Are you at risk for a heart attack?

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 735,000 Americans will have a heart attack this year, of which, approximately 14% will die. A heart attack can occur when a coronary artery becomes blocked with plaque, which is made up of cholesterol, calcium deposits and scar tissue. If plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms at the site of the rupture. If the clot that forms is large enough, the flow of blood in the coronary artery becomes blocked and a heart attack occurs. Factors that can increase your risk of having a heart attack include:

• Having high blood pressure, cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• Smoking or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke
• Getting older
• Having a family history of heart attack
• Being obese or lack of physical activity
• Having diabetes

Take advantage of early detection with a calcium test at St. Charles Health System

An effective screening that helps determine if you’re at risk for a heart attack is a calcium test. During a calcium test, also known as a coronary calcium screening, electrodes are attached to your chest from an EKG machine and you lie on a table that slides into a CT scanner. As the test begins you hold your breath for 10-20 seconds while the CT scanner takes images of your heart. This painless screening checks for calcium deposits in your arteries, also known as coronary artery calcification, which is both a warning sign of coronary artery disease and one of the leading causes of a heart attack.

If you’re 50 or older with risk factors for a heart attack or if you’re younger than 50 but have a family history of heart attack, it’s important to consider having a calcium test at St. Charles Health System. A calcium test can detect coronary artery calcification early while there is still time to reduce your risk of having a heart attack by adjusting your diet, increasing physical activity or taking medications to manage other heart attack risk factors you may have.

For more information about a calcium test or to schedule your screening, call CORA at 541-382-9383 today.

The cardiovascular specialists at St. Charles Health System provide calcium tests in Bend, OR.

Understanding cholesterol management 

You may be wondering, “What is cholesterol, anyway? Why is it so bad for me?” The truth is that we all need some cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in our cells. It’s used by our bodies to make hormones, vitamin D, cell membranes and chemicals that aid our digestion. Our bodies produce cholesterol naturally, but it can also be found in many foods.

Cholesterol travels throughout the body via the bloodstream. To do this, it has to be carried by a small particle called a lipoprotein. There are two kinds of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Both are important to your health.

The problem with high cholesterol

Cholesterol only becomes a problem if we have too much of it in our blood. When there are high levels of LDL cholesterol, sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, it can stick to the inside walls of the arteries. Once there, it acts like glue for other substances in the blood such as fat and calcium. This causes a waxy build up called plaque. This build up may harden and make the arteries narrower, making it difficult for oxygen-rich blood to move through freely. When that happens, coronary heart disease occurs. This may result in arrhythmias, angina and even heart attacks.

The build up of plaque takes several years, so there is time to stop or even reverse the problem. Think of plaque as concrete, and LDL cholesterol as the cement that holds it together. If your LDL stays at a healthy level, then plaque can’t form as easily. One key to this is to eat a low-cholesterol diet with plenty of veggies and fruits. Another essential element is HDL cholesterol, sometimes called “good” cholesterol. Its job is to carry cholesterol back to your liver where it can be removed from the body. HDL levels can be boosted by getting regular exercise and eating a moderate amount of healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, almonds and salmon, among others.

Helping you lower cholesterol — the healthy way

Sometimes, lowering your cholesterol is easier said than done. That’s why the nationally recognized cardiovascular team at St. Charles Health System is prepared to support you. There are many ways to lower your cholesterol, and our expert cardiologists will help you find the combination that works best for you. This may include:

• Nutritional counseling
• Smoking cessation assistance
• Medications to help support your healthy lifestyle
• Regular follow-up appointments to track your progress

Call the St. Charles Heart and Lung Center at 541-388-4333 today to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, and ask which type of cholesterol management program may be best for you.

St. Charles Health System offers comprehensive options for cholesterol management in Central Oregon.

Cardiac rehabilitation at St. Charles Bend

St. Charles cardiac rehabilitation program — also called cardiac rehab — helps patients who have had a heart attack, heart surgery or other cardiac event recover and reduce their risk of further heart problems. 

Cardiac rehabilitation includes a combination of exercise, education and support. 

Who is eligible for cardiac rehabilitation?

We serve individuals who have experienced:

• Heart surgery
• Heart attack
• Stent
• Angioplasty
• Other cardiac events

Cardiac rehab patients receive:

• Help to understand and manage their heart disease process and enhance communication with their health care providers.
• Tools they need to recondition muscles to build fitness and improve endurance.
• Education in a variety of areas including nutrition, medication and stress reduction.

