Strong game from 91 year old
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Active Lifestyles Staff
What’s inside 4 Cover story:
Strong game for 91-year-old
5 In-home workout ideas, tips from SSP Wellness
8 Remembering long time AMH volunteer Carl Draper 10 Conscious and Connected with Dr. Kristina
10 OSF offering digital 6 ‘Dear Dietitian’ screen for COVID-19 answers your health questions 11 Stopping the spread of illnesses in 7 AMH nurse saves nursing homes life with the Heimlich manuever
ACTIVE LIFESTYLES PUBLISHER Denise VonderHaar dvonderhaar@edwpub.net (618) 463-2500 ACTIVE LIFESTYLES ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carole Fredeking carole.fredeking@hearst.com (618) 463-2500 ACTIVE LIFESTYLES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jill Moon jill.moon@hearst.com (618) 208-6448 ACTIVE LIFESTYLES COORDINATOR Regina Harbison rharbison@thetelegraph.com (618) 208-6433
INSIDE
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AMH nurse saves a life with Heimlich maneuver
John Badman | Active Lifestyles
Herman Lebegue, 91, of Alton, prepares to send his bowling ball down the lane at Bowl Haven Lanes, in Alton. Lebegue is the oldest member of the bowling alley’s senior league.
Remembering longtime AMH volunteer Carl Draper
Active Lifestyles April 2020 3
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A member of the senior bowling league takes a shot at the pins at Alton’s Bowl Haven Lanes.
John Badman | Active Lifestyles
Lebegue league: strong game for 91 year old By Dylan Suttles
4 April 2020
Active Lifestyles
dylan.suttles@thetelegraph.com
ALTON — Gold medalist bowler Herman Lebegue never thinks about whether bowling is a young man’s game — afterall, he’s competed in the Missouri State Senior Games, and between the two he’s won more than 60 medals. Age is just a number when it comes to Lebegue’s athletic prowess, though bowling happens to be an especially good form of exercise for folks of his age — 91 years old. Bowlers can burn up to 250 calories per hour during play. It depends on weight and, curiously, bowling style,
which is why bowling is considered a “whole body” exercise. Bowling increases endurance, speeds up metabolism and helps maintain bone density. Statewide, recent bowling alley closures put a kibash on senior league play, including at Alton’s Bowl Haven Lanes, which hosted senior leagues with which Lebegue played with team Spare Time every Friday. This season Bowl Haven hosted 19 teams for this season’s league play, which occurred weekly at 3003 Washigton Ave. Lebegue bowled a strong game. The native Altonian recalled that he started bowling at an early age, but
suspended the hobby when he joined the U.S. Army. He started bowling again about 20 years ago. “I never had any professional training,” Lebegue said. “It was fun to learn on my own.” He’s been involved in Bowl Haven’s leagues for about three years now. It’s become his favorite pastime, he noted. “You get to meet a lot of friends, or make friends,” he said. He also plays at other area bowling alleys, at least up until the novel coronavirus ground everything to a halt, but all told, he’s bowled at 32 different bowling alleys, including at alleys in Bethalto, Belleville and St. Louis.
In-home workout ideas, tips from SSP Wellness By Dustin Heiser B.A., CPT, FNS Wellness Coordinator SSP Wellness For Active Lifestyles
Examples and form of bodyweight strength training exercises.
