Staying - MultiCare

2010
FA L L
A MultiCare publication
multicare.org
Staying
healthy 10
PAGE
with a chronic illness
Allenmore Hospital ~ Good Samaritan Hospital ~ Mary Bridge Children’s
Hospital & Health Center ~ Tacoma General Hospital ~ MultiCare Clinics
spotlight
What’s inside
6
Have diabetes
questions?
Find out about the
lifestyle changes that
come with a diabetes
diagnosis.
9
Gluten-free
birthdays
If your child has
celiac disease, he or
she can still have a
birthday to remember.
10
Chronic
illness
Five MultiCare experts
share tips about living
the best life with a
chronic condition.
12
MS and you
Learn about the
common symptoms
of multiple sclerosis
and the steps toward
its diagnosis.
MultiCare Health System is a leading-edge,
integrated health organization made up of
four hospitals, numerous primary care and
urgent care clinics, multispecialty centers, Hospice
and Home Health services, and many other services.
A not-for-profi t organization based in Tacoma since
1882, MultiCare has grown over the years in response
to community needs. Today we are the area’s largest
provider of health care services, serving patients at
93 locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap and Thurston
counties. Learn more at multicare.org.
HEALTHY LIVING is published as a community service for the
friends and patients of MultiCare Health System, P.O. Box 5299,
Tacoma, WA 98415-0299. 800.342.9919, multicare.org.
For comments or suggestions about HEALTHY LIVING,
please write to us at hleditor@multicare.org. Information in
HEALTHY LIVING comes from a wide range of medical experts.
If you have any concerns or questions about specifi c content
that may affect your health, please contact your health care
provider.
Copyright © 2010 Coffey Communications, Inc. CUN25582c
2 • Healthy Living
A message
from the
CEO
Who among us enjoys
perfect health? As much
as we may desire to reach
this state, the fact is that
during our lifetimes, most
of us will need to manage a chronic condition or
perhaps help loved ones
cope with theirs.
That’s why this issue of Healthy Living
focuses on some of the most common
chronic illnesses facing adults and children.
From our experts, you’ll find practical tips on
living with diabetes, heart failure and multiple
sclerosis, along with the latest information
for helping children with autism. Nutrition,
exercise, medication management and social
support are common themes no matter what
health issues you may be experiencing.
In addition, we’ve listed a wealth of resources, such as support groups, classes
and screenings, available for individuals and
families throughout Pierce and South King
counties. Many of these services are provided free of charge; others are covered by
insurance. I encourage you to browse the
listings to see if something is right for you or
a family member.
These services are all part of MultiCare’s
commitment to provide a full range of prevention and education services that help you
manage your health care needs. Ultimately
our goal is to help improve the quality of life
for everyone we serve. We can all use some
extra support when it comes to leading
healthier lives, and we hope you will call on
us as a resource to help you achieve your
health care goals.
Diane Cecchettini, RN
President and CEO
MultiCare Health System
MultiCare
news
spotlight
MultiCare Breast Health Services
receives perfect review for fi fth year
MultiCare’s breast health centers received their fi fth consecutive perfect review from the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Mammography Quality Standards Act and
Program.
The FDA found that MultiCare Auburn Health Center, MultiCare Covington Clinic and
MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park meet all national guidelines for mammography.
The annual review is part of a nationwide program to ensure that all women can access
high-quality mammography to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
Coming this fall: The CyberKnife
Robotic Radiosurgery System
The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System will be available at MultiCare Regional Cancer
Center’s Tacoma General Hospital location in October.
The CyberKnife offers new hope to patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors or who may be looking for a nonsurgical option. A noninvasive alternative to surgery, it can
be used to treat both cancerous and noncancerous tumors anywhere in the body, including the
prostate, lung, brain, spine, liver, pancreas and kidney.
The system is widely recognized as the premier system in radiosurgery, capable of delivering
high doses of radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy.
For more information about MultiCare’s cancer care services, visit multicare.org/cancer.
Connect with us online
Stay with us
multicare.org
Like our page
facebook.com/multicarehealth
system
Keep in touch with CarePages
CarePages are free, private, personalized web pages that allow
you to stay in touch with family and friends before, during and
after hospitalization.
Patients and families at any MultiCare hospital—Allenmore,
Good Samaritan, Mary Bridge Children’s and Tacoma General—
can create and update a web page with their latest news to share
Follow us
twitter.com/multicarehealth
with friends and family and receive messages of support.
CarePages websites let you:
• Update your loved ones all at the same time without
Subscribe to health
multicare.org/health-newsletter
Go mobile
m.multicare.org
repeated phone calls or e-mails.
The Healthy Living Blog:
Join the conversation
The Healthy Living Blog offers expanded features and information re-
• Create web pages that are not open to the general public.
lated to the printed version, interactive
• Send comments and compliments to caregivers.
features related to health and wellness,
• Share photos, contact information, visiting hours and other
and the opportunity to provide feed-
information on your schedule.
CarePages provide a free, convenient way for you to keep
loved ones updated and for them to provide emotional support.
Visit multicare.org/carepages to create a CarePages website.
back with comments on every entry.
Visit hlmagazine.wordpress.
com to be a part of the Healthy
Living online community.
multicare.org • 3
MultiCare news
Help make Good Samaritan great
The Campaign for MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital is raising funds to provide medical
technology and environment-of-care enhancements to make Good Samaritan great!
With $7.5 million committed toward the $10 million goal, we now invite you to learn about
the patient care tower project and pledge your support to the Campaign for Good Samaritan
Hospital. Call the Good Samaritan Foundation offi ce at 253.697.5090 to reserve your spot at an
upcoming briefing. The briefing will offer an in-depth look at the new patient care tower and
details about opportunities for you to be a part of rebuilding your health care experience.
We honor gifts of all sizes and look forward to sharing the opportunities with you. You
can also visit our newly designed website at goodsamfoundation.org for more information about the campaign and to make an online gift.
MultiCare Regional Cancer Center
now at Good Samaritan Hospital
East Pierce County residents undergoing cancer treatment deserve the best choices for care.
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital’s cancer care services are currently housed in
the Dr. Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Center, which has been the home for outpatient
oncology care in East Pierce County since the facility was built in 2005. Now MultiCare
Good Samaritan Hospital is partnering with the MultiCare Regional Cancer Center to
provide an array of expanded services.
