Summer 2009

Healthy families start here.

Finding a healthcare partner
• Four new family health experts providing local care
• e-Communication: new ways to make a healthy connection
• Brighten your life in the blink of an eye

HC Summer 2009.indd 1 6/22/09 3:23:05 PM


Healthy Connections is published by
Winona Health to provide you with
information about health, wellness
and the many healthcare resources
available to you, close to home.
Sending you Healthy Connections
is just one example of how we’re
working to fulfill our mission of
improving the health and well-being
of our family, friends and neighbors.
We welcome your questions,
suggestions or comments about
Winona Health and this publication.
Please visit winonahealth.org and
click on Contact Us or call Winona
Health Communications/Marketing
at 507.457.4157.
If you no longer wish to receive
Healthy Connections, please call
507.457.4374 or send an e-mail,
noting your address as it appears on
the back of the publication, to
lwencl@winonahealth.org.
In this issue...
2 Focused on your health
and healing
3 Enhancing community
communication
4 Making life brighter:
Cataract surgery
5 Healing starts here…
with Winona Health’s surgeons
6 Your partner for good health:
your family healthcare provider
9 Four family healthcare providers
join the team
10 Rushford and Lewiston Clinic
welcome new healthcare
providers
11 Improved services mean
more efficient care
12 Foundation & Auxiliary
events and news
14 News & Notes
16 Upcoming classes and events
On the cover: The Thompson family
makes their health a priority. Todd and
Angela with their children: Cal, 12,
Sommer and Sydnee, 10.
2 Healthy Connections • Summer 2009
HC Summer 2009.indd 2
Focused on your health
and healing
A t Winona Health, my days — and the days
of our board members, physicians, staff
and volunteers — have been spent designing
and implementing changes to ensure we deliver
personalized, high quality healthcare efficiently:
Using a LEAN approach, we are focused on adding
value to your experiences at Winona Health.
One value-added change has been realignment of
our healthcare services into “service lines.” In this
new alignment, we address our processes from the
patient/resident experience rather than the
Rachelle H. Schultz
regulatory, insurance or departmental perspectives President/CEO
(although we recognize their importance).
Therefore, our service lines better reflect how you, our customers, use our
services and include:
• Primary Care Clinics — Family Practice, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine
providers in Winona, Lewiston and Rushford and supporting clinical services
• Surgical/Specialty Care — General Surgery, Orthopedic/Sports, Eye Care,
Women’s Health, Dermatology, Oral Surgery and Anesthesia providers, as well
as our Surgical, Imaging/Radiology and Pathology/Laboratory services
• Emergency/ Urgent Care
• Inpatient/Hospital Care
• Senior Services — Home Care, Hospice, Assisted Living and
Skilled Nursing services
Our realignment allows us to offer services more seamlessly to better serve you
as you go about living a healthy life—from scheduling your yearly physical or
managing a medical condition … to using emergency services … or moving
from our surgical specialists into our surgical suites … or being a patient in our
hospital … to rehabilitating or living in our residential communities or via our
community-based services.
As we implement change, we do so with your health and healing foremost in our
minds. We value you as partners in the healthcare of today and tomorrow.
Rachelle H. Schultz
President/CEO
6/22/09 3:23:09 PM
 Communication technologies enhance
community communication
E ver-changing technology has revolutionized
how people communicate. To connect with
the community in more ways and to increase
opportunities for community members to
communicate with us, Winona Health has
redesigned its website and incorporated new
communication tools.

Winona Health’s website now provides easier-to-

find resources, including information about our
primary and specialty care services, events such
as Healthy Kids Club and programs to help you
or a family member improve your health. You
also can read patient stories—or even submit
a story of your own. In addition, you can find
information about healthcare providers, learn about
women’s health issues or sign up for a free parenting
e-newsletter.
Winona Health’s Facebook page contains
“The number of people looking for information news, information about upcoming events and an
and communicating online continues to grow. Our overview of the organization. Winona Health “fans”
website traffic has increased 78 percent since summer post comments and receive a response from the
2007,” noted Loretta Bronson, Winona Health chief organization on this site.
communications officer. “Our goal is to maintain up-to-
By providing health information via new technology tools
date resources on community healthcare services and to
and maintaining an up-to-date, easy-to-navigate website,
provide reliable health-related information.”
Winona Health enhances its mission to improve the health
In addition to redesigning its website, Winona Health and well-being of our family, friends and neighbors.
is one of about 160 healthcare organizations in the
nation communicating through Twitter. A free, internet-
based, social-networking tool, Twitter allows for real-
To communicate with Winona Health and
time communication. Users communicate in short, 140
learn about our services and events, become a fan
character messages, called “tweets,” to their friends or
of Winona Health at http://www.facebook.com/
“followers.” Messages are sent and received through the pages/Winona-Health/69048733401
Twitter web page and other online services, as well as or follow us on
through cell phones and other mobile devices. http://twitter.com/winonahealth.

