Thermopolis-Hot Springs

Kiwanis Health Fair

A special edition brought to you by
Thermopolis Independent Record,
Gottsche Therapy, Rehab and Wellness,
West Park Hospital,
HSC Prevention Management Organization
and other businesses included inside

The path to
a healthier
you
in 2016

Saturday, March 19 8 a.m. - Noon

Thermopolis Middle School

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Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

Allergy season a challenge every year

With allergy season on the horizon, many people are preparing for all the sneezes and sniffles the season typically brings.
For longtime allergy sufferers, the season is one theyd
prefer to avoid.
However, there are several
ways to prepare for allergy
season and ensure theres
more time spent having fun
in the spring sun than fending off pesky allergies.
Take spring cleaning seriously.
Much like allergy season,
spring cleaning is a springtime
rite of passage for millions of
families across the country.
When spring cleaning, be
sure to do more than just
remove a winters worth of
clutter.
Molds are dormant during
the winter, but often emerge
at the first sign of spring.
To avoid succumbing to
any dust- or mold-related
allergies, clean the house
top to bottom, removing any
dust that might have settled
and solving any issues with mold
that might have developed over
the winter months.

Emphasize
crisp and clean
air inside the
home. Who
can blame
the fa mi l y wh o
wants
to open

the windows and let that

refreshing spring
air come pouring in?
Unfortunately, that air is
typically accom-

Recognizing early
signs of Alzheimers

Scientists are still racing to find a

cure for Alzheimers disease. Although
there currently is no cure for Alzheimers, evidence points to strategies individuals can take to help slow the onset of
the disease or help prevent memory loss.
Although the symptoms and onset
of Alzheimers disease are most notable during a persons senior years,
scientists say the neurological changes of Alzheimers actually may start
much earlier on as early as when a
person is in his or her 20s. A frantic
lifestyle, poor dietary choices and inactivity can contribute to Alzheimers
over ones lifetime.
Recognizing behaviors or other habits that may contribute to Alzheimers
is the first step to making changes to
prevent the condition. Here are some
facts to consider.
Obesity can increase risk for Alzheimers.
Smoking after the age of 65 makes
a person almost 80 percent more likely
to develop Alzheimers.
Diabetics are twice as likely to
get the disease.
Genetics are only responsible for
about one-quarter of Alzheimers cases.
Although there arent any magic
pills or potions, there are easy things

anyone can do to reduce risk.

Stop smoking and greatly reduce
alcohol intake.
Manage diet to control or prevent
diabetes.
Avoid activities that can lead to
head injuries.
Eat a balanced diet, and one that
limits processed foods.
Enjoy brain-friendly foods, such
as those high in Omega fatty acids.
Make attempts to reduce stress.
Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and behaviors that lead to obesity.
Prevent high cholesterol and hypertension.
Get plenty of sleep and restorative rest.
Keep the mind active with puzzles,
reading and other thought-inducing
activities.
The Mayo Clinic reports exercise is
very important to keeping Alzheimers
at bay. In fact, it may be the most important component of preventing the
disease.
Scientists have documented that
physical activity effectively reduces
the probability of Alzheimers disease
and other dementias over the duration
of time. This makes exercise an essential part of anyones lifestyle.

panied by harmful allergens that

can trigger an allergy or exacerbate one thats already arrived.
While it might be impossible
to stop allergens from entering
the home entirely, its not impossible to fight them off once they
do come in.
Using an air filtration system
will help in your home. With
crisper, cleaner air in the home,
families are far less
likely to succumb to
spring allergies.
Circulate indoor
air. Even if a homes
windows are open, its possible for indoor air to stagnate
on a lazy spring day. If air is
stagnant, allergens can settle
in and eventually aggravate an
existing allergy.
Get to the doctor early. Visit
the doctor before the arrival of
pollen and mold season.
Doctors typically suggest anything from prescription nasal
sprays to non-drowsy antihistamines.
Regardless of whats prescribed or suggested, its ideal
to start allergy medications one
to two weeks before the arrival
of allergy season.

Northwest Wyoming BOCES

Big Horn Basin Childrens Center

Specializing in Educational & Residential Treatment programs for youth since 1970

Northwest Wyoming Board of

Cooperative Education Services

Programs for youth with a history of:

Behavioral & Emotional Disorders
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Mood & Personality Disorders
Reactive Attachment Disorders
Aggressive Behaviors, Conduct
Disorder
Sexually Inappropriate Behaviors
Physical Abuse, Parental Neglect
Self-Esteem Issues
ADD, ADHD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Poor Social Skills
Excessive Fear, Mistrust, Confusion
Multi-Disabled Youth
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Autism Spectrum Disorders

The NW BOCES offers

stabilization of children in
crisis through a
comprehensive treatment
program. The Centers
specialized, caring,
dedicated and highly
qualified staff are
committed to providing the
highest quality programs
in an atmosphere that promotes healing and growth.
Located in
Hot Springs State Park
250 E. Arapahoe
P.O. Box 112
Thermopolis, Wyoming
82443

1-800-928-2171

nwboces@rtconnect.net
www.nwboces.com

~ Celebrating 45 Years of Service to Youth ~

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

11a

Becky Mortimore, with Hot Springs County Prevention Management, talks with participantes during last year's student health fair.

