In Pueblo Blog

What the ‘blog’ are you talking about?

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:55:03 GMT

The old four letter word in business storytelling is NOT dead.

Companies that blog have 55% more website visitors.

Sharing new and rich content in a blog is like creating fire. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are the gasoline that fuels the fire. Keep in mind that blogging alone will not transform your business marketing efforts. You must think carefully about what you want to
say and create marketing channels of communication that are well-optimized and promoted, and full of interesting and robust content. Research shows that companies that think through this process and blog 20 or more times per month see the greatest return in traffic and ultimately leads that turn into new clients.

Below are the main reasons why you should have an industry-specific blog for your business:

Frequency Matters: Feed the Crawlers
A powerful blog is a huge asset to your company that will help you in respect to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The more posts you publish, the more indexed pages you make available for the search engine algorithm to crawl and ultimately display in their results. When people go to the internet for answers they “Google It” in hope of finding industry-specific products or services. Your blog will enable you to attract organic (vs. paid) traffic and familiarize people with your business.

Optimize Your Posts
A powerful way to attract more traffic through organic search is by threading industry keywords into your blog. Dig deep and study the words that people enter in search engines as they do research. If you have not already identified the strategic keywords in your industry, stop what you are doing right now and use one of the many free tools available to find out what words people are using to find information about products and services in your industry. One of the most powerful resources to help you identify your industry vocabulary is Google Adwords Research Tool. Once you have a list of words you can begin to tell your story and optimize your blog posts.

The Keyword Post
Now that you have a list of the major keywords used in your industry, start writing blog posts around these terms. Creating new content can often be problematic and exhausting, so this is one of my favorite ways to come up with new subjects to talk about in a blog. If you consistently use keywords, you will find that blogging is a great tool for driving organic search engine traffic.

Be a Thought Leader and Solve your Customers’ Problems with Content
A well thought out and crafted business blog can be a huge asset for your organization as it identifies you as a thought leader and expert in your respective field. Use your blog to keep people informed about trends in your area of interest and you will earn their trust and they will come to you with their questions looking for answers to their questions. This is the best way to make a clear distinction between your brand and that of your competition.

Real Estate for CTAs
Your business blog is an ideal location to place CTAs or calls-to-action to foster greater content engagement. When you start to develop trust from readers of your blog, you want to convert these leads by driving more traffic to your website. The best way to do this is through contextual calls-to-action which can be placed in the sidebar of your blog or by hyperlinking words in your content. You might ask them to download a free guide that you have or invite them to a free webinar. The bottom line is that people love free things. They are more willing to give you their email address in exchange for something that you can offer them easily at the moment and without charge.

A blog is not a one shot deal. You must think long-term if you truly want to bring traffic and leads to your business. You want to be known as a thought leader and expert in your area of specialty as this will be a sure way to earn people’s trust. Do not focus on yourself. Being an expert is not talking about yourself. Use the long form blogging platform as an opportunity to display your creative genius and show your talent and knowledge in a way that helps others answer their questions - this is the most powerful way to gain trust.

Gregory Howell
RMVI Services
Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (www.rmvein.com)
Trinity Vein Institute (www.trinityvein.com)

Restless Legs Syndrome and Vein Disease: a surprising connection

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 00:35:28 GMT

By Tim Cawlfield, M.D.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is described as a feeling of unpleasant sensations such as creeping, tingling, and aching. These sensations occur in the legs while sitting or lying down, typically when a person is at rest during the day and often worsening at night. The affected individual feels a strong urge to move the legs, and this movement temporarily relieves the discomfort. This condition affects roughly 15 percent of the population. These symptoms can be quite severe, causing chronic sleep deprivation with psychological and cognitive deficits.

RLS can be difficult to diagnose, as many people have difficulty describing the sensations, but descriptions such as “heebie-jeebies,” “antsy,” and “Jimmy legs” are regularly used. The typical treatments for RLS frequently involve long-term use of various medications, often with unwanted side effects, increased costs, and limited effectiveness.

It is interesting to note that about 40 percent of people with RLS have problems with their vein circulation. These individuals have problems with the one-way valves in their leg veins that cause difficulty for blood to return from the legs back to the heart. In addition to RLS, people with vein disease also can have other leg symptoms, such as: aching, heaviness, cramping, bulging veins, spider veins, darkening of the skin, and sores.

While the exact mechanism for the relationship between restless legs syndrome and vein disease is not well understood, many doctors have discovered that treating the vein disease of people with RLS is extremely effective.

One study demonstrated that treatment of diseased veins initially eliminated or significantly reduced 98 percent of people’s restless leg symptoms. They also found that 92 percent of people’s symptoms did not return after one year .

Another study showed that 95 percent of people’s restless leg symptoms were reduced and 53 percent of people’s symptoms were completely eliminated after treatment of their diseased veins .

These study findings suggest that the evaluation of restless legs syndrome should include an evaluation for possible vein disease. As many as 40 percent of these individuals could have a single procedure that can eliminate their symptoms without the risk or cost of life-long medications.