Winona Health also has developed a business page on To learn more, visit the
Facebook, a popular social-networking website allowing Winona Health website at
efficient communication among family, friends, www.winonahealth.org.

coworkers and businesses.

Healthy Connections • Summer 2009 3

HC Summer 2009.indd 3 6/22/09 3:23:12 PM

 Improve your view
Cataract surgery
makes life brighter

A fter 54 years of marriage, Joe

and Shirley Kamrowski see
each other more clearly now than
they have in a long time—and they
enjoy the view even more.

Until recently, both had cataracts

and the resulting blurred and cloudy
vision. “It got to the point where I
didn’t want to drive at night,” said
Joe. “I really had to focus on the
white line on the edge of the road.”
But that was before, first, Shirley
then, Joe had cataract surgery with
Enjoying improved vision — Joe and Shirley Kamrowski had cataract surgery
Winona Health ophthalmologist performed by Winona Health ophthalmologist Laurel Quinn, MD. Both agreed that
Laurel Quinn, MD. “there’s really nothing to it!”

“A cataract is a clouding of the

natural lens inside the eye and it
leads to increasingly blurred vision
and glare. This can be especially
noticeable at night, as Joe began
experiencing,” explained Dr. Quinn.
very gradually, people often do
not realize how much their color
perception has deteriorated until they
have one cataract removed and then
they compare and notice how much
Dr. Quinn noted some patients are
surprised that, unlike some types
of eye surgery, surgery to remove
cataracts cannot be done with a laser.
However, that doesn’t mean that the

‘‘
“Because cataracts usually develop more brilliant colors look through procedure is painful.
their surgically corrected eye.”
Joe said he had “no pain” throughout
Cataract surgery the procedure on either eye. And
Many cataract patients have great removes the after? “It made everything look
improvements and excellent outcomes in patient’s cloudy brighter and so much better. Now, I
lens. At the time even can drive without my glasses,
terms of vision clarity, color perception,
of surgery, that and it’s easier to do just about
reduced glare and lens is replaced everything.”
reduced dependence with a plastic
intraocular “There’s really nothing to it,” agreed
on glasses. Shirley. “Dr. Quinn is just wonderful
lens implant to
replace the power and she explained things so well.
Laurel Quinn, MD
of the lens that Everything went smoothly, and I
Ophthalmology
was removed. didn’t feel a thing. Everyone was

4 Healthy Connections • Summer 2009

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 super during the surgery and the
surgery area is very nice and up
to date.”

Dr. Quinn explained that with

cataract surgery, each person’s
cataract surgery outcome is
dependent on the health of
the rest of the visual system,
including the cornea, the retina,
the optic nerve and the brain.
“These things can be evaluated
pre-operatively, so the expected
improvement can be anticipated Winona Health Surgical team here for you — (pictured above, clockwise
for each patient,” she said. from front left) Matthew Broghammer, DO; Gary Hayes, DDS; Laurel Quinn, MD;
Hans Zinnecker, MD; J. David Rowekamp, MD; Troy Shelton, MD; Richard Romeyn, MD;
“Many cataract patients
Tim Gabrielsen, MD; Satya Gorty, MD ; Ruth Moes, MD; Scott Birdsall, MD.
have great improvement and

Healing starts here

excellent outcomes in terms of
vision clarity, color perception,
reduced glare and reduced

dependence on glasses.”
To say that Shirley is pleased
with her outcome is an
understatement: “I see
100 percent better, but I told
Dr. Quinn that I’ve worn glasses
all my life and I still want to
wear glasses.” She added, “I
think I might get something a
little funky next time.”
For more information about
cataracts and cataract surgery at
Winona Health, see Dr. Quinn’s
responses to Frequently Asked
Questions online: winonahealth.
org/eyecare. Or call the Winona
Health Eye Care Center for an
appointment: 507.474.4760.
W
inona Health’s surgical Anesthesiology
team puts patients—and • Satya S. Gorty, MD
their family members—at ease with • Ruth L. Moes, MD
detailed information, answers to all
General Surgery
of your questions, and personalized,
• Matthew J. Broghammer, DO
compassionate care.
• J. David Rowekamp, MD
A wide range of general and • Hans Zinnecker, MD
specialized procedures are performed Ophthamology
right here in our community for • Laurel Quinn, MD
patients of all ages. Services range
from general surgery to the latest Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
• Gary W. Hayes, DDS
women’s health procedures, and
from eye surgery to ligament Orthopaedic Surgery
reconstruction, shoulder and knee • Tim Gabrielsen, MD
arthroscopy and total knee and hip • Richard Romeyn, MD
replacements.
Obstetrics/Gynecology/
You’ll find more information about Women’s Health
surgeons and surgical services at • Scott B. Birdsall, MD
winonahealth.org/surgery. • Troy J. Shelton, MD

Healthy Connections • Summer 2009 5

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 From the Cover

Your partner for good health:

your family healthcare provider
“The benefits of having a regular family
healthcare provider are huge,” said Lynette
Lamp, MD, a Winona Health family
physician. “Studies have shown that people
who have a regular healthcare provider stay
healthier and their overall medical costs are
lower.”