Health fair for students set for Friday in TMS gym

Thermopolis Middle School will host a student
health fair Friday morning, March 18 as a prelude
to the Kiwanis Health Fair.
Starting at 8 a.m., groups of TMS students will
visit booths with interactive programs.
The Thermopolis Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the

student health fair with cooperation of Hot Springs

County Department of Family Services and Public
Health and Hot Springs County School District No. 1.
Booths include Hot Springs County Counseling,
Department of Family Services/Wyoming Highway
Patrol, Wyoming Operation Life Saver, Youth Alter-

natives, Highway Patrol Drug Dog, Wyoming Department of Transportation, 3D printing, Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department, Gottsche, Kiwanis,
Paintbrush Dental and PMO of Wyoming.
Students seem to enjoy it, Spokeswoman Pennie
Anderson said of the TMS health fair.

TEGELER & ASSOCIATES

Insuring Wyoming Since 1943!
Curt Paxton, Life/Health Agent
cpaxton@tegelerinsurance.com

Group Life
Group Health

Individual Life
Individual Health

531 Broadway, Thermopolis ~ 307 864-2395

www.tegelerinsurance.com

Leif Polson, D.D.S.

William Robinson, D.D.S.
P.O.Box 751 110 East Arapahoe Thermopolis, WY 82443

Ph: 307-864-9411

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Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

Physical therapy
can aid recovery

If youre suffering with pain you have no greater wish than to be rid
of it.
Physical therapy can help alleviate the effects of fractures, arthritis
and any number of pain related medical conditions through the use of exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction or deep tissue massage.
Many patients find physical therapy increases their range of motion,
improves their balance, coordination and motor function as well as helping with muscle performance, all through a physician-recommended series of visits.
Your physical therapist will work through your doctor to create an individualized program for your recovery that may consist of a few weeks
of visits to long-term care.
In Hot Springs County, there are choices for physical therapy, including Leila Porath at the Physical Therapy Clinic and Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness Center .
Porath specializes in orthopaedic therapy with an emphasis on postsurgical therapy and pain management.
At Gottsche there are several on staff that are accustomed to working with patients of all ages.

Leila Porath owns and operates the Physical Therapy Clinic. She
specializes in orthopaedic therapy with an emphasis on pain management.

1-800-764-3218
Nutritious
smoothies made
with real fruit
Delicious wraps,
salads and soup
Organic fair
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530 Broadway
Thermopolis, WY
Mon.-Sat., 8:30-5:30
Crow Bar: Mon.-Sat. 8:30-5

YOUR SOURCE FOR

NATURAL HEALING
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Informative books, natural products & services to help

you achieve & maintain excellent health

Physical therapist Ryan Williams discusses therapy with a patient

at Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.

Natural Herbs & Supplements

Alternative Health Care Needs
Organic Foods & Produce
Fair Trade Goods
Bulk & Special Orders Welcome

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

13a

Fat more important than weight alone for health

The bathroom scale may show

a good number but how much of
that weight is fat, not muscle? New
studies are adding to the evidence
that the scale doesnt always tell
the whole story when it comes to
weight-related health risks. Keeping body fat low is more important
for healthy aging than a low overall weight, researchers report this
week in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. A separate study
found young people who arent
physically fit are at greater risk of
developing Type 2 diabetes later in
life even if their weight is healthy.
Here are some things to know:

common are people who have too

little muscle and too much body fat
even if their BMI is in the normal
range. Body composition shifts as
we age, with the proportion of muscle decreasing and the proportion
of body fat increasing. That slows
metabolism, making it easier to
put on pounds in middle age even
if people havent changed how they
eat or how much they exercise.

Fat findings
Dr. William Leslie of the University of Manitoba wondered if poorly measured body fat might help
explain the controversial obesity
paradox, in which some studies
have suggested that being moderately overweight later in life might
be good for survival. He tracked
50,000 middle-aged and older Canadians, mostly women, whod undergone screening for bone-thinning osteoporosis. Those screening X-rays known as DXA for
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
measure bone and also allow an
estimation of fat.
A higher percent of body fat,
independent of the persons BMI,
was linked to reduced survival,
Leslie reported. Risk began rising
when body fat was in the range of
36 percent to 38 percent. Interestingly, being underweight also was
linked to reduced survival, possi-

Is BMI important?
Yes. Body mass index, or BMI,
is a measure of a persons weight
compared to their height. For many
people, thats plenty of evidence to
tell if theyre overweight or obese
and thus at increased risk of heart
disease, diabetes and premature
death. Generally, a BMI of 25 and
above indicates overweight, while
30 and above indicates obesity.
Someone who is 5 feet, 9 inches
would hit that obesity threshold
at 203 pounds.
But it is not a
perfect measure
Some people have a high BMI because theyre more muscular. More

bly reflecting age-related frailty.

Its not just the amount of body
youve got, but what youre actually
made of, Leslie concludes.

And fitness counts

A high BMI is one of the biggest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. But a second study reported
in Annals suggests people can still
be at risk if theyre skinny but not
physically fit.
Researchers in Sweden and New
York checked records of about 1.5
million Swedish men who at age 18
received medical exams for mandatory military service, and tracked
how many developed diabetes many
years later.Low muscle strength
and low aerobic fitness each were
associated with an increased diabetes risk regardless of whether the men were normal weight or
overweight. Scoring low on both
added to the risk.
What do the findings mean?
For diabetes, normal-weight
persons may not receive appropriate lifestyle counseling if they are
sedentary or unfit because of their
lower perceived risk, wrote obesity specialist Peter Katzmarzyk of
Louisianas Pennington Biomedical Research Center, who wasnt
involved in the study.
That study also suggests fitness

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Over 30 years experience, providing Traditional
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supplements and vitamins, MiGun thermal
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We look forward to visiting with you at the Health
Fair and will be happy to review natural options
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Dr. Bill F. Hayes, D.C.

