Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSeattle, WAPermit No. 1564

SWEDISH HEALTH SERVICES747 BroadwaySeattle, WA 98122

IN THIS ISSUEThe Yin and Yang of Giving Birth

Finding the Right Answer for Varicose & Spider Veins

Back-to-School Tips for Parents

Meet Dennis Meinhardt

Body Rejuvenation after Child Birth

www.swedish.org

It’s a fact … • Every 40 seconds someone in

the United States has a stroke • Anyone, even children, can

have a stroke • You can reduce most of your

stroke risks

What is a Stroke? A stroke or brain attack occurs when blood carrying oxygen and nutrients doesn’t get to a section of the brain because of a blocked or burst blood vessel. When brain cells don’t get blood, they die. When brain cells die, it can affect your speech, muscle control, balance and vision. A stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel is called an ischemic stroke. A stroke caused by a burst blood vessel is called a hemorrhagic stroke. A blood vessel that is blocked by a blood clot or a fatty deposit (plaque) is the cause of most strokes.

Reducing Your Risk There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke. There are also some things that you cannot control. Because you can’t control everything, it’s important to be particularly good about those things you can control. Risk factors you can’t control include: • Age: Our stroke risk increases

with age. • Gender: Typically more men than

women have stroke.

• Race: Hispanics and African Americans are at higher risk.

• Family History: If a close blood relative (parent, grandparent) has had a stroke, you’re at greater risk.

The good news is that there are many more risk factors that you can control, such as: • High Blood Pressure: This is

the No. 1 cause of stroke. Talk to your doctor about how to lower you blood pressure if yours is higher than 120/80.

• Tobacco Use: If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, avoid secondhand smoke.

Let’s Talk About StrokeStroke: Know the Signs

With just a little knowledge and one phone call, you can make a big difference for a person having a stroke. A person who gets to a hospital for treatment right away has a much better chance of recovering without any disability.

There are five main signs and symptoms of stroke that occur suddenly:

1. Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

2. Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding

3. Trouble seeing

4. Dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance or coordination

5. Severe headache for no known reason

F.A.S.T. is a simple acronym to help you remember the signs of stroke and what you should do.

Face drooping

Arm weakness

Speech difficulty

Time to call 911

If you think someone is having a stroke, call 911. Emergency responders are trained to evaluate patients and quickly get them to a hospital that is able to provide the best stroke care. At the hospital, a stroke patient can receive medicine that dissolves the clot and restores blood flow to the brain. But time is critical — this medicine needs to be given within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.

Spread the word. Stroke is treatable. We just need to be F.A.S.T.

It happens to one out of 10 Americans — a sudden sensation that your throat or chest is on fire,

and you’re tasting stomach acid. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — heartburn or acid reflux — typically occurs after eating, but can happen at any time. It can even wake you from sleep. GERD happens when the valve between your esophagus and stomach weakens. The weakened valve allows stomach contents to flow back into your esophagus. Over time, frequent heartburn can: • Irritate the lining of the esophagus • Cause the esophagus to narrow • Lead to breathing problems • Create a pre-cancerous condition

called Barrett’s esophagus

How to Control GERD Although antacids provide quick

relief if you occasionally have GERD symptoms, you should also consider life-style changes, such as: • Avoiding or limiting

foods that make your symptoms worse, such as caf-feine, alcohol, tomatoes and citrus

• Eating small meals • Eating no later than 2-3 hours

before bedtime • Losing weight if you’re overweight

or obese • Sleeping on an angle

When to Call Your Doctor Talk to your doctor if you have chronic or persistent symptoms — i.e., those that occur frequently or don’t go away. Your doctor will explain how lifestyle changes and the use

Control the Burn

October 29 is National Stroke Awareness Day.

A R E S O U R C E F O R Y O U R G O O D H E A L T H F A L L 2 0 1 7

• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar.

• High Cholesterol: Eat healthy. Avoid high-cholesterol foods.

• Excessive Alcohol: Limit alcoholic beverages.

• Activity & Weight: Be active. Maintain a healthy weight.

• Other Medical Conditions: You are at increased risk for stroke if you have atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery dis-ease or sickle cell anemia. Be sure to follow your doctor’s directions.