by supporting your core and body in a straight or neutral (push-up position) with only one hand and opposite foot. For example, (left foot and right hand). Include push-up variations for added plank challenges. 2. Air Squats/Lunges — An air squat is synonymous with a bodyweight squat and, similarly, the bodyweight lunge. These exercises strengthen the lower body and can improve one’s balance. Performing air squats requires no equipment, but equipment could be added in the form of added weight or object, which, in this case, adds resistance. Keeping the spine neutral and the feet flat, bend both legs and the knees, as if sitting, but then return to standing. Performing lunges requires an offset stance and focuses more on the legs unilaterally. Do multiple sets or rounds to
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progress and advance in the program. 3. Abdominal Exercises — These exercises strengthen and improve the muscular endurance of the very important muscle groups located in the abdomen. These exercises require enough space in which you can be lying on your back. Perform exercises such as, but not limited to, crunches, sit ups, flutter kicks, toe taps, bicycle kicks, etc. Your only limited by your creativity in regard to the types of exercise that can be beneficial to one’s health. While staying home, continue to exercise to stay fit. Senior Services Plus is located at 2603 N. Rodgers Ave., in Alton, which is open to answer telephone calls at 618-465-3298. SSP’s School House Grill offers curbside services but the SSP Wellness Center is closed to the public due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Active Lifestyles April 2020 5
• Stick to a schedule The success of any workout program depends on the adherence to the program. You must exercise to gain its benefits. Thus, adherence to a program is essential. Make your schedule specific, realistic and attainable. For example, (I will walk on my in-home treadmill for 30 minutes, and complete a 15-minute core exercise routine each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). • Work with what you have/get creative If you have home exercise equipment that is great, it’s time to dust off the dumbbells or return the treadmill to operating position, instead of coat hanger position. If you do not have any equipment, do not stress. There are endless options for exercise and the best part is, every bit counts toward physical fitness. Canned goods can double as light freeweights and body weight can make up a lot of resistance. • Bodyweight exercises/ideas for an in-home routine Bodyweight exercises are a simple, effective way to improve balance, flexibility and strength without gym machines or equipment. From legs and shoulders to chest and abs, it covers every part of your body that can get stronger with body resistance alone. 1. The Plank — This exercise trains a person’s core strength and stability, so much so in fact, the plank even is used as an assessment for such. To plank, you need minimal space and equipment. Ideally a mat is used, but not essential. There are many ways to progress the exercise or regress the exercise, making it an option for nearly everyone. For example, a beginner plank could be performed by keeping the knees on the floor while maintaining hip and core stability using your elbows, forearms, and hands as the other points of contact to the floor. Hold for just a few seconds, and then repeat for a number of sets. An advanced plank could be performed
Dear Dietitian
Heart health threat is real attack. He was only 49. You don’t realize how many lives one life touches until you attend a funeral. The exchange of love and support among friends and family, the stories that begin with “Remember when … ?” The laughter that softens the tears. Does the dearly departed know how much he meant to other people? I sure hope so. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the U.S and worldwide. There are several risk factors for this illness, some of which are listed below:
McCrate
Dear readers, This past month I attended the funeral of my best friend’s brother, who died suddenly of a massive heart
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• High cholesterol is defined as cholesterol greater than or equal to 200 mg/ dL. Your cholesterol should be monitored annually. Changes in diet and/or medication may be needed to combat elevated cholesterol. • Family history is a risk factor we cannot change, but we can be aware and be proactive. If a parent has heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, this puts you at a higher risk for all these conditions. • Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the heart’s workload. Blood vessels become stiff, which makes it easier for plaque to build up. When there is plaque build-up, blood flow to the heart is restricted and, if left untreated, likely will lead to a heart attack. • Overweight — People with excess body fat, especially around the waist, are at increased risk for heart disease. Losing weight isn’t easy and doesn’t happen overnight. Get the support you need. • Physical inactivity — People with sedentary lifestyles have higher rates of heart disease than their active counterparts. When beginning an exercise routine, start with 10 minutes a day. Increase by 5 minutes a week to reach a goal of 30 minutes most days of the week. Choose an activity you enjoy so you will be more likely to keep up the good work. • Stress — Perhaps the most cunning risk factor. We all have stress in our lives, but many of us do not have healthy coping mecha-
nisms to use in dealing with stress. Some people overeat to comfort themselves. Others self-medicate with alcohol. Both of these mechanisms provide temporary relief but, when the buzz or sugar high wears off, the stress remains. More effective ways of dealing with stress include meditation, journaling and, if needed, counseling. There is no shame in needing help. After all, when you have a toothache, you see a dentist; if you have difficulty with your emotions, talk to a therapist. We were never meant to walk this journey alone. If finances are a concern, seek a therapist whose fee is based on a sliding scale. • Diet — A diet high in fat, calories and sugar likely will lead to extra pounds, which increases your risk for heart disease. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose lean meats and mono- or polyunsaturated fats. Know your risk factors and know your numbers — cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. Education is the first step in taking care of yourself, but education without action accomplishes little. Start today. Time may be a luxury you do not have. Be healthy, Dear Dietitian Leanne McCrate, RDN, LD, CNSC, aka Dear Dietitian, is an award-winning dietitian based in Missouri. Her mission is to educate consumers on sound, science-based nutrition. Do you have a nutrition question? Email her today at deardietitian411@ gmail.com. Dear Dietitian does not endorse any products, health programs or diet plans.
