KV Healthcare

Your Home for Health

Community

Upcoming Parent/Family Events

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Park Ramble

Every Tuesday at 10 AM North Alder Street Park

Join us for a walk outside with other new families moving through this parenting journey.

Baby Club

June 14

Baby Club Registration

Peer support group for mother with babies 0-2 years. Childcare available with registration, walk-ins ok. Free!

Family Expressive Arts

June 19

Family Expressive Arts Support Group

  • Family wellness through creative art expression.
  • Free to families with babies 0-2 years.
  • Pizza dinner provided

4th Trimester Resource Center

The 4th Trimester Resource Center provides focused attention on mothers and infants during the postpartum period for timely education, care and assistance. As an extension of the KVH Family Birthing Place, the 4thTRC works in coordination with care providers and community partners in service of postpartum families.

4thTrimester@kvhealthcare.org

Postpartum 509.933.7593 / Lactation 509.962.7388

We are located to the right of the main hospital entrance. Just look for our front porch. 708 E Manitoba Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926

Medicare Advantage Plans

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Medicare and Medicare Advantage can feel overwhelming to navigate. While the monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan might be lower, if you get sick, need to be hospitalized, have surgery, or require specialized care, you may end up paying more compared to Original Medicare with a supplement.

Unlike Original Medicare, which is widely accepted, Medicare Advantage plans usually work in a narrow network, with a limited number of specialists. Medicare Advantage plans direct you to only those doctors they have contracts with. These specialists may not be your first choice, or your doctor’s first choice, and may require you to travel significant distances for care that is available locally.

Another difference is that Original Medicare rarely requires prior authorization for services. With Medicare Advantage plans, the insurance company often requires approval for care before it can be scheduled. Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH), and many other healthcare providers, have found it difficult to get these approvals from the insurance company. Your care has a higher chance of being delayed or even denied, with Medicare Advantage. A 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG, 2022) found that many Medicare Advantage plans denied necessary medical services that should be covered under Medicare rules.

Finally, Original Medicare offers the same coverage nationwide. However, Medicare Advantage plans may only provide specific coverage in certain areas. If you move to a new area or travel outside your current service area, your Medicare Advantage plan might not have providers available.

The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15, 2024, to December 7, 2024. We encourage you to explore all your options, including returning to Original Medicare. While Kittitas Valley Healthcare is contracted with a few Medicare Advantage plans, we recommend that our Medicare-eligible patients choose Original Medicare with a good supplemental insurance plan.
Selecting the right Medicare plan can be complicated and confusing, but there are excellent insurance brokers in Ellensburg who can help. We suggest using a local medical insurance broker for any questions you may have.
You can also find assistance by navigating to: www.insurance.wa.gov/about-shiba-services.

KVH is committed to providing health care services to all persons in need of medical attention regardless of ability to pay. You can find our full Financial Assistance Policy on our website at www.kvhealthcare.org. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Patient Financial Services Department at 509.933.8657. Thank you for choosing KVH at Your Home for Health.

Michele Wurl
Kittitas Valley Healthcare
Chief Communications Officer

Home Again: The old Cle Elum Hospital operating lamp’s journey back to Upper County

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On September 27, 2022, a large crate with the words, “FRAGILE” imprinted on the side arrived at the KVH loading dock. So large that it had people guessing what could be inside. An item of this size wasn’t expected to arrive. Affixed to the outside of the pallet was a small 4×6 photograph of the contents…a large operating lamp from the old Cle Elum Hospital. As it was carefully opened, there was a handwritten note inside with such penmanship as was hard to distinguish every letter. It read, “Our family is so pleased to donate this piece of Cle Elum history to your hospital. The Fassero family were pioneers in Cle Elum…Peter Fassero was born there in 1905. After raising a family with his wife, Mary (children Delona & Donn) Peter retired and sold his Economy Grocery Store and Wrote weekly columns in the Tribune.”  The lamp had been a gift to the family upon Peter’s retirement. After his passing, the family felt it was only right to donate it back to its home. As layers of bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and many, many layers of tape were moved aside, a beautiful operating lamp from the 1930s was discovered.

