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Heart & Lung Care
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At Woodwinds, we believe that providing the best heart care requires more than just superior clinical and medical care. It also means giving respectful, compassionate, personal attention - to the person and the condition.
From prevention and wellness to emergency care and diagnostic testing, our skilled team of caring professionals provides a full continuum of heart care services. We treat a variety of diseases and conditions including:
- Chest pain
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Congestive heart failure
- Syncope (fainting)
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Woodwinds' patient-friendly environment focuses on healing the body, mind and spirit. Our Heart Care facilities include:
- Emergency Care Center
- Intensive care unit
- Inpatient and outpatient non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic center
- Inpatient and outpatient heart rehabilitation
- Telemetry unit
Heart Care Testing
A number of tests can be performed to determine the health of your heart. Diagnostic testing available at Woodwinds includes:
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to see images of the heart muscle, valves and function of the heart. A special instrument called a transducer is held on the chest by a technologist. The transducer picks up sound waves and uses them to create and project a picture of the heart on a screen. A recording is made for the cardiologist to review at a later time. The test takes approximately 30 minutes.
Stress testing
A stress test measures your heart's function during physical activity. It shows the changes in the electrical system of the heart during physical stress. Depending on your physical ability, the test may be done while you walk on a treadmill or your doctor may give you a drug that simulates exercise by causing your heart to gradually beat faster and stronger. The tests generally take 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Nuclear studies
A tracer (small amount of radioactive material) is given to you through a vein in your arm. A camera scans the tracer as it flows through your heart. Areas of the heart muscle that have good blood flow pick up the tracer material quickly, while areas that have less blood flow do not. The test takes approximately three to four hours.
Holter Monitoring
A small electronic recorder is used to record your heart's rhythm while you continue your normal at-home or at-work activities. The monitoring will take place for approximately 24 hours, during which time you will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms. Your doctor will let you know the amount of time for your particular test.
Heart Rehabilitation
We offer a heart rehabilitation program to help you recover quickly and return to your full, productive life. Through our program, you will learn how to take control of risk factors with dietary changes, smoking cessation, weight loss, stress reduction and blood pressure management. Most patients can return to their usual activities within a few months after a heart attack or heart surgery. Heart rehabilitation monitors and improves the recovery process, increases physical fitness, and reduces the risk or severity of another heart attack.
For congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, we offer a unique, individualized rehabilitation program. The Heart Failure Rehabilitation Program combines a medically supervised exercise program with education on symptoms, medication and diet to help CHF patients live a healthier life.
The heart rehabilitation team includes your doctor, occupational therapists, nurses, dietitians, social workers and chaplains. All phases require a physician's referral.
Throughout rehabilitation, our staff will encourage open discussion and provide feedback to make sure your treatment is a positive and successful experience for you and your family.
Rehabilitation includes three phases:
Phase I begins in the hospital and is an interdisciplinary program of gradually increasing exercise and education during your hospitalization.
Phase II occurs shortly after discharge. It is a monitored outpatient program designed to build strength and endurance and identify risk factors. An individualized exercise and education program is developed to assist you with life-long risk factor management.
Phase III encourages long-term, heart healthy routines. Through a supervised exercise program, it monitors, reinforces and promotes the ongoing exercise habits learned in Phase II. It also provides continuing support and encourages changes necessary to maintain a healthier heart.
Heart to Heart meetings
Hearts heal more quickly when supporting by a network of caring individuals. We understand the strength of this support and offer Heart to Heart meetings through our heart rehabilitation program.
The purpose of these meetings is to educate, support and share fellowship between individuals with common experiences. Health care professionals discuss a variety of heart care topics with the group, including diet, understanding medications, home exercise, stress management and lifestyle changes.
Click here to see topics covered at upcoming Heart to Heart meetings.