Tom and Suzie Pfingsten, parents of Ethan,

age 3, and Kaitlyn, 4 months, have found
that having a regular healthcare provider
“encourages a more collaborative approach
so that our feelings and preferences about our
health and lifestyle are taken into account.”
Suzie added, “It allows me to have more trust
and confidence that those providing our care
are truly interested in our family’s health.”

Parents Todd and Angela Thompson agree.

“We’ve found that establishing a relationship
with one or two doctors increases our
comfort level and trust when taking the kids
in for an appointment—or when going in
ourselves,” said Todd.

Gardens lead to healthy eating

The Thompsons and their three children
— 12-year-old son, Cal, and 10-year-old- Activity, nutrition and sleep — Staying active, eating healthy food
and getting a good night’s sleep are keys to good health. Cal, 12 and 10-year-
twin daughters, Sommer and Sydnee — get old-twin sisters, Sydnee and Sommer are involved in a variety of activities.
regular physicals and the recommended Their parents make good nutrition and getting a good night’s sleep a priority
well-child check-ups. This active family for their family.
also focuses on eating healthy foods. “We
have a garden and enjoy fresh vegetables all The Pfingstens also started a garden in their back yard.
summer and can or freeze a lot of our food,” said Angela. “We enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, and this does
“In addition … we make it a habit to get a good night’s seem to help us eat more of them,” Suzie said. “We also
sleep—that just helps all of us function better.” put only milk or water on the table for lunch and supper,

6 Healthy Connections • Summer 2009

HC Summer 2009.indd 6 6/22/09 3:23:25 PM

 Exercising and family activities
are also important
Beyond good nutrition, Dr. Lamp recommends
that individuals and families exercise: “Turn
off the television and the computer,” she
said. “Limit the time your family is involved
in these sedentary activities. The benefits of
exercising — any kind of exercise — are far-
reaching and not all are visible. For example,
regular exercise decreases heart disease and
stroke.”

She encourages parents to have children try

good health habits start early — Tom and Suzie Pfingsten and
children Ethan, 3, and Kaitlyn, 4 months, make nutritious meals the rule
rather than the exception.
so that we get our calcium and are not tempted to drink
juice, pop or other sugary beverages.”
She continued, “With my son, the biggest challenge has
been that he dislikes almost all fruits and vegetables. I
have gotten good advice from Dr. [Mary] Michener on
how to hide different veggies in recipes, and I’ve gotten
my son to love cooked spinach by putting it in green eggs
and ham, thanks to a recipe in the ‘Deceptively Delicious’
cookbook.”
a variety of activities so they can learn which
ones they enjoy. “The key is finding activities
each member of your family enjoys, and then
staying active doesn’t feel like a chore,” she
stated.
Spending time together is also good for family
members’ health. “There are health benefits to having
a close family…” said Winona Health family physician
Jonathan Knight, DO. “Instead of going separate
directions after work or school, make it a goal to spend
a certain number of evenings taking a walk together or
going on a picnic. And if you don’t have family close by,
find more ways to be social with friends—it really is good
for your health.” (continued on page 8)

HPV Vaccine explained

D o you have questions about the HPV vaccine and its appropriateness for you
or your daughter? Christina Nitti Velasquez, CNP, in Winona Clinic’s Family
Practice Department, provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the
HPV vaccine. To view these FAQs, visit winonahealth.org/family.

To schedule an appointment with a Family Practice provider, call:

Christina Nitti
• Winona Cinic: 507.457.7648 Velasquez, CNP,
• Lewiston Clinic: 507.523.2127 Family Practice

