Rogue Valley Medical Center Health Newsletter August 

INTHISISSUE
A Growing Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Strong Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Muscle-wise Workouts . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A Short Drive to a
Healthy Prostate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Lowering Cholesterol . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Symptoms of a Heart Aack. . . . . . 9
Carpenter Award Recipient . . . . . . 10
Healthy Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Asante Community
Health Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CHOLESTEROLHOWLOWCANYOUGO? see page 8

 A Growing Need Couple Advocates for NICU Expansion
G
iovanni Victor Angelo Cascamo
is a mighty name for such a little
man. Born December 12 at Rogue
Valley Medical Center (RVMC), 10 weeks
before his due date, “Gio” weighed a mere
2 pounds 8 ounces. For first-time parents
Katie and John Cascamo of Klamath Falls,
it was the start of an amazing journey.
Far and Wide
RVMC has the only Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit (NICU) in southern Oregon
and northern California. Preemies
and sick infants from throughout the
region come to Medford to receive
specialized care from the hospital’s highly
trained team of neonatologists and nurses.
The Cascamos quickly put their trust in
these caring experts.
“I think I believed from the start
that my son would be okay,” says John.
“I was there when he was born. He grabbed
my finger and he looked at me and he
2 | Visit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rvmcnicu
told me he was going to be okay.”
In the NICU, Giovanni showed daily
signs of progress, reaching each develop-
mental milestone and clearing every hurdle.
After two weeks he entered the “grower/
feeder” category. These are the preemies
who have no critical issues but who need
to remain in the NICU until they reach
a healthy weight and can function without
medical help.
Life in Limbo
For six more weeks, as Giovanni’s strength
increased, the Cascamos uprooted their
lives. Katie commuted daily to the NICU
from her parents’ home in Ashland, while
John returned to work in Klamath Falls and
joined his family on weekends.
“I was blessed that I could stay with
my parents only 30 miles from the hospital,
but when you’re an adult, married, with a
baby, it’s hard living under your parents’
roof,” Katie says.

Baby
Reunion
“It was such a loss of autonomy for her,”
John concurs. “One of the luxuries I had was
that I could go home to normal life, come
back after five days, and see growth. For Katie
seeing Gio every day, it was more subtle.”
The Cascamos’ spirits were kept afloat by
constant communication with the NICU team.
“If Katie didn’t text me every couple hours with
Gio’s weight or details, I’d come unglued. It was
really easy to call the NICU nurse for regular
updates. That really sustained me, being 80 miles
away,” John says.
Happy Homecoming
On February 6, John and Katie brought Giovanni
home to Klamath Falls. Today he is a healthy,
eight-month-old bundle of laughs with a bright
childhood ahead.
“This experience has really changed our
perspective on the importance of good medical
care,” John says, adding that he recently turned
down a lucrative job offer out of state in order
to remain within the RVMC care region.
Miracle
Every day more families like the Cascamos
are embarking on the long-distance trek to NICU
care, and countless more will be in need in the
coming years. RVMC is making room through
a $6 million plan to expand the NICU. These
improvements will create private rooms for
“feeder/growers,” affording moms like Katie some
comforts of a home away from home.
“There is such a desperate need for this
R ogue Valley Medical Center
NICU graduates and their
families are invited to join us for
expansion,” Katie says. “It will serve a population a reunion.
of people who live far away and need to stay with
their infant. For us it was six weeks, 10 hours a Miracle Baby Reunion
day. A private room would’ve meant plenty of space Sunday, September 19 • 1 to 3 p.m.
to be comfortable.” RVMC North Lobby
Free Gis • Cake • Face Painting
Entertainment
Register online at:
www.asante.org/classes-events
For more information please call
Katie Cascamo cradles Gio at four weeks. (541) 789-3502.
Photo courtesy of Klamath Falls Herald and News
| 3
 Strong Arm O-arm creates 3D views in Real Time for Beer Results

