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Healthy Living Allenmore Hospital | Good Samaritan Community Healthcare | Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center | Tacoma General Hospital | MultiCare Clinics Jillian Michaels of TV’s The Biggest Loser wants you to Do Something Healthy! Meet her Jan. 24 PAGE 8 WINTER 2008 | www.multicare.org KIDS COUNT! LOOK INSIDE
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Allenmore Hospital | Good Samaritan Community Healthcare ...Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser televi-sion program—Thursday, Jan. 24, from 6 to 9pm at the Greater Tacoma Convention

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  • HealthyLivingAllenmore Hospital | Good Samaritan Community Healthcare | Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center | Tacoma General Hospital | MultiCare Clinics

    HealthyLivingAllenmore Hospital | Good Samaritan Community Healthcare | Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center | Tacoma General Hospital | MultiCare Clinics

    Jillian Michaels of Tv’s The Biggest Loser wants you to Do Something Healthy!

    Meet her Jan. 24PAGe 8

    WINTER 2008 | www.multicare.org

    KIDS COUNT!

    LOOK InSIDe

  • Happy 2008!

    Most of us start out

    the new year brimming

    with resolve—to eat

    better, exercise more

    and be healthier. But by

    February many of us fall

    into our old ways and

    are discouraged by our

    lack of progress or willpower.

    Change is hard to accomplish and sustain.

    Research has shown that it takes at least

    three weeks to shake old habits and for

    new ones to take root—and that relapses

    are normal.

    Let MultiCare give you extra motivation to

    stay on track at the ninth annual Do Some-

    thing Healthy—featuring keynote speaker

    Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser televi-

    sion program—Thursday, Jan. 24, from 6 to

    9pm at the Greater Tacoma Convention and

    Trade Center (see page 8 for details).

    Last year more than 1,000 people

    attended this inspiring event, where we also

    kicked off Pierce County’s Biggest Winner in

    partnership with the YMCA of Tacoma–Pierce

    County and the Tacoma–Pierce County Health

    Department. Two teams totaling 10 commu-

    nity members competed to reach their fitness

    and weight-loss goals.

    Read about how local participants Aaron

    Stewart and April Waddington are faring almost

    a year after the last competition in the article

    on page 11. I think you’ll find their stories

    highly motivating.

    We’ll be kicking off the 2008 Pierce County’s

    Biggest Winner competition at Do Something

    Healthy. So call to reserve your spot today.

    Good health is the best gift we can give

    to ourselves, our families and our community.

    Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2008.

    Diane Cecchettini, RN

    President and CEO

    MultiCare Health System

    MultiCare Health System is a leading-edge, integrated health organization made up of four hospitals, numerous primary care and urgent

    care clinics, multispecialty centers, Hospice and Home Health services, and many other services. A not-for-profit organization based in Tacoma since 1882, MultiCare has grown over the years in response to community needs. Today we are the area’s largest provider of health care services, serving patients at 93 locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap and Thurston counties. Learn more at www.multicare.org.

    HeALTHY LIvInG is published as a community service for the friends and patients of MultiCare Health System, P.O. Box 5299, Tacoma, WA 98415-0299. 800-342-9919, www.multicare.org

    For comments or suggestions about HeALTHY LIvInG, please write to us at [email protected]. Information in HeALTHY LIvInG comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider.

    Copyright © 2007 Coffey Communications, Inc. CUn21158c

    [spotlight]

    MultiCare now answers the phones 24/7You’ve got a lot on your plate. We know not

    everything can get done during regular work-

    day hours. That’s why MultiCare is pleased to

    unveil our new 24/7 call center.

    now you can call MultiCare for physician

    referrals and class and event registration

    24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Appointment scheduling will continue to be

    available during the hours of 7am to 7pm.

    Mischief makers at it again?Sharing toys and games is great, but germs? no, thanks. Here are a few quick tips to keep pesky germs at bay.

    Kids’ weight: Tackle the issue nownowadays it’s not just adults who deal with weight—your kids are also fighting the battle of the bulge.

    7 10

    A message from the CeO

    2 | Healthy Living

  • FAMILY MeDICIne CenTeR

    Comprehensive, convenient family medicine in Central Tacoma

    Take steps for better healthFrom yoga and aerobics to sup-port groups and safety classes, MultiCare wants to help you take charge of your health.

    12

    Interested in weight control? Look for the tape measure!

    The MultiCare Family Medicine Center opened in november 2007 in

    response to a growing need in the Tacoma area for comprehensive

    medical and obstetrical care for families.

    Christina Kelly, MD; Stacy Merrifi eld, DO; and Sarah Haastrup, MD,

    provide a wide range of services, including obstetrical and newborn

    care, routine checkups and immunizations for all ages, well-woman

    exams, and illness or injury care for men and women.

