Memorial Hospital’s large-scale Siemens S2000 ultrasound.

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Diagnostic mammography is a completely differentpiece of the puzzle.

If you are having specific symptoms—you feel alump, for example, or have nipple discharge—be sure totell your doctor. He or she needs to know what you’reexperiencing in order to determine if extra tests areneeded. It might not even be a mammogram that’srequired—your doctor may want you to have an ultra-sound exam instead.

4Don’t choose a “live read.” Some imaging cen-ters boast that they will read your film “live”—that

is, while you wait. Patients often think this means they’regetting better service, but that’s often not the case.

For one thing, centers that have the time to do livereads are not very busy, experts often note—and theremay be a reason for that. Also, live reads force staff tomultitask and rush. A better system is when radiologistsare able to take a day’s worth of films and read them ina private room. This way, they’re not interrupted, theycan take their time and, if necessary, they can ask a col-league for an opinion. ■

MAMMOGRAMS ARE THE BESTtool we have for early breast cancer detec-tion, doctors say. But even when they’redone right, these studies aren’t perfect.They may miss some tumors while high-lighting other tissue irregularities thatprove harmless, and reading the results canbe a subtle skill.

How can you make sure you’re get-ting the best possible image and read?Experts offer four suggestions:

1Check the mammography cen-ter’s certificate. The federal

Mammogram Quality Standards Act(MQSA) of 1992 sets minimum criteria forboth equipment and professionals’ train-ing, and annual inspections are the basisfor the certification that permits a center tooperate legally.

When you’re deciding where to have your mam-mogram, ask to see a facility’s FDA certificate and makesure it’s current, or log on to the FDA’s website,www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography.

2Make sure the facility has a record of your pre-vious mammograms. If old files aren’t available,

doctors won’t know what’s changed or new—and halfthe interpretation is missed. It’s small changes over timethat raise suspicions. Without earlier films for compari-son, a doctor may spot something that actually has beenthere for five or 10 years. That could lead to an unneces-sary biopsy.

If you need to change facilities for insurance orother reasons, collect your old mammogram files—bethey film or digital files—and personally take them tothe new imaging center.

3Speak up about any symptoms. There are twobranches of mammography: screening and diag-

nostic. Screening is your yearly test. You zip in and out.

tips for your

MAMMOGRAMHOW TO BE SURE YOU GET

THE BEST READ

4Better CARE

O T S E G O H E A L T H & L I F E / 9

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Profilesin Caring

New faces, big passionFRESHLY ARRIVED IN THE AREA, THESE PHYSICIANS BRING A SPECIAL ZEAL FOR THE COMMUNITY

THOMAS KOZLEK, M.D.

“I am excited to be practicing in a rural community,”says Thomas Kozlek, M.D. “I’ve found the individ-uals here friendly, and there is a specific need for an

ear, nose and throat specialist.” Dr. Kozlek completed med-

ical school at Jefferson MedicalCollege of Thomas Jefferson Uni-versity and his residency at theHospital of the University of Penn-sylvania, both in Philadelphia.

“I find Otsego Memorial tobe an efficient hospital filled with a

friendly and cooperative staff,” says Dr. Kozlek. “Iam looking forward to the full spectrum of outdooractivities northern Michigan has to offer—as well asworking with great people in a great community.”

KASEY C. NELSON, D.O.

Kasey C. Nelson, D.O., joined Otsego MemorialHospital’s Emergency Department. “I want to help thosein greatest need,” says Dr. Nelson. “It is rewarding to trulysave a life—as well as to help patients who have nowhereelse to turn.”

Dr. Nelson completed medical school at NovaSoutheastern University College of Medicine in FortLauderdale–Davie, Fla., and his residency at SparrowHospital, Michigan State University in Lansing. Heworked at Henry Ford Hospital and for EmergencyPhysicians Medical Group of Michigan in Ann Arbor

before coming to Otsego Memorial.Dr. Nelson and his family

relocated to Gaylord seeking a warm andinviting practice environment. He sayshe wanted to live in a great communitywhere he could spend time with his family—still, the area’s combination ofcharms surprised him.

