Playing sports can be very strenuous and can be physically demanding on anyone. For this reason, anyone who wishes to participate in any type of sport should undergo a special sports physical to ensure that their body can handle the physical rigors that the sport entails. Getting a sport physical is easy at the Valley Medical Center's Annual Sport Physical Clinic. Children are usually the most likely to require a sports physical. In fact, many schools will require that a child have a sports physical annually before participating in any of the sports that the school has to offer. A sports physical will help a school to determine who is healthy enough to participate.

The clinic will look at several things to determine if your child is healthy enough to participate in sports at the school. The physical will look at the child's weight and height to weight ratio. An overweight child is more likely to experience issues when participating in sports. Blood pressure and heart rate are also important indicators as to whether or not a child is capable of participating in sports. In most cases, the adolescent will have a vision screening to check for any visual problems. The physician or practitioner will do a physical examination to clear the student for participation in sport activities. Immunizations will be made available.

Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) are private physicians trained and authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform airman medical examinations, and to issue medical certificates. Dr. Glenn Jefferson is a Senior FAA Designated Areomedical Examiner offering Class 1, 2 and 3 examinations.

FAA Flight Physicals:
A pilot must meet minimum safety standards in terms of physical and mental condition as determined by the FAA. When a designated physician determines that the pilot meets the standards for a successful flight physical, the pilot is issued a medical certificate identifying that individual as meeting those specific standards.

To expedite your visit, please log onto the FAA's MedXpress website at https://MedXpress.faa.gov to complete the FAA Form 8500-8. Remember to bring your confirmation number to your visit after successfully completing the electronic FAA form 8500-8.

We strive to make your next flight physical as pleasant as possible.

At Valley Medical Center we focus on the importance of ongoing management of chronic health conditions. An example of that is found in the convenience offered to those patients who find themselves involved in anticoagulant therapies. The serious nature of the medications prescribed to manage certain medical conditions prompted our physicians to offer a nurse only follow up visit to help to managed the routine laboratory follow up.

Perform skin cancer screenings and treatment, including biopsies and excisions when appropriate. Diagnose and treat skin conditions to include precancerous lesions, dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne/rosacea.

Our board certified general surgeon offers endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy. These procedures are used most often to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum; they also are used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, diarrhea and constipation. By removing colon polyps, you can prevent most colon cancers from developing. Upper Endoscopy (gastroscopy) - enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, it may be used to evaluate swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain or chest pain.

Express Care provides quality, cost-effective treatment for minor injuries and illness on a walk-in basis, including times when most physicians' offices are closed - after hours and on weekends. We are open seven days a week for ailments such as:

• Sore throats
• Ear aches
• Coughs and colds
• Nebulizer treatment
• Basic labs (COLA Certified Laboratory)
• X-ray capabilities
• Sport injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Flu and fever
• Eye Infection
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Minor cuts that may need stitches

Patients seen at Express Care are referred back to their primary care physician for follow-up or additional treatment.

Primary care physicians at Valley Medical Center, PLLC provide the full range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for the entire family.

Physicians care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.

Services include:

• Acute and chronic disease management
• Minor injuries
• Women's health care services (limited)
• EKG
• Pulmonary Function Studies (PFT)
• Wart and skin tag removal
• Ear irrigations
• Injections
• School and sports physicals
• Adolescent medicine
• CDL physicals
• Annual wellness exams
• Simple laceration repairs

The foot and ankle specialist at Valley Medical Center provides comprehensive foot care from routine procedures to innovative treatments, to patients with acute and chronic foot and ankle disorders.

