HealthViews. With surgical weight loss, the new Nancy is healthy, happy and embracing life. News Classes Community Events.

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1 HealthViews Summer News Classes Community Events With surgical weight loss, the new Nancy is healthy, happy and embracing life

2 Nancy s Nancy Weckman from Belle Plaine feels and looks like a new person following weight loss surgery at Ridgeview Bariatric & Weight Loss Center. In fact, she laughs as she tells the story of how an acquaintance recently insisted they had never met before. Nancy tried to explain that she had lost a lot of weight and that he probably didn t recognize her. He insisted, No, I would have remembered you. Confronting serious health concerns While Weckman s physical transformation has created a lot of attention, she doesn t mind and is happy to share her life-changing story. Last spring, at age 48 and nearly 300 pounds, Nancy was diagnosed as prediabetic. That was the trigger the last straw that forced her to confront several chronic health concerns. At the time, Weckman was taking 15 ibuprofen pills a day to ease severe joint pain and six other medications to manage high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, blood sugars and more. My doctor and I had talked about bariatric surgery for years, explains Weckman. I simply wasn t ready to take that step. Weckman, like others considering surgical weight loss, first attended a free informational session at Ridgeview to learn about current surgical options, benefits and limitations of weight loss surgery, and lifestyle and behavior changes needed to be successful. Weight loss surgery isn t a quick fix, SUCCESS STORY explains Weckman. It s merely a tool, and it s really up to the individual to make a life-long commitment to ongoing health and wellness. Working with a Ridgeview dietitian several months prior to surgery, Weckman learned about nutrition and began diet modifications to prepare for surgery. The personalized care and education really begins before surgery and continues for your lifetime, explains Weckman. I will see my surgeon, Dr. [Edmund] Chute, for the rest of my life for annual check-ups to make sure I m staying on track and not developing any problems. The weight loss journey Although surgical procedures vary by patient, most bariatric surgeries are minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures that generally include an overnight stay in the hospital. The recovery time is minimal, but ongoing care and counseling postsurgery are critical to a patient s success. Ridgeview s team, which includes nurses, dietitians, exercise physiologists, a program coordinator and surgeons, provides care for each patient before, during and after surgery. Ridgeview patients are also strongly encouraged to participate in its Bariatric Support Group to get ongoing support from others who have had bariatric surgery. The support group is facilitated by a licensed psychologist who helps the group FREE PRIVATE CONSULTATION Because obesity and weight-related health conditions are very personal matters, Ridgeview is offering FREE private consultations regarding surgical weight loss to the first 30 inquiries. Call to learn more. learn more about dealing with the changes and challenges that can occur after weight loss surgery. Weckman has dropped 140 pounds since her procedure in June 2011 and is now focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Although everyone notices the changes on the outside, it s really what s changed on the inside that matters most to me, explains Weckman. Shortly after surgery, I stopped taking all of my medications and I feel better today than I have in 20 years. I m committed to my new, healthy lifestyle, and it goes without saying that I m a much happier person. I m on a remarkable journey, and I d have the surgery again in a minute, Weckman says. Is surgical weight loss right for you? Find answers at an informational session. See page 7 for details or visit Following surgery, Nancy eliminated six medications in addition to 15 ibuprofen pills a day to ease joint pain and manage high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, blood sugars and more. Before After 2, Summer 2012