If you or someone you know has restless legs syndrome, please consider having a screen for vein disease. Rocky Mountain Vein Institute offers free ultrasound screenings as well as free consultations with a team of doctors who specialize in the management of vein disease.

Tim Cawlfield, M.D., is a Phlebologist at the Rocky Mountain Vein Institute in Pueblo who is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Information about Rocky Mountain Vein Institute can be found at www.rmvein.com, or by calling the Pueblo clinic at 719.543.VEIN (8346).

Rocky Mountain Vein Institute’s Conservative Vein Health Options

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:59:18 GMT

By Julie Current, PA-C, RMVI Physicians’ Assistant

The Rocky Mountain Vein Institute - Vail Valley, participated in a wildly successful, unprecedented attended event on Valentine’s Day: “All You Need is Heart.” The energy was palpable, and the focus was on cardiovascular health, with an eye on education about the prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest and what can done about it.

The event organizer, Lynn Blake, had a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) episode at the age of 27. Now 34-years-old, her life was saved by a bystander and an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Since that day, Lynn has made it her life mission to educate the community on the prevalence of SCA, and also increase the number of AEDs available. When an AED is used in the first five minutes of an SCA episode, the chances of survival increase dramatically.

Numerous health care professionals provided free health screenings to the public at the “All You Need is Heart” event. Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (RMVI) performed both carotid and venous ultrasounds, performing over 100 ultrasound screenings in a four-hour period. It was overwhelming and refreshing to have so many people coming together to focus on their personal health!

A carotid ultrasound identifies carotid artery disease (plaque in carotid arteries). From this information, we can predict the risk of a stroke. Lower extremity venous ultrasounds allow people to better understand why their legs feel heavy or achy or why they develop visible varicose veins.

One attendee explained that her ankles were swollen at the end of each day, but she assumed it was because she stands for long periods of time. But even at 8 a.m. when she had her screening, she was visibly swollen. Her venous screening was positive for superficial venous reflux (vein disease), and RMVI staff offered further evaluation and treatment options were discussed.

It is common for people to believe that their legs are achy, swollen or tired simply because they are “old” or “busy .” This is a misconception; it is not your age, it’s your veins! Age and standing for long periods of time are a few of the risk factors for developing vein disease. But the good news is that vein disease is treatable. It’s not “normal” to have painful, achy legs.

Providing health and wellness education in a setting such as the, “All Your Need is Heart” event is one more piece of the RMVI, community embracing and patient-care driven mission. Getting the word out about vein disease is better for everyone - the patient, their family and the community.

Connecting the Veins of Care

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:28:19 GMT

By Erin Gibbs, CEO RMVI Services

Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (RMVI) is on a mission to eliminate unhealthy veins. With time-efficient and elegant treatment options now available, patients don’t need time off of work or time away from family or physical activities. Most important, vein disease is a medical disorder with treatments covered by most health insurance.

At RMVI, patient experience and successful outcomes are paramount. RMVI Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Gordon F. Gibbs, M.D., holds board certification in both vascular interventional radiology and phlebology. He is a Mayo Clinic graduate and is medical director for the Department of Radiology at St. Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, CO. A sought after speaker and phlebology educator, Dr. Gibbs founded RMVI to meet the specialized needs of an underserved population in Colorado.

We also believe in building a staff of strongly credentialed, vein-specialized physicians. RMVI’s Dr. Kristina Sanchez holds double board certification in family medicine and phlebology; Dr. Timothy Cawlfield is a Phlebologist and Dr. Emma Stout is a Phlebology Fellow. Moreover, Sandy Nebl, ACNP and Casey Straight, FNP/PA support our physicians, as do four medical assistants and two ultrasound technologists. Everyone at RMVI, from our clinic managers to our assistants are focused on patient care and healing of venous disease.

Myths abound in dated venous disease diagnoses and treatments, which lead RMVI to create the only DiagnosticCenter of its kind, a full service vascular lab accredited through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Vascular Laboratories (IAC). The Diagnostic Centeroffers the full spectrum of noninvasive vascular exams, including peripheral venous and arterial scans, and cerebrovascular and visceral vascular imaging. Each patient room is equipped with a flat-screen monitor that encourages patients to be a part of the diagnostic process as well as the procedures. We encourage patients to ask questions and engage in their experience, in order to gain a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment options.

Outside of The Diagnostic Center, we celebrate our unrelenting focus on the patient and their family. We bring the human touch of a family-operated, multidisciplinary team-oriented practice to our community because we know that convenience, relaxation and exemplary vein health care makes for better living and better health for everyone.

Call 888.730.VEIN(8346) or visit www.rmvein.com for further information.

Creating a Flow: for Staff and Patients

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:30:56 GMT

By Teresa Clift, Rocky Mountain Vein Institute

Clinic Manager and Clinic Services Manager

One of the biggest challenges in my role as Clinic Manager and Clinic Services Manager for Rocky Mountain Vein Institute’s Pueblo, Colo., facility is paying attention to the detail of the daily activities while simultaneously keeping the big picture in mind.