• Rushford Clinic: 507.864.7726

Healthy Connections • Summer 2009 7

HC Summer 2009.indd 7 6/22/09 3:23:28 PM

 (continued from page 7)
When setting family health goals, Dr.
Lamp recommends setting a specific goal.
“It will serve you better than a vague one,”
she said. “For example, setting a goal to
take four 30-minute walks each week will
serve you better than a vague goal such as
‘I’m going to start exercising more.’”
Whatever your health status is today, your
family healthcare provider guides and
encourages your efforts to maintain or
improve your and your family’s health.
If you’re looking for a family healthcare
provider, see the following pages or visit
winonahealth.org/family to learn more.
Set a family health goal
The “Making a Change Guide”—
an interactive web tool designed
for teens but of benefit to people
of all ages—helps you set a realistic
and specific goal, provides prompts
for determining steps to achieve it,
and helps you determine strategies
to stay motivated and overcome
setbacks. Go to winonahealth.
org/kidshealth and search Making
a Change Guide. For a printable
copy of a family goals chart, visit
winonahealth.org/family.
Have a tip to share for keeping
your family healthy? Send it to
marketing/pr@winonahealth.org.
We’ll select tips to post at
winonahealth.org/family.
8 Healthy Connections • Summer 2009
HC Summer 2009.indd 8
Winona Health welcomes
H aving a healthcare partner not only can help you improve
your health, but it also can create peace of mind because
you and your family have a familiar go-to person when you
need him or her most. If you haven’t found a regular healthcare
provider for you or your family yet, below is an opportunity to
meet our area’s newest Family Practice providers:
Jonathan Knight, DO, was drawn to Winona because, “there
is a great sense of community and because of Winona Health’s
progressive administration and staff. I’m looking forward to
building relationships with patients and
families in Winona,” said Dr. Knight.
Dr. Knight cares for individuals of all
ages in Winona Clinic’s Family Practice
Department. A board-certified physician
since 1995, he earned his medical
degree from the Chicago (IL) College Jonathan Knight, DO
of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his
Family Practice residency at Hinsdale Hospital in Illinois.
Most recently, he provided care in the Elkader, Iowa, area.
He and his wife [Lynette Lamp, MD, see opposite page] have
two daughters. In his free time, Dr. Knight enjoys motorcycles,
being outdoors, boating and farming.
Mary Kramer, RN CNP, provides comprehensive care
for individuals of all ages at the Lewiston Clinic. A nurse
practitioner since 1989, Kramer has
cared for families most recently in Wells
and New Richland, Minnesota. She
grew up in Winona and is happy to be
back in the area closer to her family. “I
love the recreational opportunities this
area offers,” said Kramer. “I’m looking
forward to caring for and getting to know
Mary Kramer, RN CNP
area families.”
In addition to offering preventive and acute care and managing
chronic illnesses, Kramer’s interests include women’s and
adolescent health. She received her Bachelor of Science in
6/22/09 3:23:30 PM
comes four new Family Practice providers
Nursing from Winona State University and her Master of
Science – Family Nurse Practitioner from Winona State
University, Rochester Campus.
In her free time, Kramer enjoys spending time with her
daughters’ families that include four grandchildren,
hiking, biking and gardening.
Lynette Lamp, MD, was drawn to Winona by “the
opportunity to practice in a well-run health system with
many other people also striving to be the best they can
possibly be,” she said. “The community appears to be a
very supportive environment with
excellent schools and a beautiful
setting.”
She cares for people of all ages in
Winona Clinic’s Family Practice
Department, with a strong focus
on preventive care. Dr. Lamp’s
Lynette Lamp, MD
special interests are women’s
health, colposcopy and acute care. “I really enjoy taking
care of the whole family, including multiple generations,”
she said.
Dr. Lamp knew she wanted to be a physician since she
was 12 years old. She earned her medical degree from the
University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City
and completed her Family Practice residency at Hinsdale
Hospital in Illinois. Most recently, she provided care in
the Elkader, Iowa, area.
Dr. Lamp and her husband [Jonathan Knight, DO,
see opposite page] have daughters ages 10 and 8. Her
personal interests include writing, reading, traveling,
cooking, playing the cello, gardening and taking nature
walks and boating with her family.
Nicholas J. Modjeski, MD, also cares for patients in
Winona Clinic’s Family Practice Department. “My
professional interests include men’s health, office
HC Summer 2009.indd 9
procedures and lifestyle and
preventive medicine,” said Dr.
Modjeski. “I enjoy the continuity
of care that being a family
physician provides. As a family
physician, I am privileged to take
care of people across the lifespan.
I also value the family unit and Nicholas J.
especially enjoy taking care of Modjeski, MD
young families.
Dr. Modjeski and his wife have three children. “We enjoy
hiking and playing at the park,” he said. Other activities
include mountain biking, playing basketball, softball,
chess and guitar. He has also been a Habitat for Humanity
volunteer. He is from the Winona area and is happy to
begin caring for community members in his hometown.
Dr. Modjeski completed the United Family Practice
Residency Program in St. Paul, MN, and received his
medical degree from the University of Minnesota School
of Medicine in Minneapolis.
These four providers join Winona Health’s Family
Practice providers listed below:
• E. Allen Beguin, MD, Winona Clinic
• David A. Christenson, MD, Winona Clinic
• Donna J. Kamann, CNP, Winona Clinic
• David J. Lofgren, MD, Rushford Clinic
• Mary A. Michener, MD, Winona Clinic
• Christina M. Nitti Velasquez, NP, Winona Clinic
• Joy Stevens, PA-C, Rushford Clinic
• Robert P. Wilfahrt, MD, Winona Clinic
Have you scheduled your child’s sports physical?
To make an appointment, call:
Winona Clinic: 507.457.7648
Lewiston Clinic: 507.523.2127
Rushford Clinic: 507.864.7726
Healthy Connections • Summer 2009 9
6/22/09 3:23:32 PM
 Rushford Clinic opens in new location
Rushford and Lewiston Clinics
welcome new providers

R ushford Clinic’s newly expanded staff is pleased to

be caring for the community in its new location at
109 Jessie Street. After the August 2007 flood, like most
Rushford businesses, Rushford Clinic was devastated.
After providing care in a temporary location, the staff is
very pleased to be in the new clinic.