For more information about stroke and how you can reduce your risk, go to www.swedish.org/stroke.

of medicine may help control your symptoms, and may also discuss the possibility of surgery.

For More Information

Call the GERD and Swallowing Center at the Swedish Digestive Health Network at 1-855-411-MyGI (1-855-411-6944).

Finding the Right Answer for Varicose & Spider Veins

Do your legs feel heavy, achy or tight? Do they frequently swell or throb? If your answer to either question is “yes,” spider or varicose veins may be the cause. Spider veins look like red, blue or purple spider webs on your skin. Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging and twisted. Both occur when the one-way valves in the larger trunk veins or smaller branch veins in your legs stop working right. This causes blood to pool in the veins, rather than returning to the heart. If you’re not getting any relief from compression hose or sitting with your legs elevated, or you’re just tired of hiding your legs beneath long pants, it may be time for an evaluation at the Vein Clinic at Swedish Vascular Surgery. The Vein Clinic’s specialists have expertise and considerable experience in many office-based procedures for spider and varicose veins, using local or light anesthesia. These procedures stop blood flow through a faulty vein, so your blood can find a new pathway using a good vein. Treatment options include: • Sclerotherapy (injection) to

create scar tissue inside a branch vein to close it off

• Ablation (chemical, thermal or radiofrequency) to create scar tissue inside a trunk vein to close it off

• Microphlebectomy to completely remove a branch vein through a series of tiny incisions

| FALL 2017

Back-to-School Tips for ParentsA re you ready for the new

school year? Swedish hopes the following tips will help

you prepare. Wellness Checks: Have you made an appointment with your child’s doctor for a wellness check? Are you looking for a medical home for your family? Find a primary-care or

pediatric clinic in your neighborhood at www.swedish.org/clinics or www.swedish.org/pediatrics. Vaccinations: Are your child’s immunizations up to date? For information about recommended vaccinations and Washington State requirements, go to www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization.

Healthy Eating: Sometimes it’s a battle to get kids to eat a good breakfast. But the research is in — kids who skip breakfast may: • Do worse in school (kids who

are hungry can’t concentrate) • Gain weight (hunger may lead to

binge eating at lunch) Healthy Sleep: Summer is over. It’s time to re-establish a good sleep routine. Lack of sleep can lead to poor test scores and weight gain. Visit https://sleepfoundation.org for more information. Screen Time: Monitor and limit screen time — especially before bedtime. Stay Fit: Help your child get 30 minutes of exercise each day. Stay Alert: Are your child’s grades falling? Is he or she anxious? Depressed? Being bullied? Talk to your family doctor if you’re concerned. Be Prepared: Download “Swedish Kids Symptom Checker” from the iPhone or Android app store. It will help you make decisions on what care, if any, your children need when they are sick or injured, and will explain how you can provide symptom relief for minor illnesses and injuries you can manage on your own.

The sights, sounds and smells of your new “bundle of joy” are food for greeting cards. Then,

there is reality. Being a new mom is the most wondrous — and the hard-est — thing you may ever experience. After delivery, women frequently feel overwhelmed, sad or irritable. They may have difficulty sleeping, or feel as if they aren’t coping well. Studies have shown that hormonal and biochemical changes that occur after having a baby can lead to increased mood or anxiety symptoms. Anxiety helps women protect their children by allowing them to anticipate and identify danger. If we were cave-women, stress hormones would help us protect our babies from sabre-tooth tigers. Unfortunately, the stressors we face in today’s world are impossible to run from. They can keep us in constant fight-or-flight mode. About 80-90 percent of women experience “baby blues” during the first two weeks after delivery. Unex-plained crying, irritability and mood swings are normal as your body adjusts to hormone shifts. While most moms grow out of the baby blues after two weeks, some continue having trouble adjusting. They may feel depressed or anxious later in the post-partum year. If you are one of those moms, you may: • Have trouble sleeping

• Have scary thoughts or constantly check on your baby

• Feel overwhelmed You may even avoid leaving the house or talking to friends, lose your patience more quickly or have trouble with day-to-day tasks. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom. It just means you need help to jumpstart a balanced life. Through the Center for Perinatal

The Yin and Yang of Giving Birth

Bonding and Support, Swedish offers new moms a comprehensive program that may include therapy, medication, or a day program with group and individual counseling. The goal is simple: give moms the support and resources they need to be caring, productive mothers. Call 206-320-7288. There is no shame in asking for help. You are not alone.