3 Ask a Ridgeview Physician Ridgeview Clinics will welcome two new board-certified rheumatologists this summer. Michael Edwards, MD, and Carolyn A. Bowles, MD, FACP, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving joints, soft tissues and autoimmune diseases. Q A Michael Edwards, MD There are many challenging conditions that a rheumatologist sees, including gout, lupus and other autoimmune conditions such as myositis, scleroderma and various types of vasculitis, says Dr. Edwards. Many of these diseases stem from unknown abnormalities affecting our immune system. With recent developments in immunology, this has become an extremely exciting and satisfying area of medicine and I hope to encourage those with a rheumatic condition with a sense of optimism for the future. What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis and results from the breakdown of cartilage, which is the cushion between the bones that form a joint. This may be hereditary or may occur following trauma to the joint. It most commonly occurs in the knees and hips, as well as the hands and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is a highly inflammatory and generally much more destructive type of arthritis, and it typically involves multiple joints. It may be, though not always, hereditary. Moderate exercise, such as walking or aquatic exercises, can strengthen the muscles around an arthritic joint, and reduce stiffness and improve mobility. Q A Q A What is lupus? Lupus is another type of inflammatory arthritis that is associated with the development of autoantibodies, which are antibodies that can attack various parts of the body such as the joints. Because these antibodies circulate through the body, patients with lupus often have other symptoms, such as fevers, rashes and breathing problems. Treatment of lupus often involves medications that suppress or modulate the immune system. What is gout? Gout is an extremely painful type of inflammatory arthritis that is caused by the deposition of needle-shaped crystals in the joints. These uric acid crystals may also deposit in other parts of the body such as the kidneys. Levels of uric acid can be measured in the bloodstream, and high levels have been found to be a risk factor for the development of gout. Obesity, alcohol (especially beer) and water pills have all been found to increase the risk of gout, though this condition may also be hereditary, particularly when it develops in a young person. Fortunately, gout is usually extremely responsive to treatment, and the risk of gout attacks can be markedly reduced by daily medication that reduces levels of uric acid. Weight loss and curbing one s alcohol consumption are always worthwhile as well. Dr. Edwards and Dr. Bowles will see patients in both Chaska and Waconia, with Dr. Bowles starting in early August and Dr. Edwards starting in early September. Look for their profiles online at For an appointment, call Ridgeview Specialty Clinic Rheumatology

4 Help your family make the most out of their summer by caring for the mind, body and spirit. These simple tips are offered by the child specialists at Ridgeview Specialty Clinic Pediatric Integrative Medicine in Chaska. Eat healthy. Always start the day with breakfast. Eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic when possible. Continue to take supplements such as Omega 3 fish oils and vitamin D. Establish and maintain bedtime and sleep rituals. Inhaling essential oil such as lavender prior to bedtime and practicing mental imagery can help calm active children. Make time for family. Eat at least one meal together a day. Work together to complete household chores. Plan a special family event, from something as simple as a family board game night to a vacation. Reduce family stress. Discuss problems, define them and work toward a solution. Be a good listener no matter how small or large the problem is. Travel with ease. Stock up on relaxation CDs to listen to during road trips or while on vacation. And, if travel causes carsickness, consider using essential oil, such as spearmint, or a Sea-Band acupressure band to manage nausea. Tips for keeping your kids on track this summer Whole Family Sleep Practices See page 8 to learn about a special program where you can help your family get a good night s sleep. Thursday, Sept. 27 6:30 7:30 p.m. Two Twelve Medical Center Chaska Minimize anxiety. Teach your children biofeedbackbased relaxation techniques, such as using regular breathing, meditation and mental imagery techniques. Stay ahead academically. Schedule one-on-one tutoring or coaching sessions to encourage academic success and confidence in the classroom. Promote positive self-esteem. Model and encourage positive self-talk to create healthier, happier kids. To learn more about these and other techniques, read the Ways to Wellness handouts on the Pediatric Integrative Medicine page at Retail products and services in blue above are also available at Ridgeview Specialty Clinic Pediatric Integrative Medicine in Chaska. Located at Two Twelve Medical Center, Ridgeview Specialty Clinic Pediatric Integrative Medicine offers a variety of assessment, treatment, and consultative services for families and children. The clinic uses both conventional approaches and pediatric-specific complementary/ alternative therapies. 111 Hundertmark Road, Suite 470, Chaska Getting ready for school athletics Schedule an annual physical. If you have a student-athlete, your child may need a sports physical but instead, consider an annual exam by your child s provider. While sports physicals are offered at retail clinics at discounted rates, an annual well-child visit is often covered by insurance and the sports physical forms can be completed at that too. Often, we see school-age children for sport s physicals and at those milestone years, such as before entering seventh grade, when immunizations are needed, said Matthew Szybnski, PA-C, Ridgeview Clinics. But it s a good idea to schedule your child for a yearly exam, depending on his or her health care needs. Consult your child s provider to find out what s best for him or her. Plan for an ImPACT baseline test. If your child participates in a contact sport, baseline ImPACT testing is recommended for athletes ages 10 and older. ImPACT, short for Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, is a concussion management tool that helps in assessing a head injury by offering objective measurements for memory, reaction time and other symptoms. Establishing a baseline score aids in concussion management. Several area schools already have plans to incorporate baseline testing as part of their athletic programs this fall. Tests will be conducted by Ridgeview Sports Medicine and offered to athletes at Crown College and the following high school programs: Central (Norwood Young America), Dassel Cokato, Delano, Glencoe, Holy Family, Howard Lake Waverly Winsted, Mayer Lutheran, Sibley East, Waconia and Watertown Mayer. If your school is not listed above or your child is not of high school age, individual appointments can be made at Ridgeview Rehab Specialties by calling The fee is $5 for a baseline test. Please inquire about the cost for postinjury testing. 4, Summer 2012