The success of our day-to-day efficiency, seamlessness and ease is due to making sure that everyone is rowing the boat in the same direction. That may sound easier than it is, but experience shows that having all team members focused helps everyone, especially our patients. A united vision also helps all of our team members feel like a solid and productive team.

Here at RMVI, every team member backs each other up and everyone pitches in to get the job done, no matter how big or small. We also all work with every new staff member to help them comfortably come aboard; inevitably, new employees enjoy seeing and then engaging in mutual support within team members. We all work in unision, then, noting that whenever something needs to be done, we need not wait to be asked to do the task, but rather just jump in and help out.

RMVI’s Chief Medical Executive and Founder, Dr. Gordon Gibbs, exemplifies this team approach on a daily basis. No one at RMVI is surprised when Dr. Gibbs takes out the trash or cleans up a room. This demonstration of team effort, done cheerfully and enthusiastically, is inspiring. We all want to do more and be more when in the presence of his leadership.

Many seemingly small but critical details ensure our patients have a positive experience, and serving as Clinic Manager and Clinic Services Manager at RMVI it is a privilege to witness and work with staff that is focused, dedicated and united.

We know that when our facility flows efficiently, with grace, ease and caring, our patients have the ultimate experience we dedicate ourselves to providing.

More Fans, Leads and Customers:

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:16:22 GMT

Social media channels are power boosters that drive traffic to your website -Gregory Howell

Does your website need a power boost? The use of social media like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube can add that necessary punch, but you need to set goals and make sure you have the right target audience. There is nothing worse than standing on the corner and telling your story to the wrong people - they will just walk by. Do you know who your audience is?

Define Your Target Audience through Listening

The best way to locate your target audience is to listen. Where are you getting most of your traffic and queries now? If you already have a Facebook Page with at least 25 Likes, you can learn a lot about your current audience through Facebook Insights. This is a simple, yet powerful, analytics tool that helps you understand who is engaging with the content on your page. You should also take a look at your competition and see where they are engaging their audiences. Once you have a sense of your audience demographics and where you might find the right traction with your message, it is time to craft your story and create engaging content.

Craft your Story and Curate Content

Once you have your audience and goals in mind, then you can start talking about the content necessary to achieve these newly set aspirations for your company. In Facebook, as with any other marketing channel, you need to promote rich and robust content based on your target buyer personality.

Posting is the most effective way to create engagement. If you know your target audience and post engaging content that is interesting and answers the needs of your visitors, you will drive more traffic not only to your website but also promote active conversation on your page.

You need to know your audience, but the most effective posts include:

● Events - get folks to register and start a dialog

● New Product Information - people love to hear about new products and reviews

● Contests and Surveys - conduct a poll or survey or create a contest to engage

● Offers - sales and coupons can be very effective in creating excitement and engagement

● Blog Posts from your website - repurpose content over all of your platforms where appropriate

● Ad or Sponsored Story

What is all the fuss about the hashtag or pound sign?

Many of you have probably seen the hashtag (#) in an ad or when people start talking about what is trending. What is fascinating about this unique search tool of Twitter is that it was started by users after Twitter was inititally launched. Shortly after Twitter was introduced, meeting planners started to use the hashtag in their programs so that when attendees wanted to know what was going on at that very moment in time, they could just use the hashtag and a keyword to learn what was trending at the convention or meeting. You can use the hashtag to identify subject and themes and then monitor how it is trending on Twitter and across the internet.

Goal: Convert Fans to Customers

By listening to your fans and creating engaging content, you will gain trust and loyalty, which hopefully will create a situation of empowerment where your target audience eventually becomes a customer and/or a powerful referral source.

Compression: Not Just for Olympians:Rocky Mountain Vein Institute’s Conservative Vein Health Options

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:50:53 GMT

Julie Current, PA-C, RMVI Physicians’ Assistant

You may have seen the Olympic athletes on television this past summer with their “white eblows” and “covered knees.”

What you were seeing is one of the latest, most state-of-the-art options for athletes and those seeking vein health: compression wear.

At the Vail Valley Rocky Mountain Vein Institute facility (and to be available at our online facility later this month), we recently launched our line of world-class compression wear — and as a skier myself, I can tell you that there’s nothing like hitting the slopes with these new, alpine compression socks as part of my gear.

Traditionally, compression stockings were designed to help prevent the occurrence of venous disorders and also prevent its progression. The socks are tightest at the ankles and gradually become less constrictive towards the knees and thighs. This exerts pressure against the legs, reducing the diameter of distended veins, and causing an increase in venous blood flow and valve effectiveness. Most importantly, this can relieve heavy, achy, and swollen legs.

Compression therapy is beneficial both for those who have venous disease, and for those trying to prevent it.

In addition, compression socks can help the everyday athlete. Whether it’s walking, biking, running, or skiing, compression socks can improve endurance, performance, and recovery. The compression socks help increase blood flow and muscle oxygenation, while they decrease the possibility of injuries such as shin splints. The pressure of the socks helps flush lactic acid from the muscles, which reduces aching and swelling. The benefits of compression work for both those with venous disease, and for the elite, semi-elite, or recreational athlete.