AMH nurse saves a life with Heimlich maneuver
Alton Memorial Hospital Special to Active Lifestyles
ALTON — Karen Miller already had love and appreciation for Alton Memorial Hospital (AMH) nurse Donna Powell prior to Feb. 25. Those feelings doubled — at least — after dinner that evening. Miller and her husband, Gary, of Wentzville, Missouri, went to dinner at 1818 Chophouse in Edwardsville with four other couples, including Donna and Jim Powell. The Powells and Millers are cousins, and Donna is a nurse working in case management at AMH. During the meal, Karen made what she called a “big error in judgment” by cutting her steak medallion a little too large. “I went ahead and swallowed,” she said, “rather than spitting it out into my napkin. “I knew instantly that I was in trouble, but I continued to try to swallow the steak,” she recalled. “After sitting there quietly trying to swallow and not being able to breathe, I started pounding on the table. For Active Lifestyles “When my husband realized I was choking, he jumped up Karen Miller, left, of Wentzville, Missouri, with Alton Memorial Hospital and pounded me on the back twice, then he tried to do the nurse Donna Powell. Heimlich maneuver.” Karen, who has multiple sclerosis, uses a scooter for mobility, so she couldn’t stand up on her own. Donna told Karen’s husband to stand her up and Donna managed to get between them to successfully perform the Heimlich. “I’m not sure how long I wasn’t able to breathe,” Karen said, “but I am sure that I wouldn’t be breathing today if Donna hadn’t used her nursing skills to save me. “After everything calmed down, I thanked Donna for much more th saving my life,” she said. “She patted my shoulder and said, Call todayoft Doctors ‘I’m a nurse, so it’s not a big deal.’ Treating you like family. Providing professional audiology services for 20+ years. “It’s a very big deal,” Karen said. “Highly trained, much more thanimp jus quick-thinking employees, like, Donna are huge assets to the Call today to star health industry and, in particular, Alton Memorial Hospiimproved tal.” Doctors of Audiology Karen said that Donna told her that she’s done the Heimmuch more than just lich maneuver on a few patients, but it was very different a hearing aid store for her to do the maneuver on someone who she knew and Call todayour to start your loved. Visit Nevv Location “Donna has downplayed what she did, but she took journey toour improved hearing! in the VisitJerseyville Dr. Joe Hopper Dr. Michelle Cramer NevvHospital! Location charge of a very tense situation and did what she’s trained in the Jerseyville to do,” Karen said. Hospital! “I still don’t know how she managed to jump up and get between me and my husband, while he was standing me up — and do the Heimlich maneuver. ”Afterwards she apologized because she was concerned VOTED #1 that she had hurt me,” Karen recalled. “I didn’t know whethMemorial 1344 ProfessionalParkPark Memorial HospitalHospital 1344 D'Adrian D'Adrian Professional er to laugh or cry. Chester, IL 62233 Godfrey, 62035 Chester, IL 62233 Godfrey, ILIL62035 Visit Our New “Because of my health, I’ve always felt like I’d have a Location in the 618-466-4444 618-826-4581 (Exf 1366)(Exf 1366) Jerseyville different outcome than a ‘normal’ person in an emergency Hospital ProfessionalHearingAssociates.com ProfessionalHearingAssociates.com situation. Donna disproved that theory.”
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Professional � Professional � '' Hearing HearingAssociates Associates
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MedResources is the premier provider of home oxygen and sleep therapy equipment including CPAPs and BiPAPs.
longtime AMH volunteer Carl Draper
MedResources is the premier provider of home oxygen with Special to Active Lifestyles therapy equipment CPAP’s and BiPAP’s.including ●and State-of-the-Art Sleep Center andsleep sleep therapy equipment includingCPAPs CPAPsand andBiPAPs. BiPAPs.
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therapyProgram equipment including Oursleep Clinical Respiratory MedResources is theincludes: premier provider ofAlton home oxygen Memorial Hospital on-site for fittings, assessments with and education for all oxygen and Our Clinical Respiratory CPAP/BiPAP patients.