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Related links
Join the Minnesota Lynx and Go Red for Women at VIP reception, May 31 HealthEast's
Women's HeartAdvantage |
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HealthEast Diabetes Care
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HealthEast Woodbury Clinic
Woodwinds Birch Center
1875 Woodwinds Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone: 651/232-5757
Diabetes educators are available to provide services to patients hospitalized at Woodwinds.
HealthEast Diabetes Care offers education and training to help patients and their families manage diabetes. We offer group and individual programs and services for people with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Click here for more information about diabetes and HealthEast Diabetes Care. |
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 Diabetes Care
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Heart & Lung Care
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At Woodwinds, we believe that providing the best heart care requires more than just superior clinical and medical care. It also means giving respectful, compassionate, personal attention - to the person and the condition.
From prevention and wellness to emergency care and diagnostic testing, our skilled team of caring professionals provides a full continuum of heart care services. We treat a variety of diseases and conditions including:
- Chest pain
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Congestive heart failure
- Syncope (fainting)
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Woodwinds' patient-friendly environment focuses on healing the body, mind and spirit. Our Heart Care facilities include:
- Emergency Care Center
- Intensive care unit
- Inpatient and outpatient non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic center
- Inpatient and outpatient heart rehabilitation
- Telemetry unit
Heart Care Testing
A number of tests can be performed to determine the health of your heart. Diagnostic testing available at Woodwinds includes:
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to see images of the heart muscle, valves and function of the heart. A special instrument called a transducer is held on the chest by a technologist. The transducer picks up sound waves and uses them to create and project a picture of the heart on a screen. A recording is made for the cardiologist to review at a later time. The test takes approximately 30 minutes.
Stress testing
A stress test measures your heart's function during physical activity. It shows the changes in the electrical system of the heart during physical stress. Depending on your physical ability, the test may be done while you walk on a treadmill or your doctor may give you a drug that simulates exercise by causing your heart to gradually beat faster and stronger. The tests generally take 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Nuclear studies
A tracer (small amount of radioactive material) is given to you through a vein in your arm. A camera scans the tracer as it flows through your heart. Areas of the heart muscle that have good blood flow pick up the tracer material quickly, while areas that have less blood flow do not. The test takes approximately three to four hours.
Holter Monitoring
A small electronic recorder is used to record your heart's rhythm while you continue your normal at-home or at-work activities. The monitoring will take place for approximately 24 hours, during which time you will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms. Your doctor will let you know the amount of time for your particular test.
Heart Rehabilitation
We offer a heart rehabilitation program to help you recover quickly and return to your full, productive life. Through our program, you will learn how to take control of risk factors with dietary changes, smoking cessation, weight loss, stress reduction and blood pressure management. Most patients can return to their usual activities within a few months after a heart attack or heart surgery. Heart rehabilitation monitors and improves the recovery process, increases physical fitness, and reduces the risk or severity of another heart attack.
For congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, we offer a unique, individualized rehabilitation program. The Heart Failure Rehabilitation Program combines a medically supervised exercise program with education on symptoms, medication and diet to help CHF patients live a healthier life.
The heart rehabilitation team includes your doctor, occupational therapists, nurses, dietitians, social workers and chaplains. All phases require a physician's referral.
Throughout rehabilitation, our staff will encourage open discussion and provide feedback to make sure your treatment is a positive and successful experience for you and your family.
Rehabilitation includes three phases:
Phase I begins in the hospital and is an interdisciplinary program of gradually increasing exercise and education during your hospitalization.
Phase II occurs shortly after discharge. It is a monitored outpatient program designed to build strength and endurance and identify risk factors. An individualized exercise and education program is developed to assist you with life-long risk factor management.
Phase III encourages long-term, heart healthy routines. Through a supervised exercise program, it monitors, reinforces and promotes the ongoing exercise habits learned in Phase II. It also provides continuing support and encourages changes necessary to maintain a healthier heart.
Heart to Heart meetings
Hearts heal more quickly when supporting by a network of caring individuals. We understand the strength of this support and offer Heart to Heart meetings through our heart rehabilitation program.
