Salem Hospital: News and Events: Press Release Archive: Welcome

Salem — Beginning Thursday, Salem Hospital’s monthly blood pressure checks are moving from their longtime location in the first-floor lobby of Building B (Winter Street Building), to a new location in the first-floor lobby of Building D (which also houses the Family Birth Center), on 939 Oak Street SE.

Salem Hospital changed the location to offer close parking to people coming in for blood-pressure screening. The closest parking is available under Building A (the new tower), which patients can access through the emergency lot off of Oak Street SE or Capitol Street SE. An elevator from the underground parking takes people to the first floor of Building A, which is just across the street from Building D. Parking is also available in the parking garage on Capitol Street.

The free blood-pressure checks are held on the first Thursday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m., on a walk-in basis. For more information, call Salem Hospital's health education department at 503-814-2432.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, spokesperson for Salem Health, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

Salem Health VP honored as CFO of the Year finalist

May 21, 2009

Salem — May 21, 2009 — Portland Business Journal Friday honored Aaron Crane, Salem Health chief financial officer and senior vice president, operations, as finalist in the nonprofits category for its 2009 CFO of the Year Awards.

Crane was one of three finalists chosen from among 20 nominees in his category, and the only mid-Willamette Valley CFO honored by the Journal. This third annual event chose finalists and winners in five categories: publicly held companies, large private companies, medium private companies, and nonprofits and public agencies. The winner of the nonprofits category, Pamela Vukovich, is the CFO for Legacy Health System.

“Aaron’s really unique among CFOs,” says Norm Gruber, president and CEO of Salem Health. “He’s very sensitive in understanding that our business is about people and not products. He always weighs the patient side of the equation in every financial decision.”

Crane acted quickly to protect Salem Health when the auction-rate bond market crumbled in early 2008. By November, the organization had refinanced more than $200 million of debt and secured an A+ credit rating, according to the Journal.

“He’s very strategic and takes initiative—something you don’t always find in finance staff,” says Gruber. “When investors suddenly dropped the auction-rate bonds, Aaron regrouped and arranged financing in a very difficult market, in a matter of days. He’s highly respected among his peers.”

Crane is a creative leader who isn’t afraid of sharing his sense of humor and flair for the dramatic—from writing and reciting humorous poems to involving the executive team in a murder mystery at a retreat. And, he goes beyond the CFO role to shape the delivery of healthcare in the mid-Willamette Valley and beyond. With operations responsibilities including facilities, hospitality services, laboratory services, patient access and health information management, Crane takes the time to listen to and learn from front-line staff.

He has contributed to national healthcare policy by serving on Rep. Darlene Hooley’s healthcare advisory group, and helps to develop finance staff in Oregon hospitals through leadership in the Oregon Health & Financial Management Association.

A resident of West Salem, Crane has been married 20 years and has two children, ages 16 and 13; two dogs (Cavalier King Charles spaniels); two cats; and a horse. He is also an aspiring winemaker, having planted a small vineyard with the hope of a first vintage in the next few years.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, spokesperson for Salem Health, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

Salem Cancer Institute offers free class on naturopathic medicine and cancer care

May 14, 2009

Salem – May 14 - Salem Cancer Institute is offering a free class on Monday, May 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m., entitled Naturopathic Oncology in Complementary Cancer Care. The class will be held in the Salem Hospital Winter Street building, 665 Winter Street SE, in the Wedel Conference Center Auditorium.

Local physician Evelin Dacker, MD, is partnering with Eugene naturopathic physician, Tina Kaczor, ND, to help the community understand when natural therapies such as nutrition, acupuncture and yoga may be appropriate to complement conventional cancer treatments. Dr. Kaczor specializes in naturopathic oncology and is the current president of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

“The addition of appropriate complementary modalities to traditional cancer care gives oncologists and patients a whole new set of tools in the management of cancer and treatment-related side effects,” says Nancy Boutin, MD, Salem Cancer Institute Medical Director and class moderator.

For more information and to register for the class, please call 503-562-4321. Refreshments will be provided.

Save lives with AED (Automated External Defibrillator) knowledge

May 12, 2009

Business owners and risk managers are invited to learn more about automated external defibrillators at the AED Fair & Forum on Tuesday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to noon at Salem Hospital, Building D, second floor conference room. The event is free and open to the public.