For More Information

Call 206-215-5921 or to schedule an appointment at the Vein Clinic at Swedish

Vascular Surgery.

CANCER EDUCATIONThe Swedish Cancer Institute offers a variety of ongoing classes for those diagnosed with cancer. Visit www.swedish.org/classlist for a complete listing.

Coffee Break Webinar SeriesLive webinars for hematology patients. Overview of lymphomas. To register for a free webinar and see more topics visit www.lls.org/washingtonalaska. Wed., Sept. 6. and Dec. 6, Noon-12:30 p.m.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATIONSwedish offers a wide variety of classes and support to help you through pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. For more details, visit www.swedish.org/childbirthclasses.

New Parent Support GroupThe New Parent Support Group is an informal group that meets weekly for six 90-minute sessions. Led by an experienced facilitator, new parents can share questions, concerns and experiences with other new parents in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Supportive Care SeriesPlease join our NICU supportive care team in a series of events supporting families that have experienced infant or pregnancy loss.Swedish Center for Perinatal Bonding & Support: Sun., Oct. 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

DIABETES EDUCATIONThe Swedish Diabetes Education Center offers resources, classes and individual support groups, to help you successfully manage your diabetes. Physician referral is required. Visit www.swedish.org/diabetes or call 206-215-2440 (Ballard, First Hill and Issaquah).

PrediabetesThis class will explain risk factors and how to lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 60% through dietary and lifestyle changes. Participants are welcome to bring a support person for no additional charge. Fee: $40 (includes one support person)Edmonds: Tues., Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. - Noon First Hill: Thu., Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Issaquah: Wed., Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - Noon

MULTIPLE SCLEROSISAt the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish, we know that care for people with MS goes beyond medical treatment. That’s why we offer programs and classes for patients and families. All classes are FREE but you must RSVP by emailing katie.scaff@swedish.org or calling 206-991-2099.

Gentle Yoga & Wellness A 75-minute exercise class to help develop good breathing patterns integrated with balanced, healthy posture and a peaceful state of mind. Open to individuals with MS, Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Cherry Hill: Tuesdays, 1 - 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

www.swedish.org

Modified Mat Pilates Exercise class based on Pilates principles for individuals with MS, Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Exercises are chosen and modified for your needs and done from seated, standing and supine positions. Cherry Hill: Mondays and Fridays, 10 - 11 a.m.

Pilates from the Chair Exercise class based on Pilates principles for individuals with MS, Parkinson’s disease or stroke. All exercises are modified so that they may be performed from a seated position. Cherry Hill: Mondays and Fridays, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Group Music Therapy One-on-one music therapy with our board-certified music therapist to restore, maintain and improve your emotional, physical and physiological health and well-being. Open to individuals with MS, Parkinson’s disease or stroke.Cherry Hill: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - Noon p.m.Private Music Therapy: Wednesdays, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Get Back Your Music Play music to recondition your brain. Join this music group and learn to overcome difficulty playing/singing due to neurologic conditions. Led by a volunteer who’s done just that despite MS.Cherry Hill: Thursdays, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Adult Coloring Group Activity group to increase relaxation, mindfulness, creativity and fine motor and visual skills while reducing stress and anxiety. Open to individuals with MS or other neurological or chronic conditions. Cherry Hill: 1st Wednesday of each month, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Book and Movie Club Monthly book club to connect with other individuals with MS, Parkinson’s disease or stroke. You can read the whole book, just a couple of chapters or listen on tape. Cherry Hill: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Mindful Listening Group Group meditation and mindful listening to help you find comfort and strength as you learn, cope and celebrate your challenges and successes. Open to anyone, including individuals living with MS. Cherry Hill: 1st and 3rd Thursday each month, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Play Reading Group Have you ever wanted to act in a play? Are you a theater person who doesn’t act anymore? Get into character with this fun, light-hearted group. No acting confidence/experience required. RSVP 206-991-2099 Cherry Hill: 2nd Friday of each month, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEINGRelief for Your Foot and Ankle Pain If you are having foot or ankle problems, you’ll want to attend this important class. Dr. Mark Reed will discuss the top five foot and ankle conditions, including ankle replacement and how to treat with non-surgical and surgical options.Ballard: Tues., Aug. 22 and Oct. 17, 6 - 8 p.m.