The purpose of these meetings is to educate, support and share fellowship between individuals with common experiences. Health care professionals discuss a variety of heart care topics with the group, including diet, understanding medications, home exercise, stress management and lifestyle changes.
Click here to see topics covered at upcoming Heart to Heart meetings.
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Related links
Join the Minnesota Lynx and Go Red for Women at VIP reception, May 31 HealthEast's
Women's HeartAdvantage |
Heart & Lung Care
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HealthEast Hospice Care
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Phone: 651/232-3312
Hospice is a philosophy of health care that affirms life and provides care and support for people facing a life-limiting illness. At HealthEast Hospice Care, we focus on the quality of life, not the duration. Our Hospice team emphasizes emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. We determine each patient's needs and then work with the patient and family to provide the best care and comfort available. Through Hospice, the patient is able to recapture the spirit of living and make the most of remaining time with family and friends.
Hospice services are usually delivered in a patient's or family member's home, a long-term care facility or a Hospice Care home such as "The Pillars".
Families are central in all care giving and decision-making. That's why our Hospice caregivers also walk with them throughout the journey. Our services focus not only on patient care, but also on the needs of family members and caregivers.
Requirements for care
All patients and their families meeting the following guidelines are eligible for Hospice care, regardless of age, gender, nationality, creed, sexual orientation, disability, availability of a primary caregiver or ability to pay:
- Patients who have a life-limiting illness and whose doctors have given them a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
- Patients wanting the focus of care to be on relief of suffering rather than on a cure of the disease.
- Patients who meet specific disease criteria.
Starting Hospice Care
The decision to receive Hospice care is ultimately the patient's. We realize this is often a difficult decision, and we can help patients and families work through this sensitive process. Once Hospice care has begun, it can be cancelled at anytime.
We would like to talk to you about Hospice care and how we can support and empower individuals and families who want to live each day to the fullest. If you are interested in more information please contact your primary physician or contact us at 651/232-3312.
The Pillars - Hospice Residence
The Pillars is the first residential hospice in the East Metro area, beautifully situated on a four-acre wooded site in Oakdale. Symbolizing strength found in the pillars of support - faith, hope and love - The Pillars offers patients the comforts of home along with compassionate care.
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Hospice Care
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Critical Care Center/
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
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The Critical Care Center (commonly referred to as the ICU) is a specialized area designed for critically ill patients who need maximum medical attention to provide around-the-clock care, monitoring and equipment to better support their diagnosis and treatment.
Communication
Knowing the status of a loved one is important. To support timely and efficient communication between the ICU staff and the family, we recommend the following:
- Appoint a family spokesperson to relay updates to other family members. Multiple requests and phone calls to the ICU reduce staff time to care for patients.
- Please encourage family and friends to contact the spokesperson for updates.
- Updates may happen as conditions change - in these cases, ICU staff will seek out the spokesperson and family if present at the hospital.
- The ICU staff may schedule a family conference to give updates. It may be important for all decision-makers to be present. Conferences may include multiple doctors, social workers or spiritual care chaplains.
Healing Arts therapies
To aid in recovery, Woodwinds offers patients a variety of Healing Arts therapies during their stay at no cost. The therapies available include the use of essential oils, guided imagery, healing touch, acupressure and massage. Music therapy is also used at Woodwinds, and we invite patients and families to bring a favorite CD or cassette that can be played in their room.
Personal belongings
In an effort to make the ICU experience as comforting as possible, patients may bring a special quilt, blanket or pillow to the hospital, as well as their own robe and slippers. You may also bring toiletries, including electric shavers and deodorant.
We ask that valuables and articles not required during hospitalization be left at home.
Visiting guidelines
ICU staff strives to provide a caring atmosphere that promotes the fastest possible recovery. Family members and loved ones play an important part in that recovery, which is why we don't limit visiting to certain hours. Visitors should, however, respect the patient's need for rest, which is an essential part of the healing process.
