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You are invited to the third annual Joint Jaunt

Details: Published on 12 June 2013; Written by Aaron Altenburg, MD

Walking can be done by almost anyone, anyplace, anytime. It is the ultimate easy-to-do, good-for-you exercise. Research shows that walking can improve the health of your heart, lungs, bones, muscles and joints. While the cardiovascular benefits of walking are widely known, don’t underestimate the beneficial effects of walking for healthy joints and increased muscle tone.

Our muscles and joints are integral to movement and motion. The simple act of walking increases blood flow to joints and muscles, hydrates the cartilage or meniscus of the knee and other joints and strengthens muscular attachments to the bone. In addition to healthier joints and an increased quality of life, a regular walking program can boost energy, reduce stress, promotes better sleep and burn calories.

Each year, millions of individuals undergo total knee or hip replacement surgery because of deterioration, wear, tear, injury or disease. In fact, replacements are the most common procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons.

As a goal to improve the community’s overall health, enhance personal well-being, delay or prevent joint problems and to support all patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery, I have teamed up with Portneuf Medical Center and the Portneuf Valley Fun Run Series to bring Joint Jaunt, a fun run, to the community. Participation in the third annual Joint Jaunt is a great step toward increased joint and muscle health.

“If you do one fun run this season, this one is it!” said Lance Clark, Race Director, City of Pocatello. “We are expecting upward of 1000 participants this year.”
Whatever form motivation takes, the benefits of physical activity are life-long. Be sure to consult your primary care physician before starting an exercise program and if you are just beginning a walking program, be sure to start slowly and increase over time. Be sure and register for the Joint Jaunt. I hope to see you on Saturday, July 13th.

Who - Everyone is invited to do the Joint Jaunt! Come and join members of the community, total joint replacement patients, and even members of the senior games in this fun, healthy and widely popular fun run/walk.

What - Joint Jaunt has 2.5k walk, 5k walk/run, 10k walk/run options

When - Saturday, July 13, 2013. 10k walk begins at 7:30am; all other races begin at 8am.

Where - Bonneville Park, 19th and Bonneville, next to Holt Arena

Cost - $17 adult, $13 youth, $25 day of registration. FREE to joint replacement participants.

Why - Draw prizes are awarded after results are complete. Prizes will be provided by Barrie’s Ski and Sports. Light finish line food and drinks will be available after the fun run.

How - Register online at www.pocatello.us or stop by Community Rec Center. EVERYONE must pre-register by July 4th to be guaranteed a Microfiber t-shirt.

If you or a family member is experiencing continuous or sudden onset of pain in the knee or hips, please contact us for a consult. My team and I bring a range of expertise in diagnosing and treating injuries or damaged joints. To learn more about total joint replacement surgery visit www.aaronaltenburgmd.com or to reach my office, call 208-233-8344.

To find a physician, please call Portneuf Medical Centers Physician Referral Line at 1-877-721-6673.

Dr. Aaron Altenburg is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who completed his fellowship in joint replacement surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Though his training makes him eligible to work in a big academic training center, he chose to bring his skills and his passion for orthopedic care to Pocatello. He enjoys hunting, fishing, skiing and spending time with his family. He recently was honored as one of the top 40 joint replacement surgeons under the age of 40 in the nation.

On the Cutting Edge

Details: Published on 03 June 2013; Written by Portneuf Medical Center

Today’s unprecedented rate of technological advancement is transforming the practice of medicine. We can now do more for patients than any group of healers in human history. The more breakthroughs in technology, the more important it is to continue to invest and to provide the latest, high quality medicine.

Physicians who practice at Portneuf Medical Center are able to test, diagnose and treat patients with the best technology available in the medical field. Our philosophy remains enterprising, open and eager to accept new and innovative advancements.

“We are dedicated to providing our patients excellence in medical care and access to the latest technology [...] as we continue to invest in the latest technologies, physicians can be confident they will be able to provide the highest level of care to their patients.”
- John Abreu, Interim CO-CEO, PMC.

Listed below are just a few examples of the recent investments Portneuf Medical Center has made to ensure cutting-edge modern medicine is available to members of our communities.