All of RMVI’s alpine compression socks provide warmth during these cold and snowy months. They can be worn while skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, and have added padding along the shin to provide comfort and less irritation from those sometimes uncomfortable boots. I love mine because they are warm, cozy, and (best of all) allow me to perform at my optimal level by providing graduated compression. Our men’s and women’s thermal compression tights are perfect for the runner who may want to continue to run in cold winter months. Under snow pants they can act as both long underwear and compression therapy.

And we’re very excited to announce that we’re now offering our compression therapy in Vail Valley with plans to roll out our compression line in Pueblo very soon.

At Rocky Mountain Vein Institute we love to be able to offer conservative treatment options like compression socks and minimally invasive office-based procedures for the treatment of venous disease. But we also enjoy offering all of the benefits, the sumptuous feel and the potentially improved athletic performance available in compression wear to all our athletes — Olympian or otherwise.

Kindness, Care & Critical Knowledge: It's How Patients Decide

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:30:00 GMT

By Founder, Dr. Gordon Gibbs

In today’s competitive healthcare market, patients can choose between Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (RMVI) in their diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, or they can choose someone else, or choose not to seek treatment at all. The patient experience – start to finish – and the confidence in a good outcome are primary differentiators in today’s healthcare arena, when patients determine where to seek treatment.

Since our move to the Riverwalk in October, we’ve come to realize more than ever before that the way we treat a patient can be the difference between a one-time appointment or repeat visits (which includes referrals to friends and family). We’ve watched and recognized that simply offering excellent vein care does not guarantee a happy patient.

William J. Mayo, Mayo Clinic founder, said: “The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered.” When RMVI makes decisions toward policy and procedure, we routinely reference this quote. Through my training at Mayo Clinic, this was instilled from the very beginning and I wholeheartedly believe it is the correct approach in patient care.

Similarly, we extend our patient care beyond treatment and kindness because we love this community and that community includes our patients. This may not conform to traditional medicine or business models, but it is our model.

As a piece of this thriving and growing community, it’s worth letting you in on our backstory, on our behind-the-scenes approach. Each and every day, we are committed to:

· Accommodating patients’ needs – including their preferred appointment times. If a patient can only come in before or after work, arrangements can be made to stay late or come early.

· Clear explanations - customized treatments to the patient and their supporting family or friends. The conversation provides peace-of-mind and confidence in the clinical care offered because it offers transparency.

· Being nice - simple kindness to each of our patients, and treating everyone with integrity, empathy and expertise.

· Enhanced quality of life - we wholeheartedly believe that meeting patient needs will improve their quality of life – which is the ultimate goal – to deliver, soundly and surely, an enhanced quality of life for all of our patients.

· We offer a broad choice of compression stockings, including comfortable and breathable athletic compression wear.

· Complete and accurate diagnosis – through our world-class, independently accredited diagnostic center and multidisciplinary physician staff background, venous disease at RMVI is completely characterized with a thorough ultrasound evaluation and physician consult.

Being kind – in addition to offering state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment options – may not be the conventional medical office protocol.

Compression: Important - But Myths Abound

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:21:26 GMT

by Tim Cawlfield, M.D., Rocky Mountain Vein Institute

Phlebologist, Board Certified Family Medicine

There has been an increasing trend among professional and amateur athletes to wear graduated compression stockings and compression sleeves during exercise. There are a lot of myths surrounding the benefits of wearing graduated compression stockings for different endurance activities. At Rocky Mountain Vein Institute, we recognize the importance of compression stockings. I would like to dispel a few myths regarding the benefits these compression garments and confirm other benefits.

Belief #1 – wearing graduated compression stockings will allow you to run faster. This is a myth. There is wide agreement between studies designed to detect improved running times. There has never been consistent, statistically significant improvement in running times.

Belief #2—wearing graduated compression stocking will allow you to cycle faster. I did find a recent study that demonstrated a 1.2% improvement in cycle times and a 3.3% improvement in power output. This is a modest improvement, but for a close race, a 1.2% time decrease could make a difference in your finish place.

Belief #3—wearing tighter graduated compression stockings will offer more performance benefits than lighter grade compression. This is also a myth. One study showed that higher grade compression stockings not only did not improve running times, but they were associated with increased discomfort during running and decreased muscle strength after running.

Belief #4—wearing graduated compression stockings will decrease muscle soreness after running. This is true. There was a study that examined perceived muscle soreness after running. Soreness ratings 24 hours after exercise were significantly higher in study subjects that did not wear knee-high, graduated compression stockings.

While not a perfect remedy, these stockings do seem to improve recovery after running. This should have implications not only for elite or semi-elite runners, but also for individuals who wish to embark on exercise regimes but may be deterred due to the associated pain following exercise.

For cycling, graduated compression may improve power output during cycling and also as measured during measured jumping. This should have important implications for any cycling athlete who wishes to gain a competitive edge.

For further information, visit www.rmvein.com and learn more or stop by Rocky Mountain Vein Institute on the Pueblo Riverwalk — and visit with one of our knowledgeable staff.