The lamp was long and slender with a bulbous counterbalance on one end. This was to help keep the lamp steady during procedures as it was hung from the ceiling. Along the slender metal body, were found two switches protruding from metal casing looking every bit of their nearly 100-year-old age. At the base of the long, slender portion, it began to branch out, almost like tree branches but looking more alien as the moments went along. A large lamp surrounded by what looked like a metal colander was the centerpiece. On either end of this lamp was a framework that supported three individual mirrors angled just so, making six mirrors in all. Inside the center lamp was an intricate series of small mirrors that seem to be angled to refract the most amount of light from a single light bulb as possible. One can imagine it hanging in place and providing enough refracted light for the surgeon to see even the tiniest detail while miners, loggers, and farmers were lying on the table as families hoped everything was going to be alright.

The lid was carefully closed, and the crate was moved to storage, tucked away for safekeeping. Kittitas Valley Healthcare had a large, cast iron, vintage operating lamp with no immediate plan.

In 2024, the KVH Family Medicine – Cle Elum decided to revamp its lobby. This plan involved updating the wall hangings and removing the too-faded photographs that had become hard to distinguish, to hang posters that share the KVH values reminding patients and visitors that we all have a unified goal across all clinics, and to make it feel warm and inviting once more. With the posters hung, and old faded photographs from the area removed, the clinic was missing something. It was missing the people. It was missing the people and places that brought life to the Upper County in the first place. Turning our attention towards bringing the history back to the walls, the Central Washington University Archive was contacted. They supplied hundreds of images from all of Upper County. Combing through these images was like being transported back to a time when people worked hard out in the elements every day, where large parades celebrated culture and holidays, where boys and girls basketball teams played after school, where new inventions were tried out, and where the culture of the Upper County began.

Two large frames were secured to the walls with many photographs from that time, courtesy of the CWU Archive. They are like stepping back in time and reconnecting to the life that is rooted in that place. But something was still missing, the operating lamp. With careful planning and approval, the lamp made its way back to Cle Elum where it oversaw so many medical moments in the history of Upper County. It was headed back to where it belonged. On July 24, 2024, the lamp made its journey to its destination. After some unique engineering, it was suspended from the wall right next to the archive photos of people who may have seen it long ago. It points towards every patient who walks into the clinic doors welcoming them to take a step back in time. To the Fassero family, we thank you. We will be good stewards of this donation. To the community, our clinic is feeling just a little more complete today. The lamp has made its way home at Your Home for Health. 

Kristl Densley, Marketing Coordinator
Kittitas Valley Healthcare

AHA Podcast: How a Rural Health System Continues to Provide Essential Obstetric Services

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Prior to 2022, Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) was delivering 300 – 350 babies each year, offering the region’s only comprehensive OB/GYN services. But when its three full-time OB/GYNs left, KVH was suddenly faced with a huge problem. In this conversation, Julie Petersen, CEO of Kittitas Valley Healthcare, discusses how her organization kept its promise to preserve essential obstetric services for women of all ages.

‘Phubbing’ and Its Effects on Children

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Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

Smartphones are a mixed blessing. As amazing as they are, they take our attention away from what is right in front of us—and that can include our children. The term ‘phubbing’ describes snubbing someone we are with by paying attention to a smartphone, and ‘parental phubbing’ means interacting with a phone instead of one’s child. For kids over age 2, we do not have to be interacting with them constantly, but we do need to be emotionally available if they have a question or need us in some way, and being tethered to the phone impairs this.

When a parent chooses looking at their phone over paying attention to their child, the interaction between them suffers- the parent is less engaged with their child who may at first ask for more attention, but then soon give up. The child may become frustrated and sad and act out. Over time, this pattern of phubbing can lead to poor self-esteem and less confidence with other social interactions. Parental phubbing is also related to increased anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.