    The new MultiCare Family Medicine Center is located at 2420 S.

    Union Ave., Suite 100, in Tacoma. Appointments can be made by calling

    253-301-6750.

    Catching up with the losersMultiCare’s Biggest Winners are still going strong. Check their progress since the contest.

    11

    MultiCare goes red Taking care of your heart is more important

    than you may know. That’s why MultiCare

    Health System has joined forces with

    the American Heart Association to

    launch Pierce County Goes Red. This

    yearlong movement gives women the

    tools and knowledge they need to

    reduce their risk of heart disease

    and stroke and protect their

    health.

    “Too few people realize that

    heart disease is the no. 1

    killer of women—and men,”

    says Uma Krishnan, MD,

    cardiologist and Go Red

    For Women ambassador.

    “But the good news is heart disease

    can be largely prevented.”

    How can you Go Red? Learn the signs and

    symptoms of a heart attack. Schedule a heart

    checkup. Wear a red dress. However you choose

    to Go Red, do it for the health of your heart.

    To schedule your heart checkup, call 253-

    403-2898.

    Go Red and Go Red For Women are trademarks of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS.

    www.multicare.org | 3

    Join MultiCare and the American Heart Association on National Wear Red Day for our Go Red For Women Rally, featuring free health screenings, food, entertainment and more!

    Friday, Feb. 1 Tacoma Mall (outside of Macy’s) 11am to 1pm

  • [winter sports]

    More than 60,000 children are treated

    in emergency rooms each year for winter

    sports-related injuries. Help your kids stay

    safe this season.

    • Buy your children properly fitted winter

    sports helmets for skiing, sledding and

    snowboarding.

    • Make certain that their helmets and other

    equipment are in good working order.

    • Look for clothing made of newer cold-

    weather fabrics that provide warmth without

    bulk.

    • ensure that they wear sunglasses or

    goggles.

    • Arrange for them to take lessons before

    they try to ski or snowboard.

    • Remind them to watch out for trees, rocks

    and other people.

    • Train them to monitor their speed so that

    they can stay in control.

    • Supervise their activities.

    • Direct them to skating rinks instead of

    ponds.

    For more information about keeping

    your family safe this winter or helmet sales

    and rentals, call the Mary Bridge Center for

    Childhood Safety at 253-403-1234.

    Children on the slopes: Playing it safe

    RegaRdless of the types of activities you participate in this winter, safety should be a top priority—especially when it comes to protecting your knees.

    “The knee is the largest joint in the body and one of the most easily injured,” says david Coons, do, orthopedic

    surgeon with Multi-Care sports Medicine. “each year millions of people end up in doctors’ offices with knee pain.”

    When pain man-agement and lifestyle changes are not enough to keep knee pain from interfering with your life, a surgical

    procedure may be a good option. With recent advances in surgical procedures, knee surgery has become increasingly less inva-sive—reducing pain, scarring and recovery time. specialists like dr. Coons, who is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and arthroscopy, can offer the most advanced procedures available, such as ligament

    of tendon from the patient’s knee or donor tissue.

    3 Cartilage is the smooth, connecting tissue that covers the ends of the bones in a joint and enables joints to support your weight when you bend, stretch, walk and run. Cartilage loss can occur when there is trauma to the knee caused by a sports injury or accident.

    a cartilage transplant—taking healthy cartilage from another location in the joint and placing it in the damaged area—is often the best option in this case. dr. Coons has written articles on this technique and has years of experience performing this type of procedure.

    another option for repairing damaged cartilage is microfracture surgery, in which the bone is penetrated to expose marrow cells. The cells can then access the damaged area and fill in the cartilage gap.

    Small incisions mean big improvementsarthroscopy enables surgeons like dr. Coons to diagnose and treat knee disorders by providing a clear view of

    reconstruction and cartilage transplants, to help people return to their active lifestyles following a knee injury.

    3 common injuriesThe three most common winter sports knee injuries are meniscus tears, anterior cruci-ate ligament (aCl) injuries and cartilage damage.

    1 The meniscus is cartilage that acts as a buffer between the two large bones of the knee. Tears in the meniscus can occur when you twist or overflex your knee.

    “a clean tear in a younger athlete can most likely be repaired,” dr. Coons ex-plains. “Removing the damaged area is a more likely option for the older adult, as the meniscus becomes more brittle with age and is more prone to tearing.”

    With a very traumatic injury, he says, a meniscus can be transplanted.