ALTON — Carl Draper wasn’t a millionaire, but he was worth all that and more to Alton Memorial Hospital (AMH) staff and physicians. State-of-the-Art Sleep Center ●State-of-the-Art State-of-the-Art Sleep Center Carl, 82, died Jan. 30, at his Wood River home. To some, ●●Top of the line equipment Sleep with an Center it might be surprising that he didn’t die while volunteering on-site for fittings, assessments on-site for fittings, assessmentsand excellent selection of accessories on-site for fittings, assessments at AMH. Carl didn’t spend every waking hour there — it with and supplies. education for allfor oxygen and and and education alloxygen oxygen just seemed like it. At last spring’s volunteer appreciation and education for all and CPAP/BiPAP patients. CPAP/BiPAP patients. luncheon, he was honored for surpassing 40,000 volunteer ● Enhanced outcomes through a Jin Yi, RRT CPAP/BiPAP patients. personalized approach to your care. Respiratory Therapist hours in his 22 years at AMH. Premium with an ● Top of theequipment line equipment with an Based on the average hourly wage at AMH through the ● Top of the line equipment with an Please callselection us todayof toaccessories learn more. years, Carl might have been worth somewhere close to $1 excellent excellent selection of accessories million to the hospital. He finished with 40,585 hours. Not ================================================= and excellent selection of accessories and supplies. supplies. surprisingly, the final hours were put in the day before he 1688 Rd. 2350 State Street MedResources is the premier provider ofClarkson home oxygen and supplies. passed away. ● Enhanced Enhanced outcomesthrough throughaa MO 63017 Chesterfield, Alton, IL 62002 outcomes Jinwas Yi,buried RRT in his AMH windbreaker, wearing his and sleep therapy equipment including CPAPs and BiPAPs.“Carl personalized approach to your care. 618-466-5632 636-530-4500 personalized approach to your care. 40,000-hour pin we just gave him at that luncheon,” said Respiratory Therapist ory Program includes: outcomes through a ● Enhanced Fax: 618-466-4642 Fax: 636-530-4577 Kathleen Turner, AMH volunteer coordinator. Jin Yi, RRT MedResources is the premier provider home oxygen Clinical Respiratory Program includes: personalized approach tooftoday your care. eep Our Center “Carl alsoTherapist helped me every month with collecting the Respiratory Please call us to learn more. and sleep therapy equipment including CPAPs and BiPAPs. volunteers’ time cards and adding up everyone’s hours, then www.medresources.com ● State-of-the-Art Sleep Center assessments ================================================= putting out new cards for everyone,” she said. “AMH was on-site forPlease fittings, assessments call us today to learn Our Clinical Respiratory Program includes: all oxygen and hismore. home away from home and we will all miss him very 1688 Clarkson Rd. 2350 State Street education for all oxygen and ● State-of-the-Art Sleep Center much.” ents. and ================================================= Chesterfield, Alton, IL assessments 62002 “Carl wasMO a very63017 dependable volunteer,” said Irene CPAP/BiPAP patients. on-site for fittings, McLaughlin, who retired as volunteer coordinator in 2016, 618-466-5632 636-530-4500 and education for all oxygen and 1688 Clarkson Rd. 2350 State Street uipment with an but still volunteers at AMH. ● TopCPAP/BiPAP ofFax: the line equipment with an patients. 618-466-4642 Fax: “When 636-530-4577 n of accessories Chesterfield, MO 63017 Alton, IL 62002 he wasn’t here you would worry something was excellent selection of accessories ● Top of the line equipment with an wrong,” she said. 618-466-5632 636-530-4500 andexcellent supplies. selection of accessories “Several years ago he had surgery. He showed up to volunwww.medresources.com and supplies. teer before he was released from the doctor. I had to explain Fax: Fax: 636-530-4577 mes through a 618-466-4642 ● Enhanced outcomes through a Jin Yi, RRT to him that I needed his release from his doctor. Needless to Jin Yi, RRT roach topersonalized care.outcomes ●your Enhanced through a Therapist approach to your care. Respiratory Respiratory say, he was not happy to have to leave and go home.” Jin Yi, RRT Therapist personalized approach to your care. Respiratory Therapist Born March 12, 1937, in Granite City, Carl was the son of William H. and Emma L. (Fausz) Draper. He graduated Please call us today to learn more. ll us today to learn more. Please call us today to learn more. from East Alton-Wood River High School and earned his ================================================= ================================== ================================================= Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from McKendree 1688 Clarkson 2350 State 1688 Clarkson Rd.200 Rd.University in Lebanon, Illinois, in 1960. He had served as a 2350 State Street 2350 StateStreet Street 15454 Olive Blvd., Ste. 1688 Clarkson Rd. t trustee at McKendree since 1998. Carl was employed with Alton, 62002 Chesterfield, MO Chesterfield, MO63017 63017 Alton, 62002 Chesterfield, MO 63017 Alton, IL ILIL62002 Chesterfield, MO 63017 the Department of Defense in the Mapping Department, 618-466-5632 636-530-4500 618-466-5632 636-530-4500 618-466-5632 636-530-4500 based in St. Louis, for more than 35 years before retiring in Fax: 618-466-4642 636-530-4500 Fax: 636-530-4577 Fax: 618-466-4642 Fax: 636-530-4577 1998. Fax: 618-466-4642 Fax: 636-530-4577 2 Fax: 636-530-4577 “The best thing about volunteering is getting the chance www.medresources.com to work with all of the rest of these volunteers,” Carl said at
Our Clinical Respiratory Program Programincludes: includes:
Breathe Easier
8 April 2020
Active Lifestyles
he premier provider of home oxygen equipment including CPAPs and BiPAPs.