Research has shown the negative impact of parental phone use on babies, too, who may become more irritable and behave negatively when their parent ignores them to be on their phone. Studies of maternal phubbing revealed babies showing signs of stress (such as increased heart rate and emotional distress) and less effective learning. We know that simple eye contact between an infant and their parent builds brain development, so it is not surprising that taking this vital connection away can have a negative consequence for the child.

While most parents acknowledge that their cell phone usage gets in the way with interacting with their child, they may feel they ‘need it’ to be in touch with others, to keep track of their calendar, take photos, etc.  The more a parent uses their phone and especially ‘phubs’ their older child, the more that tween or teen will use their own phone similarly. Kids learn that it is OK to not be available and connected to those around them and miss out on how to relate to others emotionally.

So how to avoid parental phubbing? It takes real effort to break this habit, and both parents (and other adults in the child’s world) need to be invested in changing. Some suggestions include:

  • Have phone-free times for the whole family- at meals, at the park, while playing games, when out in nature, etc.
  • Have phone-free zones in the house such as the dining area, your child’s bedroom, and the playroom. If you have something urgent to take care of on your phone, explain this to your child and use it as quickly as possible
  • Disable notifications and put your phone on silent or ‘Do Not Disturb’ if you have it with you when you are with your child. If you forget to do this and hear a ‘ping’, ignore it (and then put it on silent mode)
  • Encourage mindfulness; pay attention and really notice what is in front of you. Even when not directly interacting with your child, make pulling out your phone intentional, ask yourself, “Do I really need to use my phone now?”
  • Work on dealing with boredom or ‘empty time’ (such as waiting in line) without reaching for your phone; you will be less likely to do this as a habit when you are with your child
  • Have a ‘code word’ for your child to let you know if they are feeling ignored by your being on your phone; this can be done in a playful manner and will encourage your child to speak up about phubbing

It is not easy to change our habits with technology, but our time with our kids is fleeting and vital to their social and emotional well-being. Being truly present with our children is one of the most important things we can do as parents. In addition, your child is watching, and you have an opportunity to be a good role model in how you handle your smartphone.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Celebrating Public Hospital Districts during Hospital Week

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Written by: Michele Wurl, Chief Public Relations Officer at Kittitas Valley Healthcare

Your access to high quality healthcare should not depend on where you choose to live. In the last decade, more than 100 rural hospitals in the U.S. have closed.  Another 700, 30% of remaining rural hospitals, are at risk of closure.  Many, many more have been acquired by multistate hospital systems, private equity firms, or other for-profit companies.  Rural communities that lose their hospitals not only lose access to care, but they forfeit the economic vitality and many family-wage jobs. Rural communities that lose control of their local hospital find that governance, the ability to determine which services will be available, and how earnings will be reinvested are outsourced to national headquarters. 

Washington state is unique for the number of independent, community hospitals that continue to serve rural residents.  That’s because fifty-six communities in Washington State take advantage of a WWII-era statute that allows for the creation of Public Hospital Districts (PHDs).  These communities made a choice and investment to keep quality care local. Residents of Ellensburg made that choice in 1960 when they voted to form Kittitas County Public Hospital District 1, now operating at Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH). In 1969, Upper County voted to form Kittitas County Public Hospital District 2. For sixty years, KVH has been on the forefront of protecting Kittitas County’s community health.  As the only hospital in Kittitas County, KVH is responsible for the well-being of over 44,000 residents who call this valley home and for the millions of visitors who pass through.  Hospital District 2 operates the Medic One ambulance service, providing the only licensed advanced life support paramedics to all Upper Kittitas County, from Snoqualmie Pass to Elk Heights.