Gentle/Prenatal Yoga This easy alternative to regular yoga utilizes

a chair for help in transitioning to and from the floor, and for certain seated exercises. For more information or to register, please call 425-640-4140.Edmonds: Mondays, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Lifestyle Management This is a medically supervised exercise and education program for individuals living with, or at risk of developing, heart disease. For more information and to register, call 425-640-4330.

Therapeutic Flow Yoga Yoga provides stress relief, exercise, stretching and strengthening, balance and peace of mind. For beginning and intermediate students. For more information or to register, please call 425-640-4140.Edmonds: Every Monday Aug. through Dec., 4 - 5:15 p.m.

Pain and Beyond This class teaches coping techniques for people with pain-limiting conditions. Topics include an overview of the anatomy and physiology of pain, stress management, pacing, goal setting and logging, home therapies, nutrition and supplements, and hope, happiness and healing. For more information or to register, call 425-640-4140. Fee: $10/classEdmonds: Every Friday, 3 - 4 p.m.

Fall Prevention/Steady on Your Feet This class includes recommendations for maintaining good balance and performing daily activities safely, home and community safety tips, and community resources for staying fit. For more information for the Issaquah class contact Tim at 425-498-2400. Fee: FreeEdmonds: Wed., Oct. 18, and Tues., Dec. 12, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.Issaquah: Fri., Sept. 22, 9 - 11 am.

NUTRITIONCooking Class: Mood Boosting Foods: Eat Your Way to a Happier, Healthier YouLearn about foods that can help reduce stress and ease anxiety to benefit your health, as well as elevate your mood. Fee: $15. For more information or to register, please visit www.swedish.org/classlist or call 1-800-SWEDISH (793-3474).First Hill: Wed., Dec. 13, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Cooking Class: Phytonutrients: What are they and where are they found in food?Learn what phytonutrients are, discover what foods contain these beneficial nutrients and experience them in a whole foods rainbow. Fee: $15. For more information or to register, please visit www.swedish.org/classlist or call 1-800-SWEDISH (793-3474).First Hill: Thu., Nov. 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

ORTHOPEDICSNeed hip- or knee-replacement surgery? Swedish offers a one-stop resource to guide you in taking the next steps and learning about your treatment options. Visit www.swedish.org/jointclass.

Joint Replacement: The Right Choice for You?If you have arthritic joint pain and are considering joint replacement, you’ll want to

attend this important class. A provider will discuss hip- and knee-replacement surgery. There will be an open Q&A session to discuss questions you may have. Take the first step towards joint pain relief. Register today at www.swedish.org/jointclass.Ballard: Wed., Sept. 20, Nov. 15, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

First Hill: Thu., Sept. 14, Nov. 9, 6 - 8 p.m.

Issaquah: Thu., Oct. 19, Nov. 16, 6 - 8 p.m.

PARENTINGGrowing Up: All About PubertyBuild a bridge with your 9- to 12-year-old child to demystify the challenges of puberty. The focus of this fun, interactive class is to open and enhance communication between parents and preteens and explain the physical and emotional changes ahead. Fee: $35 per family (includes two adults and one child; $5 fee for each additional child or adult in the same family).Issaquah: Sat., Sept. 23, and Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Ballard: Sat., Oct. 14, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

SAFETY AND INJURY PREVENTIONHeartsaver First Aid, CPR and AEDLearn how to save a life using proper first aid, automated external defibrillator (AED) and CPR techniques for adults, children and infants. Participant certifications are valid for two years. For more information or to register, please visit www.swedish.org/classlist. Fee: $70.