How to tell
Most people wont benefit from a
DXA scan for fat, stressed Dympna
Gallagher, who directs the human
body composition laboratory at Columbia University Medical Center
and thinks those tests are more for
research than real life.
Other methods for determining
body composition range from measuring skinfold thickness to bioimpedance scales that use a tiny
electrical current, but all have varying degrees of error, Gallagher said.
Plus, normal body fat varies with
age and theres no agreement on
the best cutoffs for health, she said.
Her recommendation: Check
your waistline, even if your BMI
is normal. Abdominal fat, an apple-shaped figure, is riskier than
fat that settles on the hips. The
government says men are at increased risk of health problems if
their waist circumference is larger
than 40 inches, and 35 inches for
women.
Story taken from http://www.
nbcnews.com/health/diet-fitness/
fat-more-important-weight-alonehealth-study-n535041

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in adolescence can have long-lasting impact. And Leslie said doctors

should consider patients body composition, not just weight, in assessing their health.

864-4044
Toll free: 866 416-3477

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Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

Skin care: Five tips to

promote healthy skin
Dont have time for intensive
skin care? Pamper yourself with
the basics.
Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the
natural aging process and prevent
various skin problems.
Get started with these five nononsense tips from Mayo Clinic.
Protect yourself from
the sun
One of the most important ways
to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun.
A lifetime of sun exposure can
cause wrinkles, age spots and
other skin problems as well as
increase the risk of skin cancer.
For the most complete sun protection:
Use sunscreen. Use a broadspectrum sunscreen. When youre
outdoors, reapply sunscreen every
two hours or more often if youre
swimming or perspiring.
Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when
the suns rays are strongest.
Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven
long-sleeved shirts, long pants
and wide-brimmed hats.
Dont smoke
Smoking makes your skin look
older and contributes to wrinkles.
Smoking narrows the tiny blood
vessels in the outermost layers of
skin, which decreases blood flow.
This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health.
Smoking also damages collagen and elastin the fibers that
give your skin its strength and
elasticity.
Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.
Treat your skin gently
Daily cleansing and shaving
can take a toll on your skin. To

keep it gentle:
Limit bath time. Hot water and
long showers or baths remove oils
from your skin. Limit your bath
or shower time, and use warm
rather than hot water.
Avoid strong soaps. Strong
soaps and detergents can strip oil
from your skin. Instead, choose
mild cleansers.
Shave carefully. To protect and
lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before
shaving. For the closest shave,
use a clean, sharp razor. Shave
in the direction the hair grows,
not against it.
Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin
dry with a towel so that some
moisture remains on your skin.
Moisturize dry skin. If your
skin is dry, use a moisturizer that
fits your skin type. For daily use,
consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet can help you look
and feel your best. Eat plenty of
fruits, vegetables, whole grains
and lean proteins.
The association between diet
and acne isnt clear but some
research suggests that a diet rich
in vitamin C and low in unhealthy
fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.
Manage stress
Uncontrolled stress can make
your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin
problems.
To encourage healthy skin
and a healthy state of mind take
steps to manage your stress.
Set reasonable limits, scale
back your to-do list and make time
to do the things you enjoy.
The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

Thermopolis EyeCare, LLC

Leoria Mayne demonstrates a hand wax treatment to a curious participant.

Take in all the

2016 Health Fair
has to offer!
We are proud
to be part of
bringing this
supplement
to you.

Vision Source

Dana M. McDermott, O.D.

431 Broadway
PO Box 31
864-2328
news@thermopir.com

IR

Thermopolis

Phone: (307)864-2324
420 Arapahoe
Thermopolis, WY 82443
Fax: (307)864-2330
tec@rtconnect.net
www.visionsource-thermopoliseyecare.com

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

Prevention Management
Organization of Wyoming
Hot Springs County Coalition

Want to make a difference in the

health and safety of our community?

Be a part of working towards the prevention of alcohol abuse, tobacco use,

misuse of other drugs and suicide prevention in our community.
Contact Becky Mortimore
at 864-4113.
Make a difference!!
To quit Tobacco call

1-800-784-8669
or log on to quitwyo.org
For FREE counseling and
financial assistance with
quit medications.

Paid for by the Wyoming Department of Health

Paid for by the Wyoming Department of Health

15a

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Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

WEST PARK HOSPITAL IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE

THERMOPOLIS HEALTH FAIR

Find your Primary Care Doctor today at West Park Hospital

Keep you and your family Lean and Mean!

Courtney
Spence, DO

Nancy
Winkler, FNP-C

Peter
Sidor, MD

Laurie
Hipwell, CPNP

Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

Pediatrics

Pediatrics

Call 307.527.7501

WestParkHospital.org
Scan the QR code for more information

Follow us on Facebook!

2a

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

Kiwanis Health Fair featured at TMS

Saturday
8 a.m. until noon

Thermopolis Middle School will be the setting

for the 2016 Thermopolis-Hot Springs Kiwanis
Health Fair on Saturday. The free health fair, held
in conjunction with Wyoming Health Fairs/Wellness
Health Fairs, is set for 8 a.m. and goes until noon in
the school gymnasium, commons area and outside
of the building.
The health fair is an opportunity to pick up blood
draw results and to learn a lot about health care in
general. Those people who had their screening results mailed to them can bring them to the health
fair for evaluation.
Its also billed as an event for the entire family as
its never too early to know how to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.
People attending the health fair are encouraged
to sign up for many door prizes. There is no admission cost.
Longtime booth coordinator Pennie Anderson has
been working for weeks to organize booth registrations for the health fair. As of March 9, there were
more than 60 exhibitors covering different healthrelated categories.
Thermopolis Kiwanis Club past president Lea
Schoenewald is the health fair coordinator.
Its going to be a good one, she said, adding people can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage
of free screenings.
The Kiwanis Club expresses its appreciation for
cooperation by the public health office, Hot Springs
County Memorial Hospital and Hospital Auxiliary
for the blood draws and health fair.
Schoenewald encourages people to come to the
health fair Saturday and meet with health care
professionals.
Proceeds from the blood draws and health fair go
toward $1,000 scholarships to local college students.
Several college freshmen receive such awards.
Doctors and physicians assistants from Red Rock
Family Practice will be available to discuss screenings and provide referrals, as needed.
We have several new exhibitors, Schoenewald
said. We are so fortunate that our health care providers will give their time to go over (screening) results with their patients.
You can pick up a checklist at the screening results booth to remind you of blood pressure, height,
weight and body fat as well as nutritional information.
Drug Take-Back booth
The popular Drug Take-Back booth will not re-