“We are committed to the Rushford Community and

have been eager to begin providing healthcare services
in our new location,” said Joy Stevens, PA-C. “This is a
community filled with strong people and we’re pleased to
be here to help make sure it stays that way.”
A full-time Family Practice physician has joined Stevens
and the Rushford Clinic staff. David Lofgren, MD, has
been seeing patients in Rushford on a limited basis and
recently joined the Rushford staff. “Dr. Lofgren feels
very much at home and enjoys caring for individuals and
families in Rushford. He’s looking forward to expanding
his practice and providing care for the Rushford
community.” said Marti Bollman, director of primary care
clinic operations for Winona Health.
In addition, Mary Kramer, RN CNP, joined Winona
Health and the staff at Lewiston Clinic. She also will be
in Rushford a half day each week.
Healthy starts here for Rushford — Joy Stevens,
PA-C, and David Lofgren, MD, see patients in Rushford Clinic’s
new location at 109 W. Jessie. The new clinic opened June 8.
Rushford and Lewiston Clinics provide a wide range of
primary care services for people of all ages including:
• Well-child check ups
• Care for injuries and illness
• Immunizations
• Physicals and a variety of health screenings
• Women’s health services
• Chronic disease management
• Laboratory services
• Access to diagnostic radiology services
• Referral to specialty services at Winona Health
or other medical centers

To learn more about healthcare providers at Winona

Health, visit winonahealth.org and click on Find a
Provider. To make an appointment in Rushford or
Lewiston, call: Rushford Clinic at 507.864.7726 or
Lewiston Clinic at 507.523.2127.

Winona Health appreciates assistance from JMW with the

First appointment in new location — Joy Stevens, Clinic’s temporary location and the work of all the people and
PA-C, cares for Herb Highum on June 8, opening day of the new businesses that assisted with building the new Rushford Clinic.
Rushford Clinic. Highum has long ties to healthcare in Rushford, For a list of local and regional business involved in the project,
and he serves on the Winona Health board of directors. visit winonahealth.org/Rushford.

10 Healthy Connections • Summer 2009

HC Summer 2009.indd 10 6/22/09 3:23:35 PM

 Laboratory integration: efficient care
W inona Health recently integrated clinic
and hospital laboratory services in
order to provide the most efficient care to
patients. The lab integration, which is still in
process, is the result of a thorough study of
patient flow and lab processing conducted in
the hospital and clinic labs.

The outpatient draw area is now located near

the Winona Clinic entrance. Outpatient lab
hours are: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. One-stop and on your way — Dawn Selleck, RN, takes
Community members needing Winona Health a blood sample from Bob Gronewold. Gronewold said that the
Anti-Coagulation Clinic’s new point-of-care service has made his
laboratory services should use the Clinic’s appointments faster and easier.
South Entrance.

Lab staff now go directly to patients at Winona Anticoagulation (Coumadin) Clinic

Health’s clinics and hospital. Other key
changes resulting from the integration include:
• Improved patient access with one
centralized outpatient lab location
• One main lab for processing lab specimens
• Enhanced mobile laboratory services for
patients throughout the entire campus
• Improved physical design within the
laboratories for better work flow
“The streamlined process will help centralize
and standardize our services to benefit both
the patients and our organization,” stated
Sara Gabrick, RN MSN, surgical/specialty
services administrator. “We remain focused on
providing excellent care for our community
for years to come.”
Winona Health laboratory staff perform
nearly 2,000 laboratory tests on more than
350 patients each and every day. Most tests
are completed within 1-2 hours of specimen
collection. For questions about laboratory
services, please call 507.457.4361.
provides point-of-care service
The Anticoagulation Clinic (AC Clinic) has relocated from
the first floor of Winona Clinic to the second floor. It now
provides point-of-care service for long-term, stable patients,
so patients can see the AC nurse, be tested, get results, learn
whether an adjustment to their medication is necessary, have
their questions answered and be on their way—usually all
within 30 minutes.
Because of new equipment in the AC Clinic, most patients
can be tested with a simple finger prick test instead of
needing separate lab services for a blood draw then waiting
for results. So patients give just a drop of blood versus a tube
of blood.
To implement this new service, nurses and lab technicians
collaborated to make the process possible. Nurses received
special training and passed all testing. In addition, the
process was reviewed and approved by Richard Ferris,
MD, AC Clinic medical director and Carl Szczesniak, MD,
medical director of the Laboratory.
Winona Health nurses also care for AC Clinic patients
through our Home Care, Rushford Clinic, Lewiston Clinic
and area long-term care residences.