Issaquah: Sun., Oct. 15, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Ballard: Sun., Nov. 12, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

First Hill: Sun., Sept. 10, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

CPR/BLS for Healthcare ProvidersThis course is designed to provide healthcare providers working in and out of a wide variety of hospital settings the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner. Participant certifications are valid for two years. Fee: $60.First Hill: Sat., Sept. 16, 9 a.m. - Noon

Issaquah: Sat., Aug. 19, Oct. 21, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. - Noon

MEDICARE INFORMATIONAL FAIR Will your 2018 healthcare coverage meet your 2018 healthcare needs? Get answers to your Medicare questions at the Swedish Medicare informational fair. Please RSVP or send your questions to: medicare101@swedish.org. For more information visit www.swedish.org/medicare101.

Seattle: Thu., Nov. 9, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WEIGHT-LOSS EDUCATIONSwedish Weight Loss Services offers a multidisciplinary program that has helped thousands of people achieve healthy, long-term weight loss. Register today for a free surgical or nonsurgical weight loss seminar. Visit www.swedishweightloss.com/seminars or call 206-215-2090.

Community EducationSwedish Ballard: 5300 Tallman Ave. N.W., Seattle 98107Swedish Cherry Hill: 500 17th Ave., Seattle 98122Swedish Edmonds: 21601 76th Ave. W., Edmonds 98026Swedish First Hill: 747 Broadway, Seattle 98122

Registration is required for all classes. Visit www.swedish.org/classlist or call 206-386-2502 (unless otherwise noted) to: register for the following classes, see a full list of classes at all Swedish campuses or search for classes by region. Class information is subject to change.

Swedish Issaquah: 751 N.E. Blakely Drive, Issaquah 98029Swedish Mill Creek: 13020 Meridian Ave. S., Everett 98208 Swedish Orthopedic Institute: 601 Broadway, Seattle 98122Swedish Redmond: 18100 N.E. Union Hill Road, Redmond 98052

Programs in Your Neighborhood

| FALL 2017

HealthWatch is meant to provide useful health-care

information and is not intended to replace the advice of

your doctor. If you have a question concerning your health,

contact your physician. If you do not have one and want a

free referral, call 1-800-SWEDISH (1-800-793-3474) or

visit our website at www.swedish.org.

Contact InformationSwedish Medical Center LocationsSwedish Ballard 206-782-2700

Swedish Cherry Hill (Seattle) 206-320-2000

Swedish Edmonds 425-640-4000

Swedish First Hill (Seattle) 206-386-6000

Swedish Issaquah 425-313-4000

Swedish Mill Creek 425-357-3900

Swedish Redmond 206-320-5190

For addresses, visit www.swedish.org/locations

Swedish Primary CareBallard Clinic 206-320-3335

Bainbridge Clinic 206-991-2121

Bellevue Clinic 425-462-1132

Central Seattle Clinic 206-320-4888

Cle Elum Clinic 509-674-6779

Downtown Seattle Clinic 206-320-3351

Edmonds Birth & Family Clinic 425-640-4950

Edmonds Clinic 425-640-4900

Factoria Clinic 425-641-4000

Family Medicine – Ballard 206-297-5100

Family Medicine – Cherry Hill 206-320-2484

Family Medicine – First Hill 206-386-6111

Greenlake Clinic 206-320-3400

Internal Medicine at Edmonds 425-640-4900

Issaquah Clinic 425-394-0700

Klahanie Clinic 425-394-0620

Magnolia Clinic 206-320-3364

Mill Creek Clinic 425-357-3700

Pediatrics Clinic - Edmonds 425-673-3456

Pediatrics Clinic - Meadow Creek (Issaquah) 425-394-1680

Pediatrics Clinic - West Seattle 206-320-5780

Pediatrics Clinic - Redmond 425-881-5437

Pine Lake Clinic 425-455-2845

Redmond Clinic 206-320-5190

Renton Clinic 425-391-5700

Richmond Beach 206-533-2900

Sand Point 206-320-8050

South Lake Union Clinic 206-320-5200

Snoqualmie Clinic 425-888-2016

Queen Anne Clinic 206-861-8500

West Seattle Clinic 206-320-3399

For addresses, visit www.swedish.org/clinics.

