Expansion Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Saturday, November 18th Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) hosted our Obstetrics and Medical Surgical Expansion Groundbreaking event. Over 150 WWH employees, family, friends, community members, funding partners, donors, politicians, and members of the local media attended this momentous occasion. Honored speakers included WWH, Chief Executive Officer, Eilidh Pederson, MPH, FACHE, Wisconsin State Senator, Tammy Baldwin, Board member and owner of Homestead Veterinary Clinic, Danielle Johnson, DVM, WWH Chief of Obstetrics, Dennis Hartung, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN, WWH Chief of Staff, Faisal Anwar, MD, WWH Medical Surgical Manager, Alicia Myers, RN and VP Director of Healthcare with River Valley Architects (RVA), Erin Murray, CHC.

WWH greatly appreciates the many funders for supporting the expansion including Senator Tammy Baldwin who supports our community and region, with $1 million dollars of bipartisan congressionally directed spending. WWH would also like to thank Dave DeVille Entertainment for providing the excellent sound equipment, Suzanne Wynveen Photography for capturing the special moments of the day, Sue Auld with Tulip and Crow for the beautiful floral arrangements, and the WWH Eatery for providing the delicious food and beverages. WWH sincerely thanks everyone in our community who took the time to attend this special event and to those that partner with us to help achieve our mission of Building a healthier tomorrow, together.

Watch the Indoor Ceremony

Learn More about Abbey

Provider Departure

Nicole Buatala has made the decision to leave the organization and change her focus from providing outpatient Behavioral Health Services to providing inpatient care. We are grateful for the care she has provided our community and expertise added to the Behavioral Health Department. Her last day will be November 22, 2023. We wish her the best as she continues to provide a much-needed service.

Giving Tuesday

We hope you will consider a gift to WWH Foundation for Giving Tuesday, November 28. Your support will help our Obstetrical and Medical-Surgical Hospital Expansion, taking away barriers of access for our patients and community.

Over 200 rural hospitals have closed their birth center doors and WWH is saving rural obstetrics in our region to address the needs of our families and keep them close to home. This year, 146,000 babies have been born in maternity care deserts, which means families are traveling further and are putting mom and baby at risk of complications. In addition, we have seen our numbers grow on the medical-surgical side and have been at capacity many times. WWH is building seven additional rooms for the inpatient hospital units to ensure that our families and friends can stay safe, close to home and be taken care of by our amazing staff!

We need your help to expand these services and ensure access to all! Thank you for your consideration and please spread the word! Please click on the link to make a contribution TODAY (or Tuesday)!

Learn More about Giving Tuesday

Donate Here

2024 Community Challenge Registration is now OPEN!

Step up to the challenge! Participants (ages 5 and up) will work together to travel and dance around the world with Healthy Hank! Throughout the challenge, participants will track their steps and walk around the world in 8 weeks. Each week, Healthy Hank will feature a unique global destination that could be your next family adventure! If participants complete all 8 weeks of the challenge, they will be entered into a drawing to win a $3,000 travel voucher for the trip of a lifetime to anywhere they choose!!

As a participant, you will receive weekly emails throughout the challenge for encouragement and motivation. These emails will be filled with health & fitness tips, expertise, as well as updates on everything wellness!

How to Participate & Register

 This 8-week step challenge is $8 to all registered participants!
 Pre-registration is required – Link below or in-person at the kick-off event on January 6, 2024
 Track and submit your weekly steps throughout this 8-week challenge. You may track your steps using any app or device of your choice (i.e. Fitbit, Runkeeper, pedometer, etc.) on wwhealth.org. Challenge runs from January 8, 2024 – March 3, 2024
Submit your steps to be entered for WEEKLY PRIZE DRAWINGS!

Questions? [email protected]

Register Here

Veterans Day Event

The Veterans Day event held last Friday was a time to remember and honor our community and staff members for their service. Thank you to all who have served and to all who attended.

Thanks to all who helped bring this event together:

 Refreshments - Max Delong and Ellen Sheridan, Auxiliary Members
 Emcee – Vicki Bolton, Adoray Home Health and Hospice Care, We Honor Veterans Volunteer
 Program and Coordination– Amber Bettinger Development and Marketing Director
 Speakers – Eilidh Pederson, CEO, Shannon Fayerweather, RN Ambulatory Services
 America the Beautiful sang by Dawn Dix, Business Office

Western Wisconsin Health Joins Nationwide Observance of National Rural Health Day on November 16, 2023
 
Baldwin, WI, 11/20/2023 – Western Wisconsin Health was proud to join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on November 16, 2023. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and rural-focused organizations throughout the United States set aside the third Thursday of November to recognize NRHD. This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.
 