The MultiCare Regional Cancer Center at Good Samaritan will offer an expanded
care team, including oncologists, social workers, nutritionists and nurse navigators, to
effectively assist oncology patients during their treatment. The partnership also provides
access to the added expertise of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and its many clinical
trials for East Pierce County residents.
To learn more about MultiCare’s cancer care services, visit multicare.org/cancer.
Tacoma Trauma Trust
celebrates 10-year anniversary
The Tacoma Trauma Trust celebrated 10 years of providing level II trauma care
for the South Sound on June 21. A community collaboration overseen by the
Trauma Trust board of directors and operating board, the Tacoma Trauma Trust
is a partnership among MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, St. Joseph Medical
Center and Madigan Army Medical Center—the only partnership of its kind in
Washington.
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center rotate
the location for the trauma service daily. Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint
Base Lewis-McChord is also an essential partner in this relationship, providing
trauma services for the southern part of the county.
Emergency medical service providers complete this finely honed system of
trauma care, forming a safety net for the critically injured.
4 • Healthy Living
MultiCare news
Research Institute to unite MultiCare’s research efforts
For more than 25 years, MultiCare Health System has been involved with research and continues to participate in research trials through
a variety of channels, including federally funded studies, industry-sponsored trials and investigator-initiated trials, along with trials done
in conjunction with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
The new MultiCare Health System Research Institute will gather all of MultiCare’s research efforts into a single program under a
unifi ed structure.
For more information, visit multicare.org/multicare-research-institute.
MULTICARE GOOD SAMARITAN
New docs
on the block
Jeffrey D. Bastar, CNIM
Neuromonitor technology
Northwest Neurodiagnostics, Inc.
Ashraf M. Elsayegh, MD
Pulmonary diseases
CompHealth
Arthur Knodel, MD
Pulmonary diseases and critical care
MultiCare Medical Associates
Richard Landrigan, MD
Urology
CompHealth
Edward J. LeDoux, MD
Pulmonary diseases and critical care
MultiCare Medical Associates
New health care services
coming to Bonney Lake
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, in partnership with community physicians and Cogdell
Spencer Erdman, a national integrated health care facilities company, plans to increase
health care services offered in Bonney Lake with the construction of a new medical offi ce
building.
The new three-story, 58,500-square-foot building will be located near the intersection of
South Prairie Road East and Highway 410. Good Samaritan Hospital will serve as the anchor
tenant, offering many services, including orthopedics, physical therapy, obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, oncology, and a laboratory and pharmacy.
Physician group partners will include Sound Family Medicine, Sound Family Medicine
Same-Day Clinic, Woodcreek Healthcare, Cascade Eye & Skin Center, Foot & Ankle Specialists of Bonney Lake, and Diagnostic Imaging Northwest.
The new facility will open in summer 2011.
Babith Mankidy, MD
Pulmonary diseases and critical care
MultiCare Medical Associates
Podiatry services now at MultiCare
Margaret C. McKee, MD
Pulmonary diseases and critical care
CompHealth
John H. Rowlands, MD
Pulmonary diseases
MultiCare Medical Associates
Vamshi R. Thandra, MD
Internal medicine and hospitalist
Sound Physicians
Scott Runde,
DPM
Sara
WaversveldDonato, DPM
MultiCare Health System has expanded its specialty
care with a new practice, MultiCare Podiatry Specialists, which has offices in both Tacoma and Gig Harbor.
MultiCare Podiatry Specialists includes podiatrists Scott Runde, DPM, and Sara WaversveldDonato, DPM, who will offer patients surgical and
nonsurgical treatments for a full range of foot- and
ankle-related issues.
To contact MultiCare Podiatry Specialists,
please call 253.403.7002 (Tacoma offi ce) or
253.530.8000 (Gig Harbor offi ce).
multicare.org • 5
health check
Diabetes: Your
questions answered
eACh DAY, More than 4,000 Americans
learn they have diabetes. it can be startling
news.
“They each want to know how this diagnosis will change their life,” says ronald
J. graf, MD, FAACe, an endocrinologist
with MultiCare endocrinology specialists –
Tacoma. That leads to questions—about
diet, medications, the risk for complications and more.
These questions are often most fully
addressed in diabetes education classes. But
a few frequently asked questions are briefly
answered here.
Why is exercise important?
diabetes will eventually require insulin treatexercise can lower blood sugar levels and ment to help control elevated blood glucose
help with insulin resistance, which occurs with levels,” Dr. graf says.
type 2 diabetes—the type often related to
obesity. insulin resistance means the body has Will I be able to avoid
diabetes complications?
a hard time using the insulin it makes.
Most people who follow their
“exercise can overcome
health care team’s advice can
much of that insulin
have relatively healthy
resistance, as well
lives. says Dr. graf:
as burn some of
“living with diabetes
the calories we
usually means makconsume in our
ing some lifestyle
diet and store
changes and some
in our fat,”
sacrifices. But
Dr. graf says.
Will I have to give up sweets?
these changes are
That can lead
A healthful diet is crucial. it’s low in
usually for the
to weight loss,
saturated fats and trans fats. And it contains which in turn
better and can lead
balanced portions of proteins and carbohy- may lead to less
to a healthier and
drates, including sugars. insulin resislonger life.”
“it’s the carbohy- tance. it may also
drates that have improve high blood
the major efpressure and abnormal
fect on one’s cholesterol levels, which
blood sugar often occur in people with diabetes.
level, but
even simple Will I need to take medication?
People with type 1 diabetes must take
sugars and
insulin. People with type 2 diabetes often
sweets are
can control their disease with proper diet
allowed
and exercise. With time, though, they may
in limited
need one or more medications.
amounts,”
“Frequently, even those with type 2
Dr. graf says.
MultiCare offers support to people with diabetes
MultiCare’s chronic disease management program is currently focused on
working with patients who are managing
diabetes.
We offer a number of support services
as part of their ongoing care, including:
6 • Healthy Living
• Phone calls to patients to schedule followup appointments
• Completing lab work and other tests before appointments so patients get results
sooner
• Group visits that offer patients the chance
to interact with others managing diabetes
• Free “Living Well With Chronic Conditions”
workshops
For more information about MultiCare’s
chronic disease management program,
call 253.830.3309.
heart health
HEALTH TIP:
Heart failure can’t be cured,
but it can be managed with
careful monitoring of diet,
lifestyle habits and medication.