Common foot and ankle conditions treated in adults and children include:

• Simple and complex foot and ankle fractures
• Sports injuries
• Bunion & Bunionette Deformities
• Hammertoes
• Morton's Neuroma
• Foot & Ankle Arthritis
• Arthritis
• Diabetic foot care
• Lesions and tumors
• Adult & Adolescent Flatfoot Deformity
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Chronic Ankle Instability
• Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendon Ruptures
• Ingrown Toenails
• Plantar Warts
• Bone Spurs

Over the decades, efforts at preventing disease have made great strides in improving health. Yet for many disorders, traumas and other conditions, surgery still offers the best treatment option. And in recent years, advances in technologies and techniques have made surgery safer, less invasive and more effective than ever before. The surgical procedures offered range from minimally invasive outpatient procedures to major surgical interventions requiring an inpatient stay. Surgery may be needed to diagnose or cure a specific disease, correct a deformity or to restore function. Our staff gives each patient individualized care.

Our general surgeon offers both adult and pediatric surgical services. These services include:

• Surgical consultations
• Endoscopy (colonoscopy)
• Laparoscopic surgeries
• Gall bladder removal
• Appendix removal
• Hernia repair
• Breast biopsy and surgeries
• Colon surgeries
• Vasectomy
• Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Our physicians offer women of all ages comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care. We provide diagnostic, consultative, surgical, and treatment services for the following:

• Adult and adolescent gynecology
• Endometrial ablation
• Birth control and contraception
• Treatment for abnormal pap smear including Colposcopy and LEEP
• Complete management of pregnancy and delivery
• Cesarean section delivery
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Urinary Incontinence
• Infertility
• Menopausal and hormonal issues
• Menstrual disorders
• Pelvic pain
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Pregnancy planning
• Numerous other gynecologic conditions

Valley Medical Center offers the IDEAL PROTEIN weight loss program because we believe it is the healthiest way to shed excess pounds of fat.

A sample of Providers and staff thoroughly tested this weight loss program before giving it our endorsement. In other words, we went on the IDEAL PROTEIN weight loss program ourselves....and we lost a bunch of pounds!

This outstanding weight loss program is NOT multi-level marketing and NOT available on the internet. The Ideal Protein weight loss program is ONLY available from health care professionals.

Now it is possible for LC Valley residents to lose weight and regain their health. We know because we have proven it ourselves! To schedule a consultation and start losing weight and regaining your health, call... (208) 746-1383.

Adult Primary Care

Our Internal Medicine physicians provide care for the adult patient, specifically the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases. Patients may develop a relationship with the Adult Primary Care department starting at age 18. Our physicians provide a full range of general internal medicine and primary care services placing an emphasis on preventive care and health maintenance.

Common services include, diagnosis and management of chronic diseases like:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Asthma

Additional services include:

• Treating minor injuries
• Repairing simple lacerations
• Removing skin lesions
• Provide women's health care

Dr. Hugh Haegelin is also board certified in pulmonary medicine offering a comprehensive level of care for our internal medicine patients with respiratory concerns.

Dr. Timothy Dykstra oversees a comprehensive diabetes treatment center. This includes consultation and treatment of all forms of diabetes, as well as insulin pump starts and ongoing care. Nutrition counseling and general diabetes education are also provided.

Immediate testing needs are met with our on-site clinical laboratory. We provide bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, pregnancy testing, and select immunology testing.

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Laser Hair Removal
Imagine a world of no razors, no waxing, no tweezing, and no painful electrolysis. This is the goal of laser hair removal.

Hair grows in three cycles: active, dormant, and shedding. Only a portion of your hair is ever in a given phase. Laser hair removal can effectively treat hair in the active phase, but not the dormant or shedding phases. So usually 4-6 treatments at intervals of 3-6 weeks apart are necessary to achieve desired effects. Hair can be removed from anywhere on your body. Most common sites for women's hair removal include the upper lip and chin, the underarms, the bikini area (part or full), the upper and lower legs. Most common sites for men's hair removal include the neck (where ingrown hairs can often be a problem), the back and the abdomen.

Spider Vein Therapy
Minimally invasive endovenous laser treatment uses targeted laser energy to eliminate or fade the vein and help you look and feel better fast. With our laser treatment you can show off your legs again. Performed by a certified nurse aesthetician in the doctor's office.