5 Family Health Manager offers new features, helps users achieve better health In May, wellclicks released an update to Family Health Manager to help individuals proactively manage health. The updated product helps patients and individuals become more aware of their personal health status and helps them proactively manage their health by recommending wellness resources in their community. The online tool, featured on Ridgeview s Web site, provides individuals with provider information, classes and event details and registration, and health information all of which impact recommendations provided by the tool. When users enroll in the Family Health Manager, they access an online health assessment that asks questions about health history, health behaviors and emotional well-being. Once the assessment is complete, individuals receive recommendations to improve health, and information about ways to take action. The tool includes features such as: A place to log and track key health numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.; Action steps to improve personal health scores in key areas of wellness (activity, nutrition, sleep, pain management and well-being); and Increased mobile compatibility along with a mobile provider finder. To complete the online health assessment, create a Family Health Manager account or log in to your existing account at health.ridgeviewmedical.org. Create an account by Sept. 1 and be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card! You re Invited to Our Grand Reopening Celebrate new faces, new spaces at Ridgeview Delano Clinic Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 11 a.m. Meet providers Tour the clinic Enjoy family-friendly activities 5

6 Ridgeview staff delivers award-winning care. Ridgeview ranked in top 10 percent in nation has been named a recipient of the 2012 HealthGrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award. This distinction ranks Ridgeview among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide based on an analysis of patient satisfaction data by HealthGrades. Ridgeview is one of only eight Minnesota hospitals to receive this award in HealthGrades analyzed HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey data obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), from April 2010 to March The Outstanding Patient Experience Award criteria included overall rating, recommendation to family and friends, communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, pain management, communication about medicines, discharge information, cleanliness and quietness. Ridgeview also received the HealthGrades 2012 Critical Care Excellence Award ranking among the nation s top 10 percent for critical care and among the top 10 hospitals in Minnesota and recognized as: Five-star recipient for treatment of Heart Failure in 2012 Five-star recipient for treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in 2012 Five-star recipient for treatment of Pneumonia for four years in a row ( ) Five-star recipient for treatment of Pulmonary Embolism for two years in a row ( ) Five-star recipient for treatment of Respiratory Failure for two years in a row ( ) For more information, visit Ridgeview Foundation launches new campaign Innovation for Generations to enhance patient care has a reputation as a health care organization that s always in motion, introducing innovative ideas, advanced technology and improved standards of care, and bringing quality specialists to patients in a healing environment. At Ridgeview, care is delivered with compassion and a genuine concern for the health and well-being of our patients, says Doug Stasek, VP, Corporate Communications & Philanthropy at Ridgeview. The compassion part comes naturally as it has been embedded in the culture of the organization. The rest? That s where philanthropy comes in, raising the bar of facilities and medical technology to standards generally expected in much larger metropolitan hospitals. This year, funds are being raised to support Ridgeview s Innovation for Generations campaign to further enhance the care and comfort of all patients, from the very young to much older senior patients. By blending advanced technologies with Ridgeview s legacy of compassion, this effort will enhance care environments designed to meet the changing needs of Ridgeview patients. Technological advances will include a new patient-nurse communication system, enhanced cancer care and older adult services, and renovated patient-centered areas in Ridgeview s 50-year-old medical/surgical wing. For more information or to contribute, contact Ridgeview Foundation at or via at foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org. Again! 6, Summer 2012

