Arbor Health | Arbor Health and Life | Winter 2019-20

Lab values: It’s NOT just about the numbers Laboratory test results can produce different numbers depending on the method and machine used. This at times can be confusing. For example, a BNP (a test for congestive heart failure and respiratory illness) run on the machine at Arbor Health, Morton Hospital produces 936 pg/mL and on the machine at a different lab using a different machine produces 76 pg/mL. Both results are normal. The normal range on Morton Hospital’s machine is 0–1,800 pg/mL and the normal range on the other machine is 0–100 pg/mL. Because of this, it is important to not just compare the numbers alone but to also consider the normal ranges. We are here for walk-in laboratory testing, whether your doctor is local or an out-of-town specialist. If, however, your doctor wishes for you to have regular labs performed to track your health, thought needs to be given to continuity. Because of the variability in numbers produced by different methods, it is important to be consistent with the machine being used. And, as always, if you have questions about your results ask your doctor. Lynda Nanney, of Morton, has seen the benefits of physical therapy (PT) and oc- cupational therapy (OT) firsthand. She’s had both after many different surgeries, including a spinal fusion, a hip replace- ment, two knee replacements and carpal tunnel surgery. These surgeries required specialists that Arbor Health, Morton Hospital does not employ, so they were performed at other hospitals. But Lynda always comes back to Morton for her follow-up therapies. She has also used the therapy pool for the last five and a half years to improve general mobility. Convenient care Most recently, Lynda received occupa- tional therapy on her elbow at Arbor Lynda Nanney, of Morton, smiles at her occupational therapist Paige Hebard during a recent therapy appointment. Health Rehabilitation Services. This injury was actually from a break she experienced when she was just 5 years old. She says she got an infection in it but was fortunate enough to receive penicillin, which was just being released for non-military use after World War II. However, 55 or 60 years later, arthritis moved in to the old injury, and Lynda returned for more therapy. “The occupational therapist really helped me,” Lynda says. “Not just the therapy itself, but she helped me find different ways to do everyday things, different movements. It’s really getting a lot better.” And when it comes to convenience, Morton can’t be beat. “It’s so nice to be close to home and not have to travel to town for therapy,” Lynda says. “And everyone is so friendly. The department is small enough that you get to know everyone. And if you have problems or questions between appointments you can drop in and ask. It also saves money on gas. It would be foolish to go into town when we have it right here.” Lynda says the occupational therapist even had her in the little therapy kitchen to teach her little tricks on how to do things like loading dishes in the dish- washer in a way that is easier for her. “As I’ve followed what she told me to do, it’s gotten better,” Lynda said. PT versus OT While PT and OT provide essential hands-on rehabilitative work to help patients like Lynda perform everyday tasks as independently as possible, each takes a different approach. OT focuses on improving a patient’s ability to safely and effectively perform activities of daily living, and PT focuses on increasing function by improving mo- bility, strength and stability of the joints and muscles. Arbor Health Rehabilitation Services provides PT, OT and speech therapy. Your doctor will determine which therapy you need when making the referral. For more information, call 360-496-3593 . R E HA B I L I TAT I ON S E R V I C E S Expert rehab therapy, right here at home MYARBORHEALTH.ORG 3