Laser Facials
Designed to stimulate collagen production and to tighten facial tone. There are two options, one is the feather facial for general tone and collagen stimulation, very effective for Rosacea. The second is more aggressive for evening skin tone and scar treatment.

• Immediate relief of symptoms
• No general anesthesia or hospitalization
• Treatment in less than an hour
• Return to normal activity immediately - with little or no pain
• Laser facials

The primary care pediatricians provide family-centered health care to infants, children and adolescents, including:

• Routine health maintenance visits
• Immunizations
• Urgent sick visits
• Treatment of acute illness
• Treatment for chronic health problems
• In-depth consultations
• Specialist referrals when necessary
• Adolescent medicine
• Acne and common skin disorders
• School and sports physicals
• Hearing screening
• ADD/ADHD evaluations
• Behavioral evaluations

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The Radiology Department at Valley Medical Center was upgraded to provide digital imaging. The department installed a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in July 2007. PACS is a computer based system that manages the viewing, flow and storage of digital images. It is used for CT, MRI, Ultrasound, DEXA and Diagnostic general radiology that previously were printed out on film. Physicians now have access to this diagnostic tool via a computer in their office and at workstations around the clinic.

All medical information and images that a physician will need to provide a patient with care are available electronically at Valley Medical Center.

The time and cost savings is tremendous. The caregivers who need patient information will get it more quickly. The sooner they have that information, the sooner an accurate diagnosis and treatment option can be identified. This means better patient care.

Valley Medical Center's Radiology Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in CT and Mammography. ACR accreditation assures patients, referring physicians, and payers, that Valley Medical Center has undergone a rigorous review process and meet nationally accepted standards of care.

Services
Diagnostic Radiology	CT	Mammography
Ultrasound	MRI	Bone Densitometry

Computerized Tomography (CT)

CT - sometimes called CAT scan - is an X-ray exam using a scanner to produce a series of cross-sectional images of a selected part of the body. CT is very helpful in evaluating such areas as the bone, abdomen, and brain.

Preparation for your exam

Preparation for the exam varies, depending on which body part being scanned. For most procedures no prep will be required. For the abdomen & pelvis exam you will need to drink a special liquid, which can be picked up at the radiology scheduling desk prior to your exam.

If you are over 60 years old or diabetic, a blood test may be required prior to the exam.

During your exam

• While positioning you on the exam table, the technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
• If I.V. contrast is being used, it will be injected through your vein.
• During the injection you may experience a warm sensation all over your body and a metal taste in your mouth. This is normal. If you experience any itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, scratchy throat or swelling of your face you should notify the technologist immediately.
• You will be asked to lie flat on your back. Your arms will be positioned at your sides.
• After your positioned you will be asked to hold very still. The table you are on will slide into the scanner. The scanner is open at the back and the front, allowing you to see out.
• The technologist will always be able to see and hear you during your exam.
• This procedure usually takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

After your exam

Usually there are no restrictions placed on you after this procedure. If you received an injection of I.V. contrast, it will be eliminated through your urine and should cause no discoloration. It is suggested that you increase your fluid intake after the exam to help your body eliminate the contrast. You can resume your normal diet, unless told otherwise by your physician.

The radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to your physician. Your physician will discuss the results with you.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) use a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. MRI produces soft-tissue images and allows the radiologist to distinguish between normal, healthy tissue and diseased tissue. An MRA is specifically designed to look at blood vessels, veins and arteries.

During your exam

If it is necessary, you may be asked to change into a patient gown. Because you will be place in a magnetic field during the examination, you must remove all jewelry, metal objects and credit cards before you enter the exam room. The technologist will go over a thorough questionnaire with you prior to your examination. Usually no pre-exam preparation is necessary.