RMVI Services' Grand Opening Marks Success, Community Commitment and Growth

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:35:36 GMT

Pueblo, Colo. - RMVI Services, a medical management company that oversees a network of clinics that diagnose and treat people with venous disease, is pleased to announce that the flagship Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (RMVI) Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening Reception proved to be a huge success, was overwhelming attended, and firmly marks RMVI's commitment to its 2013 Community Enrichment Calendar. The Ceremony was conducted on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 115 E Riverwalk (East Riverwalk and South Main Street) in Pueblo, Colo., and was attended by dozens of local dignitaries, businesses and media, all of whom joined RMVI colleagues and patients in welcoming the world-class facility along the famous tourist and community-populated venue.

The Pueblo City Council, Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Ambassadors, the Pueblo Medical Community, friends and family of RMVI joined Chief Medical Officer, Gordon Gibbs, M.D., and his family, which includes his wife and RMVI Services CEO, Erin Gibbs and their three children. Door prizes, refreshments, music and the formal announcement of RMVI's 2013 Community Enrichment Calendar, which schedules guided walks along the Riverwalk, free community presentations at various venues in Pueblo, and dozens of free services events.

"We want to thank all of those in and around our community who have shored up our efforts to bring the most patient-focused and best practices treatments possible to our community," says CEO Erin Gibbs. "We could not have created this magnificent space, nor could we offer the accredited, state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment options that we do without all of the support we've received. We feel extremely lucky and look forward to bringing all of that goodwill to this wonderful and growing community."

RMVI is a network of vein centers that offers total vein care, from the simplest cosmetic problem to the most life-altering condition. RMVI is celebrated within both medical communities and the global venous disease treatment health-care industry because of it's highly accredited staff, attention to patient experience and stellar clinical outcomes. It is home to The Diagnostic Center, which provides comprehensive testing for Venous, Peripheral Arterial, Extra-Cranial Cerebrovascular, and Visceral Vascular disease. The Diagnostic center has been awarded full accreditation through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for vascular testing.

"We are fully committed and now bring the best venous disease diagnosis and treatments possible with the opening of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk RMVI Facility," says Gordon F. Gibbs, M.D., Founder and Chief Medical Executive of RMVI. "This facility is what we dreamed of when we made the commitment to our total-patient-care mission. The vibrancy along the Riverwalk is only growing and we're thrilled to be a part of that growth."

RMVI has expanded from its first facility in Pueblo, Colo., in 2009, to now offer a total of 5 RMVI facilities, including full diagnostic and treatment options, in Vail Valley, Parker, and Canon City, Colo., and Trinity Vein Institute in Arlington, Texas.

CEO of Rocky Mountain Vein Institute – On Being CEO

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:25:42 GMT

As CEO of RMVI Services, a medical management company specializing in managing the process of healing people with venous disease, I have the unique opportunity to involve my team in the business side of medicine as well as the clinical and human side of healthcare.

I believe that it is hard to separate the “health” from the “care” in the concept of quality “healthcare.” To live a vibrant life, a partnership with your healthcare provider is the best route to optimal living.

Toward that goal, RMVI Services chose the Pueblo Riverwalk for the location of our Rocky Mountain Vein Institute flagship clinic. The clinics we manage (including Rocky Mountain Vein Institute in Pueblo, Canon City, Parker and Vail Valley, Colo. -- and Trinity Vein Institute in Arlington, Texas) specialize in venous disease – most often signaled by achy legs, varicose veins, restless legs, cramping, ankle ulcers and leg swelling. Our patients seek freedom from leg-related pain and unsightly veins. Part of the therapy for healthy legs is actually using them. So after an exhaustive two-year search for the perfect place for our clinic, we chose the Historic Riverwalk of Pueblo so that we can not only heal achy legs, we can get people to enjoy our community and enjoy their quality of life. Enjoy their legs!

A secondary and supportive motive behind our choice of locations is our corporate responsibility to support the infrastructure and economy of Pueblo. By locating our flagship office in the heart of Pueblo, we are able to bring local and visiting patients alike into an area dependent on foot traffic for shopping, dining and entertainment. Think of the possibilities if the gem of our city is filled with people enjoying an active lifestyle – enjoying Pueblo.

We have had patients in our Riverwalk clinic comment that they can’t wait to come back just to sit in our lounge with a book and soak up the sunshine -- happy their restless legs don’t interrupt a good story. Other patients say they can’t wait to come back and walk the beautiful paths winding below our patient balcony. Both comments fulfill my goals as a leader in the community and in medicine that not only are we healing a true medical problem, but also we are allowing patients to look better, feel better and strengthen our community by getting out and enjoying it. This is the coming-together of health and care.

-Erin Gibbs

Not Your Daddy’s Doctor’s Office

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:57:58 GMT

By Teresa Clift
Rocky Mountain Vein Institute Clinic Services Manager, Pueblo Clinic Manager

As Clinic Services Manager and Pueblo Clinic Manager of Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (RMVI), I’ve noticed a profound and striking difference between RMVI’s way of relating to their patients -- and “traditional” patient treatment.