“We certainly didn’t plan on suchan ideal opportunity that would encompass it all,” he says.

KEVIN SMITH, D.O.

“I enjoy taking care of all aspects of medicine and thefull spectrum of age groups,” says Kevin Smith,

D.O., who specializes in familymedicine.

Dr. Smith completed med-ical school at Michigan StateUniversity’s College of OsteopathicMedicine and completed hisinternship and residency at MetroHealth Hospital, where he waselected chief family practice resi-

dent for 2007–2008. He also volunteered his knowledge in sports

medicine for the Grand Rapids Marathon in 2005,the Special Olympics at Calvin College in 2006 andthe Fifth Third River Bank Run in 2006.

The doctor is excited to join the Gaylord com-munity. “My family and I love northern Michigan,with all the outdoor recreational opportunities it hasto offer,” he says. “We truly enjoy all four seasons,and what better place to do that than in Gaylord?”

ROBERT ALLUM, D.O.

“I specialize in family medicine,” says Robert Allum, D.O.“And I enjoy working with the friendly staff at the MedCareWalk-In Clinic.”

Dr. Allum completed medical school at MichiganState University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He didhis internship at University Community Hospital–Carroll-wood in Tampa, Fla., and his residency at Mercy General

Health Partners in Muskegon. “I will be commuting daily from

Boyne Falls, and I’m excited to be a part ofthe Gaylord community,” says Dr. Allum. ■

If you would like assistance in locating a

physician, please call 989-731-2300.

1 0 / S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

Profiles_OTS_109_v5.jcREV 4/17/09 9:03 AM Page 43

IF SPRING IS HERE, CAN APRICOTS BE FARbehind? From early May to late June, this golden fruitmakes its glorious but fleeting appearance at local pro-duce stands. Apricots originally hailed from China’smountainous northern region, where they’ve been culti-vated for more than 4,000 years. It was Spanish explorers,however, who brought apricots to the New World in thelate 1700s and planted them in the gardens of missionsthroughout California.

Since then, U.S. apricot cultivation has remainedalmost exclusive to the Golden State, which producesabout 95 percent of the domestic seasonal crop. Apricotsthrive on the Mediterranean climate California offers.

From Castlebrite to Patterson to Tilton, there are adozen varieties to chose from. Rumor has it, though, thatBlenheims are hailed as the most flavorful and lusciousvariety. They’re also the most difficult to find—the ultra-delicate fruit is very hard to ship, and has an evanescentthree-week season.

Adding apricots to any dish brings more than justtaste to the table—thefruits are a good source ofbeta-carotene, potassiumand vitamins A and C.They’re perfect for sweet-ening salads, chutneysand chicken dishes andmake a sweet sauce whenpoached. You can also addthem to kabobs with a

• Preheat oven to 350° F.

• Soak the apricots in the apple juice for about 10

minutes. Set aside.

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking pow-

der, baking soda, ginger and walnuts. Beat the oil,

sugar and egg in a separate bowl. To the flour mix-

ture, add the apricots and juice, then the egg mixture.

Mix until blended.

• Spoon the batter into greased muffin tins about 3⁄4full.

• Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

brush of honey and fire up the barbecue.Chose your ’cots with care: They should be deep

gold with a distinct blush, soft to the touch and exude asweet aroma. If they’re plump but on the firm side, storeat room temperature in a paper bag for a day or so. Thebest advice, however, is simple: Savor your fresh apri-cots—before you know it, they’ll be gone. ■

Golden momentTHE SEASON FOR APRICOTS IS SHORT, BUT SWEET

DID YOU KNOW?

Apricot pit kernels are

used in confections and to

flavor liqueurs. Like bitter

almonds, apricot pits are

poisonous until roasted.