Healthy Connections • Summer 2009 11

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 Foundation & Auxiliary News

When can dancing help our community?

When you attend the Winona Health
Auxiliary’s annual Birthday Ball.
The Winona Health Auxiliary’s 47th Annual Birthday Ball
will be Saturday, September 19, at Signatures Restaurant
and Visions Event Center in Winona. This year’s theme is
Venetian Masquerade.

The annual formal dinner and dance is open to the public.

If you’ve never attended the Ball, call to add your name
to the invitation list and you’ll receive all the details.
Birthday Ball festivities include pre-ball parties, dinner The perks of volunteering — Laura Eddy and Sue Wolfe,
and dancing to the band Incognito. Plus, there will be Birthday Ball menu chairwomen, sample desserts at Signatures
Restaurant to select the perfect menu for this year’s Winona
an exciting raffle with several great prizes including a
Health Auxiliary Birthday Ball “Venetian Masquerade.”
beautiful one-of-a kind necklace.

Telehealth provides connection

between home and healthcare
Telehealth services provide a way for individuals with
chronic health issues to live safely and comfortably
in their own homes. Thanks to the Winona Health
Auxiliary, Telehealth will be more readily available in our
community, as the Auxiliary volunteers are dedicating a
portion of this year’s fundraising efforts to support it.

Telehealth uses in-home technology to support an

“This is a fun opportunity to join together with friends,
have a great time and enjoy it even more knowing that
you’re supporting local healthcare services,” said Autumn
Herber, CAVS, volunteer coordinator at Winona Health.
“Auxiliary volunteers work countless hours to plan a very
special evening.”
Proceeds from this year’s Ball will help fund scholarships
for those seeking a healthcare career, provide
improvements to Winona Health’s Senior Service
Manors, and assist in funding the Telehealth initiative
(more information at right).
For more information or to receive an invitation,
contact Autumn Herber at 507.457.4394 or visit
www.birthdayball.org.
individual’s effort to manage chronic illnesses. “It’s like
a virtual house call,” explained Mary Miller-Hyland,
Winona Senior Services administrator, “Clinicians work
with patients and their primary care providers to tailor
services, including the frequency of interaction, to meet
the patient’s specific needs. The goal is to improve access
to services and support an individual’s desire to maintain
control over their care.” In addition to providing a link
to healthcare services, Telehealth has the potential to
positively impact an individual’s desire to access their
provider team for support while allowing them to remain
in the familiar surroundings of home.
Individuals do not have to be computer savvy to take
advantage of Telehealth services. Winona Health Home