turn to Saturdays health fair. However, residents

are asked to not dispose of expired or other unwanted prescriptions and vitamins by throwing them in
the trash. Instead, bring them to the law enforcement center where there is an old prescription drop
box in the lobby. It is preferred the containers to be
originals, but that is not necessary for disposal. Pet
medications are included.

More than 60 exhibitors

There will be breast and prostate health displays
at the health fair. Register for a carbon monoxide
detector to be given away at the Thermopolis Kiwanis Club booth.
We have a nice variety of new topics, Anderson
said. And our faithful exhibitors do a great job.
Myers Chiropractic will be available to offer free
evaluations at their booth.
Exhibitors include Wyoming Otolaryngology, who
will emphasize the importance of hearing well. The
doctor will also be doing full hearing checks.
Rocky Mountain Oncology of Casper will be providing information on cancer care.
Wyoming Cancer Resource Services of Cody and
Rocky Mountain Vein Clinic of Cody are also exhibitors.
(The Vein Clinic is) going to have their ultrasound machine and will be doing screenings for
vein disease, Anderson said. Several people I talk
to in the medical community are very excited that
has been offered.
The Hot Springs County Public Healths booth
will be available to check your immunization records.
There will also be a heart health booth where
people can receive more information.
Additionally, Wyoming Medicaid will have information at its health fair booth.
Red Dirt Master Gardeners will be in attendance,
growing plants in water without soil.
Theyre looking at doing something theyve never
done before, Anderson said.
DFS, WHP share booth
The Department of Family Services will share a
booth with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, providing
safety information. Health fair visitors are welcome
to try out the impaired goggles, showing you how it
feels to drive while impaired.
DFS will focus on projects people can do with
their children, Anderson said.
Prevention Management Organization of Wyoming (PMO) and Hot Springs County Coalition will
have a booth with alcohol and drug abuse prevention information.
The bacteria booth, sponsored by the Hot Springs
County Memorial Hospital, features personal sani-

Fast, Friendly Service

for all your prescription needs.
located inside
Conveniently

Blair's Super Market.

We have a Registered Pharmacist on duty at all times

to answer all your health questions.

Mon.-Fri., 9-6 Sat., 9-Noon

Teddy Bear Clinic returns

The Teddy Bear Clinic returns to the health fair,
by popular demand.
Children are encouraged to bring their teddy
bears, dolls and other stuffed animals for a health
check up.
Other exhibitors at the health fair, in addition to
those mentioned, include Owl Creek Veterinary Services, free vouchers for breast exams given by Dr.
Colleen Hanson at a later date, oral health screenings by Wyoming Department of Health, 3D printing, Co-Wyoming National MS Society, Paintbrush
Dental , Vote Yes for Hospital District, Sage West
Health, Vicki Powell for AFLAC, Relay for Life,
Electro-Meridian Imaging (EMI) screening provided by Thermopolis Chiropractic and Acupuncture,
free hearing tests scheduled by Timberline Hearing,
Geneva Woods Compounding Specialists, Wyoming
Services for Independent Living, Supportive Services
for Veteran Families, Rotary Club, Community Home
Health, Hot Springs Hospice, Friends of the Library,
Hot Springs County Diabetic Support Group, Wyoming Relay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest
Wyoming, Thermopolis TOPS 215, H.O.P.E. Agency,
Hot Springs County Recreation District, Bankers
Life, Childrens Resource Center, Wyoming Medical
Center, summary and referral by Red Rock Family
Practice, skin and mole screening by Nancy Brown
of Casper Dermatology, counseling and neurofeedback from Kathleen Smith, Hot Springs County Farm
Bureau, Wyoming Pioneer Home, the Conservation
District, Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital
Auxiliary, Wyoming Senior Citizens, Canyon Village/Hot Springs Apartments, Ellens Health Care,
Shopko Hometown, Hot Springs County Memorial
Hospital, Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Mountain Pacific Quality Health and Wyoming
Operation Lifesaver.

Look for us at both the

Thermopolis Health Fair
and Worland Health Fair
We will have providers available at the Health Fair
to review your blood draw results.

864-5534
120 North C Ave.
Thermopolis
864-2369 610 6th St.

tation. Your hands will be washed and placed under a light that will show what kinds of bacteria are
still there.
Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Care Center offers its health fair favorite, hand waxing.
Vicki Powell returns with Healthcare Solutions.
She is certified to help clients with the Federal Market Place.
There will also be an eye and vision testing machine and a height, weight and body fat machine.
Outside the school, the Thermopolis Volunteer
Fire Department will staff a fire engine. Guardian
Life Flight will bring in a helicopter.
Emissary Pharmacy will be available to look into
people's prescriptions and make sure nothing they
are taking will have adverse effects.

347-2449
1125 Charles Ave.
Worland

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

3a

Doctors and physicians assistants from Red Rock Family Practice will be on hand during the Kiwanis Health Fair to discuss blood draw
screenings and provide referrals, as needed. Above, physicians assistant Colleen Hanson goes over a screening with a health fair attendee.