1⁄2 cup apricots, finely snipped1⁄3 cup apple juice, unsweetened

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger1⁄3 cup walnuts, chopped

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon sugar

1 egg

Apricot muffinsMakes 8 Servings

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Glorious FOOD

Food_OTS_109_v6.SlREV 4/17/09 9:09 AM Page 65

GIVE YOUR GARDEN SOME SPRINGTIME POP WITH THIS

POPULAR PERENNIAL

in praise ofpeonies

b y A m a n d a P r o s t

In bloom

InBloom_OTS_109_v4.sl 4/8/09 12:40 PM Page 34

PEONIES HAVE THE LONGEVITY GENE. THEYlive, on average, 30 to 40 years, and some have enjoyedmore than a century of happy returns. But that’s not theplant’s only virtue. The carefree peony blooms with apassion for six to eight weeks from May to June, requiresminimal fuss and winters without complaint.

As if that weren’t enough to recommend it, theshowy plant’s long-lasting foliage and pleasing shapeensure a supporting role in the garden long after its ruffle-and-lace blooms are nothing more than prettymemories. Perhaps this win-win combination is whypeonies have been cultivated for more than 2,000 yearsand are still growing in popularity.

The peony first rose to prominence in China,where it was called sho-yo, meaning “the beautiful.” Asymbol of prosperity, the flower was also prized for itsmedicinal abilities. In the Western world, the Greeksfound that it was good for what ailed them as well, nam-ing the plant after Paeon, the physician to the gods.Colonial Americans were taken more by the flower’s aes-thetics than its medical benefits. In those days, peoniesgraced the dooryard gardens of early settlers and traveledwith them as they moved westward.

Peonies come in two basic types. Herbaceouspeonies lose their stems and leaves each autumn. Treepeonies are woody shrubs that shed only their leaves. Theplants vary greatly in size, ranging from tiny 6-inch–talldwarfs to towering 5-foot giants.

Colors are similarly diverse. The early-bloomingRed Charm has a deep-colored double row of petals, whilethe Gold Standard showcases yellow-tinged white petalssurrounding a massive bright-yellow center. The smallerPetit Elegance sprouts blossoms that fade from brightmagenta to soft white. And for bold contrast, black-bloomed peonies will certainly stand out from the crowd. ■

A PEONY PRIMER You don’t have to be a

horticultural Einstein to grow peonies. Once estab-

lished, they are easy to take care of and will keep

blooming from year to year.

• For a showy springtime display, plant peonies in the

fall or in the spring after the last frost. Pick a spot that

receives a half to full day of sun, with well-drained soil

to prevent rot.

• Set the tuber in a hole large enough to accommodate

the entire root system, with the buds facing upward,

leaving 3 feet between each plant. Cover with no more

than 2 inches of soil—any deeper and the peony will

have trouble blooming. In fall, adding a thin layer of

mulch will provide protection from the cold, but isn’t

mandatory. The blooms will show their colors in May.

• Be sure to stake larger varieties of herbaceous peonies

when the first shoots show in spring. Otherwise, they

may flop over by mid-summer.

• Water new plants each week during the first planting

season. After they’re established, water just enough to

dampen the soil (it shouldn’t be wet). Allow the soil to

dry between watering.

• Remove flowers after they fade. This helps

strengthen the root system.

• After a heavy frost in fall, cut herbaceous

peonies down to 3 inches. Tree peonies

should not be cut back in the fall. They do bet-

ter when left undisturbed and don’t need to be

divided like other perennials.

O T S E G O H E A L T H & L I F E / 1 3

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1 4 / S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

LES TAYLOR PUTS THE MATTERsimply: “If it weren’t for OtsegoMemorial Hospital and its DiabetesSelf-Management program, I wouldn’tbe here today.”