General InformationMarketing Communications 206-386-6797

HealthWatch Editor 206-386-6797

Class Registration and

Community Health Education 206-386-2502

Cancer Education Center

(Swedish Cancer Institute) 206-386-3200

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© 2017 Swedish Health Services

November 2016, 50-year-old Dennis Meinhardt completed the Ironman Arizona competi-

tion in 13½ hours — a personal best. Four months later Dennis was in an operating room at Swedish Medical Center having open-heart surgery to correct a heart condition. No one would think that Dennis had a heart problem. He made a com-mitment to staying fit years ago. He’s been cycling for 12 years and has participated in the Seattle-to-Portland and Seattle-to-Vancouver bike rides. He’s been a runner for 8 years, and has run multiple half and two full marathons. And, he’s participated in two Ironman competitions.

A Temporary Detour For at least 25 years, Dennis had known that he had a heart murmur. It never seemed like a big deal and his doctors never suggested he limit his activities. In December 2016, however, his doctor heard the murmur at multiple pulse points. It was time for Dennis to see a cardiologist. The cardiologist scheduled Dennis for an echocardiogram — a type of ultrasound that produces images of the heart while it’s beating. The echo

Meet Dennis MeinhardtHusband and father, Triathlete and Ironman competitor, Mitral valve disease survivor

You’ve had your children. You wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. But now you’re

beginning to wonder if you will ever look like you did before you were first pregnant. No matter what you do, you can’t get rid of your protruding belly and excess skin, or the extra weight on your hips. To top it off, breast feeding has deflated your breasts. They look more like sandbags or pancakes than breasts. Body changes are normal during pregnancy. Some women bounce back after child birth and look like they were never pregnant. Most women, however, aren’t that lucky. Their bodies are physically different after pregnancy, and no amount of exercise and dieting seems to help. They want their bodies to feel rejuvenated — but they can’t do it alone. “As a mom, I know what it’s like to give birth and to look in the mirror wondering whether my body will ever look the same,” says Suzette Miranda,

Body Rejuvenation after Child Birth

M.D., a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has advanced training in cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery. “It can be emotionally debilitating, so it’s a privilege for me to connect with women and to offer them a “Mommy Makeover” to help them look as good as they feel.” A Mommy Makeover usually includes

showed one leaflet of Dennis’ mitral valve wasn’t closing properly, causing the murmur. The mitral valve ensures blood car-rying oxygen only moves forward from the left atrium into the left ventricle. From there, the blood leaves the heart to take oxygen to the body. Dennis’ condition — called mitral valve pro-lapse — was allowing blood to flow backwards, so his body wasn’t getting all of the oxygenated blood the heart was trying to pump out. Most people with mitral valve prolapse feel tired and out of breath. They also might feel faint, have swollen legs or feet, and have chest pain. The cardiologist was speechless when Dennis told him about his activities outside Microsoft, where he is a general manager in the Surface devices group, and said that he couldn’t remember ever having any symptoms. Knowing how serious mitral valve prolapse is, especially for long-endurance athletes, the cardiologist referred Dennis to Glenn Barnhart, M.D., co-executive director, Swedish Heart and Vascular Institute and chief and executive director, Cardiac Surgical Services.

Beating Expectations In March of this year, Dr. Barnhart repaired Dennis’ faulty mitral valve during a four-hour surgery, and again Dennis defied expectations. He was walking around shortly after his surgery and went home after just three days, rather than the typical five to seven days. He was back at work four weeks after surgery and went for his first 20-mile bike ride two weeks later. Dennis had daily plans during his recovery. Weeks three and four: Walk three to four miles per day. Week six: Run four to five days a week for three to four miles. He attributes his faster-than-expected recovery to his heart-healthy lifestyle. “Embracing a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet and lots of exercise, helps you get past unfor-tunate situations like I had,” says Dennis. “Dr. Barnhart and the nurses at Swedish are outstanding. They not only provided exceptional medical care, they also helped me focus on getting ready to go home and back to the life I enjoyed. When I left Swedish, I knew that I was going to be better, faster and stronger than ever before.” Dennis was this year’s Swedish Seafair Triathlon Ambassador.

Create a Healthier TomorrowYour gift supports patient care, research

and education throughout Swedish. For more donation information visit:

swedishfoundation.org

breast and abdominal surgery, as well as a tummy tuck — all performed during one outpatient surgery at Swedish First Hill and the First Hill Surgery Center. During the procedure, the breasts can be lifted and/or augmented. Call 206-215-6221 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.