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EXPLORE WELLNESS IN GREAT BEND
Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 3
Exercising Safely in the Cold chill might even make you feel awake and invigorated, according to the AHA. Regardless of exercise, studies have shown that being outside in cold weather can transform stubborn fat from our bellies and thighs into calorie-burning fat.
Many of us pack on the pounds over the winter because of a more sedentary season due to poor weather conditions. In fact, the average winter weight gain ranges from five to 10 pounds, according to a recent report by AccuWeather.
How to Exercise Safely
We avoid going outside as frequently to avoid the colder temperatures, rain, snow and ice. While this is understandable, many exercise experts say that walking, running or working out in cold weather actually offers many health benefits.
Get More Vitamins
While many avoid the cold, outdoor winter workouts are a great way to absorb small doses of sunlight. The sunlight can help to improve mood and help with vitamin D intake, according to the American Heart Association.
simple bacterial and viral infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stave Off Sickness
A Better Exercise
Winter exercise can also boost immunity during cold and flu season. A few minutes a day can help prevent
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Why work out in the winter? For one thing, there is no heat and humidity to deal with in colder weather. Winter’s
The Mayo Clinic provides the following tips for staying safe during your cold-weather exercise. Dress in layers. Dress in layers that you can remove as soon as you start to sweat and then put back on as needed. First, put on a thin layer of synthetic material, such as polypropylene, which draws sweat away from your body. Avoid cotton, which stays wet next to your skin. Next, add a layer of fleece or wool for insulation. Top this with a waterproof, breathable outer layer. Drink plenty of fluids. Hydration is just as important during cold weather as it is in the heat. Drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your workout, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Wear gloves. Wear a thin pair of glove liners made of a wicking material (such as polypropylene) under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens lined with wool or fleece.
7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Exercise Safely in the Cold .............................................. Chiropractic: It’s Not Just About Pain............................ What is Keto? .................................................................... Stick With Your Exercise Plan ......................................... 2021 Tax Filing Start Delayed by COVID ........................ Stress Management ......................................................... Sleep & the Heart .............................................................. Reducing Risk of Stroke .................................................. Quit Smoking ..................................................................... From Gentle Yoga to Dance Jam, GBRC Offers a Variety of Exercise Classes ....................................... BCC Nursing Club offers Teddy Bear Clinic .................. First-Time Donation Basics ............................................. The Journey of Donated Blood ....................................... Area Blood Donation Schedule .......................................
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Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 5
Move, Feel, and Function Your Best We provide chiropractic care for: r #BDL 1BJO r /FDL 1BJO r )FBEBDIFT r 5FYU /FDL r 4IPVMEFS "SN 1BJO r 4DJBUJDB r )JQ 1BJO r -FH ,OFF "OLMF 1BJO r 1MBOUBS 'BTDJJUJT /FSWF 1BJO r +BX 1BJO r 1SFHOBODZ r 1FEJBUSJDT r 8FMMOFTT $BSF GPS UIF 8IPMF 'BNJMZ "OE .PSF
8BML *OT 8FMDPNF 0S $BMM 'PS "O "QQPJOUNFOU 8JMMJBNT (SFBU #FOE HSFBUCFOEDIJSPQSBDUJD DPN
Dr. Sam Beugelsdijk
nursing.bartonccc.edu
DRIVEN TO CARE
Non-discrimination Notice: Barton Community College is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit equal.bartonccc.edu for more information.