Heart failure
Learning the facts
When A CAr engine fails, that usually
means it stops running. so when a heart fails,
does it stop too? Actually, no.
“Many people misunderstand heart failure
because of the name,” says kathy ueland,
rn, heart Failure educator in MultiCare
health system’s heart Program. “it can be
very misleading to hear the term without having further explanation.”
That’s why clarifying the details of heart
failure often starts with clearing up the misunderstandings.
What heart failure is not
heart failure isn’t:
A stopped heart. it doesn’t mean your
heart is no longer beating.
What actually happens is that either your
heart becomes weak and can’t pump enough
blood to meet your body’s needs, or your
heart stiffens and is unable to relax to fill with
enough blood. in both cases the heart keeps
going, but not at the rate that it should. This
means your body is robbed of the nutrients
and oxygen it needs to function properly,
which can lead to problems with your brain,
kidneys and lungs.
An acute event. “People oftentimes think
heart failure is an isolated incident, such as a
heart attack,” ueland says. But heart failure
is not a single event; it’s a chronic disease like
diabetes. it comes on slowly—in stages—and
it lasts for life. it results from diseases that
damage the heart, such as coronary artery
disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. As
the disease begins, there may be no symptoms. But in later stages you begin to have
shortness of breath, fatigue and/or swelling in
your limbs.
A death sentence. heart failure is a very
serious condition. While it can lead to an early
death if it’s left untreated, healthy choices can
help people with heart failure live well.
“it can be managed with diet, lifestyle
changes and medication,” ueland says.
ueland advises her patients to eat a lowsodium diet, lower their blood pressure,
monitor their weight daily, stay active, take
medications as instructed and visit the doctor
regularly.
Are you at risk
for heart disease?
Take our online assessment at multicare.org/
heart-disease-risk to
learn more about the risks
for heart disease.
MultiCare’s
Heart Failure
Clinic
The Heart Failure Clinic at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
offers testing, education and support for those with heart failure or
those who are deemed at risk.
Services include:
• Medication counseling
• Diet and exercise education
• A fi ve-week educational support
group for patients and their family
members
For more information, call
253.403.4590.
multicare.org
multicare.org • 7
children’s health
Living with autism
AuTisM, knoWn oFFiCiAllY as
autism spectrum disorder, can range from
mild to severe.
“each child is very different,” says Dawn
heino, an occupational therapist at the
Children’s Therapy unit (CTu) at MultiCare good samaritan hospital. “it’s one
diagnosis, but it’s really many things.”
no matter where a child’s autism falls on
the spectrum, there are several important
things for their families to know.
Early intervention is key
There are a variety of therapeutic approaches for autism. experts agree that the
earlier this therapeutic intervention begins,
the better.
“it is so critical to have the earliest
intervention possible—on all fronts possible,” says Amy Prezbindowski, PhD, a
psychologist with CTu. “All elements of a
child’s life are important,” she says, including relatives, other caretakers and the child’s
school.
But this intervention doesn’t all have to
be in the form of structured therapy sessions, heino says.
“it doesn’t have to be just ‘therapy
time,’” she says. “it could be dinnertime,
working on socialization, sharing or taking
turns.”
8 • Healthy Living
Caring for your other children
it’s very easy for parents of a child with
autism to give most of their attention to that
child. But it’s important to give other children in the family some of their time too.
“Find some special time for the other
children,” says heino, whether it’s reading
together every evening or taking them to
the park once a week.
Both Dr. Prezbindowski and heino
encourage families to educate other children about autism and, if it’s something
that interests them and that they are willing
to do, get them actively involved with their
sibling’s therapy.
getting your nonautistic children involved in a group designed for siblings of
children with autism, such as CTu’s sibshop group, can also be helpful and provide
them with a chance to interact with other
kids who can relate to the situation.
Finding support
it’s just as important for parents to remember to take care of themselves. one important piece of this is remaining active and
involved with friends and the community.
“Most people do better when they’re not
in social isolation,” Dr. Prezbindowski says.
“My first step is hooking parents up with
networks of other parents with special needs.
even online support can be helpful.”
heino also advises parents that seeing a counselor or psychologist can be a great help to them.
An unpredictable future
The most common question Dr. Prezbindowski and heino hear from parents of
children with autism is, What will my child
be like when he or she grows up?
it’s an understandable question, they say,
but one that they simply can’t answer.
like the disorder itself, how well children
with autism do once they grow up and are in
the world varies. The good news is, the outlook today is much more positive than it was
not too long ago.
“Twenty-plus years ago there was not
much hope that kids with autism could make
much progress,” heino says. “now the possibility of positive outcomes is much improved.”
Where kids come first
Learn more about the Children’sTherapy Unit at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital at multicare.org/ctu.
The MultiCare Mary Bridge Pediatric Neurosciences Center also offers
services for children with autism. Call
253.403.4437, ext. 0, to learn more.
celiac disease
A gluten-free birthday
There’s nothing like a decorated cake bright with candles
to make a kid feel special on his or her birthday. But what if your
child has celiac disease? Are they doomed to cake-free birthday
celebrations forever?
People with celiac disease have an immune reaction to gluten, a
protein found in cake, bread, pasta, cookies and many other foods
containing wheat, barley or rye. This reaction can cause some pretty
unpleasant symptoms in both adults and children, like abdominal
bloating and pain, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and excess gas.
More seriously, celiac disease damages the small intestine so it
can no longer absorb certain nutrients. This can lead to vitamin
deficiencies that eventually cause other illnesses, as well as stunted
growth in children.
Shifting to gluten-free
While there is no cure for celiac disease, it can be managed well
through diet changes. So your child’s diagnosis of celiac disease
means making some permanent changes in the foods your child—
and perhaps your whole family—eats.
“One of the biggest challenges parents have once their child’s
been diagnosed with celiac disease is making the decision whether
the whole family should go gluten-free at home,” says Judy Tuider,
a clinical dietitian with the MultiCare Mary Bridge Gastroenterology and Nutrition Clinic.
Tuider advises families to use mostly naturally gluten-free foods,
such as meat, cheese, most yogurts, eggs, peanut butter, milk, rice,
potatoes, corn tortillas and corn chips. This helps avoid depending
too much on gluten-free products, which can be pricey.
