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Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Montpelier, ID was recently named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for Best Practices in Quality out of over 1300 facilities in the country by The National Rural Health Association.  Bear Lake Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospital in the past and is being recognized again this year for achieving success in Quality. This premier hospital performance rating is based on the rank across the five categories of Hospital Compare Process of Care measures. Those measures include Timely and Effective Care, Complications and Deaths, Unplanned Hospital Visits, Psychiatric unit services, and Payment/Value of Care.   Hospital Administrator Michael Blauer states “Providing the highest-quality care has always been a priority for Bear Lake Memorial Hospital.  We are proud that our efforts are reflected in the data the National Rural Health Association reviews and we are pleased to receive this highly-regarded recognition.” The NRHA is a national nonprofit membership organization with more than 20,000 members. The association’s mission is to provide leadership on rural health issues. NRHA membership consists of a diverse collection of individuals and organizations, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health.   “NRHA is committed to ensuring our members have the best information to manage their hospitals,” says Brock Slabach, NRHA membership services senior vice president. “We’re pleased to recognize the accomplishments of these rural hospitals.”

"Very often I hear people saying, ' just want to have a stress-free life'. This got me to thinking about that and what it would actually mean. For myself I think if I had a life that was stress free it may not be all it is cracked up to be. Some of the reasons are, there is often stress present in my life is due to deadlines, important obligations, wanting to perform well or the identified need of getting something thought to be beneficial in place. All of these and a number of other stress provoking things in my world are a big part of what gives my life purpose, meaning and value. I believe that if you are living a life that has purpose, meaning and value to you, it is going to come with stress. I also got thinking that often times we are confronted with stress that is caused by change. Sometimes these changes are desired and sometimes change is brought upon us by some specific situation or occurrence. We either accept and adapt to these changes or we reject and resist them. The results can be a beneficial one of learning and growth or one that at the least causes irritation and discomfort. Sometimes stress no matter the source can be crippling and cause us significant impairment to our way life. I understand that not all stress is the same and neither are the people experiencing them. I merely got thinking about how I respond to stress and how my own perception about stress and even change influences how it affects me. When I thought again about the statement, 'I just want a stress-free life'.  I think it gives stress a bad name, stress serves a purpose. Is it the pain from resisting the stress or not having a way to cope with it that I find the most unpleasant? Like the author Charlotte Kasl said, 'It is our attachment to be free of pain that creates suffering'. I found a great TED talk video by Kelly McGonigal who talks about something very similar with stress as the focus, instead of pain. How much of our resistance to stress is creating our suffering, not the stress itself? Please if you would like to hear what I believe contains some of the answers check out her talk and hear what Kelly McGonigal has to say about stress." Wayne Brown MSW/LMSW Kelly McGonigal TED Talk - Link

1. Gather healthy supports around you - family in person or friends that build and uplift through phone calls, texting, or social media. 2. Limit the amount of negative news you are consuming. This includes limiting contact with friends or family who believe the world is coming to an end and want you to be as freaked out as they are. 3. Look for and repost positive uplifting/hope building posts on social media. 4. When you hear of a positive act of kindness talk about it. 5. Manage up yourself and your colleagues. We deal with infectious diseases every day. Use CDC guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. We as health care workers, of all people in our society should know how to deal with this issue. 6. Do positive coping activities that don’t put you or others at risk. a. Exercise – we live in a sparsely enough populated area that you can maintain “social distancing” without having to stay in your home. Get out, take a walk, remember why you chose to live in this beautiful valley. b. Mindfulness: Meditation, guided imagery, Heartmath, Wheel of Awareness – See attachment on next page. Insight Timer App downloadable on either Android or Apple Apps store for free. 7. Good Resource from NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/getattachment/Press-Media/Press-Releases/2020/COVID-19-and-Mental-Illness-NAMI-Releases-Importan/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US 8. If you normally eat out, continue to support our local businesses that are offering drive up or pick up services. They still have families to support. You can do so and still be safe. WHEEL OF AWARENESS: Dr. Daniel Siegel, M.D. www.drdansiegel.com • Go to Resources tab • Wheel of Awareness – fill in email and name. He won’t send more than about 3 emails and then it will stop. • Download/listen to Full-Length Wheel of Awareness (30 minutes)