There are several important guidelines to keep in mind when visiting a patient in the ICU:
- Please check with the nurse before entering a room. A drawn curtain usually indicates a treatment is in progress and privacy is necessary.
- You may be asked to step out of the room if immediate care is necessary.
- Flowers and latex balloons are not allowed in the ICU. Mylar balloons are acceptable.
- Changes in visiting guidelines are at the discretion of the doctor or nurse. Feel free to discuss individualized needs with the nurse.
Accommodations for family
Each ICU room is also designed with overnight accommodations for family members or loved ones wishing to remain for extended periods of time.
If you or a family member has traveled from out of town and needs other overnight accommodations, please contact the Woodwinds Guest Services department. Several area hotels have arranged special room rates for Woodwinds families who are visiting a patient. Arrangements are also possible through HealthEast Care System, which has guest housing available at minimal cost.
You can get more information by pressing the Guest Services button on the patient's phone or by calling the Welcome Center at 651/232-0228.
Helpful phone numbers
- Critical Care Center/ICU Nursing Station (for family spokesperson and emergency calls): 651/232-0132
- Critical Care Center/ICU Waiting Room: 651/232-0671
- Hospital Operator: 651/232-0100
- Woodwinds Welcome Desk: 651/232-0228
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Critical Care/ICU
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Infusion Therapy
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651/232-0571
With infusion therapy, blood or medicine are slowly released from an IV bag and fed into the blood stream through an IV needle. The infusion therapy process can take up to 6 hours.
Woodwinds Outpatient Infusion Therapy Center services include:
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis/Remicade
- Methoprednisone/MS exacerbation/Cancer TX.
- Blood products
- Chemotherapy
- Anemia/INFED/Iron
- Low Platelets
- Antibiotics
The outpatient infusion therapy center sees patients:
Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
For more information about outpatient infusion therapy at Woodwinds, call 651-232-0571
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Infusion Therapy
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HealthEast Nutrition Care
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Whether you're facing a disease or need help losing weight, HealthEast Nutrtition Care can help.
Proper nutrition is important is an important part of staying healthy and can help:
- Prevent disease
- Maintain good health
- Speed the healing process
Our registered dietitians see patients at various HealthEast facilities, including St. John's, St. Joseph's and Woodwinds hospitals.
If you have disease risk factors
At least 4 of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. - heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes - are directly related to nutrition. But early intervention can save lives.
If you have a condition that requires a change in diet, HealthEast Nutrition Care is available to partner with your doctor to provide nutritional advice and therapy.
If you have a disease or illness
Proper nutrition can speed recovery of a disease or illness.
At HealthEast, registered dietitians are important members of the care team. They'll work with you to show you the relationship between food and illness.
If you have cancer
Cancer treatment can interfere with your ability to eat or digest food. Nutrition Care dietitians work closely with doctors and other members of your care team to ensure that your nutritional needs are being met, either in the hospital or on an outpatient basis.
If you have heart disease or have had heart surgery
Nutrition plays an important role in improving heart health. If you have heart disease or had heart surgery, you may need to adjust your diet by cutting back on certain foods and adding others. Our dietitians show you how and support your efforts to make healthy choices.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy intervenes in the disease process. When your doctor refers you to Medical Nutrition Therapy, a HealthEast dietitian works to identify individual treatment goals and therapies. It involves: identifying nutritional risks, analyzing medical and dietary history, laboratory tests, comparative measurements, and reviewing food and prescription drug interactions.
For the community
Nutrition Care provides food services to the four HealthEast hospitals, as well as to home-delivered meal programs and senior care facilities. Registered dietitians also provide classes on nutrition to seniors living independently in the community.
Nutrition Care classes
Ways to Wellness
Ways to Wellness can help you lose weight, develop healthy habits and a regular exercise routine. Working with a personal Wellness Coach, you'll have the tools and support you need to be successful.