He’s grateful to the OtsegoMemorial Hospital Foundation, whichsupports the program along with othercommunity health initiatives. In 2008 thefoundation granted $3,000 to the hospitalto support individuals who are unin-sured or underinsured and who other-wise could not afford this lifesaving class.

The four-part diabetes programis designed to train people to take anactive role in managing their diabetes and thereby reapthe benefits of blood glucose control, nutrition, exerciseand other components that make up a healthy lifestylefor a person with the illness.

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder, affects how thebody processes food for energy. If diabetes is not properlycontrolled, it means a much higher risk of heart diseaseand can lead to serious problems with the kidneys, eyes,nerves and extremities. Thus, the disease makes lots ofdemands—it takes work and knowledge to stay well.

Taylor, who has had diabetes for about five years,went through the program last October with the supportof his wife, Mary. “We felt comfortable with the staff andcould tell they had my best interests in mind,” he says.

Since completing the program, Taylor has lost 30pounds and adopted habits that show he knows how totake care of his body. ■

ONE MAN’S MASTERY OF HIS DIABETES BEGAN WITH A SOLID FOUNDATION

Friends ofOtsego

Giving that makes a difference

BECAUSE YOU CARE . . . The OMH Foundation

makes quarterly grants to Otsego Memorial Hospital to

support patient services and department needs. In

January 2009, the foundation granted OMH $69,000,

which helped us to:

SUPPORT:• The “Reach Out and Read” literacy program

• The “Move Smart, Eat Right” program for youth

• The Breastfeeding Initiative

PURCHASE FOR THE HOSPITAL:• Electrotherapy units for rehab services

• New glide scope and video laryngoscope for surgery and anesthesia

• Palliative care carts

• Phototherapy system for babies with jaundice

• Visual aids for cardiac rehab patients

PURCHASE FOR MCREYNOLDS HALL:• New bed comforters for all residents

PURCHASE FOR PHYSICIANS’ OFFICES:• Temporal thermometer

• Hearing testing device

PURCHASE FOR ONCOLOGY:• Patient monitors

Les Taylor has embraced a healthier lifestyle—with the help of his wife, Mary,

and the diabetes program at Otsego Memorial Hospital.

For more information about the Otsego

Memorial Hospital Foundation, please call 989-731-2342.

Friends_OTS_109_v5.sl 4/17/09 9:01 AM Page 14

Otsego Memorial Hospital Foundation Gift Registry 2009All names listed have generously supported the Otsego Memorial Hospital Foundation in the first quarter of 2009 (1/1/2009-3/31/2009).

The OMH Foundation is grateful for their support and dedication to quality local healthcare.

Andrew LanwayCourtney LappanTom and Jean LemonMrs. Twilla L. CoonMrs. Lisa MackowiakMrs. Barbara MakowskiCynthia MarcenaroCandace MarcotteMs. Monica McClureAmy McKeownMrs. Melissa MeadowsMr. and Mrs. Michael MeinesMr. and Mrs. David MeredithLinda T. MeslerNancy MeyerMr. and Mrs. Mark MohrCheryl MorenoLinda and Pete MorrisMr. Steven A. MouldingMr. and Mrs. Douglas F. MoweryMs. Danielle MundtDeborah NashMrs. Pamela R. NemethMatt and Melissa NoaSarah NolanMr. and Mrs. Brian Olsen (Heather)Sandra and Robert OltersdorfNicole OwensMr. and Mrs. Ralph D. PardoMr. Kenneth and Mrs. Kathleen