6 • Central Kansas Health & Wellness
Chiropractic: It’s Not Just About Pain “It’s been a busy couple of years, that’s for sure.” Since arriving in Great Bend in 2018, Dr. Sam Beugelsdijk has been hard at work: managing his own office, sharing his passion for chiropractic care, and getting his patients out of pain. One of the most common phrases Dr. Beugelsdijk hears from patients is, “I didn’t realize chiropractic could help with that.” Neck pain and back pain make up a majority of what Dr. Beugelsdijk sees in his practice, but there are a number of other conditions and patient populations that benefit from chiropractic. “I have patients who come in for neck or back pain, and as they go through a series of treatments, they begin to notice a difference in other areas of their health, whether it’s less body tension or stress, better quality of sleep... they feel more focused, or they notice less trouble with allergies or common colds.” Another common phrase hras hr asse heard in his practice is, “I don’t know why I waited this long to get seen.” Dr. Beugelsdijk also encourages patients to not just wait for pain before efore their next visit. Just like a car needs serviced after so many miles to ensure it is properly functioning, Dr. Beugelsdijk describes chiropractic as a way
for patients to keep their bodies in check to stay strong and healthy for work, recreation, or or home ho activities, and to p prevent injuries. Dr. Beugelsdijk aadvises ad d patients to seek cchiropractic ch h for their ffamilies. am He is certified iin n a prenatal chiropractic m eth called the Webster eth method T h i Technique – one that helps keep the mother comfortable throughout her pregnancy and helps with pelvis alignment for an easier delivery. Infants, kids,
and adults can all benefit from going to the chiropractor. Besides offering chiropractic care, Dr. Beugelsdijk provides a number of other therapeutic services, including dry needling, intersegmental traction, cold laser therapy, spinal lumbar decompression, and iTrac cervical extension traction. As the sole provider in Barton County, Dr. Beugelsdijk utilizes the iTrac chair to specifically address cervical curve loss, which is a common factor in several ailments (including
neck pain, headaches, and TMJ/TMD). By correcting the cervical curve loss, patients report a positive change in their chronic symptoms. Dr. Beugelsdijk is entering his tenth year in practice, educating each patient to move, feel, and function their best. When not in his office, Dr. Beugelsdijk enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, staying busy with home and community activities. His office is located at 1309 Williams St. It can be reached at 620-792-3678.
Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 7
What is Keto? and many restaurants now offer keto-friendly food and drink options given the diet’s popularity across the world.
By now, you’ve heard about and maybe even considered trying out a ketogenic diet. What is keto and how effective has it been for other people who have tried it? Before incorporating keto into your lifestyle — or any new diet or workout plan for that matter — be sure to check with your physician. He will be able to tell you more about the potential impact on your health, energy levels and body specific to your situation. The keto diet emphasizes weight loss through fatburning. The goal for anyone participating in a keto diet is to quickly lose weight and ultimately feel fuller with fewer cravings. According to keto experts, by reducing the carbohydrates you consume and instead filling up on fats, you safely enter a state of ketosis, which is when your body breaks
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Does it Work?
down both dietary and stored body fat into substances called ketones. Keto proponents claim that this process can transform your body and improve your energy levels, as well.
Where Did Keto Start?
The keto diet originated from a decades-old therapeutic diet, and has clinical roots in neurologic
medicine. It has actually long been used to reduce hard-tocontrol seizures in children. Studies also suggest possible benefits in other brain conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Workout and dietary professionals have started to recommend keto to their clients as a way to rethink the way they consume food,
Here are some benefits of the keto diet as reported by the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2018: • Many people feel less hungry on the high-fat keto diet and so may naturally reduce their overall calorie intake. • Beyond weight loss, keto shows promise for diabetes management, with improved insulin sensitivity and bloodsugar control for people following a ketogenic diet. On the flipside, the U.S. News Best Diet Rankings ranks keto No. 34 in Best Diets Overall. Thirty-five diets were evaluated with input from a panel of health experts. This discrepancy in opinion across the medical community reaffirms the importance of meeting with your healthcare professionals to make sure keto is a good fit for you.
Stick With Your Exercise Plan Making Exercise a Habit
Many people have great success starting an exercise plan. It’s sticking with it that becomes difficult. If you’re having trouble following through, you’re not alone. Here are some statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: • Less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. • Only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week. • More than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and musclestrengthening activities. • More than 80% of adolescents do not do enough aerobic physical activity to meet the guidelines for youth. Busy schedules or poor overall health can make exercise
more challenging. Fortunately, there are many tips and tricks to maintaining a consistent plan.
Common Benefits Everyone already knows there are many great reasons to exercise. Consistent, rigorous exercise can improve energy, sleep and overall health. It’s also been proven to stave off stress and anxiety. The good news is that
regular exercise doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You don’t have to spend hours in a gym or force yourself into painful activities to see the benefits of exercise. The current recommendations for most adults is to reach at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. You’ll reach these goals by exercising for 30 minutes, five times a week.