Table of contents

Myriad of health care, right here in

Hot Springs County ...................4a
Find your eating style ....................4a
Spring into healthy diet
and exercise...............................5a
Age-related Macular
Degeneration research .............6a
Control your weight with
healthy lifestyle...........................7a

Allergy season/spring cleaning...10a

Early signs of Alzheimers ...........10a
Student health fair Friday ............ 11a
Physical therapy benefits ............12a
Fat more important than
weight alone for health ............13a
Skin care tips................................14a

Your Community
Home Health
providers
Come to the Health Fair and
check out our booth
for more information.

Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Care Center

is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center also specializing in

Alzheimers Care.
S
Our patients are cared for with dignity,
our H top by
e
a
lth
compassion and an opportunity to be
for m Fair booth
active and vibrant.
ore in
fo!
We are committed to providing you peace of mind
through the responsive, courteous and gentle care we provide.

307-864-5591

1210 Canyon Hills P.O. Box 1325 Thermopolis, WY 82443

427 Big Horn

Thermopolis, WY 82443

864-5585

WE ACCEPT
Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance,
Workers Compensation,
Private Pay and Long Term Waiver

4a

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

HS County offers myriad of health care

Thermopolis and Hot Springs
County are fortunate to have a wide
variety of physicians and medical
professionals to care for our families
and friends.
In a time when many small communities are forced to do without doctors or hospital facilities, we have a
large, dedicated group of individuals
with expertise and vision to take us
into the future of health care.
Hot Springs County Memorial
Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital in Hot Springs County.
HSCMH provides for its community: general and orthopedic surgery,
diagnostic imaging which boasts a
state of the art 64-slice CT scanner,
digital mammography, nuclear medicine, a PAC system which allows relaying clear images instantly to surgeons, cardiopulmonary services, OB
delivery, diagnostic sleep lab, pain
management, chemotherapy administration, wound care and laboratory
services which offers affordable Lab
Well services without appointments.
New this spring, a state of the art
48 channel MRI machine has been
added. It is one of only two in northern Wyoming and offers bigger, better and faster options for patients.
HSCMH also provides 24/7 emergency room care. Hot Springs County
Memorial Hospital also hosts specialty clinics on a regular basis provid-

ing cardiology, orthopedics, oncology,

urology, dermatology, surgical consults and ophthalmology care provided by visiting specialists.
The clinics are held on an almost
daily basis, allowing patients to see
their specialist locally rather than
having to travel out of town a convenience, especially in the tricky winter months in Wyoming.
In 2011, the hospital updated one
of its radiology rooms, installing a
new GE Healthcare Precision 500 D
X-ray system for X-rays and uoroscopy, as well as a new mammography
printer courtesy of donations from
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the
Hospital Foundation and an anonymous donor.
As part of their goal to partner with our community for quality
health and healing, HSCMH is updating their master facility plan in
2016 and is looking toward to the future of health care in HSC.
Across the street from the hospital
is Red Rock Family Practice, housing
six local physicians: Dr. Travis Bomengen, Dr. Kevin Mahoney, Dr. Jason Weyer, Dr. Nicole Summers, Dr.
Richard Ingle and Dr. Joy Magruder,
as well as two certied physician assistants, Colleen Hanson and Ellen
Reynolds, and a family nurse practitioner, Keristyn Carrell.
Adjacent to the hospital you will

Find your healthy eating

style and build it for life
MyPlate is a reminder to nd
your healthy eating style and build
it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and
drink matters. The
right mix can help
you be healthier now
and in the future.
This means:
Focus on variety, amount and nutrition.
Choose foods and
beverages with less
saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.
Start with small
ch a nges t o bu i ld
h e a l t h i e r e at i n g
styles.
Support healthy
eating for everyone.
Eating healthy is
a journey shaped by
many factors, including our stage
of life, situations, preferences, access to food, culture, traditions and
the personal decisions we make
over time. All your food and beverage choices count. MyPlate offers
ideas and tips to help you create a

healthier eating style that meets

your individual needs and improves
your health.
It
is
a l s o i mportant to
get enough
physic a l
a c t i v i t y,
which simply means
movement
of the body
that uses
e ne r g y.
Wa l k i ng,
gardening, briskly pu s hing a baby
s t r ol ler,
c l i m bi n g
the stairs,
play ing
soccer or
dancing the night away are all good
examples of being active.
For health benets, physical activity should be moderate or vigorous intensity.
See more at: http://www.choosemyplate.gov.

nd Gottsche Rehabilitation and

Wellness Center, a facility that has
been dedicated to improving health
for several decades. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are available at Gottsche along with counseling services.
Next door to the hospital, patients
can nd the ofce of Dr. Vernon Miller, a well-known surgeon.
Our local optometrist is Thermopolis EyeCare owned by Dana McDermott, O.D.
Two dentists are available at
Paintbrush Dental Dr. Leif Polson
and Dr. Will Robinson. The duo can
handle anything from family dentistry to wisdom tooth extractions
under sedation, as well as implants
and hospital procedures.
Chiropractic services are at your
disposal with two practices in the
county. Jeffrey Myers, D.C., operates Myers Chiropractic, and Dr. Bill
Hayes, D.C. has Thermopolis Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic.
Health in the home is available
through Community Home Health
Services, which is located at 717
Broadway St.
Counseling and mental health services are available in Hot Springs
County at HSC Counseling Services,
Wisdom Tree Consultation and Counseling Services, Kathy Smith Neurobiofeedback and TLC Counseling.