We are working in cooperation with state and local health departments to ensure we are safely handling the community health care needs. We are receiving daily official updates regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19) with screening and testing instructions, as well as guidance on limiting the spread of infectious diseases. To protect residents, patients, and staff from any unnecessary exposure, Bear Lake Memorial is limiting visitor access to the hospital, nursing home, assisted living center, and clinics. This includes, effective immediately (March 14^th), implementing a controlled entry system to screen ALL patients/visitors/staff for ANY respiratory symptoms. Visitation will only be permitted for specific circumstances. Signage will be posted on campus to help direct traffic during these restrictions. In addition to the in-person screenings, the hospital is strongly encouraging appointments and visitors to call ahead for ANY chemotherapy, dialysis, outpatient, radiology or lab services. There are additional screenings and clinic workflow processes for patients with fever, cough and recent travel (last 14 days) or direct contact with anyone else who has traveled into areas of concern. Contact phone numbers are listed at the end of this article. We are also closing the Auxiliary’s Gift Shop and Thrift Store until further notice. This means there will be NO thrift store donations accepted. Additionally, the cafeteria area will restrict public access and ONLY be providing meals to residents, patients, and staff members. This will help eliminate any unnecessary visits from the public. We are asking for the community’s cooperation and understanding that these processes may change as further official updates and instructions are received. Additional changes may be put in place as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we implement these precautionary measures. Please look for additional updates in the newspaper, on the radio, and on our website (www.BLMHospital.com) and here on social media.   Main Desk – 208.847.1630 Skilled Nursing Facility – 208.847.4441 Manor Assisted Living – 208.847.2400 Emergency Department – 208.847.4439 Bear Lake Physician’s Clinic – 208.847.1110 Bear Lake Family Care Clinic – 208.847.4495 Dr. Campbell’s Office – 208.847.3847 Visiting Physician’s and Ortho Clinic – 208.847.4359 Laboratory – 208.847.4422 Chemo/Dialysis – 208.847.4325

If you are 45 or older, you should start getting screened for colorectal cancer. Your doctor is the best source for knowing what type of screening is best. If you have a strong family history of colorectal cancer or other types of cancer, you should let your healthcare provider know. Risk factors for developing colorectal cancer: Body weight- Being overweight or obese increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight especially around the midsection. Smoking- Long-term smoking is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, as well as many other cancers. Diet- A diet high in red meats (beef, pork, and lamb) should be avoided. Also, avoid processed meats such as sausages, hot dogs, and lunch meat. Eating meat grilled at a high temperature is also linked to an increase in risk for colorectal cancer. Alcohol- Several studies have found a higher risk of colorectal cancer with increased alcohol intake, especially among men. Prevention Physical Activity- Increasing your level of activity lowers your risk of colorectal cancer and polyps. Moderate activity lowers your risk, but vigorous activity might have an even greater benefit. Diet-Overall, diets that are high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked with a lower risk for colorectal cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Vitamins- Some studies suggest that taking a daily multi-vitamin containing folic acid, or folate, may lower colorectal cancer risk. Other studies have shown that magnesium and calcium are beneficial in lowering risk. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- Many studies have found that people who regularly take aspirin or other NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, have a lower risk of colorectal cancer and polyps. However, aspiring and other NSAIDs can cause serious or even life-threatening side effects, such as bleeding from stomach irritation or stomach ulcers, which may outweigh the benefits of these medicines for the general public. Yet, for some people in their 50s who have a high risk of heart disease, where low-dose aspiring is found to be beneficial, the aspirin may also have the added benefit of reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

Every 34 seconds someone dies from heart and blood vessel diseases, America’s  No. 1 killer. Given this fact, it’s important to learn all you can about heart attack.  For example, you should know the warning signs of heart attack so you can get help right away. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Here are some signs that could signal a heart attack:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest which  lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs, such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

How can I reduce my risk for a heart attack? Even if you already have heart disease, there is a lot you can do to improve your heart health.

• Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Eat a healthy diet that’s low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium.
• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.
• Control your blood sugar if you are diabetic
• Treat high blood pressure, if you have it.

How high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack The excess strain and resulting damage from high blood pressure causes the coronary arteries serving the heart to slowly become narrowed from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances that together are called plaque.  This is known as atherosclerosis.  As arteries harden with plaque, blood clots become more likely to form. When an artery becomes blocked due to plaque or blood clots, the blood flow through the heart muscle is interrupted, depriving the muscle of oxygen and nutrients.  The damage that occurs is called a heart attack. High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because it typically gives no symptoms until damage is done to the heart and arteries.  High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels in your brain, causing a stroke, as well as causing damage to your kidneys and eyes.  Lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease.  Consult your doctor for ways you can avoid this killer disease.

The Region VI Behavioral Health Board recently acknowledged Dr. Trevor Jacobson, M.D., for his service to the area by presenting him with the Regional Empowerment Award. This award is presented to a deserving member in our region for being a champion in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Dr. Jacobson received the award on December 5, 2019, at a Legislative Dinner in Pocatello. JoAnn Martinez is the Chair of Region VI Behavioral Health Board and she acknowledged his impact by stating, “The quality services that you provide inspire hope, recovery, and resiliency in the lives of Idahoans suffering from addiction and their families. Your efforts are instrumental in making a positive difference to our community through education, awareness, training, and prevention of opioid addiction. You have been active in the community, and the service you provide by training professionals on the treatment of individuals with addiction is invaluable as we continue to address the need of those struggling with addiction in our area. Our community benefits immensely from the work that you provide.” Dr. Jacobson is practicing at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic. He received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Medical Degree, and Family Medicine Specialty Degree all at the University of Utah. He is Board Certified as a Family Practice Physician with experience in pediatrics, sports medicine, weight loss management, women’s health, mental health, addiction, and disease prevention. Dr. Jacobson is one of the few providers in the region that has specialized in the fight against opioid addiction using medication-assisted therapy, and his program has been found to be effective in the treatment and recovery of opioid dependence. Over 100 patients from across 5 states are being treated with medication-assisted therapy each month in Dr. Jacobson’s clinic. During his medical residency, he saw that patients were getting hooked on opioids which was a big concern to him. His experience in helping those patients helped him design a program that has proved effective. His patients are receiving great outcomes and they are passing the word on to others to reach out and get assistance. Dr. Jacobson’s program works with Idaho’s Response to the Opioid Crisis (IROC) project that is working to fight the opioid epidemic currently plaguing Idahoans, their family members, and friends. The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is currently using a multifaceted approach that seeks to expand access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), reduce access to opioids through prevention efforts, enhance the recovery-oriented system of care, and reduce deaths. This 4-part approach will: ▪ Provide opioid specific treatment and recovery support services to individuals with an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Treatment services will include access to both Methadone and Suboxone/Buprenorphine MAT. ▪ Increase accessibility to resources that will assist in reducing the incidences of opioid misuse by reducing access and preventing overdose deaths. Methods include using prescriber report cards to create social norms of decreased opioid prescribing; reducing diversion of opioids by establishing drop-box programs in pharmacies statewide; and educating prescribers on use of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). ▪ Provide community-based services that connect individuals with an OUD to peer supports and sober living activities. ▪ Increase the use of Naloxone to reverse opiate overdoses through training and provision of Naloxone to first responders and other community members who may encounter individuals at risk of opiate overdose. If you or someone you know would be interested in receiving more information on services available, please contact Dr. Jacobson at 208-847-1110.

