FALL 2025 COMPASSIONATE. PERSONALIZED. HEALTHCARE. Is it time for a new joint? Why you need a wellness visit p3 p5
2 Central Peninsula Hospital Shaun Keef, CEO Central Peninsula Hospital A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Wellness begins with community care Central Peninsula Hospital is more than just a place to go when you’re not feeling well. CPH is a partner in your lifelong health. As your community hospital, we are invested in your wellness because we live in the same neighborhoods, send our kids to the same schools and share in the same community values. That is why we continue to encourage preventive care, routine checkups and screenings. Staying well is something we believe in and something we want for everyone. Early detection, lasting health outcomes Too often, people wait until something feels wrong before seeking care. Preventive visits help detect issues early, when they are more treatable, and allow you to make informed choices about your health. These routine appointments also help build lasting relationships with your care team. A strong provider-patient relationship can lead to better outcomes and more personalized care. If it has been a while since your last checkup or screening, fall is a great time to reconnect with your primary care provider. Looking ahead to October, CPH is preparing to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a powerful reminder that early detection saves lives. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, and routine mammograms continue to be one of the most effective ways to find it early. Our imaging team at CPH uses advanced technology and provides a caring, respectful experience for every patient. We understand that screenings can feel intimidating, but they are a vital part of protecting your health. For many women, annual mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40. Talk with your provider about what is appropriate for your health history. See page 7 for more information and statistics related to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you or someone you love is due, or overdue, for a mammogram, we encourage you to take that step this October. If you have questions or concerns, we are here to help. Wellness is something we build together. Thank you for continuing to trust Central Peninsula Hospital as your partner in health. Photo by Elizabeth Freeman
PULSE Fall 2025 3 Time for a total joint replacement? Like most moving parts, hips, knees and shoulder joints sometimes wear out. And when that happens, the resulting pain and stiffness can get between you and the activities you enjoy. Fortunately, we live in an age when we can have a damaged or diseased joint replaced safely and reliably. The following can help you better understand joint replacement surgery—and when it might be an option. Why a good joint goes bad One of the most common reasons for joint replacement is osteoarthritis, when the cushioning cartilage in the joints wears down over time. In its severe stages, osteoarthritis can cause bones to rub against one another. Other types of arthritis, as well as injuries and other diseases, can also damage joints and cause pain. If you have a painful joint, your doctor may first recommend nonsurgical options, such as physical therapy, joint injections or other medications. But if options like these aren’t enough to ease your pain, your doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery. Out with the old, in with the new During a joint replacement procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with prosthetics made of metal, plastic and ceramic. These artificial joints can last for 20 or more years. Orthopedic surgeons perform hundreds of thousands of these surgeries each year, with a high success rate. And most people who have a joint replaced are able to get back to an active lifestyle with less pain. Routine tasks, like walking and getting out of a chair, may be easier again. Small cuts and advanced robotics Surgeons use several different techniques to replace joints, such as: ● Traditional joint replacement. The joint is replaced through a long incision. ● Minimally invasive joint replacement. The joint is replaced through smaller incisions, and less tissue is cut. This may result in less pain after surgery and a quicker recovery. Contact us Take the first step toward life without joint pain. Call 907-714-4120 or scan the code to connect with our expert orthopedic team. CPH River Tower 240 Hospital Place, Soldotna www.cpgh.org/orthopedics ● Robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. During robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon creates a 3D model of the joint. Computer mapping helps ensure a precise fit. Tiny robotic instruments, directed by the surgeon, remove the damaged joint and replace it with the artificial joint while preserving the healthy tissue around the site. Talk to a joint expert If you want to live without the limits of joint pain, talk to your doctor. Discuss your options and find out if joint replacement surgery is right for you.
4 Central Peninsula Hospital Are you looking to begin a rewarding career in health care or explore a new professional path? Central Peninsula Hospital is hiring! With a wide range of job and apprenticeship opportunities, we invite you to join a team that’s making a difference every day—right here on the Kenai Peninsula. Employment opportunities As a cornerstone of local health care, Central Peninsula Hospital offers more than just jobs—we offer careers with purpose. We are currently hiring for a variety of roles across departments, including: ● Registered nurses. ● Medical assistants. ● Certified nursing assistants. ● Administrative support staff. ● Housekeeping and facilities maintenance. ● Information services. ● Physical therapists. ● Leadership roles. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just entering the workforce, Launch your health care career at Central Peninsula Hospital we provide a supportive and inclusive environment with competitive wages, excellent benefits, and opportunities for continued learning and advancement. You’ll be part of a compassionate team committed to personalized, quality care. Apprenticeship programs Looking for a hands-on way to start a health care career? Our apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training—letting you earn while you learn. Ideal for recent high school graduates, career changers or anyone ready to explore the medical field, these programs are a great pathway to a future at CPH. Current apprenticeship opportunities include: ● Certified nursing assistant. ● Medical assistant (November). ● Nurse Residency Program (November). ● Surgical technologist. ● Biomed technician. ● Sleep technologist. ● Sterile processing tech. ● Polysomnography tech. Apprentices train alongside experienced professionals and receive mentorship and real-world experience in high-demand fields. Many graduates of our programs go on to secure permanent roles within the hospital—without the burden of student debt or years of schooling. Ready to get started? Visit www.cpgh.org/careers or call 907-714-4773 to explore current job openings and apprenticeship options. At Central Peninsula Hospital, every role plays a vital part in delivering exceptional care to our community. We’d love for you to be part of it!
