Help with car seats
By Tim Stauffer, Register managing editor
ife as a parent of young children has many firsts: the first full night’s sleep, first steps, first words. Priceless moments, all. So forgive me when I recall one of the more life-transforming milestones for me: no more car seats.
My kids are in booster seats now, so I’m not totally out of the woods. But the days of hauling around bulky, complicated, and expensive car seats are behind me. And good riddance. If you don’t have young kids, you may not realize how incredibly disgusting car seats can get. Forgotten snacks moldy beyond recognition. Spilled milk that’s weeks old. Stale boogers. You get it.
With the funkiness of rancid milk aside, car seats can cause major stress. “Is this thing installed right? Where does this strap go? She screams every time I buckle her in — what if we just turn her around?”
So when I sat down to talk about car seats with Cassie Morrison, a public health nurse and certified car seat safety technician with the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, learning about the resources her team offers came as a wave of relief. You mean there’s help? You don’t have to do all this alone?
THE FIRST thing I learned was that the health department offers free car seats for parents who qualify. All you have to do is bring your eWIC card, proof of a KanCare health plan, a Vision card, or show you’re part of the Kansas Farm Worker Health Program, and you’re in. No applica-
tions, no waiting period. Just stop by. In Anderson County, where Morrison is based, the public health department began offering free car seats earlier this year. In Allen County, LaHarpe Police Chief Joe Stotler also distributes free pimary car seats on a first come, first served basis.
THE SECOND thing I learned is what I always feared: Yes, that car seat is probably installed wrong. As Morrison said, “You may think it’s right, but there are so, so many car seats installed incorrectly.”
“There are so many makes and models, and each car seat is different,” she said. While Morrison notes that every car seat sold in the U.S. must abide by federal safety standards, it’s a lot to handle. But getting it right can save a child’s life.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every day in 2022, on average, three children under 13 were killed and 429 were injured in cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans. In passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers 1 -4 years old.
SUCH alarming statistics bring all the more weight to the health department’s other service: free car seat checks. Morrison and her team are happy to inspect your car seat and periodically hold drive-thru events.
Morrison and her team look at five things:
Selection: Is this seat safe and appropriate for the child? Does the child have room to grow?
Direction: Is rear- or forward-facing best?
Location: Which location in the vehicle is best?
Harness Adjustment: Are the correct slots used?
Installation: Is the car seat locked in the vehicle? Does the seat belt fit?
“Anatomy rules, not age,” said Morrison. If your child doesn’t have the right height or weight, their age doesn’t matter. Until then, as much as parents might not want to hear it, they need to remain safe and snug in those heavy, smelly — and incredibly safe — car seats.
Public health nurse and certified car seat safety technician Cassie Morrison.
Chiropractic care today
By Midwest Chiropractic staff
Of all the treatment methods available today, why choose chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care has stood the test of time, improving various health problems since 1895. The profession has come a long way since the first chiropractic patient, who regained his hearing after receiving just one adjustment.
Chiropractic care paired with acupuncture, nutrition, stretching and exercise can address many different issues. These problems may include headaches, spinal instability, problems with extremities, organ malfunctions, colic, ear infections and allergies. Today, a chiropractic physician has several years of education and training, enabling the doctor to confidently address the wide variety of complaints that come into the office daily.
After graduating from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City in 1986, Dr. Larry Buck has received many hours of specialized training for the treatment and care of sports injuries. These injuries can vary from concussions to dislocations as well as strains and sprains. These types of injuries can be exhibited by a wide range of patients, not only athletes. Some occur in the workplace or from falls or doing daily chores.
Cranial manipulation can alleviate migraines, headaches and joint pain or inflammation. Buck and his wife, Janet, regularly attend continuing education seminars. He is certified in acupuncture, sports injuries, cranial manipulation, and pediatric chiropractic care. He can customize the patient’s treatment to get the best improvement in a short amount of time and visits.
Buck utilizes methods learned from several years of experience, both in his office and on the sidelines and locker rooms at Crest High School, Marmaton Valley High and Fort Scott Community College. Many area athletes have come to Buck for treatment in order to stay in the game.
Buck also has worked on Kansas High School Rodeo
Every professional and Olympic team, many Division I college teams and the United States military utilize chiropractic care in order to stay at a peak level of performance.