Our approach takes into consideration your life, schedule and goals. And because it's a personalized program, you can start whenever it works best for you. There are no specifc start dates. Click here to learn more.
Cholesterol and Healthier Nutrition Class
This one-session class, held at Woodwinds and taught by registered dietitians, is for individuals who want to learn how cholesterol and good nutrition affect heart health. It is especially relevant for those currently taking lipid lowering medications. Participants learn how to make healthier food choices, both at home and in restaurants. A guidebook and recipes are provided.
For class dates or more information, call HealthEast Care Connection at
651-326-CARE (2273).
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Nutrition Care
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HealthEast Optimum Rehabilitation
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651/232-6767
Woodwinds Health Campus/Oak Center
1825 Woodwinds Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 am to 5:30 pm
HealthEast Optimum Rehabilitiation provides professional physical therapy and occupational therapy for orthopaedic and sports diagnoses, as well as neck and back pain.
Our rehabilitation centers also offer these specialized services (which may vary from site to site):
- Biofeedback treatment for headaches
- Chronic pain therapy
- Low back pain and pregnancy
- Management of lymphedema
- Occupational and hand therapy
- Occupational rehabilitation
- Osteoporosis program
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Pelvic floor weakness and incontinence
- Physical therapy for women
- Prescription foot orthotics
- Speech pathology
- TMJ
Other HealthEast Optimum Rehabilitation Locations
Maplewood
Maplewood Professional Building
1655 Beam Ave., Suite 100A
Maplewood, MN 55109
Phone: 651/232-7820
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 am to 6 pm
Midway
University Park Medical Building
1690 University Ave. West, Suite 430
St. Paul, MN 55103
Phone: 651/232-5412
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, 9:30 am to 6 pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm
Oakdale
Tessar Professional Building
1099 Helmo Ave., Suite 110
Oakdale, MN 55128
Phone: 651/232-5075
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 5 pm
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Optimum Rehabilitation
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HealthEast Pain Care
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Midway Outpatient Center
1700 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
651/232-5348
Outstate/toll-free 1-800-422-3200
Pain is an individual experience. Pain can't be seen or measured, and a person's pain is as unique as a fingerprint.
Chronic pain can be a frustrating enemy to both patients and doctors -- but fighting it need not be futile. HealthEast Pain Care, a department of St. John's Hospital, offers the newest techniques and approaches applied by an experienced and professional team.
What is chronic pain?
Acute pain, such as a broken bone or recovering from surgery, is usually short-term and typically has no lasting effect on the patient.
Chronic pain continues for an extended period of time, affecting work, relationships and self-esteem.
Who comes to HealthEast Pain Care?
We help people who live with chronic pain from a variety of causes. We offer treatment for pain symptoms, including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Headaches
- Neuropathies, including causalgia
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Cancer pain management
Knowing when to refer you to a chronic pain clinic requires careful decision making and appropriate treatment choices by your doctor. Your physical and psychological history, family circumstances, personality and work habits must all be considered. All Pain Care patients must be referred by their primary care physician or a specialist.
Being a patient at HealthEast Pain Care means relief
At HealthEast Pain Care, you will be treated by a team of professionals with advanced training in pain management. Our doctors practice current pain management therapies while regularly attending classes and seminars in new techniques. Our doctors are spinal interventionalists and all are board certified in their specialties.
How will pain be treated?
After an initial assessment and physical examination, our staff will create a program of procedures and approaches designed specifically for your situation.
We're available to answer questions
We are available to take your calls Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Midway Outpatient Center 651/232-5348
Outstate/toll-free 1-800-422-3200
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Pain Care
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HealthEast Palliative Care
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651/232-3350
HealthEast Palliative Care helps patients by reducing symptoms related to advanced chronic illnesses. The goal of Palliative Care is help patients maintain the highest quality of life possible. For some patients this means returning to their usual lifestyle; for others, it means preparing for
hospice care.