Thomas Altstadt, MD, with Jamie Spencer, RN, performs an O-arm procedure.
G
eorgianna Murphy remembers nothing of her
accident. She can’t recall her truck rolling into
a dirt bank beside the highway, the Jaws of Life
cutting her from a crushed vehicle, or the desperate flight
to Rogue Valley Medical Center (RVMC). What she does
remember is waking up several days later with a second
chance at life, thanks to RVMC’s O-arm, the latest
technology in spine surgery.
The O-arm Multidimensional Imaging System is
the most advanced tool available for image-guided back
and neck surgery. This portable CT (computerized
axial tomography) scanning device fits directly over
the patient (who is lying on the surgery table), creating
three-dimensional views of the spine in real time as
doctors perform surgery. These images enable surgeons to
conduct delicate procedures with exact precision, such as
Georgianna’s lifesaving neck surgery.
“The O-arm played an integral role in her surgery
and care,” says Thomas Altstadt, MD, the RVMC neuro-
surgeon responsible for repairing two broken vertebrae
in Georgianna’s neck. Stabilizing the fracture meant
inserting screws in a small area of bone between her
spinal cord and vertebral artery, a major artery to the

4 | To find out more about the O-arm, go to www.rvmc.org, keyword: O-arm

 O-arm
Patient
Benefits

brain—“something I would not have done without
the O-arm,” Dr. Altstadt says. “The O-arm allowed
her to have a complicated surgery safely.”
The O-arm’s pinpoint accuracy
Five months after her horrific truck
wreck, Georgianna returned to her
active job at a plywood company.
The Canyonville resident is grateful
for the O-arm’s high-tech role in
her survival.
“I am just thankful that a surgeon
• Safer, more accurate placement of spinal
instruments for improved surgical outcomes
• Less time in surgery
• Reduced risk of the need for repeat surgery
• Less radiation exposure from imaging
Features

allows surgeons to conduct like Dr. Altstadt and the technology • CT imaging without leaving the operating room
delicate procedures with exact he needed were here at RVMC to • “Smart” system remembers positioning, so the
save my life and even get me back O-arm can return to preset positions for imaging
precision, such as Georgianna’s to a normal life,” she says. “I am just • Surgeon can view implants in real time during
lifesaving neck surgery. happy to be able to work again, and insertion
I am lucky to be alive.”
Neurosurgeons
Using
the
O-arm
at
RVMC

Medford area residents are fortunate to have this Medford Neurological and Spine Clinic
advanced technology and such expert practitioners
itioners • Donald A. Ross, MD
at their disposal. RVMC is the first medical facility • Miroslav P. Bobek, MD
between Seattle and San Francisco that offersrs the • David H. Walker, MD
O-arm. “It allows patients to have spinal surgeries
rgeries • Thomas J. Altstadt, MD
that sometimes wouldn’t be done here,” Dr. Altstadt
says, adding that the O-arm’s pinpoint accuracy
racy Orthopedic
Surgeon
Using
the
O-arm
at
RVMC

enables surgeons to use more minimally invasive

vasive Southern Oregon Orthopedics
techniques, which may lead to faster recovery
ry times. • Andy Kranenberg, MD

| 5
 Muscle-wise Workouts

N
o more excuses. You’re determined to get back into shape.
You know what you need to do: eat more salads, can the
soda, hit the gym. Nothing can stop you this time! Nothing
except a pulled muscle, that is. Ouch! Avoid injuries by slowly easing
into your workout.

Warm Up
“Prior to exercising, warm up for five to 10 minutes with a slow walk,
a light jog, or cycling,” advises Christina Wilkinson, physical therapist
at Rogue Valley Medical Center’s Cascade Physical Therapy in Central
Point. “Follow this with gentle stretching of major muscle groups for
five to 30 seconds each.”

Drink Up
Muscles need nourishment to be on their best behavior. Drink plenty
of water or low-sugar sports beverages both during and after exercise.

Physical therapist Christina Wilkinson (right) recommends
proper stretching to warm up.
Be Foot Smart
Your feet are your body’s shock absorbers. Supportive
footwear, with inserts or orthotics if needed, can
help take pressure off your muscles. Replace shoes
frequently, Christina advises, generally after they’ve
clocked 400 miles, or approximately every six months. s.

6 | For information about physical therapy, visit www.rvmc.org, keyword: rehabilitation