    2 Ligaments are bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that surround a joint to give support and stabilize the joint’s movement. The aCl is frequently injured when the knee is force-twisted. The damaged ligament can be reconstructed using a strip

    David Coons, DO, orthopedic surgeon

    The slippery slope of Protect your knees this winter sports season

    winter sports

    4 | Healthy Living

  • the inside of the knee through small incisions, using a pencil-size instrument called an arthroscope. The scope has a small camera that transmits an image of the knee to a television monitor. during the proce-dure, surgical instruments can be inserted through other small incisions in the knee to remove or repair damaged tissue.

    arthroscopy involves smaller incisions, which can mean faster healing and recovery and less scar-ring. Patients are often able to return home on the same day of the procedure. every case and patient is unique, dr. Coons notes, but typically, full recovery time from arthroscopic knee surgery is two to six months, depending on the procedure.

    Getting you back in actionRegardless of the type or severity of a knee injury, dr. Coons spends time with each patient to evaluate his or her condition and provide the information and guidance he or she needs to determine the best course of treatment.

    “I give my patients all the options and the pros and cons of each one,” he says. “We work together to fi nd the solution to their problem and determine the best way to get them well and back to living healthy, active lifestyles.”

    for more information or to make an appointment with dr. Coons, call 253-459-7000.

    Monday Acute Sports Medicine Clinic

    Injured during a Saturday night game?

    Overdo it on the slopes on Sunday? Then

    the Monday Acute Sports Medicine Clinic at

    MultiCare Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

    Center may be just what the doctor ordered

    to reduce your time between injury and evalu-

    ation, rehabilitation and recovery.

    “Whether you’re a high school

    or college player or a recreational

    athlete, the clinic can help you re-

    turn to play quickly and safely,” says

    Mark Mariani, MD, a family medicine physician at MultiCare

    Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center who is fellowship-trained

    in sports medicine.

    Clinic hours are from 1 to 5pm every Monday. Appointments are rec-

    ommended. (If you are injured over the weekend, call Monday morning for

    an afternoon appointment.)

    For more information or to make an appointment, call 253-459-6999.

    Mark Mariani, MD, sports medi-cine specialist

    www.multicare.org | 5

  • TWo yeaRs ago when Cathy lensing needed to have gynecological surgery, she was concerned about the impact that the surgery would have on her active lifestyle.

    “I taught spin classes and circuit train-ing,” she says. “I also love to run. I have a hard time not being active.”

    even fit and healthy men and women experience problems that require surgery, such as prostate issues and gynecological ail-ments like abnormal bleeding, endometriosis and cancer. and, in the past, these surgeries were invasive, involving long, painful recoveries that could last months, as well as significant scarring.

    But today robotic- assisted surgical techniques—many of which were pio-neered in this region by MultiCare— eliminate these draw-backs and allow pa-

    tients to return to their normal, active lives within a matter of weeks.

    “Robotics technology is used in surgical procedures to create 3-d visibility and im-proved precision,” says Champ Weeks, Md, a board-certified urology surgeon with Multi-Care Urology services. “It allows surgeons to perform surgery with much smaller inci-sions, making surgery easier on the patient.”

    In the case of prostate surgeries, this

    gets you back in action Robotic-assisted surgery

    fastmeans being able to remove the cancer while bypassing nerves linked to sexual function and urinary incontinence. studies show that six months after robotic-assisted surgery, 95 percent of men are back to their old selves—a much higher percentage than with tra-ditional, open prostatectomies.

    Patients who must have gynecological surgeries also benefit from the low impact that robotic-assisted surgeries have on their bodies.

    “I’m grateful that I listened to what my surgeon at MultiCare recommended,” says lensing. “The recovery time is a big piece of it.” lensing, who was one of the first patients in the region to have robotic-assisted surgery, was back to teaching fitness classes within four weeks.

    although health systems that use ro-botic technology often have similar devices, robotic-assisted surgery programs are not all alike. It is the skill and experience of the surgeons using the technology that make the real difference—and an area in which MultiCare carries a distinct advantage over new programs in the area.

    “Patients definitely want to choose a surgeon who has ample experience using the robotics technology,” says John P. lenihan, Md, a board-certified gynecological surgeon with Tacoma Women’s specialists, who per-forms robotic surgeries regularly at MultiCare.

    Champ Weeks, MD

    John P. Lenihan, MD

    Robotic surgery at MultiCare MultiCare was the first in the Pacific northwest

    to offer robotic-assisted gynecological and pros-

    tate surgical programs, starting in June 2005.

    Our specially trained surgeons have completed

    more than 300 robotic-assisted surgical proce-

    dures since the programs’ inception.

    For more information or to find a sur-

    geon who specializes in robotic-assisted

    surgery, visit www.multicare.org.

    Cathy Lensing

    “The skills of a roster of surgeons who have been performing these procedures for years with a well-trained and experienced surgical staff are the real core of a successful program like MultiCare’s robotic-assisted surgery programs.”

    6 | Healthy Living

  • fast

    Are your kids making you sick?

    yoU TeaCH your kids to share their toys and games. But how do you teach them notto share their germs?