The technologist will bring you into the MRI room and position you on the table. The table will move electronically, placing you in the correct position inside the tube-like scanner. During the exam you will hear a rapid drumming noise and may feel some vibration. It is important that you remain as motionless as possible during the examination. If you are claustrophobic you may want to discuss pre-medication with your physician to help you relax during your MRI examination

After your exam

The I.V. contrast, if used, will be eliminated through your urine and should cause no discoloration. It is suggested that you increase your fluid intake after the exam to help your body eliminate the contrast. You can resume your normal diet, unless told otherwise by your physician.

The radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to your physician. Your physician will discuss the results with you.

Bone Densitometry

Bone Densitometry measures the health (density) of the bone. The primary use of Bone Densitometry is to diagnose or screen for osteoporosis. It uses a very low energy x-ray beam to produce a scan of the lumbar spine, hip and/or forearm. The information is used to assess your bone condition, risk of fracture, and to determine if treatment is necessary.

How is a Bone Densitometry performed?

The study is performed by a International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) certified technologist. The procedure takes about 15 -20 minutes. Comfortable clothes should be worn, such as cotton clothing. Any metal such as zippers, snaps or buttons can interfere with the scan and will need to be removed. During the exam you will lie on the table as the area of interest is scanned.

What is an IVA (FVA)?

In addition to a bone densitometry your physician may order an IVA (Instant vertebral assessment or vertebral fracture assessment.) An IVA allows your physician to identify spine fractures with one rapid, low dose, single image.

Vertebral fractures are far more common than one might imagine. Up to one quarter of Caucasian women over age 50 have at least one fracture. The presence of one or more vertebral fractures dramatically increases the risk of future fractures. IVA demonstrates that up to 30% of patients needing treatment are missed using BMD results alone.

Mammography

Mammography is a type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine the breasts. Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.

Every woman has a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Thanks to advanced diagnostic techniques many will go on to live normal, healthy lives.

Guidelines

The best method of early detection of breast cancer is through a combined physical examination and mammogram. While mammography is an excellent diagnostic tool it should be used in combination with a clinical breast examination and self-examinations, using the following guide:

• Begin monthly breast self-examination by age 20
• Request an annual clinical breast examination by your physician beginning at age 20
• Schedule annual mammography screenings beginning at age 40
• If you believe you are at risk for breast cancer based on family history, contact your physician to discuss when you should begin screenings.

What is breast self-examination?

Performed on a monthly basis, breast self-examination is a system that allows a woman to thoroughly check her breasts for signs of cancer, both visually and palpably (by touch).

What is a clinical breast examination?

A clinical breast exam includes visual and palpable (touch) examination of your breasts and surrounding tissues. At Valley Medical Center these exams are conducted by your physician.

Do I need a mammogram?

Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. If you are a female and over 40, don't delay - a mammogram could save your life.

For more information or to schedule your appointment, please call 208-746-1383

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body. The scan can help diagnose medical conditions such as gallbladder disease, suspected blood clots in the legs, as well as problems in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Ultrasound can also be used to show the development of an unborn child.

Before your exam

Depending on the exam that is ordered you may be asked to not eat or drink for eight hours prior to your exam. Some exams do require that you have a full bladder; if that's the case then you'll be asked to drink 32 oz. of water and have FINISH drinking one hour prior to your exam.

During your exam

• Upon your arrival, you may be asked to change into a gown.
• Once in the exam room, the diagnostic medical sonographer will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
• The sonographer will position you on your back and apply warm gel to the skin. The gel is very similar to hair styling gel and helps the sound waves travel from the machine into your body.
• A transducer, a small microphone-like device, is placed over the area being examined. This will happen several times. You will feel mild pressure from the transducer and some discomfort if you have a full bladder.
• The sound waves will bounce off the organs and tissue in your body. This creates "echoes". The echoes are reflected back to the transducer. A monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electrical signals.
• Your exam will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

After your exam

The radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to your physician. Your physician will discuss the results with you.

Diagnostic Radiology

General Diagnostic Radiology is a painless x-ray examination (radiograph) used to evaluate such areas as the chest, spine, skull, extremities, hips, pelvis or abdomen. It is often used to evaluate suspected fractures or other indications of injury or abnormality.