Pawlanta, FNPMrs. Anita PercyMichael and Christie PerdueJohn and Mollie PetersonMr. and Mrs. Michael Piper (Nancy)Mr. and Mrs. Joseph PrebendaJessica PriceMrs. Victoria PrusakiewiczMr. and Mrs. Thomas PudvanTamyra PurgielKenneth and Nancy RaganMarilyn RecordJoanne ReichertMargaaret RempeBobbie Jo ReparRon and Kathy RespeckiMr. and Mrs. Kirt RoachAllison RobbinsMr. and Mrs. Tyler RobertsKelly Roberts-ZielinskiMr. and Mrs. RosenburgJay RuddyKimberly Taylor RuleyJuanita SarzynskiMs. Catherine SchoberMr. and Mrs. Mac A. ScribnerMs. Mary B. Seger, Ph.D., GNPRick ShawMs. Mary R. ShelsonJulie and Lucas ShepherdLaura SincockMike and Trista SitzMr. and Mrs. Gordon SmithMrs. Kalynn SmithMr. and Mrs. Joseph Spyhalski

(Eileen)Ms. Mary SteeleMr. and Mrs. Bernard Strauch

(Barbara)Darlene StroyanFrank and Darlene StroyanMr. Donald SuddonDiane SuttlesCynthia A. TallentMs. Sharon TaylorBrian Techel and Tami TechelTamula TechelCorazon ThaxtonNicholas ThaxtonMr. and Mrs. Wayne Thomas

(DiAnne)Therese ToutantMr. David B. TrimbathKaarina M. VeihlStacy VizinaMs. Jennifer VogelJulia VultaggioKevin WahrMr. and Mrs. LeRoy WatsonAmy Wells

Lorien WernerKathy WilcoxMrs. Beth WilsonMr. and Mrs. Dan Yale (Karen)Tracey ZackMr. and Mrs. Matthew Zaleski

Hippocrates SocietyThis society recognizes all gifts from physicians and those made in their honor.Dr. and Mrs. Luis CollazoJohn and Wendy FryeDr. and Mrs. Robert HalterDr. Peter and Amy HandleyDr. and Mrs. Soo Y. HwangChangxin LiKasey and Wendi NelsonDr. and Mrs. Steven E. ParkerDr. Ronald and Mrs. Deborah

WeisbergerDr. and Mrs. Steven J. Wisniewski

HonorariumsIn Honor Of All GNP NursesAnonymous

In Honor of All PhysiciansAnonymous

In Honor of All Who Have TakenCare of Me

Mr. Ben Scott

In Honor of Dr. Becky AskleyDr. John and Mrs. Delores Burau Ms. Maxine MarciniakElizabeth A. Pasel Margaret Wilson

In Honor of Todd M. Erickson, M.D.

Ray and Jo Ann Lingle

In Honor of Dr. Wendy FryeAnonymousMary MacGregor Sanders

In Honor of Dr. Robert HalterDoris M. PesonenDick and Doris Zink-Wood

In Honor of Judy Jerome, G.N.PJim and Libby Gray

In Honor of Dr. Changxin LiJacqueline Barrenscheer and

Mary V. Cobb Emil and Muriel FrankFrank and Myrna JasinskiMr. and Mrs. D. Kalie Donald W. Sandberg

In Honor of Dr. Gary LingaurGary and Clara AndreeMason and Jan BuckinghamTom and Jan Seidel

In Honor of Dr. Kristen Maschke Terry PilonGordon and Carole RunngrenLeo and Sylvia R. Schuster

In Honor of Dr. MichaelMcNamara

Jack S. Bowers Gordon Nickert Doris M. PesonenGordon and Carole RunngrenLeo and Sylvia R. Schuster

In Honor of Robert P. Mee, D.O.Jean AppletonMary MacGregor SandersHarry and Doris SchulzDick and Doris Zink-Wood

In Honor of Dr. Christopher MilanScott and Ann DoederleinDoug and Carol Schubert

Staff and Employee Circle of FriendsAnonymousRyan AllenJackie AllsoppShirlee AndrewsSarah AuthierMrs. Kathy AvenallMr. and Mrs. R. DaleMr. and Mrs. Richard BartlettJulie BeltSusan BennettMr. and Mrs. LloywBlustGeri BoadwayPatty BonnerMr. and Mrs. BorowiakMr. Dennis Borowiak and Mrs.