Back in 1960, the hospital was the hospital, and primary care was provided by small, private practices scattered around the hospital and throughout the community. Today most physicians choose to become employees of hospitals, health systems, or large groups, and Kittitas County is no different.  Like the rest of the country, we grapple with healthcare access.  This shortage is worse in rural areas and undermines the well-being of rural residents. Public hospital districts stand as unique champions for community-centric healthcare and prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. As nonprofit organizations, every dollar earned goes to answer the needs of the community. By pooling resources and leveraging community partnerships, these districts bridge healthcare gaps, ensuring that essential services are within reach for all residents. Moreover, they foster a sense of ownership and accountability, empowering communities to shape their healthcare futures.

The governing board of a public hospital district is elected by the district’s residents.  These elected board members are responsible for the oversight of the operations of PHDs.  The board is responsible for strategic direction, setting policies, approving budgets, and representing the interests of the community in healthcare matters.  Board members uphold the principles of accountability and stewardship.  Throughout this process, transparency, public participation, and adherence to legal requirements are crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the publicly elected board.

Public hospital districts make a tangible contribution to the community’s health and economic vitality. PHDs tailor programs and services to address the unique healthcare needs of the residents, from preventive care to specialized treatments. By fostering partnerships with local providers and organizations, the district can create a robust healthcare ecosystem that fosters wellness and resilience.

The benefits of a public hospital district extend far beyond the realm of healthcare. By bolstering the local economy and attracting skilled healthcare professionals, it spurs economic growth and job creation, laying the groundwork for a thriving community.

From May 12 to 18, communities around the country are celebrating Hospital Week, when we honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of hospitals and healthcare workers to their communities.  This is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and hard work of healthcare professionals. These individuals, including doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, and support staff, play a vital role in delivering quality care and saving lives every day.

Hospital Week is also a time to thank our community for creating Kittitas County’s two hospital districts.  On behalf of the healthcare professionals and staff, I extend heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. We recognize and appreciate the trust you have placed in us as we work towards the shared goal of enhancing healthcare delivery and promoting wellness for all.  As we move forward, we remain dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for the people of Kittitas County.

Measles Cases Rising 2024

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Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

Measles cases are on the rise, and although numbers in the US are small right now, there is cause for concern. Measles is one the most contagious human viruses, with a 90% chance of someone who is not immune getting infected if they are near someone with measles. People with measles can infect others for 4 days before they have any signs of being sick, and for 4 days after the rash appears. The virus stays in the air and is infectious for 2 hours after the infected person has left. There is no treatment for the measles virus, however there is life-long immunity (protection) after vaccination as well as infection.

This recent rise in measles in the US is in part due to a mild drop in kids’ vaccination rates, often related to children missing routine health care visits during the pandemic. Although the current rate of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles is good at 92%, the previous rate of 95% was better particularly because that level gives ‘herd immunity’, meaning protection of those that were not or could not be vaccinated (due to young age, cancer treatment, or other immune system problems) by those who are vaccinated.

The number of measles infections world-wide has increased dramatically, up almost 80% in the last year to 306,000 cases. As people travel more, they can bring the infection home if they are not immune, potentially exposing many people before they know they are sick.

Measles spreads easily through airborne secretions from coughing or sneezing. Infection is also caused by direct contact with droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat. Symptoms develop 7-14 days later and start with profuse runny nose, cough, and red, swollen, watery eyes. Fever is often up to 104 degrees. The rash develops 3-5 days after cold symptoms begin and starts as flat red spots on the forehead, spreading downwards to the trunk and extremities. Some spots may become raised and join to from larger blotches. It is not usually itchy.

Measles itself is miserable, but the biggest concern is regarding complications. Serious complications include pneumonia in 1 out of 20 of those infected, encephalitis (brain inflammation and swelling) in 1 out of 1000 infected, and rarely, temporary or permanent blindness (more common in developing countries). One out of 5 unvaccinated people in the US with measles will be hospitalized, and 1-3 out of 1000 will die. Children under 5 and adults over 20 are most at risk of serious complications. Also at increased risk are pregnant women and those with immune system problems.