"It is of vital importance that we ensure all rural Wisconsin communities have the opportunity to be healthy and have access to affordable, quality health care regardless of where they call home," said Eilidh Pederson, CEO of Western Wisconsin Health. “We are proud to recognize the incredible work of health professionals and volunteers in our community on National Rural Health Day and throughout the year.”
 
On Thursday, November 16, 2023 Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) was honored to recognize two employees with National Rural Health Day Hero Awards.
 
The first WWH Award recipient is Dr. Kathleen Findlay. Dr. Findlay embodies the focus of WWH’s mission of “building a healthier tomorrow, together” in the creation of a program that prioritizes health and wellness. The innovative ‘Simple Health’ program is a lifestyle medicine model. This model includes a dedicated team of professionals, meeting patients where they are and provides a lifestyle road map to patients to take ownership of their health. This program focuses on holistic wellness, nutrition optimization, physical activity, social connection, and purpose. This program is at the heart of preventive medicine and is a leading example in the health care industry of how population health should be delivered. Dr. Findlay has also played an integral role in the development and delivery of the upcoming WWH bariatric and medical weight loss program. This innovative program allows an important access point to patients with critical needs and no place locally to receive such care. Dr. Findlay provides excellent patient care with high patient satisfaction scores. She delivers the personal touch, knowledge, and engagement to create positive outcomes for patients. She serves as an officer of our Medical Executive Committee and as a physician champion on our health equity committee in the pursuit of providing equitable healthcare to all we serve.
 
The second recipient of the National Rural Health Day Hero is Cora Meyer, Registered Nurse Pediatrics. Cora is the definition of a dedicated, compassionate, knowledgeable team player at WWH. She has been recognized by fellow co-workers’ multiple times because of her efforts taken to care for her patients. She took it upon herself to make a public service announcement video about tick safety earlier this summer, she steps in to help answer vaccine questions as needed and is supportive to her coworkers and patients; even taking the time to help with wound care and going above and beyond to follow up with hospital patients after her clinic shift was done. WWH is extremely fortunate to have Cora as part of our team.
 
Western Wisconsin Health is honored to have Dr. Findlay and Cora Meyer on the team that continues to redefine rural healthcare by Building a Healthier Tomorrow, Together.

Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin named winner of the 2023 Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative’s Collaboration Award
 
The Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin (CCWW) was awarded the 2023 Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative’s Collaboration Award, which honors organizations that have demonstrated effective teamwork while advancing cancer control goals.

The CCWW is a unique cooperative relationship between six community-based critical access hospitals in western Wisconsin, including Amery Hospital & Clinic, Hudson Hospital & Clinic and Westfields Hospital & Clinic – all part of HealthPartners – along with Osceola Medical Center, St. Croix Health and Western Wisconsin Health, which are independent rural hospitals.

Prior to 2011, cancer patients in western Wisconsin were traveling significant distances for treatment since none of the local hospitals could afford to provide radiation therapy on their own. But by working cooperatively and not competitively, the six hospitals were able to form a jointly owned, world-class cancer treatment center to serve residents of western Wisconsin.

The CCWW works to improve cancer awareness and education, increase cancer screenings and early detection and coordinate cancer treatment and survivorship services for patients. They also offer genetic counseling services to help families learn about hereditary cancer risks, along with clinical trial opportunities to assist in the development of new ways to prevent and treat cancer. All six locations have helped increase access to quality healthcare, especially for those at higher risk of health-related inequities in outlying areas of the region.

“The CCWW is honored to be recognized for working to improve health outcomes in Wisconsin,” says Steve Massey, president and CEO of the CCWW and Westfields Hospital & Clinic. “Our oncology care program models the benefits of a collaborative approach for cancer services. Together, we can do what is best for patients and reduce the burden of cancer.”

The CCWW accepted their award Nov. 2 during a ceremony at the Wisconsin Cancer Summit in the Wisconsin Dells.

For more information about the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin visit cc-ww.org.

Western Wisconsin Health Awarded Anderson Corporate Foundation Grant

On October 4, 2023, the Andersen Corporate Foundation sent word to WWH Foundation that a $30,000 grant would be awarded to the Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) Obstetrical and Medical-Surgical Unit expansion. The mission of the Andersen Corporate Foundation is to improve lives and strengthen communities where Andersen employees live and work. It has donated more than $60 million while supporting nonprofit organizations in housing, healthcare, hunger relief, and education.?The Andersen Corporate Foundation supported WWH with $40,000 for the new facility back in 2015. “The Andersen Corporate Foundation has been so supportive to our community, and this allows WWH to continue to grow and provide for our patients, near and far,” Rosa Magnus, Development Manager stated.