Pace Yourself
A couch potato can become a triathlete—but not
overnight. If you haven’t been involved in a regular
exercise routine for a while (or ever), set realistic
goals. Christina suggests gradually increasing the
intensity, frequency, and duration of your workout.
“Stop if you’re feeling too fatigued or experiencing
pronounced soreness,” she says. Exercise sessions
should end with another round of stretching,
focusing on the specific muscle groups used during
the workout.
Heed the Signs
How do you know if you’ve pulled a muscle?
Warning signs include swelling, spasms, muscle
weakness, and pain that increases with movement.
Give your workout a rest for a couple of days
and apply a cold pack to the injured muscle. If the
injury doesn’t seem to improve, see your doctor.
“In the event your physician deems physical
therapy beneficial, we can help with all types of
strains,” Christina says. She encourages people who
are having such problems to call (541) 789-4032.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
S A SHORT DRIVE
eptember is Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month. Prostate cancer is the second
most common form of cancer in men
(behind skin cancer) and the second-leading
cause of cancer death (after lung cancer).
Approximately 200,000 men are diagnosed
each year—many without symptoms.
Although family history can increase the
risk, prostate cancer can strike any male,
especially those over age 60. Regular
screenings are the key to early detection.
To screen for prostate cancer, a doctor
can perform a digital rectal exam as part
of a routine physical. The doctor may also
order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood
test, which measures the level of protein
produced by the prostate. PSA tests are
currently the most effective tool available
for detecting prostate cancer early.
Talk to your doctor about your prostate
health or visit one of the local prostate
screening events planned for Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month.
TO A HEALTHY PROSTATE
Presented by
Rogue Valley Medical Center Cancer Services
and Eric L. Martin, MD, FACS, of Urology
Associates of Southern Oregon, LLP
MEDFORD: LUNCH AND LEARN
Thursday, September 16
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Smullin Health Education Center
RVMC campus, 2825 East Barne Road
No fee. Lunch will be provided.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Please call (888) 688-4920 or register
online at www.rvmc.org/classes-events.
When calling, please specify which
presentation and location you are
planning to aend.
| 7
 How Low Can You Go? Natural Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

D
o you have high cholesterol? You’re not
alone. One in every six adults has a higher-
than-healthy cholesterol level. Before
you dismiss it as no big deal, consider that high
cholesterol is a major risk factor for developing
blocked arteries that lead to heart attack and stroke.
But there is good news. With some simple lifestyle
changes, you can lower your cholesterol and boost
your chances for a longer, healthier life.

Know Your Fats

It’s no secret that a high-fat diet can lead to high
cholesterol. But not all fats are created equal.
Kent Dauterman, MD, a board-certified cardiologist
at Rogue Valley Medical Center, advises cutting out
saturated and hydrogenated fats (those found in red
meat, dairy products, fried and processed foods, and
fast food) and opting instead for monounsaturated
fats like olive oil, and polyunsaturated fats that are
higher in omega-3s, such as canola oil, fish oil, walnut
oil, and flaxseed oil. “These are the good guys,” says
Dr. Dauterman. “Diets high in these liquid fats can
decrease the risk of heart attack by up to 70 percent.”

8 | To find out more about lowering cholesterol, go to www.rvmc.org, keyword: heart