Recipes for great birthdays
The good news, though, is that when you do need a gluten-free
product—like a birthday cake mix—it’s easier than ever to find
one. Betty Crocker, for example, now offers a line of gluten-free
baking mixes that are available at many major grocery stores
(bettycrocker.com/products/gluten-free-baking-mixes). For doit-from-scratch types, a search on “gluten-free” at recipe websites,
such as allrecipes.com, yields a long list of recipe choices.
When it comes to a special occasion such as a child’s birthday,
it’s nice to know that a gluten-free lifestyle is no barrier to making
your child’s memories happy ones.
Kids with celiac disease?
You’re not alone. Reaching out to others can be one of the best ways
to get support and learn how to manage your child’s celiac disease.
Connect with the MultiCare Pediatric Celiac Disease Support
Group on Facebook. Visit facebook.com and search for
“South Sound Celiac Disease Support Group.”
multicare.org • 9
Living with chronic illness
Our doctors share their tips
oFTen The one comforting thing about illness is knowing
that it’s only temporary. With time and the right treatment, you’ll
be feeling better soon.
But each day, many people are diagnosed with chronic illnesses,
such as heart failure and diabetes. These diseases can’t be cured and
are likely to remain with you for life.
Qudsia Khan, MD (right)
Internal medicine
MultiCare Puyallup Clinic
Her advice:
Educate yourself.
“Most of the time, patients
feel a loss of control once they
are diagnosed with a chronic
medical condition,”
Dr. khan says. More
fully understanding
your disease can help
you regain a sense of
empowerment. often,
the more informed
you are, the more
comfortable you
become at dealing
with your disease.
Your doctor,
support groups and
national organizations,
such as the American
heart Association, can
be good sources of information. Just be careful
not to overload yourself
with details. And, if you
look for information online, ask your doctor which
sites are trustworthy.
10 • Healthy Living
living with chronic illness isn’t easy. But in many cases, it’s manageable. With the right support—and the right attitude—you can lead
a happy, relatively healthy life. specific recommendations for living
with chronic illnesses vary by disease. But much of the advice doctors
give their patients applies to anyone with an ongoing health problem.
here several MultiCare physicians share key tips.
Thomas Frazer, MD
Family medicine
MultiCare Allenmore Medical
Campus
Scott Runde, DPM (right)
Podiatry
MultiCare Podiatry Specialists –
Gig Harbor, Tacoma
His advice:
Maintain an ongoing
relationship with
your doctor.
His advice:
Be proactive in
caring for yourself.
“The biggest mistake
that patients make
is avoiding routine
follow-up exams and
only coming in when
there’s a crisis,”
Dr. Frazer
says. “There is
much value in
a functional
doctor-patient
relationship.”
regular visits
allow your doctor
to monitor your
condition, change
your treatment when
necessary and provide
additional education.
They also allow you to
stay up-to-date with new
developments in your
disease and to receive
preventive care.
Among the many patients a
podiatrist treats are people with
peripheral vascular disease and diabetes. Both conditions can lead to
lower leg amputations.
Failing to seek treatment for
a small issue when you’re at risk
for larger complications can be
detrimental, according to
Dr. runde. For example,
people with diabetes who
have one leg amputation are
at risk of also losing their
other leg because of increased
pressure and stress on that
limb. however, that may be
avoided by seeking treatment
at the first sign of a problem.
“risk factors for more
serious diseases can be
managed considerably,”
Dr. runde says.
But you have to
be proactive.
Support for people
with chronic conditions
‘Living Well With
Chronic Conditions’
MultiCare offers numerous programs and services to help support people
managing chronic conditions. Some of our programs and services include:
• Chronic disease management program—call 253.830.3309.
• Free multiple sclerosis clinical social work services for anyone in the community with multiple sclerosis (see page 12 for more)—call 253.403.1052.
• Heart Failure Clinic (see page 7 for more)—call 253.403.4590.
• Diabetes services—call 253.403.3131 (pediatric), 253.403.1726, 253.372.7010
or 253.770.2300 (adult).
• Epilepsy management—call 253.403.3131 (pediatric), 253.403.0344 (adult).
Visit multicare.org to view all the services offered throughout our
health system.
This free six-week workshop, offered through MultiCare’s
chronic disease management program, was developed at
Stanford University and helps patients with chronic diseases learn self-management skills.
Topics covered include eating well, managing medications, setting goals, working with your health care team
and more.
Call 253.830.3309 for a workshop schedule and to
register.
Ronald J. Graf, MD
Endocrinology, internal medicine
MultiCare Endocrinology Specialists –
Tacoma
His advice:
Don’t expect perfection.
in his years treating diabetes,
Dr. graf has seen many people become
depressed because of the burdens of
the disease. But he reminds them,
“lifestyle changes do not need
to be perfect.”
Your blood sugar levels
don’t always have to be
spot-on. There’s room for
occasional sugars and
sweets as long as they
aren’t regular fixtures in
your diet. it may even
be possible to take a
break from monitoring your blood sugar
for a day or two if your
doctor says it’s ok. That
break may ease the discomfort in your fingers and your
mind. And both can be important. living with diabetes—
or any chronic condition—can
be like running a marathon,
Dr. graf says. “Just keep heading
in the right direction, and eventually, you will get to the finish line.”
Mark Mariani, MD (right)
Sports medicine
MultiCare Orthopedics &
Sports Medicine, Gig Harbor
and Tacoma
His advice:
Find a medication
regimen that works
for you.
often people with chronic
illness take many medications.
learning how to take that
medication correctly and in
a way that’s most beneficial
to you is crucial.
Dr. Mariani, for
example, frequently sees
people with osteoarthritis. Typically, they don’t
take medications such
as acetaminophen until
their pain is severe.
“Try taking the medication before the pain
occurs and on a schedule,”
he recommends. But ask
your doctor first. “it is
always important to work
with your physician when
taking medications for a
prolonged period of time,”
Dr. Mariani says.
multicare.org • 11
neuroscience
Is it MS?
You’ve been experiencing numbness in your leg and
problems with your vision. You feel tired all the time and are frequently dizzy.
Could you have MS?
MS stands for multiple sclerosis. It is an autoimmune disease,
meaning that the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the
body—in this case the white matter of the central nervous system,
which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. This causes
inflammation and eventually damage.
Fatigue, dizziness, vision problems and numbness are all symptoms of MS, as are chronic aching pain, bladder control issues and
tremors, among others. And, as you may have heard, MS is more
common the farther you live from the equator.