Our staff includes:

• Cardiologists
• Exercise Specialists
• Dietitians
• Social Services
• Senior Services

St. Charles can help your arrhythmia

When the electrical impulses that signal your heart to pump evenly fail to produce consistency, it causes an arrhythmia. A heart arrhythmia is a situation where your heart beats too quickly or unevenly to achieve an even, healthy tempo. Arrhythmias can range from insignificant to life-threatening. Blood does not get delivered throughout your body correctly when your heart is beating at an unpredictable rhythm. If the problem is serious enough, the lungs, brain and all other organs could suffer.

Do I have a heart arrhythmia?

Most of us have felt our heart beat very quickly or felt a “fluttering” in our chest, and these can be very normal reactions to outside stimulus. They can also be the signs of a heart arrhythmia. Other symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting or near-fainting spells
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

At St. Charles, the simplest way to determine if you have a heart arrhythmia is electrocardiography (ECG or EKG). It’s a painless, noninvasive procedure that records the heart’s electrical activity and can diagnose arrhythmias.

What are my treatment options for arrhythmia?

Most often, arrhythmias are determined harmless and left untreated. If your doctor thinks your situation might require treatment, there are a number of options available at the St. Charles Heart and Lung Center. These can include:

• Medications for arrhythmia
• Ablation, which is a noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure that can treat rapid heartbeats by neutralizing the heart muscle cells that are causing the extra impulses
• Devices such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or a pacemaker

If you think you may be suffering from an arrhythmia, please consult your primary care doctor right away.

In Central Oregon, the specialists at the St. Charles Heart and Lung Center strive to help people with heart arrhythmias lead normal, healthy and happy lives.

Do you experience bone and joint pain?

Joint, back or spine, and other types of musculoskeletal or orthopedic pain are common, affecting millions of Americans each year. Orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions are typically caused by the aging process, normal wear and tear or overuse, sports injuries, trauma and disease. The pain that results from a joint, bone or muscle condition often limits the amount or type of activity a person can perform — even sitting or lying down can be painful or uncomfortable. If you currently experience musculoskeletal or orthopedic pain, the physical therapists at St. Charles Physical Therapy may be able to help.

Find orthopedic treatment at St. Charles Physical Therapy

The orthopedic specialists and physical therapists at St. Charles Physical Therapy provide experienced, compassionate care that focuses on relieving your pain, restoring your mobility and returning you to the active, pain-free lifestyle you once enjoyed. Our expert staff will help you regain the skills that allow you to move better, improve your wellness and prevent further injury, as well as increase your flexibility, strength and independence. Our musculoskeletal and orthopedic treatments can positively improve a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including: 

• Back and neck pain
• Work-related injuries
• Sports injuries
• Osteoporosis
• Orthopedic injuries
• And other bone or muscle conditions

To learn more about our physical therapy expertise and services, view our Frequently Asked Questions or call 541-706-5940 today to speak to a physical therapist or to schedule an appointment.

St. Charles Physical Therapy in Bend, Oregon can help relieve joint, bone or muscle pain and restore mobility in people with a variety of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Understanding arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a special type of minimally invasive surgery. It is performed by inserting a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, through a small incision. The images from the camera are displayed on a monitor. This allows the surgeon to see the area clearly without making the type of large incisions that would be needed in open surgery. This technique can be used for either diagnostic procedures or treatment, depending upon the condition. If operation is necessary, the surgeon uses extremely thin surgical tools guided by the arthroscope images.

Arthroscopic surgery can be performed on many parts of the body, but it is especially useful in knee surgery.

The benefits of knee arthroscopy

The advantage of arthroscopic surgery over open surgery is that the patient experiences less pain and stiffness, and the recovery time is often much shorter as well. That means a smoother, more comfortable rehabilitation period and a quicker return to activities. This makes an especially big difference when it comes to knee surgery, because this type of recovery tends to keep patients off their feet. Faster healing means a faster return to independence.

There are many reasons why someone may need arthroscopic knee surgery. A few of the more common ones include:

• ACL tears
• Kneecap problems
• Meniscus tears
• Osteoarthritis

Experts in arthroscopic surgery in Central Oregon

At St. Charles Health System, our arthroscopic surgeons specialize in knee arthroscopy. If you need treatment for knee pain, you know that you’ll be working with experienced specialists with a long record of successful outcomes.

Talk to your orthopedic specialist to determine whether knee arthroscopy may be right for you.

St. Charles Health System offers arthroscopic knee surgery in Bend, Oregon to help our patients return to active, healthy lives.