    “Think about the 25 to 30 students in typical classrooms,” says Marcia Patrick, RN, MsN, CIC, director, Infection Prevention and Control at MultiCare. “That’s a lot of germs being shared, and lots of opportuni-ties to bring something home.”

    Consider all of the shared areas in classrooms—desks, pencil sharpeners, pencils, crayons, light switches, textbooks and other instructional materials, computer keyboards, and cafeteria and gym surfaces.

    “any or all of these can contain germs from the mouths and noses of kids, as well as fecal matter from hands not washed thoroughly after using the toilet,” Patrick says. “another child comes along and touches that surface, then rubs his eyes or nose, and ends up with the infection, which he, of course, takes home with him.”

    Keep germs at bayThere are several ways to reduce the germs your kids bring home, Patrick advises:

    • Teach kids to wash their hands well, especially after using the toilet. you can fi nd pointers for effective handwashing techniques at right or at the U.s. Centers for disease Control and Prevention’s web-site, www.cdc.gov/cleanhands. • show kids how to cough and sneeze into their sleeves rather than into their hands. • encourage kids to keep their hands away from their faces.• find out if your child’s school permits the use of alcohol-based sanitizers or antibacterial cloths. Wiping off shared surfaces will reduce the germs in the environment.

    In addition, a strong immune system helps kids fi ght off infections, Patrick says. so make sure your child is eating right and getting enough rest and exercise.

    “getting vaccinated for vaccine-pre-ventable illness is [another] good way to stay healthy this winter,” adds Rosalind Ball, RN, MN, CIC, Infection Control Practitioner, good samaritan Hospital.

    Visit www.multicare.org/kids for more tips about keeping kids healthy.

    LATHER UP! Use soap and water all over

    your hands—don’t miss a fi ngernail! Scrub

    20 seconds, long enough to sing the “Happy

    Birthday” song twice.

    AH-CHOO!

    If you can’t

    reach a tis-

    sue, sneeze

    or cough into the inside

    of your elbow (not your

    hands—YUCK).

    NO WATER? Gellin’

    works too. Rub clean-

    ing gel (at least

    60 percent alcohol) all over

    your hands until they’re dry.

    BE SURE

    TO WASH:

    • Before touching

    food • After

    handling pets

    • After coughing,

    sneezing or nose-blowing • Before and

    after touching a wound or being with

    a sick person • After touching

    garbage • After using

    the toilet (FOR

    SURe)!

    Be a germbuster!

    1

    4

    2

    3

    Sources: Marcia Patrick, Rn, MSn, CIC, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    www.multicare.org | 7

  • The Biggest Winners

    You can win by losing —one inch at a time

    TTHeRe’s a picture of Jillian Michaels on her website

    sporting a black, sleeveless T-shirt with “Bully” written across the front.

    sure, the black team’s coach on TV’s The Biggest Loser has the title of television’s toughest trainer. But ask MultiCare Center for Healthy living’s elizabeth Barnard her impressions of the weight-loss reality show star, and she’ll point out how Michaels cares and wants others to reach their healthy goals.

    “she’s trying to help people realize that they can do it,” says Barnard, the Center’s Community events Coordinator. “she’s not pushing them beyond their capabilities—she’s pushing them to their capabilities.”

    If you’ve seen the show, you know Michaels is extremely fi t, and you’ve watchedher help others lose a lot of unwanted pounds and learn how to live healthy lives. Now you can see Michaels in person at this year’s do something Healthy event, which is bound to include an inspirational dose of “anybody can do it” when it comes to getting physical, eating well and main-taining a healthy weight, Barnard says.

    “People want to live a healthy life, but

    Jan. 24Do Something Healthy 9

    Meet Jillian Michaels and sign upfor the Million Minute Mission.

    FebruaryStart classes at the

    YMCA. (Register online: www.tacomaymca.org.)

    8 | Healthy Living8 | Healthy Living

  • The Biggest Winnersare the biggest losers

    sometimes they don’t know how to get mo-tivated or where to start,” Barnard says. “do something Healthy is a great first step to learning more about health and nutrition and getting the motivation to make healthy changes to their lives.”

    In addition to helping others succeed, Michaels’ own healthy pursuits have led to several personal successes. she has a weekly radio show, fitness dVds and two published books, including her latest, Making the Cut: Thirty Days to the Strongest, Sexiest You.

    according to her website, the energetic fit- ness trainer and life coach struggled with her

    own weight, so she knows firsthand about the challenges. Then came martial arts, a source of her passion for fitness training.

    This passion, along with Michaels’ desire to help people reach their fitness goals, should make the do something Healthy event all the more inspirational and exciting.