“A victim of cardiac arrest is not breathing and has no pulse, posing the threat of brain death within 4 to 6 minutes. An AED is a tool that when used along with CPR can save lives,” said Michael Heffner, Salem Fire Department EMS coordinator. “Whether you are a business, school, church or other entity, if you don’t have an AED, you should come to this event to learn more about them.”

The AED Fair & Forum will feature educational displays, AED vendors, CPR/AED demonstrations and refreshments. AED owners and non-owners are invited to attend to learn about the latest in AEDs. The event is hosted by the Salem Area Public Access Defibrillator Coalition and coincides with National CPR/AED Awareness Week.

Attendees who pre-register for the AED Fair & Forum will be eligible to win a free CPR/AED class for 12 sponsored by the American Red Cross Willamette Chapter. To pre-register, call Nicole Garrett at 503-561-7677. Parking for the event is available in the hospital parking structure.

AEDs are lifesaving electronic devices that deliver an electrical shock to victims of sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are small, lightweight and have adhesive electrode pads that rescuers attach to the person's chest which deliver a shock to allow the heart to restart itself. Non-medical personnel can use AEDs safely and effectively with minimal training.

The Oregon State Senate recently passed legislation to require AEDs in buildings of a certain size.

“Employers should really take a look at AEDs and get ahead of the curve,” said Heffner. “Not only is it a valuable community service, it helps employees who might have a cardiac arrest get help faster.”

Entities that have AEDs can be recognized by signs or window stickers with a red heart and a lightning symbol going through it. AEDs can be found in Lancaster Mall, Salem Center mall, the Marion County Courthouse and more.

Salem Area Public Access Defibrillator Coalition

The Salem Area Public Access Defibrillator Coalition consists of the American Red Cross Willamette Chapter, the Salem Fire Department, Salem Health and Rural/Metro Ambulance. The coalition is focused on tracking, building and sustaining a local AED network. To-date, approximately 90 AEDs have been identified through voluntary registration in Salem. The coalition’s goal this year is to raise awareness, increase registrations, and double the number of AEDs in the community. The coalition also accepts donations to support its AED grant program.

Flu advice closed at noon today; information available online

May 11, 2009

SALEM — As the number of community calls has decreased, Salem Hospital has closed its Flu Advice Line today at noon.

Information on flu symptoms, prevention and emergency preparedness is still available online at salemhospital.org/flu.

The advice line was the first service to be offered under Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center, in advance of the center’s opening this fall on the Salem Hospital campus.

“Providing accurate information on flu prevention and treatment is exactly the kind of service the Community Health Education Center is intended to provide,” says Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, chief nursing officer for Salem Health. “So many people in the community donated funds for this facility, and we’re grateful to our donors that it was available to meet this urgent community need.”

For more information on the Community Health Education Center and the services it will provide, go to salemhealth.org/chec.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, spokesperson for Salem Health, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

New flu advice line now open

May 5, 2009

Note: The Flu Advice Line announced in this story has been discontinued. See the May 11 news release for details.

SALEM — Do you have questions about H1N1 (swine) flu?

In response to community need for flu information and advice, Salem Health today launched a Flu Advice Line staffed by nurses and health educators that can answer callers’ questions in any language. The advice line can be particularly helpful for people considering an ER or Urgent Care visit because they think they have flu symptoms and don’t have a doctor.

The phone number for the multilingual advice line is 503-814-CHEC (2432). The Flu Advice Line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The advice line is the first service to be offered under Salem Health’s Community Health Education Center, in advance of the center’s grand opening this fall at Salem Hospital.

“Providing accurate information on flu prevention and treatment is exactly the kind of service the Community Health Education Center is intended to provide,” said Cheryl Nester Wolfe, RN, chief nursing officer for Salem Health. “So many people in the community donated funds for this facility, and we’re grateful to our donors that it’s available to meet this urgent community need.”

In addition to the advice line, information on flu prevention and emergency preparedness is available online at salemhospital.org/flu.

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For more information on this news release, contact Julie Howard, spokesperson for Salem Health, at 503-561-5664 or julie.howard@salemhospital.org.