Are
the
Symptoms
of
a
Heart
Attack?
Go Mediterranean
For a cholesterol-friendly kitchen,
Dr. Dauterman recommends the
Mediterranean diet:
• Fill up on vegetables, five to
seven servings a day, and three
fruit servings per day.
• Dine on fish as your main
protein, with chicken and
legumes close behind. Red meat
or pork should be limited to a
3-ounce serving once a week.
• Consume plenty of whole
grains, pasta, walnuts, almonds,
and pecans (skip the peanuts).
• Cook with olive oil or canola oil,
and dip bread in it rather than
using butter or margarine.
• Take 3 grams of fish oil (not
cod liver oil) capsules daily as
advised by your physician.
Get Moving
Exercise is vital to a healthy heart.
The American Heart Association
recommends 45 minutes of
aerobic activity six days per week.
Dr. Dauterman says even mild
exercise such as walking or yard
work can benefit your campaign
against high cholesterol. “More
exercise gives more benefits,”
he says. “Take the time.”
Kent Dauterman, MD, is a
cardiologist with Southern
Oregon Cardiology, the
regional
leader in
heart care.
What
I t’s not always chest pain. If you have any of the following symptoms,
you may be having a heart aack. Dial 9-1-1.
Heart Aack: Know the Signs
• Pain or discomfort in the chest, upper back, jaw, neck, arms, or stomach
Accompanied by one or more of the following:
• Deep heartburn/indigestion-like pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sudden abnormal sweating, or cold or clammy skin
ASSET Mission Statement
To reduce the time from heart aack to opened arteries, a unique
partnership called ASSET (Acute ST-Segment Elevation Task Force)
was established in 2003 to facilitate the accurate and rapid diagnosis,
treatment, and transport of patients with acute ST-segment elevation
myocardial infarction (STEMI) from throughout the region to the
Rogue Valley Medical Center Cath Lab for emergent percutaneous
coronary intervention (PCI).
| 9
Become
a
Part
of
Your
Community
A sante is a locally owned and
operated, community-supported
organization. To support the work of
Rogue Valley Medical Center or
Three Rivers Community Hospital, to
honor someone, or to learn about
planned gis, contact the Foundation
in Medford at (541) 789-5025, in
Grants Pass at (541) 472-7300, or
online at www.asantefoundation.org.
10 | For more information about giving, visit www.asante.org, keyword: foundation
Lee Murdoch, MD, Receives Award Recognition
L
ee Murdoch,
MD, wears
many hats. To
his patients he is Dr.
Murdoch, a dedicated
pediatrician for more
than four decades. To
his wife of 52 years, he
is a creative thinker and
a hard worker. To the
community he is a quiet
hero, devoting his life to improving healthcare in the
Rogue Valley. On April 30, Asante Health System
presented Dr. Murdoch with the 2010 Alfred S. V.
Carpenter Award, an annual recognition designed
to honor local health-related philanthropic leaders.
“Asante is a stronger organization and a better
community partner thanks to Dr. Murdoch’s
leadership,” says Roy Vinyard, president and chief
executive officer of Asante Health System.
A practicing pediatrician in Medford since
1966, Dr. Murdoch has made a difference in the
lives of thousands of Rogue Valley children and
their families. During his early years, he sometimes
made house calls and occasionally drove critically
ill patients to the hospital. He was among a group
of pediatricians who inspired the Rogue Valley
Medical Center (RVMC) Board of Trustees to build
a pediatric wing to include a neonatal unit. He also
served in leadership positions, such as RVMC chief
of staff and president of the Medford Clinic. But
his deepest passion was always practicing medicine.
He is the founding physician of Southern Oregon
Pediatrics, where his daughter Mary now practices.
Dr. Murdoch continues to have an impact
on local healthcare through volunteering at the
Community Health Center and through his work
as liaison to the medical staff to implement Asante’s
electronic health record system. He remains in
part-time practice at Southern Oregon Pediatrics,
tending to patients during emergencies such as the
recent flu outbreak.
“Practice was energizing,” he says. “New vaccines
have been developed which have made a number
of dreaded diseases very rare. I worked long hours
and loved the challenges. It’s been a great life.”
 Healthy Harvest at the Local Growers’ Market
Nicole Hanks (right) shops for organically grown vegetables
at the Rogue Valley Growers & Craers Market in Medford.
W
ant to eat a healthy diet? Look
to your local growers’ market.
“The Rogue Valley markets are
bigger and better this year, with not just the
expected produce but the whole spectrum
of foods, so you can create enticing, well-
balanced meals with delicious, locally grown
foods,” says Nicole Morgan Hanks, RD,
CDE, nutrition counselor and educator
with Rogue Valley Medical Center.
Green thumbs from throughout the
valley handpick a bounty of fruits and
vegetables the day before the market,
ensuring that their produce is packed with
fresh flavor and nutrients. Beyond the
garden fare, you’ll find savory meats,
fresh cheeses, breads and pasta, jams, and
local olive oil. For extra ambience many
markets also offer live entertainment and
tasty samples.
“Buying local market goods means the
distance from farm to fridge is as short as
possible. This supports not only your health
For more healthy recipes, go to www.rvmc.org, keyword: recipes
but local businesses as well,” Nicole says.
For a satisfying summer supper straight
from the growers’ market, Nicole suggests
creating a “rainbow salad.” Choose a
vegetable of every color, throw some fish
or chicken on the grill, and add a serving of
fresh feta cheese for topping the salad.
Olive Oil Vinaigree
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅔ cup olive oil
Whisk together the vinegar, salt, and
pepper, then slowly add the oil, whisking
until emulsified. Drizzle on fresh salad
and grilled vegetables, chicken, or fish.
Makes 20 servings.
For more information about
market dates and locations, visit
www.rvgrowersmarket.com.
| 11
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PERMITNO


EBARNETTRD
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intended for general information only and should not be construed
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online at www.rvmc.org, keyword: newsleer.

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 Asante Health System.
All rights reserved. No part of this
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any form except by prior wrien
RVMC

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Rogue Valley Medical Center is a member of Asante Health System, a Medford-based, locally owned and governed healthcare system serving a nine-county region.