    In addition to Michaels’ featured presen-tation, do something Healthy will include a health fair and screenings, and a registered dietitian and personal trainer will be available to answer attendees’ questions about nutri-tion, healthy eating and physical activity.

    and if previous events are an indication—

    Join the Million Minute Mission Here’s your mission, should you choose to accept it: Help your Pierce County friends and neigh-

    bors reach a goal of logging millions of exercise minutes.

    It’s called the Million Minute Mission—a community-wide fitness event led by the MultiCare Center

    For Healthy Living—and it’s a fun way to get physical, get healthy, and win individual or team prizes.

    Here’s how it works: You register online—it’s easy—and then log

    an average of 30 minutes of physical activity five or more days a week,

    Jan. 24 through June 14. Kids can aim for 30 to 60 minutes.

    You also track your progress online, so you can see your healthy

    minutes add up! Get the details at www.multicare.org/mission.

    You can win by losing—one inch at a time

    this is the ninth year do something Healthy is taking place—people will walk away with something they can use to better their health, perhaps profoundly so. Barnard has seen it before: “Participants have taken information from this event,” she says, “and used it to change their lives.”

    DO SOMeTHInG HeALTHY 9

    Meet Jillian!

    When: Thursday, Jan. 24, 6 to 9pm

    Where: Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma

    This year’s theme: Weight Maintenance—Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

    Special guest: Jillian Michaels, trainer from nBC’s The Biggest Loser, 7pm

    • Health fair and screenings, 6 to 7pm• Bring a question for “Ask the Dietitian”• Have Michaels sign her book • Cost: $10

    Preregistration is required. Register online at www.multicare.org.

    June 14 Sound to Narrows

    Fun and fitness for a great cause and the Biggest Winner

    finale. See you there!

    April Tracking your weight each

    week is one good way to monitor your health.

    www.multicare.org/mission

    May Thirty minutes a day:

    Keep logging your exercise at www.multicare.org/mission.

    MarchGet your Passport

    to Healthy Dining at www.piercecountygetsfit.org.

    www.multicare.org | 9

  • gRoWNUPs aReN’T the only ones at risk for being overweight or obese. More and more children are too.

    What can parents do to help? Take action, says nutrition expert Monica dixon, Phd, Rd.

    dixon is working to establish an optimal Weight Clinic at MultiCare’s Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center. she is researching the causes of the childhood obesity epidemic and exploring what hospitals, schools, governments and others can do to turn the tide.

    It’s a complex matter, she says. But she adds that the best place to begin preventing childhood obesity is at home.

    “There’s a lot parents can do to help kids manage their weight,” dixon says.

    get started by following these tips:Serve whole foods. “Think fresh fruit,

    vegetables and dairy, whole grains, nuts and oils, and less processed foods,” dixon says. offer kids water instead of pop or juice.

    Eat together. family meals give you better control of food choices and are also a chance to bond with your kids and teach them manners.

    “There are so many advantages,” dixon

    Help your kids manage their weight

    Pierce County gets your family fi t

    says. “There are even studies that show that kids who eat with their families often are less likely to use drugs or join gangs.”

    Exercise as a family. “There are lots of things you can do together—hiking, biking, playing in the park,” dixon says. “Having an active family helps children

    remain active as adults.”Talk to your doctor. your child’s doctor

    can determine if your child is overweight. He or she also can give you advice on safe ways to help children take off extra pounds.

    for more information, visit Kids get fit at www.piercecountygetsfi t.org.

    Pierce County residents, are you ready to

    make good on those new Year’s resolutions?

    Let Pierce County Gets Fit help you and your

    family meet your 2008 fi tness goals.

    Pierce County Gets Fit is a partnership

    between MultiCare Health System, the YMCA

    of Tacoma–Pierce County and the Tacoma–

    Pierce County Health Department. Formed

    in 2005, the goal of Pierce County Gets Fit

    is simple: Help you and

    your family get fi t by pro-

    moting good nutrition and

    physical activity. Best of all, it’s easy to

    participate.

    Whatever your health challenges or fi tness

    goals, Pierce County Gets Fit has something

    for adults and kids alike.

    visit www.piercecountygetsfi t.org today.

    [healthy families]

    10 | Healthy Living

  • lasT feBRUaRy, two teams of fi ve contes-tants took part in a four-month weight-loss competition modeled after The Biggest LoserTV show. a collaborative effort of MultiCareHealth system, the yMCa of Tacoma–Pierce County and the Tacoma–Pierce County Health department, Pierce County’s Biggest Winner contest and ongoing weight-maintenance program were designed to help Pierce County residents adopt healthier lifestyles.

    While the competition ended months ago, the contest’s top two “losers” are still going strong.

    What’s new with Aaronaaron stewart may have been the contest’s fi rst-place winner, but he considers his im-proved health and lifestyle the real prize.