Recognizing anxiety during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an emotional time, and anxiety is just one of many feelings that pregnant women experience. A moderate amount of new fears and worries is normal and expected during this time of change, but sometimes anxiety can become so intense that it gets in the way of daily functioning. It can negatively impact our sleep, relationships, parenting or work performance.

Factors that could increase the chances of experiencing high anxiety during pregnancy include:

• history of high anxiety and/or depression
• perfectionism (believing you should not make any mistakes and do everything just right)
• history of miscarriage(s)
• high-risk pregnancy
• major life stressors (such as marital or financial problems)

If you think your anxiety may be interfering with your life, consider discussing it with your maternity care provider. At St. Charles Center for Women’s Health, our maternity providers partner with integrated behavioral health specialists who can offer skills to help you regulate your emotions and anxiety during pregnancy and beyond.

^{Christopher L. Hunter, Jeffrey L. Goodie, PhD Abpp, Mark S. Oordt, Anne C. Dobmeyer. Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care - Step by Step Guidance for Assessment and Intervention
American Psychological Association (APA); 1 edition, 2009.}

Behavioral Health at the Center for Women's Health

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”- World Health Organization

Integrative medicine can help women achieve well-being across the lifespan, as supported by rich research spanning decades. There are many things women can do every day to promote healthy living and aging.

Lifestyle changes such as improvements in diet and exercise, sleep behavior, and developing mindfulness -- a skill to live in the moment without judgment -- can be beneficial to wellness, disease prevention and improved health at any age.

Whether you are interested in developing skills for improved wellness, disease prevention, or you are coping with a medical or mental health condition, integrative approaches can help. Our skilled, knowledgeable and relatable behavioral health consultants at St. Charles Center for Women's Health are available. Talk to your provider about scheduling an appointment today.

What is the Behavioral Health Consultant?

Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) services at St. Charles Center for Women's Health are offered to you as part of your obstetrics and gynecological services. This service is meant to complement your care by helping you gain a more holistic perspective of your issue(s) and develop skills to improve your management of stress, worry, lifestyle habits or emotional concerns about obstetric or gynecological issues. Screening may also be offered prior to surgical procedures to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.

The BHC and your OB/GYN provider work together as a team to consider the medical, behavioral and emotional aspects of your health to help you determine a course of action that will work best for you.

What kind of concerns can a behavioral health consultant help me address?

The BHC can help reduce symptoms associated with various OB/GYN conditions, or help you cope with these conditions. A few of these conditions are:

• Perimenopause or menopause
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Sexual function concerns
• Management of STDs
• Diabetes
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Infertility
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• High blood pressure
• Recurrent abdominal pain
• Pregnancy and post-partum related concerns
• Intimate partner violence
• Obesity and weight loss
• Sleep issues
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• LGBT and gender identification
• Smoking/tobacco cessation

The BHC can also help you develop skills to effectively manage emotional or behavioral difficulties that affect your health, pregnancy, relationships and/or parenting such as: Anger, anxiety, bereavement/grief, depression and stress.

What should I expect when I see the behavioral health consultant?

Your BHC will spend 15 to 30 minutes with you. You will be asked specific questions about your physical symptoms, emotional concerns, health history and behaviors. This evaluation will help determine what kind of care you may need. You may continue to see the BHC until your concern is resolved, or the BHC may make other recommendations.

Midwives in Central Oregon

The idea of childbirth can be a daunting one. If you are looking for education and support during your labor and delivery in Central Oregon, consider working with a midwife. Midwives are experts in care for low-risk, healthy women during their pregnancy and childbirth. They are here to provide a full spectrum of women’s health needs, including prenatal care, labor and delivery and postpartum care. Midwives also educate patients on contraception and menopause management.

At St. Charles Center for Women’s Health, we are dedicated to providing collaborative care that allows women to achieve optimal health. Learn more about our Central Oregon midwives and how they can provide help and support while you welcome your baby into this world.

Expert midwife care at St. Charles Center for Women’s Health

All of the midwives at St. Charles Center for Women’s Health are certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), which means they have obtained a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited university. Our midwives can perform the following tasks:

• Order labs, write prescriptions and create care plans
• Work closely with partners while consulting and referring as needed for complicated cases
• Deliver babies in hospitals

Interested in learning more about how a midwife can assist you with your labor and delivery in Central Oregon? Schedule a meeting with one of the midwives at St. Charles Center for Women’s Health today.