Prior to RMVI, I found most medical offices the same: You walk in, glass surrounds a receptionist, you wait for someone to open and greet you. Most of the time there was no friendly greeting; just a person that told you to “sign in and have a seat.” The offices were bland and little thought was put into the patient’s comfort.

Here at RMVI we have worked hard to stand out, to create the opposite patient experience. When our patients walk through the door, they are greeted with warmth and friendship. Instead of a waiting room, we engage with our patients like family friends, which involves conversation, warmth and caring. Our RMVI lounge is comfortable and inviting because that’s how you treat those you care about. Refreshments, reading materials, a television and music are part of the experience.

We don’t think it’s too much to present a spa-like treatment because everyone feels good when generosity, warmth and welcome are involved.

That experience does not stop at the lounge, however. RMVI offers some of the most accredited and industry celebrated diagnostic staff, medical assistants, and providers in the industry. Genuine care is demonstrated to all patients throughout their RMVI experience -- beyond treatment and recovery -- because that’s the RMVI way.

Wellness includes the entire person and that person’s family. Mind, body and spirit are at the center of the RMVI vision and we strive to always be friendly, inviting, and thoughtful because that’s the right thing to do.

This may not be every medical facility’s mission, but it is the one that Rocky Mountain Vein Institute adopts and continues to improve upon. Critics might argue that it’s not the best business model. I have a background in banking operations and I can appreciate that view.

But our patients are the ones who need our help, who come to use for answers and wellness, and who learn, throughout their RMVI experience, that we are not focused on business models. We are focused on them.

Stop into our new Riverwalk location. See what we mean when we talk about the RMVI vision. It is community inclusive, whole-patient focused and we feel lucky to keep seeing the results of our efforts -- patients who become our friends.

Build an Audience through Effective Storytelling Using Social Media

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:28:20 GMT

Storytelling is as old as time. Since the campfire started roaring, storytellers have gathered to share their tales. Nothing has really changed. The campfires in the caves have evolved to the powerful publishing platforms of today like Facebook and Twitter, but what remains true is the dynamic between audience and listener. When engagement is realized, ideas can turn into action.

But where do you start?

First you have to have something to say and then you have to have an audience. These are the two essential ingredients to effective storytelling and with high speed internet and free access to social media publishing tools; the playing field has been leveled for small and large businesses alike to share their story.

Sit down and write your story. This sounds like an easy thing to do, but try it. You want to share more than just the milestones of your journey. What makes your story interesting and what makes you an authority or expert in your field of specialty? If you cannot tell your story, clearly no one is going to listen.

Do you need help to craft your story?

You do not have to recreate the wheel, so start with the basics - Who, What, Where, When and Why - to give you a push. Take out a sheet of paper and at the top of each page write these W-keywords. Start jotting down everything that comes to your mind and begin building your story. Content is key to storytelling and what you may find is that you can identify several threads or story lines.

Engage, Educate and Empower

The three essential steps that I have identified over the past several years of studying and monitoring social media platforms and activity on the internet is that you have to first have compelling content that engages. Once you have someone captive you can then begin to educate and eventually enable empowerment.

Keep in mind that there are no rules when it comes to the internet...just best practices. The internet hates rules and hierarchy and rewards storytelling that moves. This requires not only a content strategy but also a network strategy. So what are the best social media platforms and networks to use to share your story? To understand this you have to listen to your target audience!

Listen to your Audience

Storytelling is a fluid process and you have to listen to your audience to gauge the power and influence of your content. Then you can begin to create your own “rules” unique to your organization and culture. For the storyteller, this all comes back to authority. Are you an expert in your particular field? Do you have important information that will help your target audience answer questions or resolve problems?

If your story (“content”) is compelling and helps users on the internet wade through the plethora of information, then you will gain trust and loyalty, which hopefully will create a situation of empowerment where your target audience eventually becomes a customer or a powerful referral source.

By Gregory Howell | Director of Creative Solutions & Marketing Manager

Rocky Mountain Vein Institute

Rocky Mountain Vein Institute Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting!

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:54:25 GMT

Dr. Gordon Gibbs, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Rocky Mountain Vein Institute

We love our work — and celebrate our patients —

Our Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (RMVI) Pueblo flagship facility is celebrating a move to the prestigious Historic Arkansas Riverwalk with a grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 17, 2012 — but that’s not why we’d love for you to drop by and see us.

We’d love to meet you because we are different, we are community-focused and we are committed to being part of the heartbeat that invigorates our community and enriches its residents far beyond what any “medical facility” has ever envisioned.

A bit of our background: RMVI is a world-class network of vein centers that offers total vein care, from the simplest cosmetic problem to the most life-altering condition. Featuring minimally invasive vein disease treatments, RMVI houses a state-of-the-art, full-service and accredited vascular diagnostic lab. The RMVI team is comprised of expertly trained and board certified staff, including a medical concierge dedicated to patient satisfaction.

At RMVI, the patient is always number one — period. In the words of William J. Mayo, Mayo Clinic Founder, “The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered.”