With recent birth center closures in the immediate area, Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) has seen a significant increase in birthrates over the last year with 276 total births in 2022. In addition, there has been an ever-increasing hospitalization rate pushing WWH to its capacity and even having to make the difficult choice of sending patients to twin cities hospitals. To address WWH’s growing needs for inpatient services, a hospital expansion began in August 2023 and will add four rooms to the medical-surgical wing and three rooms to the birth center wing. Upon completion, Western Wisconsin Health will have a total of 22 rooms (three unfinished) to provide additional access to care for patients in our community to keep them close to home and to take away barriers.
 
This expansion will allow WWH to provide the best patient care to a broader spectrum of our service area. Although very costly, WWH realizes this expansion is the right thing to do for local patients; and with that sentiment the WWH foundation along with a committee of WWH leaders has been applying for multiple grant opportunities.
 
Interested in learning more or how you can help the hospital expansion? Please visit the WWH foundation page: www.wwhealth.org/contribute .

ACLM Conference

Our WWH Lifestyle Medicine Simple Health Team presented at and attended, in person and virtually, the 2023 American College of Lifestyle Medicine Conference the week of October 30th. Dr. Katie Findlay MD, MPH and Lynn Huiskamp MPH, NBCHWC shared the case study of a patient engaged with many WWH providers, including Simple Health over the past 21 months. The Simple Health Team of Dr. Findlay, Lynn Huiskamp, and Cheri Rott MS, RDN, CD highlight the key WWH value of Innovation in this form of whole-person care through shared medical appointment programming and consistent outcome and satisfaction evaluations.

Wear Blue to Support Men's Health

Movember (November) is Men’s Health Awareness Month, which is an annual global campaign that encourages men to grow mustaches and participate in various activities to raise awareness about men’s health issues. This month-long event focuses on promoting physical and mental well-being among men, addressing issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention. Movember provides a platform for men to discuss their health openly, seek support, and take proactive steps towards a healthier and happier life.

Thank you to our WWH staff for sporting the blue color to help raise awareness for men's health!

Spooky Shuffle 2023
 
The Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) Fitness Center hosted the Spooky Shuffle 2ish mile race on the WWH community trails on Thursday, October 26th at 5:30pm. 60 people registered to participate but due to the rain only 47 finished. The overall race winner was Brady Bolstad who finished the 2ish miles in 13 minutes and 24 seconds. “It was wet but warm and everyone had fun”, said Fitness Center Manager, Scott Sekelsky. Many of the runners and walkers wore costumes and enjoyed apple cider and s’mores over an outdoor fire after they completed the 2ish mile course. First place honors in the costume contest went to Bill Schultz who dressed as the mayhem man from the insurance commercials.

Western Wisconsin Health would like to sincerely thank the sponsors of the event; Associated Eye Care, Nilssen’s Foods, Bills Distributing, Baldwin EMS, Northern Metal Fab and Baldwin Bulletin.

Please look for more WWH Fitness Center events coming soon as we continue “Building a Healthier Tomorrow, Together.”

Written by: Chris Veenendall, RN, CDCES

Do you have diabetes or worry about getting diabetes? If so, here is some valuable information you should know.

In 1975 the American Diabetes Association joined the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in recognizing November as National Diabetes Month. This partnership was formed to raise diabetes awareness, encourage screening for diabetes, and increase diabetes research.

There are two main types of diabetes, type 2, and type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that happens because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. Type 2 diabetes is the result of two problems. One, cells in muscle, fat and the liver become resistant to insulin, as a result the cells do not take in enough sugar. Two, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make insulin or makes little insulin. Type 1 diabetes was once called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes, but it can develop at any age. Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2, about 5-10% of people with diabetes have type 1.

In my experience I will tell you that Type 2 diabetes is darn sneaky! No one thinks about feeling tired, easily getting grouchy, or always feeling hungry as a sign of Type 2 diabetes! When drinking fluids by the gallon with the following urination-especially at night, is increased to six times or more per night, it is a clear indication that you should be screened for diabetes.
 
 Screening is especially important if Mom, Dad, or grandparents on one or both sides had Type 2, or if there is history of gestational diabetes. Type 2 is the most inherited form of diabetes, yet people are often surprised when coming face to face with it. It is always best for a concerned person to see their primary provider and a simple blood sugar test can find a diagnosis – or not. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed; the sooner treatment can begin. Early detection increases the chances of managing with pills, and controlling sugar levels that can permanently damage other organs.
 
Patients are considered in a pre-diabetes state when their fasting blood sugar reading (or morning before food) is over 100 and below 125. A normal blood sugar reading is below 100. Patients are pre-diabetic when they eat a meal, and their blood sugar rises over 140. The Pre-diabetes range for after eating is 140-199.
 