12 Healthy Connections • Summer 2009

HC Summer 2009.indd 12 6/22/09 3:23:40 PM


Care clinicians will set up the “telestation” in
the individual’s home and provide education
on its use. Healthcare professionals can then
help monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation,
changes in weight and other data to assist the
patient and at-home caregivers. If the data
raises concern, healthcare professionals can
provide early intervention through various
methods.
Winona Health and area residents are fortunate
to have forward-thinking volunteers supporting
this effort to increase healthcare options for
our community.
Nancy Iglesias receives
Community Service Tribute
Nancy Iglesias received the 2008 Ben &
Adith Miller Community Service Tribute
Award at a dinner held
in her honor on
Wednesday, April 22.
Executive director of
Habitat for Humanity-
Winona County since
1995, Iglesias has helped
34 Winona County
Nancy Iglesias
families, including a
total of 100 children, build and move
into their own homes.
In recognition for her work, Hugh and Vera
Miller and RTP Company donated $25,000 to
the Winona Health Foundation’s Ben & Adith
Miller Patient Care Fund in Iglesias’ honor.
It is the 20th consecutive year that the Miller
Family has sponsored the Winona Health
Foundation’s Ben & Adith Miller Tribute
to benefit the Patient Care Fund. Since its
inception, the fund has helped more than
1,700 people pay for almost $3.5 million in
healthcare expenses.
HC Summer 2009.indd 13
Ben & Adith Miller Classic
set for Monday, August 10
Annual fundraiser helps community members
through Patient Care Fund
T he Ben & Adith Miller Classic — an annual golf event to
raise funds for the Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund —
is scheduled for Monday, August 10.
The Classic features a full day of activities
at Cedar Valley Golf Course, including
the 18-hole Main Event, the 9-hole
Green Monster Challenge and an
early morning 9-hole tournament
for youth ages 11 to 18. The Youth Tournament and the
Green Monster Challenge are sponsored by Merchants Bank.
This year’s event also features golf pro John Harris, an American
professional golfer who has played the PGA and Champions
tour. Harris won the Minnesota State Amateur four times, the
Minnesota State Mid-Amateur five times and the 1993 U.S.
Amateur at the age of 41.
The Golf Classic is the largest fundraiser for the Ben & Adith
Miller Patient Care Fund, which helps pay medical expenses for
members of our community who cannot afford them. As Winona
Health Foundation board chair Steve Blue noted, “The Patient
Care Fund is not about other people. It’s about our people…our
neighbors…and our friends.”
In 2008, the Patient Care Fund provided $744,377 in aid to
294 individuals.
For additional information on the Golf Classic or the
Patient Care Fund, contact the Winona Health Foundation
at 507.474.3328 or Nancy Brown, executive director of
development, at nbrown@winonahealth.org.
From a community member helped by
the Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund
“Thank you so much for the generous financial assistance…
I was absolutely speechless and so appreciative when I was
informed of the good news. It has been very difficult to make
ends meet… With your help with our out-of-pocket medical bills,
our burden will be lessened. Thanks again so much for this gift.”
Healthy Connections • Summer 2009 13
6/22/09 3:23:41 PM
 Winona Health News & Notes
Holly Fratzke, CNP, Winona
Health’s Center for Women’s
Health, successfully completed the
American Society for Colposcopy
and Cervical Pathology Program
and exam certifying her to perform
colposcopies. Colposcopy is
Holly Fratzke, CNP used for diagnosing cervical
abnormalities after an abnormal
pap smear. She is also a certified childbirth educator with
a special interest in reproductive health. Fratzke provides
well-women exams and addresses a variety of women’s
health concerns.
Ann F. Olson, NP, was inducted
as a Fellow of the American
Academy of Nurse Practitioners
(AANP) on June 20, 2009 during
the AANP annual meeting in
Nashville TN. She is the first NP
from Minnesota to be inducted.
Ann F. Olson, NP The organization’s Fellowship
program was established in 2000
to recognize nurse practitioner leaders who have made
outstanding contributions to health care through clinical
practice, research, education, or policy.
Olson received her PhD from the University of
Arizona-Tucson in December 2008. Her dissertation:
“Perimenopausal Women’s Intended and Actual
Behavioral Response to Bone Health Interventions”
received the 2008 Health Seeking Behaviors Section
Award for Dissertation Research presented at the
Midwest Nurses Research Society annual conference.
In partnership with Winona Health and Winona State
University, Olson conducted a bone density study that
has been presented at several regional and national
conferences.
Healthy starts here for businesses and employees
Winona Health’s Occupational Health staff assists
employers in maintaining and improving the health,
safety and well being of their employees. Services
14 Healthy Connections • Summer 2009
HC Summer 2009.indd 14
include physicals, injury/illness care, work rehabilitation,
worksite/office ergonomic assessment, immunizations,
screening/assessments (pre-employment and return to
work) and training (safety & health).
Cathy Johnson, RN, BSN, COHN-R, COHC, a member
of the Occupational Health team, is now certified as an
Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC). Certified
hearing conservationists conduct audiometric testing to
help prevent hearing loss. For more information about
Occupational Health services, call 507.474.3212 or visit
winonahealth.org/occhealth.
Four registered nurses from Winona Health’s Intensive
Care Unit recently received Critical Care certification,
earning the credentials CCRN: Mary Volkart, Laura
Cummings, Michelle Olson and Lisa Burkhalter. To be
eligible to take the exam, nurses must have spent 1,750
hours in direct, bedside care of acutely or critically ill
patients during the two years prior to applying.
The Minnesota Hospital Association recognized Winona
Health’s outstanding performance on its SAFE SITE
initiative with the Patient Safety Excellence Award. The
award indicates that Winona Health has implemented
more than 90 percent of the suggested best practices in
the SAFE SITE roadmap to a Comprehensive Safe Site
Procedure Program.
Winona Health has again earned national
Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR)
Hospitals earning the QRCR designation ensure patient
safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria
governing their respiratory care services.
Winona Health congratulates Family Medicine
of Winona for receiving a Certificate of Superior
Performance from the Medical Group Management
Association (MGMA). Family Medicine was recognized
as a Better Performer in the Performance and Practices
of Successful Medical Groups. MGMA is a national
association that benchmarks group practices in business
measurements and performance.
6/22/09 3:23:42 PM
 Local nurse receives Outstanding local care
Clarus Award
Carole Gorden, RN, in the Winona Health Emergency
Department, received the 2009 Clarus Award from the
Zumbro Valley Emergency Nurses
Association. “Receiving the
award been a most humbling and
rewarding experience, because
it is an award from my peers,
and I’ve heard from patients I’ve
cared for through the years,” said
Carol Gorden, RN
Gorden. “I’ve always admired
the people who have received the
award in the past and it was so surprising to hear my
name announced.”
The Clarus Award honors an outstanding Emergency
Nurse nominated by her peers. Nominees must:
• Care for others in a holistic sense, responding to
the needs of body, mind and spirit of their patients,
families and their peers.
• Exhibit respect for the individual and acts as an
advocate for patients.
• Incorporate the professional and ethical standards of
nursing into their daily practice.
• Share his or her knowledge, guidance, and insight
with peers and with those aspiring to the nursing
profession.
According to her nomination, “Carol has committed
her skills, dedication, leadership, ideas and passion for
Emergency Nursing to her community hospital. Any
facility would be fortunate to have her on their team.”
Rebecca Lamberty, RN, Emergency Department
director, added, “Carole is an experienced leader in
our department who is focused on quality care for our
patients. She has a wealth of knowledge and strength
of spirit that leads her to excel in the Emergency
Department.”
Gorden recently celebrated her 30th anniversary with
Winona Health.
HC Summer 2009.indd 15
I decided to choose a local doctor last December,
due to my health issues and medical problems, and
the difficulty traveling to get to La Crosse. From the
available choices on the Winona Health Website, I was
searching for a new, younger doctor, who would still
be around when I’m not, in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Bryan Reed was my choice since he is also an
osteopath. My first appointment was the end of
December and I knew instantly that I had a winner.
One of my concerns was that I was used to RNs
working at a high level, who would take my phone
calls and relay messages to my doctor. He called
his assistant, Cheryl, into the room at the end of the
appointment for me to meet.
Early in February, on a Saturday morning, I found
myself in Winona Health ER. Dr. Turner and the RN on
duty were great!
February — Now I really have a team—Dr. Reed
ordered tests, re-engaged [a specialist] on my behalf,
Cheryl is making things happen and I am …very, very
impressed with the communication skills of Dr. Reed
and Cheryl.
At the end of April, things went downhill for me
physically and by May 5th, via Winona Health ER, I
ended up in the ICU for most of the week. Dr. Ferris
was the hospitalist and I could not have had a better,
more caring doctor anywhere. The staff in the ICU
that took care of me were outstanding! They were
empowered AND they didn’t stand around the ICU
nursing center just randomly chatting with each other.
As a patient, I could never explain to them how much
the quietness meant to me.
The food was excellent, even for someone with no
appetite. The food staff who came to help choose a
menu were so kind and helpful. The lab folks, x-ray
staff, and any other staff with whom I came in contact
were outstanding. These people really cared about
me and my comfort. They liked their jobs and their
employer.
We have a real gem sitting right here in Winona,
thanks to people who care.
— Joyce P.
Healthy Connections • Summer 2009 15
6/22/09 3:23:43 PM
 Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PO Box 5600 • 855 Mankato Ave. • Winona, MN 55987 • winonahealth.org PAID
Winona, MN
Permit No. 72