As the only “non-retail” business at the Riverwalk, we look to our patients as people whom we want to not just treat, but with whom we develop relationships and long-term commitments. Our patients expect excellent care, but we want our patients to also expect and get all questions answered concerning diagnosis, treatments, costs and insurance coverage (most venous disease treatment options are covered by insurance). A patient should expect nothing but an excellent outcome when they see their doctor.

We spend as much time and effort as needed to clearly explain customized treatments to patients and their supporting family or friends. The conversations provide peace-of-mind and confidence in our clinical care. Patients and families feel the authenticity and comprehensive attention we offer for their vein issues. From the front desk through the last appointment, services and products, we are committed to our patients’ needs.

So come say hello at our current facility: 1619 Greenwood St., Suite 308. Or give us a call at 719.543.VEIN.

And after October 17, come see us at 115 E. Riverwalk — just to say hello! We’ve got a roster of RMVI events scheduled for 2012 and 2013. We are here for the long-haul. We are here for you.

Vein Disease Treatment Facilities Anchored in Pueblo

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:58:03 GMT

Welcome to Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (RMVI):

Vein Disease Treatment Facilities Anchored in Pueblo

by Julie Current, PA-C, RMVI Physicians’ Assistant

Did you know that approximately 30 percent of men and women in the United States have varicose veins and associated chronic venous disease? If you did not, you are not alone. The Rocky Mountain Vein Institute (RMVI) is leading the mission in educating communities across Colorado — not only about the prevalence of venous disease, but also about the associated risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.

This inaugural column for “In Pueblo,” will first introduce you to RMVI, and then extend a warm welcome throughout the coming months as various RMVI key personnel contribute to this ongoing communication to you.

RMVI was founded in Pueblo, Colo., by Dr. Gordon Gibbs, MD. We now have offices in Pueblo, Canon City, Parker, the Vail Valley, and in Arlington, Texas. Our flagship Pueblo facility is where it all began. There is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all of our offices, but the Pueblo office offers guidance and leadership to the rest of us.

I am a Physician Assistant who practices in our Vail office. The training I received through the RMVI fellowship program was priceless. I had the opportunity to work side-by-side with a multidisciplinary team of experts who are leaders in the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of venous disease. We are on the forefront of technology, with both our accredited vascular diagnostic lab and our various treatment methods, performing minimally invasive vein disease treatments. The fellowship program at RMVI sets us apart from many other medical institutions. It is top notch, and Pueblo houses this impressive teaching site. In addition to the fellowship program offering hands-on medical training, it emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the overall well-being of the patient. We as medical providers need to consider the specific goals and expectations of the patient prior to recommending treatments. This philosophy is part of The RMVI Way, and members of the fellowship program will carry this with them as they begin to practice in multiple facets of medicine.

A large aspect of the start-up process for the RMVI clinics throughout Colorado consists of educating the community, both other physicians as well as the public, regarding the recognition of venous disease. Symptoms of venous disease can often go unrecognized, and they include heavy or achy legs, swelling, restless legs and night cramps. Most of the time, these symptoms will also comprise visible varicose veins, spider veins, and/or skin discoloration. Although these signs and symptoms are usually not life threatening, they can certainly be life altering, and can also be progressive, meaning they worsen over time. If venous disease is left untreated, it can interrupt your physical activity level, dampen your quality of life, and lead to other medical problems that may affect your overall health.

As a medical provider, I am able to see this first hand on many occasions. For example, a recent patient was diagnosed with venous insufficiency at the RMVI Vail location. She had a comprehensive lower extremity venous ultrasound, followed by a physician consult. At that time, a personalized treatment plan was developed and she completed the recommended minimally invasive procedures. It is now two months since the completion of her treatment, and she has lost 25 pounds. She had given up on many of the activities that we Coloradans enjoy, but now she is back on the trails, both hiking and biking. She cannot wait to pick up her skis again this winter! She said to me just last week that she is now certain she was “disabled” prior to treatment of her venous disease. This has been a life-altering therapy for this particular patient. This patient is one amongst many of the success stories at the Rocky Mountain Vein Institute, and I am so honored to be a part of it!

Stay tuned as RMVI Founder, Dr. Gordon Gibbs, Erin Gibbs, RMVI CEO, and other critical RMVI folks contribute to this ongoing dialogue. We are proud to be part of the Pueblo community and it is with a great deal of warmth that we reach out to you in this continuing fashion.

● Julie Current, RMVI PA-C.You can email me directly at: jcurrent @rmviservices .com

Roofing and Insurance Questions

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:03:20 GMT

Compliments of Cornerstone Roofing & Gutters

If my roof shingles have been discontinued and I have storm damage, should my insurance give me a new roof?

Does your insurance company have to replace your entire roof if your shingles have been discontinued and damaged in a storm? That is the question one of my readers asked and my answer is the same as always, it depends. In most cases insurance companies will replace your entire roof if you can no longer match the existing shingles such as t-locks. However, it depends on how the policy was written. Some companies are writing policies that will only repair damage and they don’t have to replace the entire roof, but only the plane that has been damaged even if the roof won’t match. Many times a hail storm comes in with a directional wind that only damages one side of the roof.