    “It was the best experience of my life—from the fellowship to the weight loss to the whole transformation of my diet and how I think about food,” he says.

    a 32-year-old executive pastor from University Place, aaron is a former college football player who feels just as strong today as he did while playing for Pacifi c lutheran University more than a decade ago. aaron weighed 295 pounds coming into the com-petition and has lost a total of 52 pounds, or 20 percent of his body weight. He credits MultiCare dietitians, the yMCa trainer, fellow teammates and his wife for his success.

    “What I really learned is that it’s not about dieting,” he says. “It’s about

    Catching up with the Biggest Winners

    2008: Be our next Biggest Winner!

    MultiCare Health System, the YMCA of Tacoma–Pierce County and the Tacoma–Pierce County

    Health Department challenge you to get fi t and be healthy in 2008. A MultiCare physician and

    registered dietitian, along with a personal trainer from the YMCA, will oversee the Pierce County

    Biggest Winner program to ensure that participants are losing weight and exercising in a safe,

    healthy way. Applications for the program are available at www.piercecountygetsfi t.org.

    changing the way we eat.” aaron continues to exercise

    regularly at the yMCa with his wife, as well as fellow team member Chris Waiss. He’s kept the weight off and plans to lose fi ve to 10 more pounds.

    Checking in with Aprilapril Waddington was determined to make a dramatic change in her weight and life-style. and she did, coming in second overall in the contest and losing nearly 50 pounds and 17 percent of her body weight.

    The 34-year-old family support worker from Puyallup battled her weight for more than a decade and was 278 pounds when the competition began. athletic in school, april was inspired to participate by the competitive nature of the contest.

    “Having such a great team motivated me to do more—for myself and the team,” she explains. “I had to be accountable to someone, and that made a big difference.”

    april looks forward to reaching her goal weight of 165 pounds. The key, she says, is combining low-fat proteins and a high-fi ber diet chock-full of fruits and vegetables with an exercise program that includes fi tness classes, weight training and yoga.

    “There’s no magic pill,” she says. “It takes work, but it’s worth it. I feel 100 percent better!”

    [update]

    www.multicare.org | 11

  • [calendar of events]

    Adult Day HealthPromoting independence for older (and disabled younger) adults in Tacoma. 253-459-7222

    EverActive®

    If you’re at least 55, enroll now and enjoy benefi ts in health and fi nance, travel, and entertainment.fee: $25/single or $39/couple800-485-0205

    Good health for active adults

    Grandparenting for the 21st CenturyThe latest on childbirth, infant care and childproofi ng your home. Plus, tour the Family Birth Center!fee: $42 per coupleTacoma general Hospital253-680-7500

    HomeLink Emergency ResponseOur in-home personal emergency response system provides a direct link to our medical monitoring center for instant help when you need it.fee: $38/month plus a one-time $45 activation fee253-459-8263

    Body Composition TestingCheck your body-fat per-centage and lean-mass percentage, and set a goal for your weight. fee: $15253-403-1503

    Bone Density ScreeningComprehensive DEXA screening for osteoporosis. allenmore Hospital253-403-1059

    CHECK YOUR HEALTH Breast Health CenterEverything you need for breast health: mammography, ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy, clinical breast exams and education.allenmore Hospital: 253-459-6311Tacoma general Hospital: 253-403-1155

    Men’s and Women’s HeartAdvantage ScreeningA personalized consultation, risk assessment and basic lab tests. fee: starts at $55 Tacoma general Hospital800-342-9919

    Smart steps for a healthy life

    Personal Wellness Profi leFind out where your health stands with a wellness profi le to analyze your nutrition, fi tness, stress and heart health. Includes cholesterol and glucose screenings. (Not a replacement for physician exams.)fee: $45253-403-6340

    Resting Metabolic Rate ScreeningGet the exact measurements you need to successfully lose weight. The comprehensive target calorie report will show you how to eat the maximum amount of food and still lose weight.fee: $40253-403-1503

    Unless otherwise noted, visit www.multicare.org/classes or call 800-342-9919 for information or to register.12 | Healthy Living

  • PATHWAYS LECTURE SERIES

    BRIDGES: A Center for Grieving ChildrenGrief support groups with children 4 to 18 years old who have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling. Concurrent groups for parents and children.Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital253-272-8266

    Parenting: Love and LogicBased on the parenting philosophy that allows children to live with the consequences of their choices, while giving guidance and support with love. fee: $50/personsix-week class, 6:30 to 8:30pmTacoma general Hospital253-680-7500

    Children’s Diabetes Education and ClinicIndividual education for children newly diagnosed with diabetes and for their families. By appointment for those who need further education or review. Classes, camps and support groups also available. Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital253-403-3131