Salem Cancer Institute and the Dermatology Clinic, PC, offer free skin cancer screening

May 5, 2009

SALEM — May 5, 2009 — Salem Cancer Institute and the Dermatology Clinic, PC, are working in partnership to offer a free skin cancer screening on Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. If you are without insurance or unable to afford important health screenings, you may qualify for this free skin screening. Appointments will be held at the Salem Hospital Center for Outpatient Medicine and must be scheduled in advance. Space is limited. Please call 503-562-4321 for more information.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends regular skin self-exams and a complete skin examination annually by a physician. “Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancers. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year. It’s important for all adults with a long history of sun exposure or family history of skin cancer to have an annual screening,” says Michael Goodenberger, MD, of the Dermatology Clinic in Salem.

According to the most recent data (2003-2007) from the Oregon State Cancer Registry, the annual average of Melanoma and Skin cancers diagnosed in Oregon is 1,917. Additional people are diagnosed with basal- and squamous-cell cancers every year. When found early, these cancers may be completely cured with treatment.

New Salem Hospital tower offers latest in healing design - Open house is April 18 and 19

March 29, 2009

Salem Hospital will welcome emergency patients to its new building May 17, but the hospital has invited everyone for an inside look a month earlier — at its public open house this month.

On April 18 and 19, community members can see the first phase of a replacement for Salem Hospital’s aging Winter Street facility — a technologically advanced critical-care tower where patients will benefit from the latest in healing design.

Included are an expanded emergency room, imaging department, surgery and interventional suites, and critical care for patients with heart problems, traumatic injuries and other serious concerns.

“The new building is a community asset that will house the most technology-sensitive healthcare services needed by area residents for years to come,” says Norman Gruber, president and CEO of Salem Health, parent organization for Salem Hospital.

Needing a new facility
As part of a regional referral center, Salem Hospital clinicians care for patients not only from Salem and Keizer, but also from surrounding communities such as Lincoln City, McMinnville, Woodburn and Detroit.

These patients count on the advanced healthcare offered close to home at Salem Hospital — care that is more difficult to deliver in an aging building.

Parts of the Winter Street hospital were built in 1953 — before technology played such an important role in healing and before research had shown the importance of natural light, privacy and the presence of loved ones in the healing process.

Salem Hospital plans to replace the older building in phases, with this first phase — the new patient-care tower — housing services where patients will benefit the most from new technology and larger space.

Making dollars count
"As volunteer board members running a nonprofit hospital, being wise stewards of people’s healthcare dollars was at the top of our minds when designing this facility,” says Katherine Keene, chair of the Salem Health board of trustees. “We wanted this building to make the best use of limited funds, and reduce the need for future renovation.”

To minimize costs for patients while continuing to provide high-quality healthcare, Salem Hospital leaders designed the building to accommodate foreseeable medical advances for the next 50 years.

The new tower was built next to the Winter Street facility so the existing building can continue being used during a phased replacement, with minimal transport for sick patients.

To care for area communities now and in the future, Salem Hospital employed Willamette Valley contractors where possible so much of the building’s $220 million cost was reinvested in the community.

The hospital also committed to use environmentally friendly design and construction using the Green Guide for Health Care, recycling as much as possible during construction, installing energy and water-saving equipment, and selecting durable materials that require less maintenance, among other measures.

Designing for healing
Features throughout the new tower were designed using research that identifies elements of hospitals’ physical environment that contribute to better health for both patients and staff.

Based on evidence showing views of nature reduce pain and speed healing, large windows throughout the tower offer natural light and outdoor views. An outdoor landscaped

plaza provides a place of respite where patients, visitors and staff can enjoy fresh air, the sounds of running water, and garden walks and seating.

Since the presence of loved ones increases patient safety and also speeds healing, the new building allows more family involvement in healing and recovery.

A daybed and dedicated family space in each patient room allows loved ones to remain nearby during treatment.

Family gathering areas with nearby consultation rooms on each patient level offer a way for visitors to stay nearby or talk with caregivers when patients need rest or privacy. A chapel on the first floor offers spiritual solace for people of all faiths.

Benefiting from community contributions
From sounds that soothe to original art, community contributions through the Salem Hospital Foundation have enhanced the healing environment in the new tower.

Thanks to the efforts of the Foundation and the Russell and Valerie Bonesteele Estate, the Salem Hospital “Healing Art” collection — with more than 50 original works by 21 Willamette Valley artists — provides views of the natural landscapes, colors and textures of the Pacific Northwest throughout the building.