Maureen BorowiakFaith BrinkmanMs. Cynthia M. BrowerRomeo and Carolyn BuclayMr. and Mrs. Michael Burke (Nancy)Nichole ButcherBonnie J. ByramMr. and Mrs. Thomas CalamariDonna ChandlerDonna ClarkSheryl CodyDon and Mary Beth CookRuth A. CoonsMr. and Mrs. Thomas Corby

(Cindy)Mr. and Mrs. Brett CrandellJessica CraneMr. and Mrs. Jon DemingMarcia DennisFlorence DowkerMr. and Mrs. Douglas DreffsMrs. Marguerite DuncanMarlene DzwikLinda D. EastwoodMr. and Mrs. Tim EckertMr. and Mrs. Chuck EdwardsGregory EhleKerry and Patricia ElderMrs. Julie EllisonDave and Diane FisherMr. and Mrs. Kevin R. FogleCatherine FoustCynthia FrancisSara and Jimmy FreemanMissy and Mike GapinskiMs. Vicki GarlitzMr. and Mrs. Dan GlomskiMs. Lori GonzalezElizabeth GoodrichCindy GordonMr. and Mrs. Danny Griffith (Cindy)Mrs. Suzanne GriswoldPaul HaganVivian L. HallMrs. Kay Hanna-DeLucaSuzanne HardyMr. and Mrs. Michael J. HarrelsonMr. Timothy HellaMarlene HinchliffeMs. Barbara A. HoekstraSteven HolmanMs. Christine A. HoogerhydeMr. Christopher Hope, O.T.R.Ms. Rhonda HowardMs. Sharon JannKelly JolesGreg and Dawn JonesMrs. Kathleen JonesBob and Skip KasprzakStephanie FahlerMr. and Mrs. William Kelly, IIJeanie C. KelseyKelly KerrMary J. King and Gerald B. KingMr. and Mrs. Wayne KlineDavid KrampJohn and Linda KremkowMr. and Mrs. Tom KrzemienDoug and Nancy KussrowTiffanie LaHaieDavid and Catherine LailJerry and Della LambertJill LaMotte

In Honor of Dr. David W. MinerMary Bryan HewittDorothy Sumerau

In Honor of Dr. Keith MiyamotoChuck and Patty BerlinDr. John and Mrs. Delores Burau

In Honor of Dr. John MoffatJim Spillan

In Honor of Dr. David OlsonSusan and Richard Straith

In Honor of Dr. Steven ParkerMr. and Mrs. Graydon BlankEugene and Barbara FlemingSandra and Lawrence Nemecek

In Honor of Dr. Frederick RauMarvin and Nancy Kelso

In Honor of Dr. Michael SamalikAnonymousMr. and Mrs. Raymond CilwaJosephine LilakBetty and Dale MattmillerEsther J. NelsonHelen Theisen

In Honor of Dr. RonaldWeisberger

Carolyn Study

In Honor of Steven Wisniewski,M.D.

Chuck and Patty BerlinDoris J. CattJim and Libby Gray Steve and Delphine JedrzejekRay and Jo Ann LingleJimmy and Lisa MooreGerald and Patricia MoranSandra and Lawrence NemecekGordon and Carole RunngrenDale J. and Marlene A. SmithMr. and Mrs. Leonard Wojtkowiak

Cornerstone SocietyThis Giving Society recognizes all donors who give or pledge an annual gift of $1,000 or more to the OMH Foundation.Community FinancialJim and Jan CotantGaylord Eye Care Center

-Dr. Ronald Mead-Dr. Peter Oppermann-Dr. Robert Slezak

Scott and Janice LampertMayfair PlasticsHelen MorrowMr. and Mrs. William J. MuzylOtsego County Community

FoundationOtsego Memorial Hospital

AuxiliaryPassageways TravelMatt and Jennifer RooyakkerSmith Haughey Rice & RoeggeMs. Carol Nelson-SnyderSpicy Bob’s Italian ExpressCarolyn and Jon Study Three Rivers CorporationMarcus and Sharon WegmeyerWinthrop Resources CorporationWright & Filippis

Good Samaritan SocietyThis Giving Society recognizes all donors who give or pledge an annual gift of $500-$999 to the OMH Foundation.FinCor SolutionsGordon Food ServiceIndependent BankmBankMr. Holland V. McEachernMunson HealthcareNorthwestern BankKen and Juanita Nussbaum

Remer Plumbing, Heating & AirConditioning, Inc.