Integrating exercise into your daily routine requires the right mindset and discipline. When setting expectations, it’s important to remember the more ambitious your goal, the more difficult it will be to achieve. A few failed days of not getting enough exercise can lead us into a downward spiral. A better approach is to start with easy, achievable exercise goals. Use triggers like notifications on your phone or an alarm clock to remind you to get active throughout the day. Before you know it, you’ll have a regular exercise routine that is easy to stick to on a daily basis. Don’t forget to celebrate your success by rewarding yourself. Pick healthy habits or treats that you enjoy as a reward. Write yourself motivational notes or emails to keep you going. Consider involving friends in your new exercise routine to help push you forward.
Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 9
Participating Vendors Angels Care Home Health Barton Community College Nursing Program Barton County Health Department Beugelsdijk Chiropractic Comfort Pro Country Place Senior Living-Hoisington Great Bend Dairy Queen Great Bend Recreation Commission Inspire Fitness JK Intentional Nutrition/Brenda's Beauties Magna Dry Nex-Tech Wireless Spectrum CPA Partners, LLC Star of Hope State Farm Insurance-Landon Erway Stueder Contractors The Center for Counseling and Consultation University of Kansas Health System Xpress Wellness Urgent Care
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2021 Tax Filing Start Delayed by COVID Barry Bowers
SPECTRUM outlines steps to speed refunds during pandemic BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com On Jan. 15, the Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation’s tax season will start on Friday, Feb. 12, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns. The Feb. 12 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the Dec. 27 tax law changes that provided a second round of COVID-19-related Economic Impact Payments and other benefits. “We expected delays this year in regards to tax season starting,” said Barry Bowers with Spectrum CPA Partners in Great Bend. The bill signed on Dec. 27 contained several items that pertained to 2020 tax filings so forms and software have to be updated and approved before they will start accepting returns. But, for tax payers, the sooner the better. “We still believe that filing early is best so many returns will be prepared and ready to e-file when the Feb. 12 date arrives.” According to the IRS, this programming work is critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. If filing season were opened without the correct programming in place, then there could be a delay in issuing refunds to taxpayers. These changes ensure that eligible people will receive any remaining stimulus money as a Recovery
Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need. People can begin filing their tax returns immediately with tax software companies, including IRS Free File partners. These groups are starting to accept tax returns now, and the returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12. “In Kansas there has been over 200,000 fraudulent unemployment claims in the past few months,” Bowers said. “The information needed to file those false claims is enough to file a false tax return.” This is another good reason to file early, he said. Once a tax return has been filed that taxpayer name and social security number can not be used on another efiled tax return. So being first is key to head off fraud. Last year’s average tax refund was more than $2,500. More than 150 million tax returns are expected to be filed this year, with the vast majority before the Thursday, April 15 deadline. Overall, the IRS anticipates
nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct deposit if there are no issues with their tax return. The IRS urges taxpayers and tax professionals to file electronically. To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns wherever possible. Although tax seasons frequently begin in late January, there have been five instances since 2007 when filing seasons did not start for some taxpayers until February due to tax law changes made just before the start of tax time. With the December law changes, the rampant fraud and the two rounds of advance stimulus payments, “it will be a different tax time for a lot of people. Make sure you ask questions and keep good records,” he said. Tips for Taxpayers to Make Filing Easier To speed refunds and help with their tax filing, the IRS urges people to follow these simple steps: • File electronically and use direct deposit for the quickest refunds. • Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call. • For those who may be eligible for stimulus payments, they should carefully review
the guidelines for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Most people received Economic Impact Payments automatically, and anyone who received the maximum amount does not need to include any information about their payments when they file. However, those who didn’t receive a payment or only received a partial payment may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. Tax preparation software, including IRS Free File, will help taxpayers figure the amount. • Remember, advance stimulus payments received separately are not taxable, and they do not reduce the taxpayer’s refund when they file in 2021. Key Filing Season Dates There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year’s filing season: • Jan. 15. IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance. • Jan. 29. Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify. • Feb. 12. IRS begins 2021 tax season. Individual tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins. • Feb. 22. Projected date for the IRS.gov Where’s My Refund tool being updated for those claiming EITC and ACTC, also referred to as PATH Act returns. • First week of March. Tax refunds begin reaching those claiming EITC and ACTC (PATH Act returns) for those who file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns. • April 15. Deadline for filing 2020 tax returns. • Oct. 15. Deadline to file for those requesting an extension on their 2020 tax returns
Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 11
Stress Management
Everyone experiences stress. Frequent stress can cause strain on your body and brain and make it impossible to function. Finding effective ways to deal with your stress is crucial for the health of your heart. How Stress Affects You
According to The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), stress can have the following affects on your body: • Headaches. • Trouble sleeping. • Jaw pain. • Changes in appetite. • Frequent mood swings. • Difficulty concentrating. • Feeling overwhelmed. Stress affects your mental and physical health, including your heart. Too much stress can cause heart disease, depression and high blood pressure.