    Custom-Fit Helmet SalesGet custom-fi t helmets, available in both child and adult sizes, to use with bikes, scooters, skateboards, skates, skis and snowboards. Wearer must be present for custom fi t. Bike helmet: $7 Multi-impact helmet: $10 ski helmet (November–february): $15Covington, Kent, olympia, silverdale, Tacoma253-403-1234

    Car Seat InspectionsCar seat inspections and phone

    consultations by certifi ed technicians.Kent, silverdale, Tacoma 253-403-1234

    Children’s Asthma EducationEducation for children with asthma and their families.Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital253-403-3131

    Immunizations on the GoFor children 0 to 18 years old in Southwest Washington. available at various locations253-403-1767 or800-552-1419, ext. 1767

    Life Jacket LoansFree life jacket loaners available year-round. Loaned for up to one week, limited quantities. Kent, olympia, silverdale, Tacoma 253-403-1234

    FAMILY HEALTH AND SAFETYCall for times and locations.

    Unless otherwise noted, visit www.multicare.org/classes or call 800-342-9919 for information or to register.

    GET MOVING WITH CLASSES AT THE YMCA

    January through March 2008

    “Hold Onto Your Kids”—Dr. Gordon Neufeld Best-selling author dr. gordon Neufeld talks about the pivotal role a

    good bond with parents plays in a child’s healthy development. according to dr. Neufeld, societal change is endangering the child-parent relationship, and peers are increasingly replacing parents as key players in kids’ lives. Join us for a dynamic, in-spiring discussion about what we can do to cultivate the kind of relationships with our children that keep them safe, healthy and thriving throughout their lives.

    fee: $18 in advance; $25 at the doorTuesday, March 11, 7 to 9pm, annie Wright school–Kemper Center,

    Tacoma. Register online at www.parentmap.com; click on “Pathways.”

    Join the yMCa and receive $50 off the joining fee. for fi rst-time members only; must be age 15 or older to join. for more information, branch schedules or to register, call 253-534-7820 or visit www.tacomaymca.org.

    12-Week Personal Fitness ProgramSupervised exercise program for the adult fi tness beginner. A great way to get started.

    Active Older Adult FitnessA fun, low-impact aerobic class for people 55+.

    Water AerobicsCardio workout in the water. Great for all levels.

    Yoga/Pilates Combines stretching with strengthening movements for a low-impact, high-result workout.

    ZUMBAThe new trend in cardio fi tness...Latin dance! Appropriate for all fi tness levels.

    Unless otherwise noted, visit www.multicare.org/classes or call 800-342-9919 for information or to register. www.multicare.org | 13

  • Smart steps for a healthy life

    TAKE CONTROLAquatic Therapy Rehabilitation classes.MultiCare orthopedics & sports Medicine Center253-459-6999

    Cardiac Health & Rehabilitation ProgramMedically monitored exercise therapy and lifestyle education on risk-factor reduction, medications, nutrition and stress-reduction for patients who have had a heart attack, cardiac bypass surgery, angioplasty/stents, heart valve surgery or angina. Requires a physician referral.Tacoma general Hospital253-403-1058

    Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)Support group for people with CHF and their families. Please call for class availability.253-403-4590

    Diabetes EducationA 12-hour group course for adults with diabetes. Individual appointments available. Cost covered by most insurance plans.253-403-1726

    Insulin Pump InstructionIndividual education.Cost covered by most insurance plans.253-403-1726

    Pulmonary RehabilitationClasses for adults with chronic lung conditions.Cost may be covered by insurance.allenmore Hospital253-459-6623

    QuitTobacco Support GroupGreat success rates! No matter where

    you are in the quit process, this group is for you. Topics include tobacco addiction, suc-cessful cessation practices, individualized quit plans, nicotine replacement therapies, cessation medications, withdrawal symptoms, coping skills, relapse and recovery. Drop-ins and support people are welcome; low-cost nicotine patches are available. For best results, we recommend weekly group attendance for one year following your fi nal quit date. Call for more information. • allenmore Hospital, boardroom: Mondays, noon to 1pm• good samaritan Community Healthcare: Mondays, 7 to 8pm• Tacoma general Hospital, 6M: Tuesdays, 11:45am to 12:45pm• MultiCare gig Harbor Medical Park:Wednesdays, 7 to 8pm253-223-7538

    Living With Heart Failure SeriesFor patients and families. A comprehensive approach to treatment, medications, nutrition and exercise.253-403-4590

