Elizabeth Zastrow and Jeff Whinery, physical therapists in the Rehabilitation Therapy Department at Grande Ronde Hospital, have recently been certified as orthopedicspecialists.

The Orthopedic Certified Specialist is a specialty advanced knowledge certification within the physical therapy profession and difficult to achieve.

“Jeff and Elizabeth studied for nine months before taking the proctored exam. Most who attempt the exam don’t pass. I am very proud of their achievement,” said June Wilson, manager of the Rehab Therapy Department.

Wilson added the accomplishment speaks to the dedication Zastrow and Whinery both have for continuing and expanding their expertise and professional growth.

“We are really excited to use this advanced credentialing and apply it to our patients,” Whinery said.

According to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, the specialist certification program was established by the American Physical Therapy Association, to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience and skills in a special area of practice and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists.

“This education validates the use of evidence-based medicine to ensure our patients get the most current and effective treatment,” Zastrow said.

AHA encourages Oregonians

to kick smoking addiction

PORTLAND – The American Heart Association is challenging Oregonians interested in quitting to take the first steps this month for healthier, long-lasting hearts.

The organization also calls on health care providers to make a point of informing patients of the damage that smoking can do to their hearts.

More than 7,000 Oregonians die each year from smoking and tobacco-related health issues. A quarter of those deaths are linked to cardiovascular disease or heart-related conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart attack.

Eighty percent of Americans visit their doctor annually, providing physicians with an opportunity to educate people about the risks for heart disease and to refer them to resources for quitting.

“We hope that all Oregonians who smoke will consult their health care providers about the many ways smoking puts their heart at risk,” said Sarah Higginbotham, director of government affairs for the American Heart Association in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “We commend those individuals seeking help to quit smoking and encourage those considering it to take that step toward a healthier heart and a longer life.”

GRH Auxillary to meet

Monday in Island City

The Grande Ronde Hospital Auxillary meeting will be held at the city hall in Island City on Monday. The meeting will begin with a social at 9 a.m., with the meeting to follow at 9:30 a.m.

The guest speaker for the meeting is Thor Hauff, a family nurse practitioner in La Grande.

– WesCom News Staff