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Find Your Triggers
Learning to deal with stress is essential to your health. NAMI shares tips and methods you could use in everyday life to help you manage your stress level and take control of your health. One of the first steps to managing your stress is to figure out what triggers your stress. What situations make you feel physically or mentally uncomfortable? The battle to control your stress will become easier as soon as you figure out the cause.
Find Methods That Help Learn and find out what may help you when you are stressed. There is not one secure method of dealing with stress that works better than others. Each person is different and the triggers that cause their stress may be different. Experiment with different things to see what best fits your lifestyle and what you’re comfortable with. Here are some ideas on methods to help you cope and stay calm.
• Exercising is one of the most effective ways people can combat stress. Putting physical stress on your body can help to relieve mental stress. Exercising helps by lowering your body’s stress hormones and helping to improve your sleep quality, and it helps lower stress by boosting your confidence, which in turn
will improve your mental wellbeing. • Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation are good ways to relax your body. Practice by taking a step away from whatever you’re doing and taking 10 seconds to close your eyes and focus on deep breathing.
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Sleep and the Heart
One of the best ways to protect your heart and your health is to sleep well at night.
Just because your body is able to operate on six to seven hours, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily healthy for you to do so. Sleep is essential for the performance of your body and the effect that sleep has on your heart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Helpguide.org share guidance on how to maintain a happy and healthy heart.
Quality and Quantity According to the CDC, the average adult needs at least seven hours of sleep each night. More than one in three American adults say they don’t get the recommended amount. Adults who sleep less than seven hours each night are more likely to say they have other health problems. Health problems associated with sleep issues are high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. You may not feel the effects of lack of sleep instantly, but over time, not getting good sleep will hurt your heart health. Lack of sleep can also affect your mental and physical health. According to Healthguide.org, sleep impacts productivity, emotional balance, immune function and even your weight.
Sleep Deprivation Do you find yourself yawning through the day, clinging to a few cups of coffee to make it through work? You may think it’s common for everyone, but the truth is you may not realize how sleep deprived you are. Signs of sleep deprivation are less obvious than you may think. If you are wondering if you are sleep deprived, here are some signs according to Helpguide.org: • You need an alarm clock to wake up on time. • You have a hard time getting out of the bed in the morning. • You feel sluggish in the afternoon. • You get sleepy in lectures, meetings or warm rooms. • You get drowsy after heavy meals or while driving.
• You need to nap to get through the day.
Getting Better Sleep The CDC shares tips on how to get better good quality sleep: • Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. • Get enough natural light, especially earlier in the day. Try going for a morning or lunchtime walk. • Get enough physical activity during the day, but don’t exercise within a few hours of bedtime. • Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Applying these tips will help you get better sleep.
Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 13
Reducing Risk of Stroke Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will also help you reduce the risk of stroke. Health.gov shares information on what a stroke is and what you can do to reduce the risk of you or a loved one having a stroke.
What is a Stroke?
Health.gov defines a stroke — sometimes called a “brain attack” — as when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, which can hurt or kill cells in the brain. Strokes are the leading cause of death in adults. Strokes can cause lifelong damage such as: • Trouble thinking and speaking. • Paralysis. • Trouble controlling or expressing emotions.
Are You at Risk?
If you are afraid you are at risk of having a stroke, here is what Health.gov says are the biggest risk factors. The number one risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. There are no signs or symptoms for high blood pressure, so Health.gov stresses the importance to get your high blood pressure checked regularly. Talk to your doctor about how often to check your blood pressure and whether
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measuring at home is right for you. Other risk factors for stroke are smoking, drinking too much alcohol, use of illegal drugs, diabetes and high cholesterol, to name a few.
Signs
Strokes usually happen unexpectedly and with little to no warning. Health.gov shares signs you can watch for: • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking. • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or
trouble understanding. • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. Especially on one side of the body. • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. If you or someone in your family has a stroke, call 911 right away. The chances of you or your loved surviving and recovering depends on how fast emergency help arrives.