It is very important to understand your insurance policy! I have seen circumstances where the roof had multiple layers of shingles and the policy was written that the insurance company only had to pay to tear off one layer and replace it, even if building codes would not allow that. In other cases the policy is written so that the building needs to meet current building codes and in that case the insurance company has to pay to tear off all layers and even re-deck if necessary.

As with all things getting the cheapest insurance is rarely the best deal. It is important to ensure that your policy is written to cover bringing your home to existing building codes. This is important for interior work as well as exterior. Imagine having a small fire that damages your home, the insurance is required to rebuild that section and make it code compliant, but it is possible the building department will require that you replace wiring throughout the home to meet current building codes before giving you a CO (certificate of occupation) and that may come out of your pocket. In most cases the riders on the policies that cover code upgrades are very inexpensive, you just need to be aware of them and ask questions.

Another question was in regards to a roof that had been previously repaired. The person had t-lock shingles and a repair had been done and now there was another issue in the same area. Her concern was since they bought the house with the repair would the insurance company only repair it again? That also depends on many things, what type of repair was done, if it was just leaking around flashing details and could be easily repaired without replacing the roof or if there was more extensive damage to the shingles themselves that would warrant replacing.

It all comes down to the quality of your insurance company, your insurance agent, and your policy. Even if you don’t currently have an issue, it would pay you to set up a meeting with your insurance company and make sure your policy protects you the way you think it does. Remember your roof protects your home and everything in it, it pays to make sure it is protected as well.

Cellulite Reduction and Skin Tightening

Wed, 30 May 2012 17:16:56 GMT

Compliments of Adonis Cosmetics, Surgery & Spa

Best laser for skin tightening, Exilis available in Pueblo, CO.

When diet and exercise just won’t get rid of some genetic pockets of fat, and you don’t want surgical liposuction, you can now turn to new, fat-melting technology that will have you in and out of the doctor’s office.

Exilis offers cosmetic improvement without surgery and has been clinically proven and thoroughly tested for:

Cellulite reduction
Body contouring
Volume reduction
Skin elasticity improvement
Skin regeneration
Lipedema removal
Body regeneration
After liposuction care

Additionally, Exilis also provides fast and effective skin tightening, as well as treatment of wrinkles with visible results often after the first session.

B vitamins, homocysteine, and neurological function in the elderly

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:36:31 GMT

Compliments of Premier Back Rehabilitation Center

Folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 are critical to many body processes, including the health of the nervous system, blood, and cells. In addition, these B-group vitamins have been shown to protect against depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, peripheral neuropathy, and seizures.

According to Dr. Jacob Selhub and colleagues in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "the status of these vitamins is frequently inadequate in the elderly and recent studies have shown associations between loss of cognitive function or Alzheimer's disease and inadequate B vitamin status."

Research has shown that an inadequate B vitamin status may result in neurocognitive dysfunction through elevated homocysteine concentrations in the blood, or hyperhomocysteinemia. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in the human body. Prevalent in the elderly population, hyperhomocysteinemia is largely attributed to insufficient levels of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.

The association between cognitive dysfunction and hyperhomocysteinemia has been demonstrated in numerous studies. For instance, Dr. Selhub and colleagues reported that "patients with Alzheimer's disease had higher total plasma homocysteine concentrations than did age-matched healthy controls," while "elderly patients with depression who had lower cognitive screening test scores had significantly higher homocysteine concentrations than did patients with normal cognitive screening tests."

Because folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 are often deficient among many elderly patients, the importance of these vitamins in the prevention of hyperhomocysteinemia and neurocognitive dysfunction cannot be overlooked.

Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71(2):6145-205.

Welcome to the In Pueblo Blog!

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:46:26 GMT

At In Pueblo, we are dedicated to bringing you everything local and helping you make the most of every moment. As part of our service we are now going to be offering blog posts from local authors, businesses, and organizations. If you would like to be part of our blog, feel free to contact us at amyinpueblo@gmail.com

ENJOY!

Liposuction combo scores high with patients

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:04:56 GMT

Patients who undergo cosmetic liposuction and/or abdominoplasty procedures experience significant improvements in self-esteem and quality of life, the American Societ of Plastic Surgeons reports.

Overall, 86 percent of patients reported an improved sense of self-esteem after surgery, while about 70 percent reported improved quality of life, more commonly after liposuction plus abdominoplasty.

Both procedures are available at Adonis Cosmetic Surgery & Spa in Pueblo.

Dr. Rina Shinn provides Body Jet, the most gentle form of lipo that will transform your body and leave you with an amazing new shape. Patietns are awake during the procedure.

Learn more.

Dr. Rina Shinn performs Avelar abdominoplasty. which uses liposuction to remove excess fat. A better cosmetic outcome is achieved with the Avelar abdominoplasty, since liposuction is combined with the abdominoplasty, allowing for improved body contouring.

The surgery to remove excess skin is merely an incision, instead of a large flap as in the traditional technique.

Learn more.

Please call 719-543-5000 to schedule you consultation.