7 Classes, Events & Ways to Get Involved Through Bariatric Information Sessions Interested in weight loss surgery? Attend a free seminar to learn more about surgery and get answers to your questions without any cost or obligation. Seminars will cover current surgical options, benefits and limitations of weight loss surgery, lifestyle and behavior changes associated with the surgery, and the insurance approval process. Bring a family member or friend. Attend one of the following sessions: Wednesday, July 11, 6:30 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 6:30 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, 6:30 8 p.m. Ridgeview Community Auditorium Thursday, Aug. 2, 6:30 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, 6:30 8 p.m. Two Twelve Medical Center, Suite Hundertmark Road, Chaska Registration is not required but aids in planning. Questions? Call Babysitting Class offers the American Red Cross Babysitter s Training Course. This course gives 11- to 15-year-olds the skills and confidence to be great babysitters in a fun, fastpaced, interactive format. Hands-on activities, an exciting video, role play and lively discussions are incorporated into the session. In addition, students receive engaging program materials to help them be prepared and professional. This class is taught by educators who are trained by the American Red Cross. Monday, July 30, 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Conference Rooms A & B Register at events or call Fee: $58. Includes reference guide, handbook, interactive CD, activity booklet and more. Note: Lunch and snacks are not included. Please bring a sack lunch and beverage, and snacks if you choose. Read testimonials from patients who have experienced surgical weight loss at Ridgeview Bariatric & Weight Loss Center by visiting Men s Night Out: Get a Grip on Your Health Back by popular demand, this special event will address the top men s health issues. Bring your spouse or significant other to hear from a panel of physician experts and ask questions to improve your health and well-being from a man s point of view. Light meal provided, cash bar/beverage service available plus door prize drawings. Monday, Sept. 24, 6:30 8:15 p.m. Island View Golf Club 7795 Laketown Parkway, Waconia To register for this free event, visit or call Please register by Sept. 18, although last-minute registrations will be accepted. Spouses and significant others are welcome to attend. Professionals: CEUs available for this event. 7

8 Prediabetes Education Making lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of diabetes and improve the energy level for those diagnosed with prediabetes those newly diagnosed prediabetic patients with HA1c: or FBG: This onesession educational class will provide practical information to help you: Learn what prediabetes is and how it is diagnosed Identify lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the development of diabetes Identify who is at risk for developing prediabetes Set goals for making lifestyle changes Understand continuation of care Monday, Sept. 10, 6:30 8 p.m. Two Twelve Medical Center, Suite Hundertmark Road, Chaska To register, visit events or call Fee: $20 (The fee covers the participant and one family member/support person.) Whole Family Sleep Practices Help your child or teen get the best sleep possible. Timothy Culbert, MD, and Anastasia Ristau, PhD, LP, Ridgeview Specialty Clinic Pediatric Integrative Medicine, will share recommendations about proper nutrition and how exercise, sunlight and evening activities play a role in sleep patterns. You will be given tools to encourage regular sleep routines and create a calming environment for a good night s sleep. Thursday, Sept. 27, 6:30 7:30 p.m. Two Twelve Medical Center 111 Hundertmark Road, Chaska To register for this free program, visit or call Professionals: CEUs available. Free Diabetes Screening One third of the 25 million Americans who have diabetes don t even know it and another 15 million are prediabetic. Ridgeview Medical Center is offering a free diabetes screening for individuals age 18 and over with risk factors for diabetes or who are concerned they may have diabetes. This comprehensive screening will include measuring blood cholesterol in addition to blood sugar levels. Plan to fast the prior evening with nothing to eat or drink (except water) after midnight. Sidney Jones, MD, Ridgeview Specialty Clinic Endocrinology, will be available throughout the screening to answer questions. Screening Guidelines Consider testing if you are: 45 years of age or older At least 45 years old and overweight Under 45, overweight, and have one or more risk factors Risk factors: Your sister, brother, or parent has or had diabetes. You are of Latino/Hispanic, African, Asian, Native American, Native Alaskan or Pacific Island descent. You are overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle. You have hypertension, cholesterol levels of concern, heart or vascular disease, or severe psychiatric illness. Prior tests showed you had impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. (women) You had gestational diabetes. (women) You have polycystic ovary syndrome. Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. Noon Ridgeview Chaska Clinic Two Twelve Medical Center, Suite Hundertmark Road, Chaska An appointment is required and can be made by calling Ridgeview Research Behind every new medication are the volunteers who take part in clinical research studies. Participating in a clinical trial provides participants with access to new research treatments and medical care, and allows them to help others by contributing to medical research and treatment advances. You may also be compensated for your time and travel. Ridgeview Research is looking for participants in the following studies: Asthma Chronic Constipation Endometriosis Food Effect on an Anti-hypertensive Medication Gout With Cardiovascular Risks Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea Type II Diabetes on Insulin Two Twelve Medical Center, 111 Hundertmark Road, Suite 410, Chaska Contact Ridgeview Research for more information. Call or visit Volunteer Opportunities Ridgeview Volunteer Services is looking for volunteers 13 years and older to assist in more than 20 different areas of the hospital, clinics and Two Twelve Medical Center in Chaska in a wide range of volunteer assignments. If you are interested in volunteering, download a volunteer application at to learn more about our volunteer program, attend an informational session. Sessions are held at in Conference Room B: Tuesday, July 10, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m. Registration is not required for these sessions. Call Volunteer Services at , ext. 5570, or volunteers@ridgeviewmedical.org with questions. 8, Summer