Quit Smoking Quitting smoking also will help you live a longer, healthier life. Once you’ve quit smoking, your risk of having a heart attack or stroke vastly goes down when paired with a healthy diet and exercise. Quitting smoking will also help you lose or gain weight according to what you want. You’re more likely to begin other life-changing activities once you’ve quit smoking, such as working and eating better.
Smoking is one of the most harmful things you can do to your body. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you or a loved one is trying to quit smoking, here is some helpful guidance and tips from Health.gov.
Can I Quit? You are not the only person to begin quitting smoking for good. There are millions of people who have successfully quit smoking, some after countless years. To quit smoking you must first know how it is affecting you or your loved ones. Nicotine is the addictive drug found in tobacco products. The nicotine in cigarettes is what causes strong urges to smoke. To help motivate you, use some of these tips to help you according to Health.gov: • Make a list of reasons to quit. • Ask family or friends for support. • Talk to your doctor about
Does Smoking Affect Others?
counseling or medicines that may help you quit.
Health Benefits You will feel the benefits of smoking as soon as you stop smoking. You will breathe easier,
your sense of taste and smell will improve and you’ll find yourself having more energy throughout the day. Your lungs and body will feel stronger once you’ve quit smoking.
Secondhand smoke is defined by Health.gov as the mix of smoke that comes from your cigarette and the smoke that you breathe. Secondhand smoking is very dangerous for you and others around you. According to Health.gov, in babies and children, secondhand smoking can cause: • Sudden infant death syndrome. • Pneumonia. • Bronchitis. • Severe asthma attacks. • Ear infections. Smoking can also cause heart disease, stroke and lung cancer in adults breathing in secondhand smoke.
Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 15
Play More in Great Bend ! My BackYard Playground Imagination Playground Veteran’s Toddler Playground Great Bend Fit Trail Great Bend Musical Park Great Bend Disc Golf Course Great Bend Sports Complex Great Bend Rec Center Great Bend Activity Center Cavanaugh Wellness Center
Explore . . RECREATION Keeping Great Bend Active!
Arts Enrichment Sports Fitness Inclusive Playground & Sensory Garden GB Mural Project Theatre Life Skills Nature Experiences Trips After School Programs Sports Tournaments Community Events & Festivals
And MUCH MORE!
Great Bend Recreation Commission 1214 Stone Street
Great Bend, Ks 67530
620-793-3755
www.greatbendrec.com
Great Bend Activity Center & My BackYard Playground 2715 18th Street
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Great Bend, Ks 67530
620-793-3755
From Gentle Yoga to Dance Jam, GBRC Offers a Variety of Exercise Classes The Gentle Yoga classes Dee Krier teaches for the Great Bend Recreation Commission defy the conventional wisdom of “No pain, no gain.” “There’s no pain in yoga,” Krier tells her students during a recent class. As she moves into a stretching pose, she continues, “You ought to take this stretch as far as is comfortable. Be gentle with yourself and stay in your yoga breathing. Keeping clean air to muscles being worked will keep them from being sore tomorrow.” Even though Gentle Yoga is taught in a classroom setting, it’s very much an individual workout, Krier said. She serves as a guide, teaching exercises that can be modified as needed, including using a chair. “A modified seated pushup is better than a regular pushup because you have more control,” Krier says as she guides her students through the next set of repetitions. “Everybody’s different. We’re not looking to set any records,” Krier says. “We always listen to our bodies; only go as far as what works for you comfortably.”
have never done yoga or who have less flexibility and balance. Because it is a painless workout, Krier has taught students of all ages and fitness levels, including men in their 90s. Krier herself is 66 years old. “We work with where our bodies are right now,” she said of the class. Several of the Gentle Yoga students come back for multiple classes. Nancy Williams has been there for a couple of years now. “I started taking it for my balance,” Williams said. “It helps me exercise and it gets me out of the house.”