Measles vaccination is safe and effective and gives life-long immunity. Prior concern of a connection between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and possible autism was based on fake ‘research’ and has been disproven by multiple studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and the Institute of Medicine.

There has been a 99% decrease in measles cases since the vaccine came out in 1963. Prior to the vaccine, there were 3-4 million cases annually in the US and about 48,000 people hospitalized, most of which were children. Add approximately 500 deaths and 1,000 cases of encephalitis each year, and it is easy to see how miraculous vaccination has been.

The best way to protect ourselves, as well as the approximately 9 million people in the US who cannot get the vaccine due to an immune system problem, is to be vaccinated. Measles vaccine is recommended for kids aged 12 months and again between 4 and 6 years. It is also approved for adults who did not receive it as children. There are 2 types of measles vaccines- the MMR (as above) and the MMRV (also protects against varicella/chickenpox). Your child’s health care provider can provide additional information on measles vaccination.

Recursos en español

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

2023 Community Health Improvement Week

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Dr. Martin and Robin Read share how their organizations are working together to make a healthier future for our county.

This year, Community Health Improvement Week runs June 12 – 18.

Social Media & Teens

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Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

Parents of teens know that this is a tough time for their kids, and many experts point to smartphones and social media as contributing to the worsening mental health of young people. Recent research has shown that social media is not just related to depression, anxiety, and loneliness, but can cause these issues. It should be noted that no one should be on social media until age 13 (it is against the rules as well as potentially harmful), and the later a teen starts with it, the better.

When phones and social media became common around 2012, kids began spending less time with friends just ’hanging out’, which is felt to contribute to feelings of isolation. So what are kids doing instead of hanging out with their peers? They are, of course, on their phones. 95% of all American teens have smartphones and they are on their phones over 7 hours a day (excluding for academics or homework). It is well known that all that phone and social media time is interfering with sleep, and inadequate sleep is tied to anxiety and depression in teens.

The negative effects of social media include bullying, kids comparing themselves to other people’s “perfect lives”, and a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). There may also be exposure to violent or sexual content. Instagram and other social media can promote body image issues in teen girls who may already be struggling with self-esteem. Social media (including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube) is engineered to be addictive, and 2/3 of teens age 13-17 years use it, 16% admitting to using social media “almost constantly”.

There are some clear positives of social media, however. Most teens say it can make them feel more connected to peers, and those with a disability or feeling marginalized may find support on a social media platform. It can provide an outlet for creativity, and most would agree on its potential for being entertaining.

Given that there are some positives, and most teens are very plugged in to their social media, what can parents do to help their kids regulate their usage? Although banning social media outright seems tempting, this is unlikely to be successful. Knowing that just decreasing the amount of social media can help kids with body image, depression, anxiety and self-esteem, it is better to make a mutually agreed upon plan with your teen to limit it.

This plan should have scheduled downtime daily without the phone and social media, including mealtimes and the hour before bed (and ideally no phones in the bedroom). Social media should be allowed only after homework is done; this can be implemented via parental controls if needed. Setting a daily time limit for social media apps is easily done on the phone; ideally your teen should do this and look at it as helpful reminder although parental controls are again an option. Encourage taking a longer break for activities like camping, traveling, and special times with friends or family. It is good to see how much more engaged we are when we don’t have our phones and social media to distract us.

Discuss with your child what on social media makes them feel better or worse; if something makes them feel worse, they should avoid it (good advice for us adults, too). Sympathize with your teen if you have a love/hate relationship with your social media and that limiting this may be difficult for you, too. Handling social media can be something you do together as a family. The American Academy of Pediatric has a new version of their free Family Media plan which can guide parents in media usage individualized for each family member (see Resources, below).

Parents should be familiar with social media platforms and know which ones their child is using. Encourage frequent conversations with your teen about relationships, social media, and emotional well-being so it will be easier for them to come to you if they have concerns. If social media is affecting your teen’s mental health, it is time to take a break and consider talking to your child’s healthcare provider and/ or a counselor.

Resources

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.