    Yoga for Cancer SurvivorsDesigned for those who have faced

    cancer. Appropriate for beginning participants. 253-403-1073

    Tobacco Cessation QuitSmart™

    Identify and conquer your personal challenges in quitting tobacco by laying a solid foundation for a successful quit. Class topics are designed to take you through the fi rst year of quitting. A variety of activities ensures easy absorption of the material. You don’t have to have quit to come to class, just have an interest in learning how to do it! QuitSmart works in conjunction with our support groups. Workbook included. fee: $80 (scholarships available to income-qualifi ed participants)• allenmore Hospital: saturday, Jan. 19, 9:30am to 3:30pm• good samaritan Community Healthcare:saturday, feb. 9, 9:30am to 3:30pm• MultiCare gig Harbor Medical Park: saturday, March 15, 9:30am to 3:30pm800-485-0205

    [calendar of events]

    MARCH IS NUTRITION MONTH! start the month off right—get your Passport to Healthy dining. MultiCare Center for Healthy living—in partnership with the Washington state Restaurant association, Tacoma–Pierce County Health department and the yMCa of Tacoma–Pierce County—will present a yearlong program designed to provide you with healthy meal options in restaurants. The get fit Passport to Healthy dining gives you a list of restaurants that will be offering four get fit meal options. each meal option will meet our get fit healthy criteria.

    But wait, there’s more! Not only will you have get fit meal options, but you can also earn get fit incentives. for every 10 get fit meals you purchase, you’ll be able to receive an incentive, such as a pedometer, a water bottle and more.

    for more information, please visit www.piercecountygetsfi t.org.

    14 | Healthy Living

  • Unless otherwise noted, visit www.multicare.org/classes or call 800-342-9919 for information or to register.

    Programs and activities to help us build a healthier community.

    Healthy@WorkBoost productivity and reduce absenteeism with this work-site wellness program. Program offerings include health screenings, tobacco cessation, and health education programs and classes, all taught on-site for both large and small companies.253-403-7895

    MultiCare Center For Healthy LivingEducation and programs for com-munity members and corporations. We promote health and wellness with exercise, nutrition, weight loss, life balance and tobacco cessation. This community resource is made possible by generous gifts donated through the MultiCare Health Foundation.800-485-0205, www.multicare.org

    SmartMenuThe MultiCare Center For Healthy Living offers free menu analysis to restau-rants participating in the Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department’s menu label-ing program. 253-403-7894 or 253-405-8024

    Power Cooking: Empower Yourself to Healthy CookingLearn how to fi x and freeze 30 nutritious meals and sample many of the fi nished products. Class taught by a registered dieti-tian and certifi ed diabetes educator from MultiCare Health System. fee: $30; $15 for yMCa membersTuesday, Jan. 8, 6 to 9pmJackson Hall, 315 Martin luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma

    OUR HEALTHY COMMUNITYYOUR HEALTHY PREGNANCYBates and Tacoma General Pregnancy ClassesBates Technical College, in cooperation with Tacoma general Hospital’s family Birth Center, offers a variety of childbirth and related classes at Tacoma general. To register, visit www.bates.ctc.edu/registration or call 253-680-7500.

    • Massage for Pregnancy and Labor ClassMassage techniques for labor support partner and mom.fee: $42/couple• Prepared ChildbirthFive-week series or weekend classes prepare mom and partner for birth and parenthood. Plus, tour the Family Birth Center!fee: $80/couple• Breastfeeding 101Choose the best feeding option for mom and baby using current information.fee: $15/couple

    Gestational DiabetesLearn about blood-glucose testing and meal planning in this 2½-hour class for moms with gestational diabetes.Cost covered by most insurance plans.253-403-1726

    WIC Nutrition ProgramFederal nutrition program for low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women and for their children up to age 5.Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and 10 other locations253-403-1349

    Are you expecting?

    The skilled family physicians at the MultiCare Family Medicine Center can provide comprehensive care for

    you and your baby.see page 3 to learn more.

    www.multicare.org | 15

  • STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER! | SIGn UP FOR A CLASS. See PAGe 12. STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER!

    before

    [support]

    CaRePages aRe free, private, personal-ized web pages that allow you to stay in touch with family and friends before, dur-ing and after hospitalization. all MultiCare patients and families can create and update a web page where they can share their latest news with friends and family and receive messages of support.

    CarePages let you:• Update your loved ones all at the same time without repeated phone calls or e-mails.• Create web pages that are not open to the general public.• send comments and compliments to caregivers.• share photos, contact information,

    visiting hours and other information on your schedule.

    CarePages provide a free, convenient way for you to keep loved ones updated and for them to provide you with emotional support.

    Visit www.multicare.org or www.marybridge.org to create a CarePage.

    See what Pierce County’s 2007 Biggest Winners look like now!

    Keep in touch with CarePages

    Page 11

    SM

    MultiCare Health SystemP.O. Box 5299Tacoma, WA 98415-0299

    Nonprofi t Org.U.S. Postage

    PAIDMultiCare

    Health System

    PC