The lights are lowered and soothing music plays in the background as Krier talks to students about breathing. “Exhaling is as important as inhaling,” she reminds them, as she starts the guided meditation that will wrap up the hour-long class. Krier is also certified in stress reduction and meditation. She teaches regular yoga, which can be more intense, as well as three levels of tai chi, but Gentle Yoga is for everyone – especially people who
A Variety of Choices GBRC offers eight-week fitness classes throughout the year. Classes include Cardio Mix-up, Fit for Life, Noon Body Shaping, Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Tai Chi (beginners, intermediate and advanced), Get A.M. Strong, Dance Jam, Stay Strong - Stay Healthy, and Mindful Meditation with Do-in. Memberships are also available at the Cavanaugh Wellness Center, located in the Great Bend Rec Center, 1214 Stone St. The public is welcome to enjoy free indoor walking at the City Auditorium and the Activity Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 17
BCC Nursing Club Offers Teddy Bear Clinic BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com Students in Barton Community College’s PN and ADN programs are members of the Barton Nursing Club. Members will participate in this year’s Wellness Expo, where they will again offer a Teddy Bear Clinic. This year, Nursing Club members will also offer to take blood pressure readings. The Wellness Expo provides an opportunity to get a first-hand perspective of the college’s program from actual nursing students. High school seniors also had a chance to check out the Barton nursing program during the 2020 Senior Days, where they visited the campus and practiced hands-on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on programmable mannequins. Assistant Director of Nursing Education & Simulation Coordinator Brenda
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Glendenning and nursing instructor Brittany Fanshier had students performing 100 chest compressions per minute on a mannequin torso, completing a 2-minute cycle. “Two minutes feels like a long time — two minutes feels like forever when giving CPR,” Glendenning said. “Just remember, what you’re doing here can save a life.” The Barton nursing program features many simulations, Glendenning said. Various mannequins can be controlled through a computer to simulate almost
anything that the future nurses might see in real life. Instructors are able to simulate ER procedures as well as pediatric experiences that are done at larger hospitals, Fanshier said. One of the latest additions is a female sim patient that can deliver a baby.
Senior Days
Senior Days are a simulation as well. Last fall, Barton invited high school seniors to visit one Career Technical Education program on campus to learn more about it.
Even students who don’t plan to attend Barton after high school can learn something about the choices and possibilities ahead of them. But the sponsors hope seniors will consider Barton as they choose a college. The program has a lot to be proud of, Glendenning said. After completing either the Licensed Practical Nurse program or the Registered Nurse program, a student still has to pass a state board exam to be licensed. “In May 2020 we had 100% pass rates at both the LPN and the RN,” she said. “I believe that we have a quality program and that you would reach your goals by coming here.” Director of Nursing Education Renae Skelton explains that Barton offers two types of programs for people wanting to enter the field of nursing: a Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN) and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN). Some community colleges only offer a two-year program, she said. “Sometimes, life happens.” With Barton’s 1+1 program, a student completes the first two semesters of the program to earn a PN certificate and is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN® to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Graduates then can decide to continue their education to become an RN or enter the work force. She noted there are several prerequisites before one can enter the nursing program and that some of these can be completed in high school. For anyone considering a career as a nurse, one of the first steps is earning a certified nursing aide credential, or CNA. “Getting your CNA lets you know if you’re interested in this field,” Glendenning told the Senior Day participants.
Learn More
Application packets for the 2021-2022 school year are available now. The priority deadline to enroll in the Nursing Program was Jan. 31; however, applications can still be received until March 1. For more information, contact the Nursing Office in the BCC Technical Building by calling 620-792-9357. Or, visit https://bartonccc.edu/careerprograms/nursing.
Stop by our booth for a FREE blood pressure check. Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 19
First-Time Donation Basics
• Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream before donating. • Drink an extra 16 ounces of water and other fluids before the donation. • If you are a platelet donor, remember that you must not take aspirin for two days prior to donating.
Just like anything new, donating blood for the first time can be an intimidating experience. The good news is that the donation process is extremely safe. Organizations like the American Red Cross are staffed with many expert professionals ready to assist you in your donations — both the first time and for years to come. Read on for some tips and tricks to prepare you for your initial donation.
Understand Eligibility Requirements A great first step to giving blood for the first time is understanding what is required of you. According to the Mayo Clinic, here are the general requirements associated with donating whole blood, plasma or platelets: • You must be in good health. • You must be at least 16 or 17 years old, depending on the law in your state. • You must weigh at least 110 pounds. • You must pass the physical and health-history assessments.
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What Happens on the Day?
Remember that eligibility requirements differ slightly between different types of blood donation and from center to center, so check with your local donor center for specific information that may be different from the list above.