Events, classes & support Groups

Healthcare CPR Recertification
For a complete calendar of events by 3-hour course offered:
date and for more information about our July 7, 5-8 p.m.
services and programs, please visit our July 16, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
website: winonahealth.org. We welcome July 28, 5-8 p.m.
your questions and comments. August 4, 5-8 p.m.
August 13, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
American Red Cross Blood Drive August 20, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
August 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. August 25, 5-8 p.m.
WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium September 17, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
September 22, 5-8 p.m.
Alzheimer’s Support Group October 6, 5-8 p.m.
2nd Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. October 15, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
WH, Parkview Conference Room WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium
507.457.4560 Registration required, $40
507.457.4491
Breastfeeding Class
July 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Healthcare CPR Certification
September 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 21, 4-8 p.m.
WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium
Registration required, Registration required, $40
$10 per participant/couple 507.457.4491
507.457.4338
Healthcare Directives
Childbirth Education Class Informational sessions:
6-week course, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 20, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
July 9–August 13 (Thursdays) September 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
August 5–September 9 (Wednesdays) Working sessions:
September 3–October 8 (Thursdays) July 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
September 23–October 28 (Wednesdays) September 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium WH, Parkview Conference Room
Registration required 507.457.3328
507.494.7384
Little Ones Remembered
Childbirth Education Weekend Class Outreach Group
Weekend class held Friday, 6-8 p.m. June 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 21, 6:30-8 p.m.
August 28-29 August 18, 6:30-8 p.m.
October 23-24 September 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium Watkins Manor,
Registration required 175 E Wabasha St.
507.494.7384
Look Good, Feel Better Class
June 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
August 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
WH, LWM Classroom
Call American Cancer Society
800.227.2345
MOM Support Group
(Mother’s Own Milk)
Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Women’s Health Library, 3rd floor,
medical office building on the
WH campus, 859 Mankato Ave.
507.453.3700
Public First Aid
August 11, 5-7:30 p.m.
WH, B.A. Miller Auditorium
Registration required, $25
507.457.4491
Winona Health Foundation
& Auxiliary Events
Birthday Ball
Saturday, September 19
Visions Event Center &
Signatures Restaurant
Annual dinner, dance and fundraiser
Advanced registration required
2009 Ben & Adith Miller Golf Classic
August 10
Cedar Valley Golf Course
Registration required
Call 507.474.3328
For more information about
Auxiliary and Foundation events,
call Winona Health, 507.474.3328.

WH = Winona Health • 855 Mankato Ave. • Winona, MN

HC Summer 2009.indd 16 6/22/09 3:23:44 PM