The Foundation also provided a grand piano in the tower’s main lobby through a gift of the Glenn, Ronald and Margarett Hogg Estate, and, through another local donation, a bronze sculpture by Willamette Valley native John Matthew Richen, designed to lead outdoor visitors’ thoughts to hope and healing.

In the hospital’s chapel, beechwood carvings by Salem artists David and Sandy Walker represent many of the different faith communities in the area, and are designed to provide spiritual solace by welcoming people of all faith traditions.

Event details
What: Free public open house

Where: Salem Hospital’s new critical-care tower, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem

When: Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Sunday, April 19, 1 to 4 p.m. (Final tours begin at 3 p.m. each day.)

Attractions: Self-guided tours, mini health forums and health information booths — all featuring medical professionals as hosts and speakers; “Healing Art” collection.

For more information, go to salemhospital.org/newhospital.

Volunteers Needed Spring And Summer For New Tower Opening At Salem Hospital

March 20, 2009

Salem Hospital is expanding its volunteer services to get ready for the new patient-care tower to open in mid-May — a major addition that will enhance medical services to the entire region.

"We're looking for people who would like to be on the ground floor of exciting growth — our new tower will be a wonderful resource for our communities," says Earlene Naylor, Salem Hospital Volunteer Services manager. "It's also a great opportunity to experience what the future of health care will provide our community, since the spacious new tower includes the latest in healing technology and patient-care practices."

Volunteers can choose to help just during tower opening celebrations during April, or to help throughout the summer.

Naylor also set up a 90-day program, so volunteers can "test drive" their experience. "Students over 14 years of age get career experience in the healthcare field, as well as much computer training; these are great resume builders for college and future work," Naylor says.

Volunteer opportunities include

•Patient escorts
•Greeting and way-finding
•Helping in reception areas

Volunteer perks include

•Free flu shot annually
•Discount cards for local and online businesses
•Meal tickets/free fountain drink
•Ongoing hospital education
•Discounts at the hospital fitness center and cafeteria
•Discount at hospital retail pharmacy (after 90-day trial period and ending when you retire from volunteering)
•Studies have shown that people who volunteer improve their health and well-being, feel better about themselves and live longer.

To apply or for more information, contact Volunteer Services at 503-561-5277, or apply online through salemhospital.org. (Click on "Services" and look for "Volunteers.")

Salem Hospital, a part of Salem Health, is one of the largest acute-care hospitals in Oregon and is a regional referral center.

Salem Health also includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality healthcare to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Comprehensive Pain Center Opens March 16th; Salem Health Welcomes Ahmed Ebeid, M.D., as medical director

March 3, 2009

People with complex pain issues will have a new resource March 16 when Salem Health opens the Comprehensive Pain Center in downtown Salem. Located at 280 Liberty St. SE, Suite 320, the center will provide the most complete pain management program in the region. Medical Director Ahmed Ebeid, M.D., will oversee the Comprehensive Pain Center which will begin accepting new patients with physician referrals on March 16.

The Comprehensive Pain Center provides patients individualized treatment plans for their pain, including medications, interventional pain management and rehabilitation. With a referral from a physician, patients can be evaluated by Dr. Ebeid, a full-time pain management physician, and as needed, a physiatrist (rehab specialist), a physical therapist, a psychologist and a spine specialist from Salem Health or affiliated community providers.

“Pain issues can be complex,” says Dr. Ebeid. “By comprehensively diagnosing patients from a variety of different medical angles, we can minimize their pain, improve their functionality and increase their quality of life faster.”

The Comprehensive Pain Center also offers specialized treatments on an outpatient basis including implantable solutions for severe pain, nerve ablation to destroy nerves that create pain sensations, vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty to treat spine compression fractures and a diskectomy to reduce the disk size and relieve nerve pressure.

Pain management is a rapidly growing medical specialty that takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating all kinds of pain. The most common types of pain treated include automobile accident injuries, backaches, cancer, headaches, neckaches, phantom limb pain, post-surgical pain, shingles, spine disorders, trigeminal neuralgia and work-related injuries.

Dr. Ebeid is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. Previously medical director for the New England Pain Institute, Dr. Ebeid has extensive experience in the highly specialized pain management field. He completed a pain management fellowship at Stanford University.

For more information, please call 503-562-6002.