St. Charles Center for Women’s Health offers midwife services to assist with labor and delivery in Bend, as well as pre-natal care at sites throughout Central Oregon.

When should I register at the hospital?

No need to pre-register at the hospital! Check-in is handled through our electronic health records system, Epic (also known as MyChart). If you don’t have a MyChart account, sign up today.

Sign up for MyChart

Will I have a private room?

Yes. You will have a private room during your labor, delivery and recovery. Our comfortable birthing suites, which also provide room for your spouse or partner to spend the night, feature warm, soothing interiors and large windows to let in natural light.

What should I pack?

Ideally, it is best to pack and have most items prepared to go by 36-37 weeks of your pregnancy, just in case you go into labor before your due date. If your pregnancy has complications, you may choose to get ready a little earlier. We want your stay to be as comfortable as possible.

Items for you:

• Hospital paperwork, identification card, insurance card
• Breast pump: you may need to use your breast pump prior to leaving the hospital. St. Charles has a skilled lactation team that can be consulted if feeding issues arise. This is an important item to remember, and can be obtained through your OB/midwife as you near the 36-week gestation mark. 
• Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, tooth paste, hair brush and ties, glasses/contact lenses
• Pillows and soft bath towels are luxury items that will make your stay more comfortable, though we do have those if you don’t bring your own.
• Comfortable clothes: robe, nightgown, slippers, socks, nursing/pumping bras.
• Drinks: if you have favorite sports or electrolyte replacement drinks, juices or water flavoring packets, please feel free to bring them. There are kitchen services and room services available as well. 
• Reusable water bottle.
• Snacks: high protein snacks are always a great go-to in labor, as are protein shakes, bars or comfort foods. Consider snacks that are mild in flavor in case you aren’t feeling very hungry as well. 
• Comfort items: items that make your birthing experience more like a spa can go a long way toward making your experience more relaxing. Portable essential oil diffusers for aroma therapy with your favorite oils, sound machines, or portable speakers to play your personal music are popular choices. If you want the ambiance of candles, please only bring battery operated or plug-in options, as we cannot allow flames in the hospital for safety reasons.
• Eye mask or ear plugs to help with sleep
• Phone charger 

Items for baby:

• Car seat: infant car seats are required to take your new baby home. Bend Fire and Rescue holds a free car seat clinic to help educate parents on proper installation.
• Going home outfit (or a few!). Baby is swaddled and in a diaper for most of their time in the hospital, but having a go-home outfit (and a backup) is great. 
• Light swaddle blanket, for going home with as well. 
• Nail clippers or file, babies are often born with long nails. 
• Diapers and wipes will be provided by the hospital.
• Feeding items:  
  • If you intend to breastfeed, bring your electric breast pump, nipple butter or cream, and other lactation-related items. 
  • If you intend to formula feed, bring formula of choice, bottles, and cleaning items. 
  • If unsure, please come with questions and allow your medical team assist you to make the best choice for your family.
  • Pediatrician: Do your research prior to having your baby and select a pediatrician who will take care of your baby after you discharge home. It is best to have a doctor or nurse practitioner picked out ahead of time, and call ahead to ensure they are accepting new patients. Most providers like to schedule a newborn visit 2-5 days after delivery so having a clinic picked out prior to your delivery will make scheduling appointments easier.

Support Person/Intended Parent Items:

• Snacks
• Reusable water bottle
• Comfortable clothes, activity books, crosswords, movies, etc. Babies come into the world on their own schedule, so some entertainment is a good idea.

What are my options for labor and delivery?

Many of our delivery and recovery rooms are equipped with deep Jacuzzi tubs for laboring mothers. We offer many options to help you cope with the progression of labor.

Will my baby stay in my room?

Yes. We want mother and child to spend as much time together as possible to help develop a strong bond. Your baby will stay with you in your birthing suite.

What are the visiting hours at the Family Birthing Center?

We have special visitor restrictions in place due to the pandemic. Please visit our Visitor Guidelines page for our current policy.

How safe is my baby in the Family Birthing Center?

We provide the highest level of security to ensure your baby's safety. All Family Birthing Center doors are camera-equipped to monitor people entering and exiting. Babies are never left alone, and we regularly check identification bands for mothers and babies.

May I have my birth videotaped?

For safety and legal reasons, St. Charles Health System does not allow video cameras in delivery or operating rooms. You are welcome to take other types of pictures.

How do I get my baby's birth announcement published in the newspaper?

You'll receive a form authorizing us to release your birth information to local newspapers.