9 Fitness, Wellness & Sports Performance Simply Circuit Circuit training will increase your cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. Work through a variety of stations for a set amount of time, then quickly move to the next station. Class is taught by certified athletic trainers, with the knowledge to help you move through stations quickly while using proper technique. Thursdays, July 19 Aug. 23 6:05 6:50 p.m. Laketown Gym 654 Industrial Boulevard, Waconia To register, visit Fee: $75. Total Conditioning Want to tone up and get a great cardio workout at the same time? Total Conditioning uses bands, balls, and dumbbells for a cardio and strength workout. Work your core and more to get into shape and toned. Mondays, July 23 Aug. 27 6:15 7 a.m. Laketown Gym 654 Industrial Boulevard, Waconia To register, visit Fee: $75. Caveman Attack Class Craving a different type of workout? This class includes tire flipping, rope twisting, sprinting fun... along with a host of medicine ball exercises to keep your strength and cardio ability growing. Classes are led by certified athletic trainers with master s degrees in exercise physiology. Wednesdays, July 25 Aug :45 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 12 Oct. 17 4:45 5:30 p.m. Laketown Gym 654 Industrial Boulevard, Waconia To register, visit Fee: $75. Pilates Mat Fundamentals Class Learn basic Pilates fundamentals needed to properly perform Pilates mat exercises and benefit from the instructors knowledge of muscle development, movement and injury prevention. Mondays, Aug. 13 Sept :45 p.m. Laketown Gym 654 Industrial Boulevard, Waconia To register, visit Fee: $75. Mondays, Aug. 13 Sept. 17 8:15 9 p.m. Pilates Mat Continuation Class This class builds on the fundamentals class by progressive instruction in advancing Pilates mat work exercises and will introduce participants to more advanced core strengthening exercises. Class size is limited. Prerequisite: Pilates Mat Fundamentals Class. Mondays, Sept. 10 Oct :45 a.m. Safari Island Community Center 1600 Community Drive, Waconia To register, visit or register at the Safari Island front desk. Fee: $75 for Safari Island members, $90 for nonmembers. Pilates instructors are Pilates trained and either certified athletic trainers or licensed physical therapists. What s your health score? A health assessment through Family Health Manager ranks your health across 10 categories. Find out your score now! See page 5. Questions about fitness classes? Contact Nichole Gross or Carol Thurston at or nichole.gross@ ridgeviewmedical.org. Safari Island Community Center 1600 Community Drive, Waconia To register, visit or register at the Safari Island front desk. Fee: $75 for Safari Island members, $90 for nonmembers. Tuesdays, Aug. 14 Sept. 18 7:15 8 p.m. Ridgeview Rehab Specialties Westonka 4695 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park To register, visit Fee: $

10 Childbirth-Related Classes Childbirth Preparation Led by certified instructors, this series helps expectant parents prepare for the last months of pregnancy, labor and delivery. You will be given The Gift of Motherhood, a childbirth education book, at class. This series includes stages of labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, and a birthing suite and nursery tour. Please bring two pillows and a blanket. To accommodate your schedule, Ridgeview offers two childbirth class options. 4-Week Series: 6 9 p.m. Mondays, July 30 Aug. 20 Tuesdays, Sept. 11 Oct. 2 1-Day Express: 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday, July 14 Saturday, July 21 Saturday, Aug. 11 Saturday, Aug. 25 Saturday, Sept. 8 Saturday, Sept. 15 Saturday, Sept. 29 Ridgeview Community Auditorium Fee: $95 per couple (mother-to-be and labor partner). Includes childbirth education book. Note: Meals and snacks are not provided during these classes. Bring your own food and beverages or make purchases in the Ridgeview cafeteria or from vending machines. E-learning Childbirth Preparation offers an e-learning childbirth preparation class. The interactive, Web-based program includes animated illustrations, videos, voice-overs and games, allowing expectant mothers and their labor partners to participate in an independent, self-paced class from the convenience of home. Participants will be given an access code, which is valid for three months, and are encouraged to complete the class four weeks prior to their due dates. Please note: This online course does not include interaction with an instructor or a tour of Ridgeview s birthing suites. Fee: $35. Childbirth Refresher The refresher class provides parents with a review and update of birthing procedures. Call if you are interested in a childbirth refresher class. Ridgeview will work with you to schedule a session. Note: Please call early as a minimum of three couples is needed to hold a session. Fee: $45 per couple. Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is a unique experience for each mother. This class is beneficial whether you choose to breast feed for many months or just a few weeks. It can also be helpful if you are unsure about whether to breast feed or bottle feed. Topics addressed by certified instructors include advantages of breastfeeding, preparation for breastfeeding, nutrition, problem solving and returning to work. Bring a special support person. Upcoming breastfeeding classes, from 6 9 p.m., are: Thursday, July 19 Thursday, Aug. 9 Tuesday, Aug. 21 Thursday, Sept. 13 Two Twelve Medical Center, Suite Hundertmark Road, Chaska Fee: $40 per couple (mother and support person). Includes a copy of Breastfeeding: A Great Start. Note: You are encouraged to bring your own snacks and beverages to have during the class Sibling Preparation The birth of a baby brother or sister is an exciting event. This class helps your child(ren), ages 3 8 years, prepare for the baby s arrival in a positive, nurturing environment. Activities include learning about newborns and a tour of a birthing suite and the nursery. Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 11:30 a.m. Conference Rooms A & B Fee: $20 per family. Before Baby: Healthy Tips and Birthing Center Tours Planning for pregnancy? Already expecting? Learn about Ridgeview s Birthing Center through a guided tour, and get information about resources available through. Tours will be conducted throughout the event; stop by as your schedule allows. Registration is not required but aids in planning. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 5 7 p.m. Ridgeview Birthing Center, 3rd floor To register for a tour or other prenatal classes, visit or call , Summer 2012