But wait. Not so fast. Those symptoms could mean MS—or they
could be caused by a number of other illnesses or health issues.
How MS works
“It’s quite different from other diseases,” says John Huddlestone, MD, a neuroimmunologist with MultiCare Neuroscience
Center of Washington and Medical Director of MultiCare’s Multiple Sclerosis Center. “There is no specific biologic test for MS.
There is no specific combination of symptoms. A lot of conditions
can mimic MS.”
Generally speaking, MS is diagnosed when a patient meets
certain criteria, which include two or more attacks against the
body’s white matter without any other cause. But without a clear
set of symptoms or a specific test to give, diagnosing MS is often a
multistep process of ruling out other causes.
“Not everybody gets an answer with the first evaluation,”
Dr. Huddlestone says.
The good news is people with MS have much brighter futures
than they would have had just a couple of decades ago. There is no
known cure for the disease, and there were no medications available
12 • Healthy Living
to treat MS until 1995. But today the majority of patients with MS,
who have what is known as relapsing-remitting MS, can successfully
manage their illness with medicine and lead normal, healthy lives
overall.
“Most relapsing-remitting patients can find medication that
suppresses their disease,” Dr. Huddlestone says. “Most people only
need that kind of intervention.”
The first step toward finding out if you have MS: See your doctor. While MS diagnoses are usually decided by a neurologist, your
primary care provider can evaluate your symptoms and help you
decide if you need to see a specialist.
MultiCare MS Center: A
resource for the community
MultiCare’s Multiple Sclerosis Center offers a host of resources
for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as their families.
Most of these services are free of charge and are available to
everyone in the community.
The center’s MS clinical social worker:
• Meets with and helps people who are newly diagnosed with MS
or newly dealing with their MS diagnosis
• Provides emotional support
• Offers resources, education, communication, and coping skillbuilding and training
• Provides crisis intervention counseling and referrals
• Assists with transportation issues, paperwork and more
The center also participates in or coordinates community seminars, talks and groups.
For more information about the support services available at
MultiCare’s Multiple Sclerosis Center, call 253.403.1052.
joint health
Arthritis: A quiz
ArThriTis AFFeCTs More than 46 million Americans. see how much you know
about the disease by taking this quiz.
Get moving
TRUE OR FALSE
1. Joint pain is a hallmark symptom of
arthritis.
T
F
2. There’s more than one type of arthritis.
T
F
3. Arthritis affects only older adults.
T
F
4. Being overweight increases your risk for
arthritis.
T
F
5. It’s best to avoid exercise when you
have arthritis.
T
F
6. Joint replacement is usually a treatment of last resort.
T
F
1 True. “The typical symptom of arthritis
is achy pain that progresses with activity,” says James J. Wyman, MD, an
orthopedic surgeon with MultiCare orthopedics & sports Medicine, sunrise and
gig harbor. “very often, there’s associated
swelling of the affected joint. And on occasion, there’s also sharp, biting pain with
motion and use of the joint.”
True. There are many types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most
common. if you suspect you have arthritis, seeing a doctor for a precise diagnosis
is important. “This ensures the right studies
are performed and a good treatment and
management program is put into place to
maximize comfort and function,” says Mark
Mariani, MD, of MultiCare orthopedics &
sports Medicine, gig harbor and Tacoma.
False. More than half of the people
with arthritis are younger than age 65.
“if you have arthritis that runs in
your family, you may tend to develop the
disease at a younger age,” Dr. Wyman
says. injury or trauma can also place joints
2 3 Learn more about
exercising with
arthritis by visiting
multicare.org/
arthritis-exercise.
under undue stress and lead to arthritis at a
relatively young age. even children can be
affected by some forms of arthritis.
True. “There’s little doubt that excess
weight contributes to the degeneration of patients’ joints,” Dr. Wyman
says. it can speed up the loss of cartilage and
the development of osteoarthritis.
False. “Any exercise is always better
than no exercise,” Dr. Mariani says.
“however, there are more preferred
forms, which typically are those that put
the least amount of strain on the joints.”
examples include swimming, water aerobics
and stationary biking. Talk with your doctor
to learn what’s best for you.
True. “in general, total joint replacement should be considered when
pain cannot be controlled by other
measures and the individual can no longer
engage in an active lifestyle,” Dr. Mariani
says. First-line treatments may include
medication and physical therapy. exercise,
injections, heat and assistive devices may be
helpful as well.
4 5 6 multicare.org • 13
sma r t
Take control
Education and support for
managing your health and safety
October to January
for a healthy life
Unless otherwise noted, visit multicare.org/class or call
800.342.9919 for information or to register.
QuitSmartTM
Heart Healthy Eating Class
Designed to take you through the first year of
quitting tobacco. Fee: $25 (includes workbook).
Saturday, Oct. 23, 9am to 1pm, MultiCare Good
Samaritan Hospital
Call 800.342.9919 to register. For more information on quitting tobacco, call 800.QUIT.NOW
(800.784.8669) or visit quitline.com.
Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation
A variety of education programs and individual appointments available. Program costs may be covered
by your insurance plan. Doctor referral needed.
253.459.6999
Insulin Pump Instruction
individual education. Cost covered by most insurance plans. Doctor referral needed.
• Tacoma, Gig Harbor
253.403.1726
• South King County
253.372.7010
• East Pierce County
253.770.2300
Biggest Winner Series
This 12-week program includes before-andafter health assessments, individual sessions with a MultiCare registered dietitian
and YMCA health and wellness coach,
nutrition and fi tness classes, a 12-week
exercise program at the YMCA, and a lot of
encouragement along the way. Books and
materials will be provided, and prizes will
be awarded to the biggest winners.
Upcoming series will feature discounted pricing:
• Current Pierce County YMCA members:
Normally $380; discounted price: $299
• Non-Pierce County YMCA members:
Normally $470; discounted price: $389
Visit piercecountygetsfi t.org for
upcoming sessions and registration
deadlines.
14 • Healthy Living
free
Third Wednesday of the month, 2:30 to 3:30pm,
Dr. Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Center, Puyallup
Call 253.697.4899 for more information and to
register.
Medically monitored exercise therapy and lifestyle
education about risk-factor reduction, medications, nutrition and stress reduction for patients
who have had a heart attack, cardiac bypass
surgery, angioplasty/stents, heart valve surgery or
angina. Doctor referral needed.
• MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
253.403.1058
• MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park
253.403.1058
• MultiCare South Hill Clinic
253.697.8141
free
Designed for those who have faced cancer.
Appropriate for beginning participants.
253.403.2551
Staying Safe: First Aid
understand standard first aid and adult CPr. Certification requires written and skills exams.
253.474.0600
• Tacoma, Gig Harbor
253.403.1726
• South King County
253.372.7010
• East Pierce County
253.770.2300
Cardiac Health & Rehabilitation Program
Monthly nutrition class offered for before,
during and after cancer.
Yoga for Cancer Survivors
MultiCare South Hill Clinic
Fee: $30/person; $45/couple
253.697.8141
Diabetes Education
MultiCare rehabilitation specialists.
The Power of Nutrition
free
Perfect for anyone with a personal or family history
of heart disease or high cholesterol. learn how fats,
cholesterol, carbohydrates and salt affect heart health,
plus how to look out for your heart at the grocery
store and in restaurants.
Cancer Fitness—Taming Treatment
With Exercise
Customized exercise designed for cancer survivors
during treatment and beyond.
Tuesdays, Cancer Resource Center, Puyallup
253.697.4899
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Classes for adults with chronic lung conditions.
Cost may be covered by insurance.
Allenmore Hospital
253.459.6623
Check your health
Screenings to help
you stay healthy
MultiCare Mobile Health Services
health screenings and immunizations for adults and
children.
253.697.4010
multicare.org/mobile-health-services
Heart Check Screening
for Men and Women
Breast Health
everything you need for breast health: mammography, ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy, clinical breast
exams and education.
• MultiCare Auburn Clinic
253.876.8190
• MultiCare Covington Clinic
253.372.7240
• MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park
(screening only)
253.530.8083
• Carol Milgard Breast Center inTacoma
253.759.2622
• Diagnostic Imaging Northwest – Puyallup
Imaging Center
253.841.4353
• Diagnostic Imaging Northwest – Sunrise
Imaging Center
253.841.4353
• Diagnostic Imaging Northwest – Bonney Lake
Imaging Center
253.841.4353
Save the date:
Girls Night Out
Bring your friends for some
girl time!
The evening’s events will
include sample treatments
and products as well as
delicious hors d’oeuvres.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 18
Time: 5:30 to 8:30pm
Location: Healthy Refl ections Medical & Day Spa,
MultiCare Gig Harbor
Medical Park
Fee: $30
RSVP to 800.342.9919.
A personalized consultation, a risk assessment and
basic lab tests.
Fee: Starts at $55
MultiCareTacoma General Hospital, MultiCare
Gig Harbor Medical Park
253.403.1726
Bone Density Screening
Weight Management
Comprehensive DexA screening for osteoporosis.
• MultiCare Auburn Clinic
253.876.8190
• MultiCare Covington Clinic
253.372.7240
• MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park
253.530.8083
• Carol Milgard Breast Center inTacoma
253.759.2622
• Diagnostic Imaging Northwest – Puyallup
Imaging Center
253.841.4353
• Diagnostic Imaging Northwest – Sunrise
Imaging Center
253.841.4353
• Diagnostic Imaging Northwest – Bonney Lake
Imaging Center
253.841.4353
• Body Composition Testing
Check your body fat percentage and lean mass
percentage, and set a goal for your weight.
Fee: $20
• Resting Metabolic Rate Screening
get the exact measurements you need to successfully
lose weight. The comprehensive target calorie report
will show you how to eat the maximum amount of
food and still lose weight.
Fee: $50
• Nutrition Counseling
nutrition counseling sessions offered by MultiCare
dietitians, tailored to meet your individual needs.
Fee: $30/30 minutes
$150 for six 30-minute sessions
• Gig Harbor 253.530.8974
• Puyallup 253.403.7897 or michele.schaper@
multicare.org
• Tacoma 253.403.1503
Get a handle on your health
free
What can you do to improve your chances of a healthy life now
and in the future? MultiCare clinics and the Auburn Valley
YMCA invite you to explore the possibilities at these informative seminars. Advance registration is required.
Date/time: Wednesday, Oct. 27, 5:30 to 7pm
Location: Auburn Valley YMCA, 1620 Perimeter Road SW,
Auburn
Topic: Women’s health
Speaker: Laura Sporl, MD, obstetrics/gynecology, MultiCare
Women’s Center – Northshore
Call 800.342.9919 or visit multicare.org for information or
to register.
Family health
and safety
Classes and resources to help keep
your kids safe and healthy
Custom-Fit Helmets
Bring in your helmet and have our trained staff
custom fit it. Wearer must be present.
• Kent (sales), Tacoma (fi ttings only, by
appointment)
253.403.1234
multicare.org/childhoodsafety
• Puyallup: MultiCare Celebrate Seniority Office,
1401 E. Main (sales and fi ttings)
253.697.7385
Call for prices and times.
PowerCook: A Month of Healthy Meals
Children’s Asthma Education
free
education for children with asthma and
their families.
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center
253.403.3131
Life Jacket Loans
free
Free life jacket loaners available year-round.
loaned for up to one week. limited quantities.
Wearer must be present.
Kent, Tacoma
253.403.1234
multicare.org/childhoodsafety
This three-hour class trains first-time fathers to
become knowledgeable, confident dads. Taught by
experienced fathers, who bring their own babies,
this class teaches participants about feeding a baby,
changing diapers and supporting mom.
Fee: $25; preregistration is required.
Call 253.697.5300 for more information.
For children 0 to 18 years old in southwest
Washington.
Available at various locations.
253.403.1767 or 800.552.1419, ext. 1767
multicare.org/marybridge/
mobile-immunization-clinic
16 • Healthy Living
Fee: $35; $25 for YMCA members and MultiCare
employees
• Wednesday, Oct. 20, 6 to 9pm, Puyallup
• Wednesday, Nov. 17, 6 to 9pm, Gig Harbor
Visit piercecountygetsfi t.org for more
information.
Car Seat
Inspections
Boot Camp for New Dads
at Good Samaritan
Mary Bridge
Mobile Immunization Clinic
looking for a way to save time and make healthy
family meals on a budget? learn to PowerCook!