Robert T. Westerman II, PLCLeo and Sylvia R. SchusterShred-itSheila and Charles SimpsonSunrise Construction Company,

Inc.Dave and Sue Taylor

Circle of FriendsThis Giving Society recognizes all donors who give or pledge an annual gift of $50-$499 to the OMH Foundation.Black Forest & Wilderness Valley

Golf ResortMr. and Mrs. Joseph Blotny Blue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganDr. John and Mrs. Delores BurauJoyce Engel Hansa GCR, LLCMr. and Mrs. Jack G. Hofstra Mr. Ernest R. HuffmanMr. E. W. JonesRay and Judy KucharekOtsego ClubMr. and Mrs. Charles W. RichardsDick and Carol SchmidtPete and Pat SlominskiHelen Theisen

2004 Capital CampaignAll gifts made to support pledges to the 2004 Capital Campaign in 2009.Chesley CorporationMr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. GlasserDr. Angus G. Goetz, III Keskine, Cook, Miller & Reppuhn,

LLPDave and Sue Taylor

MEMORIALS 2009Otsego Memorial Hospital Foundation proudly lists the gifts made in memory of others. May they each be honored through the Hospital’s healing mission.

MemorialsIn Memory of Lillian GirardMr. Roger L. Girard

In Memory of Mary Lou S. HigdonNell and Phil Curtiss

In Memory of Dale QuayRichard and Dorothy NowakDon Patch and FamilyMr. and Mrs. Joel SietsemaBob, Dolores and Rob VanHoorne

In Memory of Jack StutesmanMr. and Mrs. James BackenstoseSister Carmen and Sister JaniceGaylord High School Class of 1952Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. MankowskiMs. Patricia S. MankowskiMr. and Mrs. Patrick MankowskiMr. and Mrs. Raymond

MankowskiJames Mero


Award Winning ServicesNo matter how small or how large your need, Otsego Memorial Hospital and OMH Medical Group will help you find a solution.

OMH Medical Group is an integrated multi-specialty group of providers that provide inpatient services at Otsego Memorial Hospital, and outpatient services performed in multiple locations affiliated with OMH.

The Professional Medical Building is home to Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Otolaryngology, and Pediatrics, and is connected to the main Hospital.

The MedCare Walk-In Clinic is open seven days a week, with no appointments necessary to provide treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, with an on-site x-ray for convenience.

The OMH Montmorency Medical Clinic offers Family Practice, Radiology, and Laboratory Phlebotomy services by appointment. This allows medical care to be offered locally in Lewiston while still working in conjunction with OMH to provide many other services available at the Hospital.

OMH N’Orthopedics offers orthopedic care via a staff of highly trained physicians and certified physician assistants. OMH N’Orthopedics provides outpatient visits at offices located in both Gaylord and Grayling.

OMH Medical Group continues to expand in order to serve the patients of many area communities.

www.goodhealthstartshere.com

Professional Medical Building829 N. Center, Gaylord • Referrals (989) 731-2300

MedCare Walk-In Clinic1996 Walden Drive, Gaylord • (989) 731-4111

OMH Montmorency Medical Clinic3040 Bourn Street, Lewiston • (989) 786-4877

OMH N’Orthopedics2147 Professional Drive, Gaylord • (989) 732-1753


Documents

Otsego Health & Life Spring 2009 issue