Another important test used to measure the health of a diabetic is through an A1c test also known as the hemoglobin A1c test. An A1c test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. It is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and is also the main test to help health care teams assist patients in managing their diabetes. The A1c (3month test) range for Pre-diabetes is 5.7-6.4%
 
There are new medications that can be offered that protect the heart, kidneys and offer lower glucose. Up to this point we only thought diabetes could be controlled by effectively managing blood glucose levels. Currently the most exciting medications are effective in protection and weight loss which makes them much more attractive. This treatment is life changing in type 2 diabetes, especially if found early and treated aggressively.
 
In Type 1, the biggest advancements are a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a medication that stalls type 1. If found early, this treatment is the closest we have been to a true cure. The treatment involves medication known as teplizumab or TZield. Through Trial Net TZield is not costly and protection can last for two years. Antibody testing is needed to determine if this medication is effective. In Stage 1 when there are two or more autoantibodies present, but blood sugars are normal. Stage 2 is when two or more autoantibodies are present and blood sugar is abnormal, but no other symptoms. Knowing this progression is on the horizon for people with Type 1 is wonderful news. With a connection like Trial Net, it will be possible for patients to receive treatment with TZield when it can do the most. By stage 3, the blood sugar levels are persistently high and insulin therapy is immediately needed. Some may test for the autoantibodies and others do not so the lab checks are needed plus the provider to keep an eye on it. The stages may take months or years.
 
Insulin actions are much better than they used to be, are more predictable, and come in larger quantity pens for times of travel. Additional resources for tracking and thus, help with ensuring effective treatment, include sensors. The benefit of sensors are that they follow glucose in real time for those using insulin. Medicare, now, only requires a person to use insulin to qualify for continuous sensors. They do need a doctor’s prescription. This will expand to those using pills or with pre-diabetes someday. Amazing changes can happen when we can see the effects of our actions in real time for 24 hours a day.
 
To the 37 million people with diabetes and the 96 million with pre-diabetes, partnering with a great provider to work with you to protect yourself from the damage of uncontrolled diabetes is an immediate next step.

Western Wisconsin Health offers many diabetic resources including:

 A diabetes prevention community education class, at no charge!
 -A lifestyle medicine program, known as Simple Health, aimed at helping with weight loss, food education, exercise, health coaching and providing ways to live a healthy and happy life.
 Care from a certified diabetic educator.
 Care from a Board-Certified Endocrinologist.

Sources:
www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/index.html
Type 2 diabetes - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

WWH Podcast

Redefining Rural Healthcare podcast host and Associate Chief of Staff, Dr. Michael Douglas of Western Wisconsin Health sits down with Endocrinologist, Dr. Kheng Joe Lau, MD

In this episode, Dr. Lau discusses his transition from coming into the US from Malaysia in 2015 and how he ended up here at WWH.

Will changing your lifestyle help manage your diabetes? Obesity is a growing issue here in the US and taking control of your diet and exercise should be one of your primary focuses in improving your everyday life.

Redefining Rural Healthcare Podcast

Slow cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Harvest season is coming to an end and that usually means that you have some produce to use up! This soup mashup of sweet and smooth is guaranteed to hit the spot. The recipe calls for sweet potatoes and butternut squash, which are plentiful around this time of year. Not only would this soup be a great option for busy folk on the run, but it would also pair well with any holiday leftovers!
 
1 serving is ½ cup and this recipe will provide about 6 servings total.

INGREDIENTS

 6 cups peeled, diced butternut squash
 2 cups diced, peeled sweet potatoes
 1 small diced sweet yellow onion
 1 clove mince garlic
 1 tablespoon paprika
 1 teaspoon dried oregano
 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
 32 oz carton of vegetable broth
 Optional: Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Croutons, Crackers (topping)

METHOD

 Place all ingredients into a crockpot and stir well.
 Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
 Use an emersion blender, blender, or food processor to puree the soup.
 If you prefer texture, you can also mash the contents with a fork.
 Top with shredded cheese crackers, or croutons and enjoy!

Find More Healthy Recipes

Western Wisconsin Health is a lead organization with Healthier Together- Pierce & St. Croix Counties, a community coalition working to create and maintain healthy communities and provide a strategic framework for local health improvement activities. Healthier Together initiatives have focused on bringing people together from across the county to identify and address a variety of health priorities (currently addressing physical activity, food insecurity, mental health, and alcohol abuse). This is a large collaboration with over 200 partners from over 60 organizations supporting Healthier Together, with leadership provided by the local hospitals and health departments in the two county region.

Visit Healthier Together's Website

Find Healthier Together on Facebook