Massage,
supplements,
wellness

Several certied massage therapists practice in Thermopolis including Mary Spradley (Days Inn),
Sandy Richens (Nu Vogue Salon),
Val Curley (Gottsche Rehabilitation
and Wellness Center), Vanessa Lillie (Wind River Massage Therapy
and Healing), Marion Burr-Bishop,
who also specializes in aquatic therapy at TePee Spa, and independent
therapist Colleen Andretti.
Natures Corner and the Crow
Bar provide the community with a
long list of products aimed at alternative medicines that include vitamin supplements and minerals as
well as herbal remedies.
To help keep you healthy they
also provide a good selection of whole
foods and unprocessed selections as
well as healthy drinks available at
the Crow Bar.
To enhance your wellness routine, Days Inn and Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness Center provide exercise equipment and classes
to keep you as healthy as possible.
Star Plunge also has exercise equipment available.

Spring & Summer

Program Guide available
at the Recreation Office

Pitch, Hit & Run

Competition
Thursday, May 5
6:30 p.m.
Whitt Field

FREE

Sign up that day.

Adult Softball
Team Packets
are ready
to be
picked up.
Armory Building
864-3767

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

5a

Spring into
healthy diet
and exercise

There will be a number of interactive and informative booths during the Kiwanis Health Fair.
Brief evaluations such as hearing tests, eye exams and BMI tests will be available.

Why Just Exercise?

Learn Self-Defense at the same time

Mary has over 23 years of massage experience.

Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage, Reiki and more

OF THERMOPOLIS
Come on out to THE BARN at 388 BUFFALO CREEK RD.
Lets have FUN and just MOVE!

Stretching Breathing
& Centering Exercises Cardio Workout
Circular & Fluid Movements Self-Defense Drills
307.480.0011

Massages by

Mary Spradley NCTM, LMT

AIKIDO

Reginald Reid, 4th Dan, Instructor

The weather is warm and the skies are blue.

Its the perfect time to get outside and enjoy
the day. Its also a good time to think about
getting healthier.
Simply dropping a few pounds can boost
your confidence, help you feel better physically
and prevent some of the illnesses associated
with obesity, such as heart disease, stroke
and some cancers.
So how do you get on the healthy track?
Follow these tips for success.
Modify your diet to include more lean protein and vegetables. The goal should be to eat
these foods at every meal. Theyre a smart way
to fill up without consuming excess calories.
Keep a food diary. A food diary can make
you more aware of what you are consuming
on a daily basis and where you may need to
scale back.
Stay hydrated. You should aim to drink
the equivalent of eight glasses of water per
day for optimal health.
Make exercise fun. Vary your activities
and have a friend join you in your exercise
routine. If exercise is fun, youre more likely
to stick with it.
Indulgences are OK once in a while. If
you deprive yourself of your favorite foods all
of the time, you will have a greater craving
for them.

Facebook: CowboyAikido
thermopolisaikido@att.net
www.thermopolisaikido.com

Enjoy a 1/2 hour, one hour or

1-1/2 hour MASSAGE

Mary also does Hot Stone Massages!

Always a discount
for Hot Springs
County Residents
Available 9 AM-9 PM

Save on
Package Discounts
Gift Certificates
available

Call 864-3131 ext. 296

Join the Athletic Club & Spa

5 for each
$
$
$
Single 25 Couple 30 Seniors 20 Family Member
$

Canyon
Village
50+ and/or
disabled
Hot Springs
62+ and/or
disabled

CANYON VILLAGE/
HOt SprINGS
SENIOr ApArtMENtS
Thermopolis, WY

Stop by
by our
our table
table
Stop
for information
information and
and see
see
for
what we
we have
have to
to offer!
offer!
what

CALL 307-864-2968 or Wy Relay 711

Membership per month

Join the Athletic Club & Spa and take advantage of what
the club has to offer; in addition to treadmills, stair-steppers, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, and racquetball,
there are free weights and weight lifting machines. And
for your pleasure you will have access to our outside Hot
Mineral Water Jacuzzi, our seasonal Heated Fresh Water
Swimming Pool and showers.

Call 864-3131 ext. 296 for more information.

Athletic Club
& Spa
Hot Springs State Park

6a

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

Miracle cells could cure blindness

Its the most common cause of

blindness in the Western world and
there is no cure.
At least not yet.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects around 15 million people in the U.S. alone, and
globally up to 30 million. For most
victims, vitamins and pain relief are
the best treatment available.
But Professor Pete Coffey of University College London is pioneering
a new therapy that could stop the
disease in its tracks, and restore vision to the blind, through the London
Project to Cure Blindness.
AMD kills the eyes Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), a layer of
cells that support and nourish the
eyes vision center, the macula, which
then also gradually dies. Victims experience a black spot in their vision
that grows outward, while they lose
the ability to read and recognize familiar faces.
Coffey has spent the past eight
years creating and refining his treatment to restore vision and on August
11, 2015, the first patient received it.

by the work of a research group in

Sweden led by Professor Anders
Bjorklund, which was exploring cell
transplant therapies in the brain to
treat Parkinsons disease.
Coffey followed the groups work
avidly, but wondered why these radical new therapies were being applied
to an organ as complex as the brain.
Why not look at system we know
a lot about, and can test easily? he
thought.
The eye was the obvious choice for
Coffey, for its accessibility, relative
ease of monitoring, and the immune
privilege that makes it less likely
to reject transplant material than
other parts of the body.
Within the eye, he targeted RPE
cells, as their function appeared less
complex than that of other cells involved in the progression of the disease.
From 1998, Coffey began to develop his therapies for the RPE, drawing
on a recent advance that was then
spreading excitement throughout
the field of regenerative medicine:
stem cells.

