Gynecological health is a vital aspect of every woman’s overall well-being. Yet, despite its importance, many women may feel uncertain or uncomfortable discussing it openly. Understanding your gynecological health and the essential maintenance screenings is crucial for leading a healthy life. This blog will delve into the key screenings every woman should know, empowering you to take charge of your health confidently.
Jen Halvorson – per diem Surg Tech currently in the UW BSN Nursing Program, was at the Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference in Minneapolis, presenting her research poster entitled, “Suicidality and Its Connection to Rural Healthcare Structure.” Jen will also present this at the UW Health Nursing Poster Fair and UW Madison Undergraduate Research Symposium at the end of April.
Last month, she had the opportunity to speak with legislatures at the Wisconsin State Capitol for “Nurses Day at the Capitol.” UW students from Reedsburg, Marina Orlowski, Feng Wang, Jen Halvorson, and Madison College Nursing Instructor Jolan Berg, represented UW Madison School of Nursing and Reedsburg while visiting with Representative Tony Kurtz and with the staff of Senator Howard Marklein.
RAMC psychiatrist Dr. Peter Gertonson was recently appointed a Clinical Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. In this role Dr. Gertonson teaches and supervises residents and medical students. Congratulations Dr. Gertonson!
Additionally, Dr. Peter Gertonson was recently trained and has begun practicing two evidence-based therapies – Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
ART is a psychotherapy where the therapist guides the patient, using eye movements, to replace negative images and sensations, usually surrounding trauma, with positive images the patient chooses. One of the special aspects of ART is that the patient does not need to talk to the therapist about any details of the trauma. Although some trauma can be painful to visualize, ART sessions are calming for the patient and very often joyful.
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on a trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma, PTSD symptoms, and numerous other diagnoses.
Maintaining optimal breast health isn’t just about addressing concerns—it’s about fostering overall well-being and taking proactive steps toward a healthier future. Let’s delve into the essential aspects of breast health and empower ourselves with knowledge and action.
Breast health is not just about the absence of disease; it encompasses overall well-being and proactive care. The breast is a complex organ susceptible to various conditions, including cancer, cysts, and fibroadenomas. Prioritizing breast health can help individuals detect abnormalities early, leading to better treatment outcomes and overall health.
Mary Otto of Montello, Wisconsin, is no stranger to joint replacements, having several with RAMC’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Niesen. Mary had her right hip replaced in April 2023, her left hip replaced in August 2023, her left knee in November 2023, and she will have her right knee replaced in April 2024!
Dr. Niesen replaced Mary’s left knee using the Persona IQ, the world’s first and only smart knee implant, and plans to do the same when her right knee is replaced this spring.
Of her experience with the smart knee and all the capabilities offered by this technology, Mary says, “It’s been a little difficult to keep up with the app as the exercises are challenging, yet I know I need that. I like to have goals and work to reach them. The app is appreciated as I prepare for April as they have great conditioning exercises and helpful education material.” She stresses over and over that “with my ‘smart’ knee, it is reassuring knowing there is a team of people watching my data who I can call if I ever need to.”
Continues Mary, “Every single RAMC team member has been fantastic. From orthopedics to surgery to inpatient care and more, everyone made me feel welcomed and never, ever judged. Today, I am doing things that I have not been able to do in years, and that makes me so very happy!”
And about her experience with Dr. Niesen: “His attitude is ‘I can do that,’ and he is here for you when you need him, every step of the way. I wouldn’t work with anyone else!”
Reedsburg Area Medical Center’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Matt Niesen, was the first in Wisconsin to offer and implant Persona IQ, the world’s first and only smart knee implant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for total knee replacement surgery. Thomas Priester of Randolph, WI, was thrilled to be the first patient in the State of Wisconsin to receive this cutting-edge technology when he had his smart knee replacement surgery at RAMC on November 11, 2023.
Persona IQ, placed with the personalized knee implant, has sensor technology that measures range of motion, step count, walking speed, and more. “I am excited to offer Persona IQ to my patients considering knee replacement surgery. This new-to-the-world innovation provides important and objective motion data directly from the implant post-surgery,” says Dr. Matt Niesen, RAMC orthopedic surgeon.
