Northern Wisconsin

Digital mammography available in Woodruff

Howard Young Medical Center now offers digital mammography services for Woodruff area women. Digital mammography uses less radiation to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages.

The enhanced images produced during digital mammograms make it effective for annual screening and evaluation of women who have symptoms of breast disease or who need further screening for abnormalities found in previous screenings.

Since the images are digital, they can be manipulated electronically for better views: this benefits women who have dense breast tissue.

Mammography screening is the single most effective method of early detection. Digital mammograms are also available at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander and Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk.

Please discuss your breast cancer screening options with your primary care provider.

To schedule an appointment with a Ministry Medical Group provider in Woodruff, call 715.356.8920; in Rhinelander, call 715.361.4700; and in Tomahawk, call 715.453.7200.
 

Does your family know what you want them to do?

Giving your family clear direction about your health care decisions through advance directives can give them peace of mind in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

Eagle River Memorial Hospital, Howard Young Medical Center, Sacred Heart Hospital, and Saint Mary’s Hospital can help you understand and make advance care directive choices.

Respecting Choices – Advance Care Planning Workshops help you understand how personal beliefs affect your health care choices, what end-of-life treatments you may face, and characteristics of a good health care “agent.”

A video presentation, group discussion, and assistance in completing advance directive health care forms are also part of the workshop.

“It is important for everyone age 18 and older to have advance directives, so there is no question about the care you want,” said Patti Zaremba, RN, HYMC. “Start a conversation today with family and friends about the emergency care you want, and when you are ready, attend one of our Advance Care Planning Workshops.”

You can attend a free workshop at:

• Eagle River Memorial Hospital (Medical Arts Building), Eagle River first and third Friday of each month, 10:30 a.m.
• Howard Young Medical Center (One Penny Place), Woodruff second Thursday of each month, 10 a.m.
• Sacred Heart Hospital (Spruce Room) Tomahawk third Thursday of each month, 6 p.m.
• Saint Mary’s Hospital (Conference Room 1) Rhinelander first Thursday of each month, 1:30 p.m.

“People may think they are too young to start this process, but accidents know no age,” said Lisa Becker, ERMH social worker. “Talking to family and friends, religious advisors, and health care providers now will ensure you get the care you desire.”

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their health care decisions.

Call for more information: 715.479.0286 in Eagle River; 715.356.8877 in Woodruff; or 715.361.2040 in Rhinelander and Tomahawk.

Ministry Medical Group opens new Crandon clinic

Beginning in April, people living in the Crandon area will be treated at the new Ministry Medical Group (MMG) clinic located at 400 West Glen Street (off Highway 8 west).

“This state-of-the-art clinic will give us the opportunity to serve Crandon and Forest County well into the future,” said Stewart  Watson, MD, president / CEO of Ministry Medical Group.

“The new facility not only brings a new building, but also the potential for many new services geared to the needs of our patients and their families,” said Rebecca Perry, MD.

An open house celebration is scheduled for Friday, April 16, from 3 to 6 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend. MMG in Crandon provides high quality medical services with the personal touch of small-town life. The clinic offers pediatrics, obstetrics / gynecology, rheumatology, surgery, physical medicine, behavioral health, diagnostic services, lab services and specialist referral. Internal medicine and family practice specialists are currently accepting new patients. MMG specialists from Rhinelander provide services in

Crandon on a weekly basis.
To schedule an appointment in Crandon, call 715.478.3318.
 

Smoking cessation program means success

Freedom from Smoking has been America’s “gold standard” smoking cessation program for over 25 years.

The program helps people create personalized plans to overcome tobacco addiction. Trained facilitators help participants learn what triggers their smoking and the best way to approach quitting based on the latest research on addiction and behavioral change. It approaches the difficulties of quitting with a sensitive, supportive style. Participants are six times more likely to be smoke-free one year later than those who try to quit on their own.

For more information, call 715.361.2300.
 

Kathleen Fisher, CRNA, joins Ministry Medical Group

Kathleen Fisher recently joined Ministry Medical Group as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She works at Saint Mary’s Hospital.“I value all patients’ rights to privacy and their rights to have the absolute best care possible,” Fisher said. “I believe I can provide quality care as a highly trained professional.”

“I chose to become a CRNA because it is a challenging and rewarding career,” added Fisher. “It allows me to work independently and with fellow colleagues to provide a needed service to all.”

Before joining Ministry Medical Group, Fisher was a temporary service provider at various hospitals and medical centers. She also spent several years as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Bay Area Medical Center in Marinette, Wisconsin.

In her spare time, Fisher enjoys long distance running, swimming, biking, and skiing. This mother of three and grandmother of five has competed in more than 35 marathons and three Ironman Triathlons.

Save the date

Here’s to your health
Please join Ministry Health Care at one of these FREE events to learn more about your health and the programs and services available to you in the Northwoods.

Fourth Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair
Saturday, April 24, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saint Mary’s Hospital campus
2251 North Shore Drive, Rhinelander
For more information, call 715.361.2874

Spring into Health – Family Health and Fitness Fair
Saturday, May 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lakeland Union High School
9573 Highway 70, Minocqua
For more information, call 715.356.8368