11 Free Support Groups Angels of Hope Support Group Angels of Hope is a support group for kids who have lost a family member, friend or loved one, and who would like to share, listen and learn about their loss. Topics include Telling a Story, Talking About Death, Change, Memories, Feelings and Good-bye. This series is for students in grades 7 12 and will meet 6 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 10 Aug. 14 Faith Lutheran Church 800 Waconia Parkway N., Waconia There is no fee to attend. Call , ext. 6305, to register. Bariatric Support Group The Bariatric Support Group meets every other week at Two Twelve Medical Center in Chaska. Anyone who has had or is considering bariatric surgery is welcome to attend; you do not need to have had your surgery at Ridgeview Medical Center or Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Visit to learn more. This group meets the first Tuesday and the third Monday of the month from 6 7 p.m. Monday, July 16 Tuesday, Aug. 7 Monday, Aug. 20 Tuesday, Sept. 4 Monday, Sept. 17 Two Twelve Medical Center, Suite Hundertmark Road, Chaska For more information, call Breast Cancer Support Group This is a group for women to share questions and concerns about their experiences with breast cancer. During each support group session an educational topic, such as music therapy, plastic surgery or breast cancer statistics, is discussed. These group sessions meet from 6 7:30 p.m.: July: No meeting August: No meeting Tuesday, Sept. 18: Topic to be determined. Conference Rooms A & B For more information, call , ext This group also meets at local restaurants at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. Call Carol at for details. Grief Support Group The Grief Support Group is for those experiencing grief or anticipating a loss of someone they care about. Sessions are held from 7 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 9 Monday, July 23 Monday, Aug. 13 Monday, Aug. 27 Monday, Sept. 10 Monday, Sept. 24 Conference Rooms A & B For more information, call , ext Look Good... Feel Better This free service teaches cancer patients beauty techniques to help enhance appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Participants will receive a free makeup kit. This support group is cosponsored by Ridgeview Medical Center and the American Cancer Society. Registration is required. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 4 6 p.m. Conference Rooms A & B Please call Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group This group is for parents who have experienced a loss due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. These group sessions meet from 6:30 8 p.m. Thursday, July 19 Thursday, Aug. 16 Thursday, Sept. 20 Conference Rooms A & B For more information, call , ext Sleep Disorders Education This group is designed to give people more knowledge about sleep apnea and methods of treatment. Sleep disorders education seminars are held from 7 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5: Sleep Apnea and Treatment Options FOUNDATION Save the dates Achieving a Healthy Balance, Saturday, Nov. 3, Oak Ridge Conference Center 1970s Under the Harvest Moon, Saturday, Nov. 17, Hazeltine National Golf Course Ridgeview Community Auditorium For more information, call Information published in this newsletter is general in nature and not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult with your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment

12 500 S. Maple Street 500 S. Maple Street Waconia, MN Waconia, MN NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO TWIN CITIES, MN Summer 2012 See page 7 for Classes, Events & Ways to Get Involved HealthViews News, Classes & Community Events From