The landmark operation

The patient was a 60-year-old
woman suffering with a severe form
of AMD. Blood vessels at the back of
her eyes had burst, flooding the retina and rapidly destroying her vision.
Surgeons at Moorfields Eye Hospital
in London implanted a thin layer of
cells behind the retina of each eye
on a polyester patch just three millimeters wide. They used stem cells
due to their ability to become many
other cell types in the body. In this
case, they had been cultivated as
RPE cells to replace the patients
diminished stock.
Recovery is possible ... there is a
window when you can put the cells
in and recover the patients vision,
says Coffey. He hopes for patients to
get their lives back. I would hope
they can recognize their families
again, he says.
But six months on from the landmark operation, the award-winning
ophthalmologist is hesitant to declare victory.
We are assessing her vision _ we
need more information to make conclusions, says Coffey. Im pleasantly surprised the cells are surviving to
this stage given how nasty (bloody)
the environment was.
Nine more patients will go under the knife during this trial. If it
proves successful, Coffey hopes the
procedure can become as routine as
cataract surgery _ ending the suffering of millions.
My deeply cherished ambition is
to make this therapy readily available for anyone suffering with AMD,
he says.

Rollercoaster journey
Coffey enjoyed early success. He
was initially able to repair the vision
of several patients by transplanting
healthy cells from other parts of their
eye into diseased areas and his work
was praised by peers in the field.
However, a lack of funding threatened to curtail his progress, and by
2006 it had become almost impossible to continue. That was the most
difficult period, Coffey reflects. The
project could have finished there.
But it didnt.
Coffey received a surprise call
from an anonymous U.S. philanthropist offering a no-strings donation of
$5.6 million.
Coffey seized the opportunity, and
made an ambitious commitment _
to fast-track a stem cell therapy for
AMD in human trials within five
years, a process that might otherwise have taken 20.
The London Project to Cure Blindness was born.
The first step was to assemble an
inter-disciplinary A-team of scientists, engineers and clinicians, including vitreoretinal surgeon Lyndon De Cruz, who would eventually
conduct the landmark procedure.
The team moved swiftly through
the phases: They selected human
embryo cells as their source, after
rejecting those of cadavers, demonstrated the procedure using animals
and manufactured the cells to clinical standards for use in humans.
That was the most confidenceboosting part of the project, recalls
Coffey. We had the cells in the dish
and they would do whatever we wanted _ eat rubbish, produce chemicals,
handle stress _ whatever we threw
at the cells, they passed.

First steps as a student

As a psychology undergraduate in
the early 1980s, Coffey was inspired

Wearing many hats

As the Project entered unchartered territory, innovation was a
constant requirement. New surgical
tools were invented, technology from
the Hubble telescope was adapted
as an imaging tool and multiple designs were explored and rejected for
the membrane that would carry the
stem cells into the eye.
The membrane was the scariest
bit _ Im not a bioengineer, says
Coffey. I had to get off my specialist area.
But Coffey had to wear many hats
_ none more alien than that of political lobbyist. After the 2010 general
election it was feared that research
funding could be cut, so Coffey invited government officials on a tour of
his lab. He was relieved to be spared
in their spending review.
Progress continued and Coffeys
therapy finally reached trial in 2015
_ three years later than planned.

A thriving landscape
The landscape today for eye-related stem cell therapy is teeming
with innovation and competition.
Groups in the United States, Japan
and Israel are testing RPE replacement treatments with a range of cell
sources and delivery methods, including a new type of stem cell that
had arrived on the scene, known as
Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells.
In 2012, John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka won the Nobel Prize
for Medicine for their discovery and
development of iPS cells, which allow almost any cell in the body to be
reprogrammed into a stem cell. Using these as a source would lower the
risk of immune-system rejection as
the patients own cells can be used,
and this also sidesteps ethical objections to the use of embryos.
The first iPS cell trials with humans were on RPE cells, at the Riken Center in Japan. However, this
highlighted a key risk of the practice, as the trial was discontinued
after causing abnormal growth in
one subject.
Looking out for hurdles

Coffey believes there are two major health concerns with this form of
cell therapy. You dont want cells to
proliferate _ this is often defined as
a tumor, he says. You also dont
want cells wandering off elsewhere
in the body (such as) your heart or
lungs. But he is convinced that the
eye should remain the vanguard of
stem research, and Deborah Sweet,
editor of Cell journal, agrees.
The eye has advanced more than
most areas, she says, adding that
Coffeys work is one of the first examples of stem application and Im
excited to see it.
Dr. Sally Temple, president of the
International Society for Stem Cell
Research, believes Coffeys therapy
can enable further breakthroughs.
If RPE replacement works, this will
help pave the way for replacement of
other retinal cells, and other central
nervous system cells.
However, Temple adds a note of
caution over the current trial. A
permanent patch such as polyester forms a barrier. If the RPE cells
die (this) could cause the overlying
retina to die.
The future will have a cure ...
and more
Following his recent successes,
Coffey is already pursuing new horizons. He is globalizing his AMD
therapy through an affiliate in California, and running offshoot project
the Bank of Disease, targeting new
treatments for a range of blindnesscausing conditions, such as the inherited conditions Retinitis Pigmentosa and Stargardts Disease that
also result from damage within the
retina. The scientist is also looking
even further ahead, predicting that
it will become possible to regenerate cells in the body itself _ without
need of transplants.
I always keep sight of the future,
says Coffey.
Thanks to his work, millions of
people could keep theirs.
Story taken from http://www.cnn.
com/2016/03/07/health/using-stemcells-to-cure-blindness/

Vicki Powell
Aac Associate

Stop by my booth at the Health Fair

to see how Aac can pay cash to you.