How can Palliative Care help me?
Palliative Care can:
- Assist with difficult-to-control symptoms.
- Help you work through concerns or anxieties you're feeling.
- Support your body, mind and spirit.
- Help you and your family evaluate ( and re-evaluate) the goals of your care.
- Collaborate with your doctor to give you the best care possible.
- Assist with difficult family situations and participate in family care conferences.
What are examples of symptoms that can be helped with Palliative Care?
- Pain
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What are examples of diseases that are assisted with Palliative Care?
Among others, Palliative Care helps patients with advanced chronic diseases, including:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Liver disease
- Neurological disease
Who makes up the Palliative Care team?
Our team consists of a doctor who dedicates his practice to palliative care and hospice care and an advanced practice nurse. As the service grows, a social worker and chaplain will join the team. Currently, social work and Spiritual Care services are provided by the unit social worker and hospital chaplain.
How does the Palliative Care team work with my doctor?
Working closely with your doctor, we may offer recommendations to reduce your symptoms. We offer a collaborative approach that stresses communication. We don't take over the role of your doctor.
Where is Palliative Care offered?
Palliative Care is available to patients at St. John's Hospital, St. Joseph 's Hospital and Woodwinds Health Campus.
What do I do if I want Palliative Care services?
Talk to your doctor or call HealthEast Palliative Care at 651/232-3350 .
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Related links
HealthEast Hospice Care
Spiritual Care
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Palliative Care
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HealthEast Pharmacies - Woodbury
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651-326-0770
Open Monday - Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Woodwinds Health Campus
(inside the gift shop)
1925 Woodwinds Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
Complete, accurate and current patient medication profiles
We can answer questions regarding your prescriptions and consult with you on medications you currently take.
Convenient refills
Patients can refill prescriptions at any of our pharmacies. With access to shared patient data and prescription history, getting refills is easy.
Free delivery or mail order
We offer free delivery service and bill your major medical insurance company directly to make life easier for you.
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Pharmacy
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Surgery
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The Surgery Care Center at Woodwinds includes 5 state-of-the-art operating suites, an induction room, pre-operative patient rooms and a post-surgical recovery area. Designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible, the Surgery Care Center incorporates healing elements from nature into both the pre-op and recovery areas, including spectacular lighted ceiling panels that offer a welcome distraction during your surgical journey.
Family members are welcome to remain with your prior to surgery and will be updated by your physician and nurses immediately following your procedure. A variety of healing art therapies are available to you, including healing touch, guided imagery and acupuncture.
Click here for HealthEast's "Guide to Surgery." Get instructions and helpful hints to help you prepare for surgery.
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Surgery Care Center
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HealthEast Transportation
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www.healtheast.org/transportation
481 Front Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55117
651/232-1700
1-800-887-6221
HealthEast Transportation, a division of the HealthEast Care System, founded in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, remains one of the community's largest providers of emergency and scheduled transportation with a complete offering of air and ground ambulance transportation. What makes the HealthEast Transportation package even more complete is its communication, training, education and vehicle maintenance services, which combined with all of its transport services, provide a total solution to your emergency and scheduled medical transportation support needs.
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HealthEast Transportation
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HealthEast Vascular Center
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Phone: 651-232-2550
HealthEast Vascular Center locations
Gallery Professional Building
17 W. Exchange St., Suite 600
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651/ 232-2550
Fax: 651/ 232-2551
Conveniently located in the Gallery Professional Building adjacent to St. Joseph's Hospital in downtown St. Paul. Valet parking is available to patients for a nominal fee.
Markham Pond Professional Center
1570 Beam Avenue, Suite 200
Maplewood MN 55109
651/232-2550
Fax: 651/232-2551
Conveniently located on Beam Avenue across the street from St. John's Hospital and behind Maplewood Cancer Center.