Fix and freeze 30 nutritious meals and sample a few
finished products. Class taught by a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator from MultiCare
health system.
free
Car seat inspections and
phone consultations by
certifi ed technicians. Call
for schedules at each
location.
For more information, call 253.403.1234
or visit multicare.org/
childhoodsafety.
Locations: Kent, Puyallup,
Tacoma
free
Kids Cooking and Nutrition Class
Focusing on basic cooking and nutrition concepts for
upper elementary and middle school-age children.
sample healthy snacks, prepare a meal, play games
and earn prizes.
Thursday, Oct. 21, 4:30 to 6:30pm
Fee: $25
Location: MultiCare Covington Clinic, Classroom 2
E-mail denise.henke@multicare.org.
Children’s
Diabetes Education and Clinic
individual education for children newly diagnosed
with diabetes and their families. By appointment for
those who need further education or review. Classes,
camps and support groups also available.
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center
253.403.3131
Your healthy pregnancy
Bates Technical College, in cooperation with Tacoma General Hospital’s Family
Birth Center, offers a variety of childbirth and related classes. All childbirth classes
include text and breastfeeding introductory classes. All Tacoma General classes
also include a birth center tour, with the exception of the one-day basics class. For
Peninsula families, one-day Child Birth Basics classes are now conveniently available at MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park. To register, visit bates.ctc.edu/
registration or call 253.680.7500.
Childbirth Preparation
Class options include a six-week weeknight series,
two-day immersion class, one-day basics class, or
personalized private class.
Fee: $85-250/couple
Childbirth Preparation for Siblings
Children ages 3 through 10 who are about to
become big brothers or sisters will love this! The
class includes interactive activities and help in
setting realistic expectations.
Fee: $33/family
Newborn Basics
Important information for new parents about
baby care and safety.
Mommy
and Me Tea
A free gathering with a
parent/child specialist
for moms and babies up
to 6 months old. Tour the
Parent Resource Center
and take home a project.
No registration needed.
Date: Thursdays, Nov. 4
and Dec. 2
Time: 1 to 2pm
Location: Bates South
Campus
Fee: $42/couple
Tacoma Mom & Baby
Support Group
Free and informal. Meet with other
new moms and babies on Wednesday mornings for weight checks and
breastfeeding support.
Call 800.TG.BIRTH (800.842.4784)
for information.
Prepared Childbirth
at Good Samaritan
Five-week sessions as well as some
weekend and one-day sessions for
first-time parents-to-be.
Fee: $85 or medical coupon;
$75 for one-day class
253.697.5300
Kangaroo Kapers at Good Samaritan
This class is for children ages 3 through 7 who are about to become big brothers or sisters. The 90-minute class provides nonmedical, nontechnical information about childbirth.
Fee: $15/family
253.697.5300
Our healthy
community
Programs and activities to help build
a healthier community
Covington Coalition for a
Healthy Community
Become a volunteer for CHC and help make
a difference in the health of your community.
Monthly meetings. Call 253.372.7245 Tuesday
through Thursday or e-mail pamela.kramer@
multicare.org for more information.
Location: MultiCare Covington Clinic
MultiCare Center for
Healthy Living
Education and programs for community members
and corporations. We promote health and wellness
with exercise, nutrition, weight loss, life balance
and tobacco cessation. This community resource is
made possible by generous gifts donated through the
MultiCare Health Foundation.
253.403.1519
Sports Nutrition
Counseling
• Sport-specific nutrition
counseling: $30/half hour
• Body fat testing using the Bod
Pod: $20
• Resting metabolic rate testing: $50
• Body fat, resting metabolic rate
testing and 30 minutes of counseling: $90
Call 253.459.6999 for an
appointment.
Healthy@Work
Boost productivity and
reduce absenteeism with
this work-site wellness
program. Program offerings include health
screenings, health
education programs and
classes, all taught on-site
for both large and small
companies.
253.403.7895
Tobacco-Free Alliance
of Pierce County
Community coalition working
together to reduce tobacco use.
Day/time: First Friday of each month,
9 to 11am
Location: MultiCare Allenmore
Hospital, Tacoma
Contact brytkonen@tpchd.org or
253.798.3492 for more information.
ForYouth Development
For Healthy Living
For Social Responsibility
Stay healthy
The YMCA is unveiling a new brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact our organization has on the community so
that more people take advantage of the Y’s unique capacity to foster lasting personal and social change.
The Y is about changing lives for the better. We view participation
in our programs and services as a means to a greater end. Therefore,
through our rebranding effort, we want to help our communities learn
more about our work so we can help them learn and grow.
By simplifying how we describe our programs, we hope it will be
apparent that everything we do is designed to nurture the potential
of children and teens (Youth Development), improve health and
well-being (Healthy Living), and motivate people to support their
neighbors and the larger community (Social Responsibility).
MultiCare Celebrate seniority is a membership program for people 55+. This
senior membership program consists of people like you who are interested in
maintaining good health and vitality throughout life, regardless of age. This program provides access to health education, information, discounts, socializing and
volunteer opportunities.
Resources to help
adults stay active
Celebrate Seniority
Call 253.697.7385 for more information.
Engage Beyond the School Day
Experience YMCA Child Care at your school this fall! You can relax
knowing that with us your kids are getting their daily dose of fun,
homework assistance, character development, cultural enrichment
and fi tness right at your child’s elementary school at a price every
family can afford.
Financial assistance is available. Department of Social and
Health Services families welcome. Learn more at ymcapkc.org/
childcare or by calling 253.534.7840.
Adult Day Health
Autumn at the Y
Register now for YMCA fall programs. Activities vary by location.
Membership is not required for all programs. Visit ymcapkc.org,
or check out the location nearest you:
• Gig Harbor Family YMCA: 253.853.9622
• Mel Korum Family YMCA: 253.841.9622 (Puyallup)
• Morgan Family YMCA: 253.564.9622 (Pearl Street, Tacoma)
• Lakewood Family YMCA: 253.584.9622
• Tacoma Center YMCA: 253.597.6444 (Downtown Tacoma)
• Bremerton Family YMCA: 360.377.3741
Promoting independence for older (and
disabled younger)
adults in Tacoma.
Home Health Resources
Comprehensive in-home services provide nursing,
therapy, social work and aide care to help people
manage their illness and recovery at home.