www.medresources.com
www.medresources.com
medresources.com
Carl Draper fills the blanket warmer in the Alton Memorial Hospital Emergency Room in a 2018 photo.
Visit www.altonmemorialhospital.org for more information.
For Active Lifestyles
Carl received a pin for 40,000 volunteer hours from AMH Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen Turner at the 2019 volunteer luncheon.
Active Lifestyles April 2020 9
last year’s volunteer luncheon. “They are the best. “I answered the call to volunteer after Chaplain Jo Greenwood sent out a request for volunteers through all the area churches, including mine (First United Methodist of East Alton). I had some reservations about volunteering and discussed this with Chaplain Jo.” The now-retired chaplain must have been very convincing, much to the benefit of AMH for the next 20 years. Carl started volunteering in Chaplain Jo’s office, then moved to the ER, where he stocked supplies, and helped remake beds and fill the blanket warmer. He also helped fill the complimentary soup sacks for Surgery. “I enjoy being a small part of the hospital, getting to know several of the doctors and having the satisfaction of helping the staff,” Carl once said. “I have friends in all areas of the hospital. I’m also involved with the group at my church who make care bears for patients. I am just trying to be of help, and hopefully not getting in the way.” Carl didn’t need to worry about that. No one at AMH ever considered him “being in the way.” “Forty thousand hours,” Irene said. “There will never be another Carl Draper!”
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Conscious and Connected with Dr. Kristina Staying physically, emotionally, mentally healthy while ‘staying in place’ By Dr. Kristina Bemis Tupman For Active Lifestyles
ALTON — With having had new restrictions placed on our daily activities, it’s important to find new ways to stay engaged physically, emotionally and mentally. It is very easy to let the days pass by and lose track of “normal” life. Physical health feeds into mental and emotional health, and vice versa. This means that you can choose if that feeds into a positivecycle or a negative cycle!
Here are a few ways to stay healthy and positive when staying in: Physically: •Set a goal of a specific amount of time each day to get some sort of exercise. • 10 minutes a day is a great start, and you can always add another 10 minutes later in the day once you feel good about the original 10 • Choose 3 exercises a day that will help you in your daily activities, such as: • Standing up from a chair (trying to not use your hands!) 10-20 times
• Holding your arms out you feel more accomplished to your side in a “T” position by the end of the day and circling your arms quick• Make an attainable list ly. 10-20 in one direcof items or projects tion and then reverse you want to accom• Walk around your plish daily and weekly. house or outside on These can be anything a safe surface for 10 from trying a new minutes recipe, to attending to Emotionally: a neglected “pile” or •Find 3 things each area in your home, to day to be grateful for. Dr. Kristina cleaning out your closo You can write et. The possibilities these down in a notebook are endless! or note cards and reflect on These are a few suggesthem if you need a reminder tions to stay as healthy and of the good in your life positive as possible during • STAY CONNECTED! challenging times. Although virtually connecting If you feel you need prowith friends and family is not fessional help, please reach the same as meeting and hug- out to your primary care ging in person, it is a wonder- physician or mental health ful way to remain engaged in professional. meaningful conversation and lift up your spirits Dr. Kristina Bemis Tupman • Zoom and FaceTime are owns Bemis Tupman Chiropractic, along with her husband, Dr. Stewonderful, free ways to stay phen Tupman, at 4105 Humbert connected with the positive Rd suite 101, Alton. For more people in your life information on how to begin or Mentally: continue your journey on sustainTry to stay in a routine able, toxin-free living, join Dr. • Going to bed and getting Bemis Tupman’s Facebook group up at the same time every — Consciously Connected Momma — where she focuses on education, morning can help you mainawareness and accessibly. tain a routine which can help
OSF HealthCare now offering a digital solution to screen for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center
10 April 2020
Active Lifestyles
Special to Active Lifestyles
ALTON — OSF HealthCare has always taken a leadership role in preparing for and responding to the spread of infectious diseases. To better serve our patients and the community, OSF HealthCare has launched an updated digital solution to help educate and triage people who are concerned about the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19. “Clare,” the virtual assistant chatbot on the home page of OSF HealthCare — www.osfhealthcare.org — is now equipped to screen for and educate the public about COVID-19. “OSF HealthCare wants to reduce anxiety during this uncertain time with the COVID-19 situation,” said OSF’s Abby