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HealthEast Vascular Center
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Heart & Lung Care
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At Woodwinds, we believe that providing the best heart care requires more than just superior clinical and medical care. It also means giving respectful, compassionate, personal attention - to the person and the condition.
From prevention and wellness to emergency care and diagnostic testing, our skilled team of caring professionals provides a full continuum of heart care services. We treat a variety of diseases and conditions including:
- Chest pain
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Congestive heart failure
- Syncope (fainting)
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Woodwinds' patient-friendly environment focuses on healing the body, mind and spirit. Our Heart Care facilities include:
- Emergency Care Center
- Intensive care unit
- Inpatient and outpatient non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic center
- Inpatient and outpatient heart rehabilitation
- Telemetry unit
Heart Care Testing
A number of tests can be performed to determine the health of your heart. Diagnostic testing available at Woodwinds includes:
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to see images of the heart muscle, valves and function of the heart. A special instrument called a transducer is held on the chest by a technologist. The transducer picks up sound waves and uses them to create and project a picture of the heart on a screen. A recording is made for the cardiologist to review at a later time. The test takes approximately 30 minutes.
Stress testing
A stress test measures your heart's function during physical activity. It shows the changes in the electrical system of the heart during physical stress. Depending on your physical ability, the test may be done while you walk on a treadmill or your doctor may give you a drug that simulates exercise by causing your heart to gradually beat faster and stronger. The tests generally take 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Nuclear studies
A tracer (small amount of radioactive material) is given to you through a vein in your arm. A camera scans the tracer as it flows through your heart. Areas of the heart muscle that have good blood flow pick up the tracer material quickly, while areas that have less blood flow do not. The test takes approximately three to four hours.
Holter Monitoring
A small electronic recorder is used to record your heart's rhythm while you continue your normal at-home or at-work activities. The monitoring will take place for approximately 24 hours, during which time you will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms. Your doctor will let you know the amount of time for your particular test.
Heart Rehabilitation
We offer a heart rehabilitation program to help you recover quickly and return to your full, productive life. Through our program, you will learn how to take control of risk factors with dietary changes, smoking cessation, weight loss, stress reduction and blood pressure management. Most patients can return to their usual activities within a few months after a heart attack or heart surgery. Heart rehabilitation monitors and improves the recovery process, increases physical fitness, and reduces the risk or severity of another heart attack.
For congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, we offer a unique, individualized rehabilitation program. The Heart Failure Rehabilitation Program combines a medically supervised exercise program with education on symptoms, medication and diet to help CHF patients live a healthier life.
The heart rehabilitation team includes your doctor, occupational therapists, nurses, dietitians, social workers and chaplains. All phases require a physician's referral.
Throughout rehabilitation, our staff will encourage open discussion and provide feedback to make sure your treatment is a positive and successful experience for you and your family.
Rehabilitation includes three phases:
Phase I begins in the hospital and is an interdisciplinary program of gradually increasing exercise and education during your hospitalization.
Phase II occurs shortly after discharge. It is a monitored outpatient program designed to build strength and endurance and identify risk factors. An individualized exercise and education program is developed to assist you with life-long risk factor management.
Phase III encourages long-term, heart healthy routines. Through a supervised exercise program, it monitors, reinforces and promotes the ongoing exercise habits learned in Phase II. It also provides continuing support and encourages changes necessary to maintain a healthier heart.
Heart to Heart meetings
Hearts heal more quickly when supporting by a network of caring individuals. We understand the strength of this support and offer Heart to Heart meetings through our heart rehabilitation program.
The purpose of these meetings is to educate, support and share fellowship between individuals with common experiences. Health care professionals discuss a variety of heart care topics with the group, including diet, understanding medications, home exercise, stress management and lifestyle changes.
Click here to see topics covered at upcoming Heart to Heart meetings.
|
Related links
Join the Minnesota Lynx and Go Red for Women at VIP reception, May 31 HealthEast's
Women's HeartAdvantage |
|