Prior to Your Donation What you do prior to donating your blood makes a big difference. Here are some expert tips from the Mayo Clinic: • Get plenty of sleep the night before you plan to donate. • Eat a healthy meal before your donation.
Before you can donate blood, you will be asked to fill out a confidential medical history. This survey will ask you questions about behaviors known to carry a higher risk of infections that are transmitted through the blood. This survey is not meant to embarrass you but to protect the recipient of your blood. All of the information from this evaluation is kept strictly confidential. Following your survey, you’ll also undergo a brief physical exam, which includes checking your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. A small sample of blood is taken from a finger prick and used to check the oxygen-carrying component of your blood. If your hemoglobin concentration is normal and you’ve met all the other requirements, you can donate blood.
The Journey of Donated Blood So, you have decided to donate your blood or plasma but how can you tell where it ends up? How can you ensure that your donation is quickly making a difference in your community?
Storage
The journey of blood is a relatively simple one that travels from various phases of donation, storage, distribution and transfusion, all with one common goal: Saving lives. Read on for the typical process of blood donation, and ask your local blood centers for more information regarding where and when your donation will likely be put into action.
The aforementioned blood centers operate 24 hours a day, seven day a week, 365 days a year. This ensures the prompt delivery of blood wherever and whenever it is needed. Typical blood distribution places include in-patient and outpatient hospital settings, ambulances and long-term care settings. About 11 million blood transfusions take place every year for patients suffering from conditions like traumas, surgeries, child birth, anemia, blood disorders and cancer treatments. Your donation plays a major role in helping your fellow citizens recover from serious issues like these.
Donation and Testing
According to America’s Blood Centers, approximately 7 million blood donors walk through blood center doors annually. Each donor is asked a series of eligibility questions to ensure they are able to
Storage of blood components is highly controlled. America’s Blood Centers states that after processing, red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, plasma can be frozen and stored for up to 12 months, and platelets must be used within five days.
Distribution and Transfusion
donate. Whole blood donations take as little as 10 minutes, while platelets, double red cells or plasma by apheresis can take around 45 minutes. Once donated, blood centers that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration operate
sophisticated laboratories that process and test every donation using a series of more than 12 tests. Typical donations are available for patients in need within 24 to 48 hours after collection. This means your donation can make an impact within one day.
Central Kansas Health & Wellness • 21
Committed to your health. Make an appointment Family Medicine 1309 Polk St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-5341 Great Bend Campus 514 Cleveland St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-8833 St. Rose Medical Pavilion 3515 Broadway Ave. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-2511 HaysMed 2220 Canterbury Drive Hays, KS 67601 785-623-5000 Pawnee Valley Medical Associates 713 W. 11th St. Larned, KS 67550 620-804-6007
The University of Kansas Health System is committed to caring for Kansans. Our experts are dedicated to providing the care you and your loved ones need and deserve. In Hays, Larned and Great Bend, our providers address your routine primary care needs and offer convenient care for those after-hours concerns. And, as part of the region’s premier academic medical center, our specialists collaborate throughout the health system to give you seamless access to higher levels of care when you need it.
22 • Central Kansas Health & Wellness
Pawnee Valley Campus 923 Carroll Ave. Larned, KS 67550 620-285-3161
American Red Cross Area Blood Donation Schedule
Join us for breakfast and lunch!
American Legion 1011 Kansas Avenue Great Bend, KS 67530 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
St. Rose Auditorium 1412 Baker St. Great Bend, KS 67530 Monday, March 15, 2021 | 11:15 AM - 6:00 PM Note: Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 15-26, 2021, will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Crosspoint Great Bend 57 SE 20 Road Great Bend, KS 67530 Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
See you u at the
VFW Post 3111 504 Washington St Great Bend, KS 67530 Saturday, April 24, 2021 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Prince of Peace Parish Center 4124 Broadway Great Bend, KS 67530 Tuesday, May 4, 2021 | 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM
St. Rose Auditorium 1412 Baker St. Great Bend, KS 67530 Monday, May 17, 2021 | 11:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Satturda ay,Febrruary 27 10 0:00 am - 4:00 pm Great Grea at Bend Even Even nts Cent Cen nteer
To schedule an appointment go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
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HYATTLIFESCIENCES.COM 101 S. BROADWAY, STERLING KS 67579 (620) 204-7160