The Comprehensive Pain Center is part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Give Blood on Monday, March 9, at the Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center

March 2, 2009

Salem Hospital is hosting a blood drive at its Regional Rehabilitation Center on Monday, March 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donors can sign up online at www.givelife.org or by calling Carroll Kamlin at 503-561-5942.

“March is Red Cross month and this year supplies are at an all-time low for the State of Oregon,” said Kamlin, blood drive coordinator for the Regional Rehabilitation Center. “Blood donations help save lives and we encourage people to take a few minutes to make a difference.”

The Salem Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center is located at 2561 Center St. NE in Salem. Check-in is held in the main lobby.

“Our goal is to have 48 donors give their time and blood for a good cause,” said Kamlin.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, which also includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Salem Hospital Celebrates 20th Anniversary of First Open-Heart Surgery

February 24, 2009

Salem Hospital is celebrating the 20^th anniversary (1989-2009) of its

first open-heart surgery during the Heart Fair & Forum on

Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Salem Conference Center.

At 6 p.m., local cardiovascular surgeon William Shely, MD, will speak

on “Heart Surgery: Past, Present and Future.” Dr. Shely will introduce

Salem’s first heart surgeon, John Bigelow, MD, and the first open-heart surgery patient, local resident Howard Grimms. The event is free and all ages are welcome.

“Twenty years ago, patients who needed open-heart surgery went to Portland because services were not available here,” says Lori James-Nielsen, director of Cardiovascular Services for Salem Hospital. “Today, we are ranked number one in Oregon for overall cardiac services by HealthGrades^® the nation’s leading healthcare ratings company.”

HealthGrades ranked Salem Hospital #1 in Oregon for cardiac surgery three years in a row (2007-2009) and awarded the hospital the 2009 HealthGrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™, which puts Salem Hospital among the top 10 percent in the nation for coronary interventional procedures.

“Patients can expect top-quality care here and with the new patient-care tower the patient experience will only get better,” says James-Nielsen.

In Salem Hospital’s new patient-care tower, the cardiovascular operating rooms are twice the size of current rooms to accommodate current and future technology. Cardiovascular care unit patient rooms will all be private, spacious to accommodate family wishing to stay with the patient, and designed to enhance the healing environment. Families will be able to sleep in the room and help in the patient’s healing.

Historical perspective

Howard Grimms, the first open-heart surgery patient (Nov. 7, 1989), recalls that he had more than 90 percent blockage shown in an angiogram.

“I had congestion walking up hills, but nothing serious. I never had a heart attack,” says Grimms. Doctors suspected heart issues while treating Grimms for a kidney stone. Grimms took a treadmill test and confirmed their suspicions. “My dad died of his fifth heart attack, and I thought that would be my nemesis,” says Grimms.

After having triple-bypass surgery, “I changed my life around. I eat better, walk a lot and don’t eat a bunch of hamburgers,” says Grimms. “I started eating oatmeal every day, and more salmon. I see my doctor regularly and have had no recurrences the past 20 years.”

Today, Grimms, almost 85, walks regularly and golfs 18 holes, three times a week as weather allows.

John Bigelow, MD, participated in much of the ground work that got the open-heart surgery program established in Salem. A surgeon with Northwest Surgical Associates in Portland, he and a few of his team members, worked with Salem Hospital’s administration and within three months, needed only occasional coverage from his Portland team.

“We had fantastic support by the administration,” says Bigelow. “By the time we got the okay from the state, we had about 50 people involved in the effort…about 20 of those for the immediate surgery preparations.”

“It worked out as we had hoped with results remaining standard for the team,” says Bigelow. “The new operation didn’t impact mortality or complications and that was satisfying to us.”

During the first year, as many as 100 cardiac patients needing surgery were referred to Salem Hospital. The intensive care unit was remodeled to accommodate the new services and new equipment.

Last year, more than 450 heart surgeries were performed at Salem Hospital.

Heart Fair & Forum

To learn more about cardiovascular health and to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Salem Hospital’s first open-heart surgery, all are welcome to the Heart Fair & Forum.

At the Heart Fair & Forum, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., attendees can experience a cooking demo from Executive Chef Tory Knaus of the Salem Conference Center, red-wine tasting with wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards, hors d’oeuvres and more than 20 exhibits highlighting the latest in cardiovascular health.