21st Century Hospital: At Portneuf Medical Center, we recognize that to be a part of an integrated health-care system, which includes a strong prevention component and high quality, patient-centered care, we have to be here from the beginning of life to the end. As a center for ongoing health and wellness, our focus is on developing community-based programs, investing in continuous improvement and integrating technology in the care-delivery process. To that end, PMC built a 21st century health center not just through bricks and mortar, but by also orchestrating a true consumer-focused organization with a genuine, core focus on the patient’s experience and well-being. PMC delivers more choices of greater quality. We value individual health over sickness and we encourage all to become healthier.

Heart Hospital within a Hospital: PMC knows hearts – so well, in fact, that one of the nations’ foremost health care ratings company, awarded PMC a five-star rating for coronary bypass surgery for three consecutive years, making us the only facility in Idaho to receive the distinction three years running. From diagnostic angiograms to lifesaving surgery, Portneuf Heart and Vascular Center offers patients state-of-the-art care and the first hybrid cardiovascular interventional operating room in the region. PMC is now, one of just a handful of hospitals in the country with what is known as a hybrid operating room. The revolutionary room is a cross between a traditional operating room and an actual cardiac catheterization lab. Fusing together an operating room with the advances of radiology, Portneuf Heart and Vascular Center is farther ahead of the curve than most places in the country.

Surgical Solutions: Robotic surgery offers many benefits for patients and represents a significant step up in surgical accuracy and patient comfort. The precision of the da Vinci system offers desired results without the long-term recovery that often accompanies traditional surgery. The use of robotic technique in surgery is expanding all the time. Physicians and their patients have the latest in surgical solution here in southeastern Idaho.

State-of-the-Art Cancer Center: At the new Portneuf Cancer Center we have Southeast Idaho’s most advanced radiation therapy system. Additionally, by investing in the latest CT scanning equipment we have fulfilled our mission to provide the best and most comprehensive cancer care for the community. From our state-of-the-art new cancer facility to our educational programs, from our support services to our committed team, Portneuf Cancer Center was built with patients in mind. By pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer, we strive to continue the advancement of human care.

Telemedicine Solutions for Rural Communities: Many specialists ‘see' patients in their own communities by using high-speed telecommunication systems, computer technology and specialized medical cameras. PMC’s use of sophisticated telehealth equipment makes specialty health care convenient, cost-effective and accessible for those living in remote and underserved areas.

Portneuf Medical Center is Part of the Greater Pocatello Community

Details: Published on 03 June 2013; Written by Portneuf Medical Center

Being a leader in a community does not come by simply providing a valuable service. Leaders are difference makers and we, at Portneuf Medical Center know that providing state of the art healthcare is only one facet of our role in the community. PMC gives back in many different ways.

Educational Opportunities

PMC provides many valuable and free educational opportunities to community members though programs such as educational seminars, support groups, first aid clinics, health screenings and self-help programs. We are proud of our commitment to the community’s health and we encourage and support all members of the community to stay healthy and be well.

Charity

We have an ongoing commitment to provide grants and sponsorships to various organizations in the communities we serve. Apart from the valuable hours our administration, staff and physicians give to non-profit organizations, schools, community events and health clinics, PMC annually donates approximately $250K to local organizations. In addition, we provide over $2 million dollars in charity care.

Economy

As a member of the community, we have a vested interest in the overall economy. In 2012, $3,554,441 in non-tax income went to the general fund to support local schools and the community. Salaries and benefits, in the neighborhood of $85 million, circulate through our local economy and we invested over $9 million dollars in the latest software, hardware, and capital equipment to insure your facility remains state of the art and on the cutting edge of healthcare.

Outreach

Each year, PMC lab services reach thousands of people through annual health fairs. Our mobile mammography van annually provides mammography screenings to thousands of women in rural communities. We offer free or low-cost health screenings including blood pressure, cholesterol, heart-risk and sports injury. In addition, we recognize that ongoing support for patients and their families is essential to their well-being and recovery. Support groups for individuals concerned about alcohol use, joint surgery, cancer, caregiving, depression and diabetes are facilitated by hospital staff and community members.

Beyond Our Doors

Members of the PMC staff are part of the community as friends, neighbors and family members. A significant percentage of our staff members volunteer their time and talents throughout our service area. Individually and collectively, we provide support to not-for-profit organizations, community events and health clinics. A number of staff members spend time coaching city recreational basketball, soccer and baseball. We sit on boards and actively participate in fundraising events.

Portneuf Medical Center continues to find new and meaningful ways to extend our reach and improve the health and quality of life for all those in our community.