Cancer
Accident
Dental

864-3615

vicki_powell@us.aac.com

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

7a

The Teddy Bear Clinic returns to the health fair, by popular demand. Children are encouraged to bring their teddy bears, dolls and other
stuffed animals for a health check up.

Control your weight with a healthy lifestyle

Your weight has been important since the moment
you were born and that is true as you get older.
These days, being overweight is more common than
being underweight. In the last 30 years, a growing
number of kids and teenagers have developed weight
problems. Today, one out of three kids and teens between the ages of two and 19 are overweight, or obese.
Many understand what its like to have weight
problems, since two out of every three adults are
overweight or obese.
For kids and adults, weighing too much can lead
to illnesses and health problems.

BMI
Perhaps the best way to assess your weight is to
use something called body mass index, or BMI.
BMI is an indicator of how much body fat a person has, but its only an estimate. Because muscle
weighs more than fat, its possible for a muscular
person to have a high BMI, but that doesnt mean he
or she has too much body fat. Likewise, its possible
for someone to have a low or ideal BMI but still have
too much body fat.
One way to get a BMI report is during a health fair
such as the event being held Saturday in Thermopolis.
Why Do People Become

Overweight or Obese?
Most of the time, people have too much body fat
because the body gets more calories (from foods and
drinks) than it burns through physical activity, such
as playing soccer or walking to school. Extra calories
are stored as fat. The more extra calories a person
consumes, the more fat is stored.
This happens very easily in modern life. People
spend more time in front of TVs or computers and
less time exercising. We drive instead of walking or
riding bikes.
Weight problems also can run in families, but dont
let that discourage you from making changes that
could help you reach a healthy weight. Your habits
what kind of food and how much you eat and how
much you exercise can make a big difference.
How Can Excess Weight
Hurt Your Health?
Its hard to feel good when your body has too much
weight to carry. Being overweight or obese can make
it harder to breathe and sleep. It can make a person
feel tired and cause aches or pains. A weight problem
also can make you embarrassed, sad or even angry.
And when people feel bad, they may eat more because
food can be comforting. This isnt a good idea, especially if someone is already overweight.

For all your

surgery and endoscopy needs
please call:
Vernon W. Miller, MD, PC
Board Certified General Surgeon
112 East Arapahoe St.
Thermopolis, WY 82443
307-864-2141 307-347-8115

Getting help is important because weighing too

much can make you sick. Overweight or obese kids
have a greater chance of getting type 2 diabetes and
other health problems. And later in life, they have a
higher risk of getting heart disease.
How Can You Keep From
Becoming Overweight?
One of the best ways to stay at a healthy weight is
to be active. If you dont like team sports, try swimming, tennis, martial arts, or just being active in your
own backyard. Jumping rope, dancing, and running
around will get your heart pumping.
Eating healthy is another part of staying fit. Aim
to eat a variety of foods and get five servings of fruits
and vegetables a day. Choose water and low-fat milk
over soda and other sugary drinks. When it comes to
high-calorie and high-fat foods, eat them only once
in a while and, when you do, have smaller portions.
Helping Others
If you have a friend or relative who is overweight,
remember to be kind. He or she is probably well aware
of the problem. Try to be encouraging by exercising
together and sharing what you know about eating
healthy foods. Do that and you will both like what
you see when you look into the mirror.

Wyoming Pioneer Home

Assisted Living
Private, Independent, Affordable Lifestyle
Located in the beautiful Hot
Springs State Park
Medication assistance & ordering
Weekly housekeeping
Weekly linen & laundry service
3 home-style meals daily
Leisure & social activities

Non-denominational church
services
Computer room with e-mail &
internet access available
24-hour certified staffing
Sliding scale fee based on income
All utilities paid (except phone)

Wyoming residency NOT required.

141 Pioneer Home Drive Thermopolis, WY 82443

307-864-3151

Open Admission Policy Nondiscrimination

8a

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

GOTTSCHE
Your Destination is as
Important as Your Journey

Gottsche is committed to you and here to help you however you need it.
Whether you are recovering from an injury, medical procedure or just out
of shape and want to improve your health, Gottsche has you covered either
through our therapy or wellness program.

WELLNESS

Let us help you change your life.

Individual Programs for Seniors
Summer and Afterschool programs
Post Rehab Available

THERAPY

We are dedicated to helping our

patients achieve their goals succeeding in
rehabilitation therapy.
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy
Psychology
Massage

Leading the Way in Rehab & Wellness

Serving Basin, Cody, Powell, Thermopolis & Worland

CALL US AT (800) 743-0736 OR VISIT US AT GOTTSCHE.ORG

Thermopolis Independent Record, March 17, 2016

Partnering with our community

for quality health and healing

A Full Service Hospital

Dial 911 for Emergencies

Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, nestled in the

beautiful Hot Springs State Park, has provided almost 60
years of service to the people of Thermopolis and the Big
Horn Basin. Our facility offers a broad range of services
including:
State-of-the-art 64-slice CT and full-field digital mammography
services as well as ultrasound and MRI diagnostic imaging
Laboratory and Cardiopulmonary services
Cardiac rehabilitation services
Diagnostic sleep studies
Nuclear medicine
Obstetrical care
24/7 emergency room physician coverage
In- and out-patient general and orthopedic surgery and
ambulatory surgical care
Specialty medical services and procedures provided by a
variety of outreach physicians
Skilled nursing care for post-acute hospital stays

Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital

150 E. Arapahoe St., Thermopolis, WY 307-864-3121 800-788-9459
Visit our website at www.hscmh.org for more information

9a