Want to Meet A Real Hero? On January 18^th, 2020, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital will be hosting “A Healthier You” conference at the middle school. The conference will be from 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m. The keynote speaker for the event will be Tim Ballard, CEO and founder of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing human trafficking victims. Mr. Ballard is a former CIA and Homeland Security Special Agent who worked on a national and international level to stop human trafficking.  In 2013, Ballard, not wanting to be limited to only rescuing American children, gave up his secure job and pension in order to create his own company which has enabled him to rescue children and victims of human trafficking all over the world. The O.U.R. highly trained team consists of former navy seals, former intelligence agents, and other operatives with special skill sets.   Large supporters of O.U.R. include Glenn Beck, Tony Robbins, and Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburg Stealers NFL team. In the past 5 years, O.U.R. has rescued over 3000 victims and assisted in the arrests of more than 1500 traffickers around the world. In October 2014, Operation Underground Railroad, in cooperation with the Columbian government, executed the largest-known human trafficking bust to date. Ballard has bachelor degrees in Spanish and Political Science, as well as a master’s degree in International Politics.  He is an expert in American History and is the author of several books which include: Slave Stealers: True Accounts of Slave Rescues Then and Now;  The Lincoln Hypothesis; The Washington Hypothesis and The American Covenant- a 2 volume set Movies and documentaries about Tim Ballard and O.U.R. include: The Abolitionists, *Operation Toussaint, and The Sound of Freedom, a full-length movie to be released in the spring of 2020 starring Jim Caviezel as Tim Ballard. (A special, free showing of Operation Toussaint will be at the Middle school on Monday, January 6^th.  Anyone is welcome) Bear Lake Memorial Health Care conference committee members feel extremely fortunate that Mr. Ballard, a world-class speaker, has consented to come to our valley and be a part of our conference. Tickets for the conference are $10 and are available at the front desk of the hospital or online at Eventbrite.  Conference presentations include: 1p  Power Through Positive Coping-Brad Nelson, LMSW; 2p  Bystander Intervention-Anya Anthony; P.A. 3p  Healing from Trauma-What Works by Shaun Tobler, MSW, LCSW 4p  Tim Ballard, Keynote Speaker (book signing afterwards) *You may attend any portion of the conference.  The conference is NOT exclusively for women. Seating is not assigned and limited. TICKETS ARE REQUIRED  

National Influenza Week

December 1-7, 2019

Previous flu vaccination coverage data has shown that few people get vaccinated against influenza after the end of November. The Centers for disease control and its partners want to remind people that even though the holiday season has begun, it is not too late to get a flu vaccine.  As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination should continue throughout flu season in order to protect as many people as possible against flu. While vaccination is recommended before the end of October, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial during most seasons for people who have put it off. If you have already been sick with the flu, you can still benefit form vaccination since many different flu viruses spread during flu season and most flu vaccine protects against four different flu viruses. The Burden of Flu Flu isn’t a “bad cold” and can result in serious health complications, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, and can lead to hospitalization.  Flu can sometimes even lead to death. ​_Most people who get flu will recover in several days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop serious flu complications. ​_People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions, and people 65 years of age and older. ​_Anyone who gets the flu can pass it to someone at high risk of severe illness, including children who are too young to get the vaccine, elderly people, and those with certain chronic illness. Benefits of Flu Vaccination ​_The flu vaccine is estimated to prevent 5.3 million influenza illnesses. ​_A 2018 study showed that from 2012 to 2015, flu vaccination among adults reduced the risk of being admitted to an intensive care unit with the flu by 82 percent. _Studies show that when a pregnant woman is vaccinated, her baby is protected for several months after birth. ​_ Flu vaccination has been shown to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

  [caption id="attachment_4991" align="alignleft" width="355"]  [/caption] Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention-and it’s never too late to start.  Consider these tips:   When it comes to type 2 diabetes, (the most common type), prevention is the key. Diabetes prevention is as basic as eating more healthfully, moving more, and losing a few extra pounds.  It’s never too late to start!  Making a few simple changes in your lifestyle now may help avoid serious health consequences in the future. Exercise can help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar, and boost your sensitivity to insulin. Research shows that aerobic exercise and resistance training can help control diabetes. The best benefits come from a program that includes both. Fiber can help you reduce your risk of diabetes by improving your blood sugar control, lower your risk of heart disease, and promote healthy weight by making you feel full. It’s not clear why, but studies show that whole grains may reduce your risk of diabetes and help maintain blood sugar levels. Try to make at least half your grains whole grains. The American Diabetes Association recommends blood glucose screening if:

• You are over 45
• You are overweight and have additional risk factors, such as a family history
• You lead an inactive lifestyle.