253.301.6400 or 888.516.4504
253.459.7222
Enhance Fitness
An ongoing senior exercise class offered by the MultiCare Celebrate seniority
program designed to improve strength, flexibility and balance, as well as improve
your cardiorespiratory system.
Call 253.697.7389 for more information.
Help yourself be healthy
MultiCare Center for Healthy Living’s latest
offering is the “Do Something Healthy” lecture series, quarterly presentations taught by
experts in health, wellness, fi tness and nutrition. Be sure to attend this fall’s lecture:
Healthy Holiday Cooking 101
Learn the essentials of healthy holiday cooking while enjoying a food demonstration and
sampling healthy holiday recipes. Classes
taught by a MultiCare registered dietitian.
18 • Healthy Living
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 2
Time: 5pm (doors open), 6pm (program
begins)
Location: Jackson Hall, Tacoma
Fee: $5
Visit piercecountygetsfi t.org
for more information.
Get support
Discoveries
Support Group
Groups and services to give you the support you need
Alzheimer’s Support Group
A support group for people who are caring for a loved
one with dementia.
Third Tuesday of each month, 5 to 6:30pm, Good
Samaritan Behavioral Health, 325 E. Pioneer Ave.,
Puyallup
253.697.8400
Hospice
Bereavement
Services
education groups and
ongoing support groups
are available to help the
newly bereaved.
Call 253.301.6400
or 888.516.4504 for
information.
Lymphedema
Networking Group
Facilitated by Julie venn,
lMP, MlD/CDT.
Second Thursday of
each month, 7pm,
Dr. Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Center at
Good Samaritan
253.697.4899
Covington
Women’s Cancer
Support Group
Living With Grief Through the Holidays
Sunday, Nov. 14, 3 to 5pm
University Place Presbyterian Church
Call 253.301.6400 for more information or to RSVP.
Light Up a Life Memorial Celebration
Sunday, Dec. 5, 3 to 5pm
Rogers High School Performing Arts Center,
Puyallup
Call 253.301.6400 for more information or to RSVP.
Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer
Support Group
Facilitated by trained volunteers who have recovered
from prostate cancer.
First Wednesday of each month, 7 to 9pm, Good
Samaritan Hospital (Call for room location.)
Call Weldon Plett at 253.691.2267.
East Pierce Mom and Baby
Support Group
separate one-hour sessions for newborns to
6-month-olds and for 6- to 12-month-olds.
253.697.5300
For women who are
presently battling
cancer or are survivors.
Facilitated by shelly
Donaldson, rn, Bsn,
and Pat rannow.
Second and fourth
Tuesdays of each
month, 7 to 8:30pm
253.372.7293
For families with children 4 to 18 years old
who are coping with a
family member’s serious illness. Concurrent
groups for parents and
children.
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital &
Health Center
253.272.8266
Parkinson’s
Support Group
For people who have
been diagnosed with
Parkinson’s disease and
their support partners.
Third Thursday of
each month, 1:30 to
3pm, Puyallup United
Methodist Church,
1919 W. Pioneer Ave.
253.697.8400
BRIDGES:
A Center for
Grieving Children
grief support groups
for children 4 to
18 years old who have
experienced the loss of
a parent or sibling.
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital &
Health Center
253.272.8266
Cancer Care
Support at Good
Samaritan
Tacoma
Prostate Cancer
Support Group
A wide range of cancer
support services.
For the newly diagnosed as well as those
with recurring disease.
Family members,
friends and medical
professionals are
welcome.
253.697.4899
Food Allergy
and Asthma
Support Group
shares knowledge,
ideas and expertise with
families dealing with
a child’s allergies, food
allergies and asthma.
253.403.3131
Second Thursday
and fourth Tuesday
of each month, 6pm,
University Place
Presbyterian Church,
8101 27th St. W.,
University Place
www.tpcsg.info
Give the gift
of hope
Mark your calendars for the
24th annual Festival of
Trees, Dec. 2 to 5. This
year’s Mary Bridge
Festival of Trees, “Give
the Gift of Hope,” promises to be yet another
spectacular series of community events that
continues the tradition of raising money to
support the lifesaving efforts of MultiCare
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health
Center.
Kick off your holiday season with one of
the many festive events taking place in our
forest of decorated trees. Events open to the
public include a Ladies Night Out, Thursday,
Dec. 2, from 6 to 9pm; Kids Day, Saturday,
Dec. 4, from 10am to 3pm; and public viewing
Sunday, Dec. 5, from 11am to 4pm.
For more information, visit
marybridge.org/fot or call
253.403.3095. Or follow the Mary Bridge
Festival of Trees on Facebook at facebook.
com/marybridgefot.
Congestive Heart
Failure (CHF)
Caregiver
Support Group
support group for
people with ChF and
their families.
open to anyone in
the community who
is providing physical
or emotional care or
financial assistance to
an older or disabled
person.
Please call for class
availability.
253.403.4590
Puyallup Cancer
Support Group
For patients, caregivers,
adult family members
and friends.
First Thursday of each
month, 1 to 3pm,
Dr. Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Center at
Good Samaritan
253.697.4899
Second Monday of
each month, 1:30 to
3pm, Good Samaritan
Behavioral Health,
325 E. Pioneer Ave.,
Puyallup
253.697.8400
MultiCare Health System
P.O. Box 5299
Tacoma, WA 98415-0299
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
MultiCare
Health System
Happy
gluten-free
birthday!
See page 9.
Changing season, changing skin care
The turning leaves, shorter days and crispness in the air all signal
the start of a new fall season.
Don’t let the change in weather put a damper on your skin. Let
the skilled medical estheticians at Healthy Reflections Medical &
Day Spa help you revamp your skin care routine so you look beautiful and radiant every season.
FALL SPECIALS
• Receive 20 percent off your skin care products when you purchase a package of any skin rejuvenating treatments (chemical
peel, microdermabrasion or laser sessions). Note: Products and
package must be purchased together.
• Come visit the spa to update your makeup for fall! Learn tips
and tricks from our professional estheticians to enhance your
natural beauty with Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Receive a 20 percent discount on your Iredale Mineral Cosmetics purchase when
you spend $75 or more.
Specials are in effect through Dec. 31, 2010, and may not be redeemed
with any other discounts or offers.
MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park
4545 Pt. Fosdick Drive NW
253.530.8005
MultiCare Covington Clinic
17700 SE 272nd Street
253.372.7008
healthyreflections.org
Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/HealthyReflections.