Lotz, vice president, OSF Saint Gabriel Digital Care. “To ease concerns, we are encouraging the public to use ‘Clare,’ our virtual assistant, to get the most up-to-date information, share symptoms and more. Clare provides a safe experience for consumers to access medical professionals without the need to travel to a facility and risk possible exposure.” Launched this past December, Clare was updated on March 13 to provide screening and education directly related to COVID19. The chatbot will listen for symptoms of COVID-19 and ask relevant follow-up questions, such as travel history, and whether a person is aware if they’ve been exposed to others with the illness. If necessary, Clare will direct patients to a newly established triage line. Staffed 24/7, community members, who are symp-
tomatic or considered at-risk, will be able to access trained medical professionals — at no cost — for advice about testing and care. “It’s a challenge for people to know which type of care is best, because people aren’t trained medically to triage their cough or fever,” Lotz said. “We believe this innovative solution for patients will be extremely helpful for everyone in the communities we serve to better prepare for and protect themselves from the spread of COVID-19.” Clare will continuously be updated based on guidelines from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. For more information, contact OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center.
How illnesses are stopped from spreading in nursing homes For Active Lifestyles
Millions of elderly and incapacitated individuals find long-term care facilities are the safest places to reside and receive both medical care and assistance with daily living requirements. Nursing homes aim to keep residents safe and healthy, and in order to do so important precautions need to be taken not only by staff members, but by friends and family who visit their loved ones in nursing home facilities. Infectious diseases can spread easily through nursing homes if visitors are not careful. Age and compromised immune systems which are common among many people who live in longterm care facilities, elevate residents’ risk for disease. A nursing home outside of Seattle was the site of one of first cases of COVID-19 on American soil. As of early March 2020, thirteen residents of the facility contracted and died from COVID-19, an additional 11
deaths were being investigated but had not yet been attributed to the novel virus that dominated headlines. In many nursing homes, residents share rooms, and common areas are small, making residents vulnerable to infections that are transmitted from person to person, advises the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. And the open-door policy of many facilities can make it easy for diseases to find their way in. These pointers can help reduce the risk for disease transmission. • Visitors should not come into the facility if they have symptoms of respiratory infections or other illnesses that are easily transmissible. • Employees should stay home if they are sick. • Good infection prevention and control techniques always should be implemented. These include cleaning hands before and after touching another resident. Cleaning and disinfecting
environmental surfaces, removing soiled items, and wearing personal protective equipment is advised. • Residents, workers and visitors should practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette by coughing and sneezing into the crooks of their elbows rather than into their hands. • The CDC says alcohol-based hand rub should be available in every resident’s room. • Restrict residents with any contagious illnesses to their rooms. If they need to be moved for testing or other reasons, have them wear correct safety items, like facemasks. • Healthcare personnel who may work other jobs, such as those in other facilities, should exercise extreme caution after caring for an individual with an infectious disease. • Guests should wear gowns when visiting someone who has a virus or type of bacteria that can be transmitted through direct contact. Infectious diseases can be problematic in nursing home settings since residents are vulnerable due to their proximity to others, ages and potentially compromised immune systems.
Active Lifestyles April 2020 11
THREE ways to connect you 24/7 to trustworthy information about novel coronavirus (COVI D-19). • Chat with Clare, a digital assistant at osfhealthcare.org • Text OSF to 67634 to connect with OSF COVI D Companion, a FREE text messaging tool • Call the COVI D-19 Nurse Hotline* at 1-833-0SF-KNOW (833-673-5669) Staffed by RNs and other health care professionals.
*