At 5:30 p.m., local cardiologist Kyong Turk, MD, will speak on “The Facts and Myths about Herbs and Alternative Medicines for Heart Care.” At 6 p.m., local cardiovascular surgeon William Shely, MD, will speak on “Heart Surgery: Past, Present and Future.” National speaker and humorous nutritionist David Meinz, MS, RD, will deliver a content-rich, fun and funny program on strategies for a heart-healthy life from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Meinz is author of the book “Survival of The Fittest.” He has a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Missouri, is a registered dietitian and is a fellow in the American Dietetic Association.

Pre-registration for the Heart Fair & Forum is encouraged, but not required. To pre-register and be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Survival of the Fittest and a 60-minute massage, call Salem Hospital’s Health Education department at 503-561-5138. The winner will be announced before the David Meinz presentation. Free parking for the event is available at the Salem Conference Center.

West Valley Hospital Hosts "Go Red for Women" Heart Event

February 18, 2009

West Valley Hospital is hosting the “Go Red for Women” heart event on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the West Valley Hospital conference room, 525 SE Washington St., in Dallas. Learn about heart disease by browsing displays, getting your blood pressure checked and receiving a free cholesterol screening (fasting recommended). Nutritious snacks will be provided. The event is free and all ages are welcome.

Go Red for Women is a national event supported by the American Heart Association focused on raising awareness in women about cardiovascular disease. Heart disease in women may have different symptoms than in men. It is the number one killer of women in America.

West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

Salem Hospital Heart Fair & Forum Slated for Feb. 25; Humorous Nutritionist and National Speaker David Meinz Keynotes Event

February 16, 2009

Salem Hospital is hosting the Heart Fair & Forum on Feb. 25, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., at the Salem Conference Center. Keynote speaker David Meinz, MS, RD, will speak on being “Young at Heart” with tips on how to get more energy and maximize your health in today’s hectic lifestyle.The event is free and all ages are welcome.

From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., attendees can experience a cooking demo from Executive Chef Tory Knaus of the Salem Conference Center, red wine tasting with wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards, hors d’oeuvres and more than 20 exhibits highlighting the latest in cardiovascular health.

At 5:30 p.m., local cardiologist Kyong Turk, M.D., will speak on “The Facts and Myths about Herbs and Alternative Medicines for Heart Care.” At 6 p.m., local cardiovascular surgeon William Shely, M.D., will speak on “Heart Surgery: Past, Present and Future.” David Meinz will deliver a content-rich, fun and funny program on strategies for a heart-healthy life from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Meinz is author of the book “Survival of The Fittest.” He has a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Missouri, is a registered dietitian and is a fellow in the American Dietetic Association.

“Anyone who has an interest in any aspect of heart health or heart medical care, no matter their age, will find a wealth of resources at this event,” says Lori James-Nielsen, director of Cardiovascular Services for Salem Hospital. “It is our biggest community event promoting heart health for better living.”

Children from Sumpter Elementary School’s fifth-grade class created art for the Heart Fair. As part of their education on never being too young to take care of your heart, they produced colorful displays of heart-related expressions.

The hospital will also be celebrating 20 years of open-heart surgery (1989-2009) at the event.

Pre-registration for the Heart Fair & Forum is encouraged, but not required. To pre-register and be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Survival of the Fittest and a 60-minute massage, call Salem Hospital’s Health Education department at 503-561-5138. The winner will be announced before the David Meinz presentation. Parking for the event is available at the Salem Conference Center.

Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Salem Hospital is ranked number one in Oregon for overall cardiac services in 2009 by HealthGrades.^®

Monmouth Medical Center Open House on Feb. 10

February 10, 2009

West Valley Hospital will be hosting an Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Monmouth Medical Center, 512 Main Street, Suite 300, in Monmouth.

Tour the Monmouth Medical Center and meet Charles P. Essex, MD, and our staff. Also, learn about our Rehabilitation Services program in Monmouth.

Dr. Essex has a new family practice and is accepting new patients. As part of his family practice, Dr. Essex offers comprehensive health care for all ages from preventative care to the treatment of illness. His services include minor surgical processes such as vasectomies and skin procedures, injury care, cardiopulmonary testing, cancer screening, sutures, wart removal and more.

West Valley Hospital Rehabilitation Services has been providing therapy in Polk County for more than 20 years. Comprehensive therapy options include physical therapy, aquatic therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine/athletic training and speech therapy.

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For more information, contact
Community Relations at 503-561-5269 or cr@salemhospital.org.