PULSE Fall 2025 5 Wellness visits are for Looking for a trusted health care partner for your whole family? We have you covered! From newborn checkups to senior care and everything in between, our friendly providers deliver person-centered care tailored to your needs. We’ve expanded our team to better serve our community, and we accept Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. . Going to the doctor isn’t just for when you feel sick. Visiting your doctor when you’re well is important too. It’s called preventive care, and it helps you stay healthy by catching problems early and reducing your risk of serious illness. Wellness visits are regular checkups that focus on prevention rather than treatment. They give your provider the chance to identify potential health concerns before they become serious and help you manage any chronic conditions. They also offer an opportunity to discuss lifestyle choices, nutrition and other factors that affect long-term health. Who needs wellness visits? No matter your age, wellness visits are important. Kids and adults both benefit from these visits, though their needs may be different. When to schedule your next wellness visit Adults should have regular wellness visits. Most health insurance plans recommend annual wellness visits, but you may need checkups more often, depending on your recommended screenings or chronic conditions. Children need more frequent wellness visits, especially in the first few years of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends: ● Infants and toddlers: visits at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months. ● Ages 3 years and up: yearly checkups. What to expect at a wellness visit A wellness visit may include: ● A full health review. Your doctor will ask about your medical history, lifestyle and any concerns you have. Central Peninsula Family Practice & Pediatrics, Soldotna 245 N. Binkley St., Suite 101, Soldotna 907-714-4111 Central Peninsula Family Practice & Pediatrics, Kenai 506 Lake St., Kenai 907-714-4111 ● Physical exam. Height, weight, blood pressure and other health metrics are checked. ● Screenings and tests. Depending on your age and risk factors, screenings may include vision, hearing, cholesterol and others. ● Immunizations. Your doctor will check that you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations and administer new ones as needed. ● Health and wellness guidance. Your doctor may offer advice on diet, exercise, mental health and more. EVERYONE www.cpgh.org/familypediatric
6 Central Peninsula Hospital Your wrist is a small part of your body, but it can be a big pain if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is a condition that leads to pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and forearm. What is carpal tunnel syndrome? The carpal tunnel is a passage for nerves and tendons that runs through the wrist. When it narrows, it puts pressure on the median nerve. One of the main nerves in your hand, the median nerve starts in the neck and travels through your arms and down to your fingers. Usually, carpal tunnel is the result of a combination of risk factors, which include: ● Heredity. ● Injury to the wrist. ● Repetitive hand motion. ● Pregnancy. Signs of carpal tunnel can be tricky to pick up on because they come on gradually. They might include: ● Pain or tingling that moves up your forearm. ● Pain, burning or numbness in the fingers. ● Dropping objects due to hand weakness or numbness. Carpal tunnel treatment If you notice any symptoms, it’s time to talk to your health care provider. During an evaluation, your hands and wrists will be examined and tested. Many times, this physical examination is all that’s needed for a diagnosis. Sometimes lab tests, such as an x-ray or ultrasound, may be needed. Your provider might refer you to an orthopedic doctor who specializes in bones, joints, muscles and nerves. Nonsurgical treatments Seeing a health care provider as soon as you notice symptoms can mean catching carpal tunnel early, when it can be treated more easily. Here are some treatments your provider may suggest you do at home: ● Wear a brace. Keeping the wrist still, especially at night, reduces pressure on the nerve. ● Take anti-inflammatories. Over-the-counter pain medicines, like ibuprofen and naproxen, or a cortisone injection can ease inflammation and pain. ● Change your movement. If the way you move—or don’t move—your wrist is causing the problem, then you can make adjustments to help soothe it. ● Exercise. A health care provider or physical therapist can teach you simple movements that can help. Surgical treatments Sometimes nonsurgical treatments don’t provide lasting relief. In that case, an orthopedic surgeon can perform a procedure that releases the pressure on the median nerve. Make an appointment There are many things you can do to get relief from the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you catch it early. If you have questions about carpal tunnel syndrome, make an appointment with one of our providers by visiting bone.cpgh.org or calling 907-714-4120. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Carpal tunnel syndrome It’s all in the wrist bone & joint center central peninsula Jordan Pearce, MD Dr. Pearce is a highly skilled, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery.
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Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Your voice matters Help shape the future of local health care Central Peninsula Hospital is inviting all Central Peninsula residents to take part in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey, open now through Sept. 26, 2025. Conducted every three years, this survey helps CPH better understand the health needs and priorities of our community. The results directly guide future hospital programs, services and partnerships. Feedback from the last survey, in 2022, led to the creation of the Central Peninsula Diabetes Center and Central Peninsula Mental Wellness— both designed to meet identified community needs. Your input this year will help spark the next round of impactful changes. Whether you’re a parent, business owner, retiree or student, your perspective is important. The survey only takes a few minutes, but the impact can be lasting. Visit www.prcsurvey.com/begin/CKP2025CHNA or scan the QR code. PULSE is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Central Peninsula Hospital, 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669, phone 907-714-4404, website www.cpgh.org. CEO: Shaun Keef External Affairs Director: Bruce Richards Information in PULSE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please call 907-714-4600 or email marketing@cpgh.org. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Central Peninsula Hospital and its clinics (collectively “CPH”) comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Translation and other services are available to you, free of charge, by calling this number: 907-714-4404. TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY (it only takes a few minutes) and help shape a healthier tomorrow! Work with us! Explore ways to launch your career at CPH. Page 4.
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