Buck utilizes an assortment of protocols including acupuncture, Active Release Technique, Total Body Modification and specialized reflexology, which he can administer in order to improve function and relieve pain.
team members, both human and animal. He has over 35 years of experience in using chiropractic care on animals with a referral from a veterinarian. After seeing how much the animal improves, the owner often makes time to come in to see Buck for their own health issues.
A sign in Buck’s office states: “Five dangerous words: Maybe it will go away.” We hear that statement at least once a week, almost always followed by, “I wish I would have come in sooner.” Make your appointment today in order to get healthy and feel better.
CUSTOMIZED HEALTHCARE
Dr. Larry Buck
Dr. Larry Buck and his wife, Janet, in their Iola office. The couple are avid sports fans and support a variety of local teams. Buck has several decades of experience in the chiropractic field.
The path to a healthier future begins in our own backyard The Lehigh Portland Trails
By Dan Carroll, Thrive Allen County director of communications
It constantly surprises us to hear how many in our community have never experienced perhaps one of Allen County’s greatest assets: the trail system at the newly designated Lehigh Portland State Park. Nestled in the trees on the outskirts of Iola lies an oasis of calm waiting to be explored. Whether by bike or on foot, over 14 miles of trails offer visitors a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, as well as flora and fauna, to enjoy. However, there are other ways the general public can contribute towards the
health of the community besides simply taking advantage of the great outdoors, and you may even find you benefit in the process.
Each month, Thrive Allen County hosts a volunteer work day on the trails. For a few hours on Saturdays, we see a wide range of ages and ability levels come together for the common purpose of making a positive difference. These efforts benefit both trail users and the natural species and their habitats. Perhaps unknowingly, these volunteers are even reaping a wealth of
OUTDOOR
benefits for themselves. Research shows volunteering improves physical and mental health, teaches valuable skills, provides a sense of purpose, and forms strong relationships.
At Thrive, our vision of community health is all-inclusive, a holistic approach that ranges from physical to mental to fiscal health. Not unlike the balance found in nature, we understand how vital each individual component is to the overall well-being and how they are all interconnected. When the community works in unison, the sum of our efforts is greater than any of us could achieve on our own.
We encourage you to spend time visiting the trails this season. Admire the artwork, bathe your senses in the beautiful surroundings, and bring your friends and family. Just remember, although this wilderness is within walking distance of town and easy to get to, it requires our care and attention. Consider joining us in the effort to upkeep current amenities and reclaim our outdoor spaces. There’s as much in it for you as for the community.
To find out more about our volunteer work days, follow us on Facebook (@LehighTrails) or give us a call at 620365-8128.
Lehigh Portland State Park’s trail system, with its stunning views and varied terrains, offer a welcome dose of nature’s medicine in every season.
Healthy Living is essential to preventing sickness and disease, reducing stress, enhancing moods, and increasing productivity by encouraging better focus and higher energy levels. Economic stability and social connections increase greatly when businesses and business owners live healthy. Remember: it is never too late to work towards being the healthiest you!
1 STAY CONNECTED
2
DELEGATE & COLLABORATE
Build your team and work together to lighten the load, promote collaboration and reduce stress and improve time management skills.
Network, engage with other businesses and business owners to exchange ideas as well as o er and receive support. Engage in your local events to build relationships and gain perspective.
3
SET GOALS
Set personal health goals for yourself and your employees alongside your business objectives, ensuring you have a balanced approach. Never stop learning by investing in yourself and your employees through professional and personal development.
www.iolachamber.org
Taking back the narrative
How peer-to-peer groups help survivors tell their own stories
By Dorothy Sparks, Hope Unlimited executive director
For nearly 40 years, Hope Unlimited has been a mainstay in the local community with a mission to provide safety net services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Originally starting in the basement of the old Iola Chamber of Commerce building on Madison Avenue, Hope Unlimited has grown to encompass programs dedicated to serving survivors, including an emergency shelter, outreach services, a Child Visitation Center and a Child Advocacy Center. Through a trauma-informed lens, Hope Unlimited provides a sense of community and belonging to survivors who might otherwise experience isolation, shame and helplessness.
Peer-to-peer group belongs to the survivors, and they decide the parameters.
exposure to domestic and sexual violence can lead to chronic health conditions that negatively impact the survivor’s quality of life, from hypertension to impaired sleep and much more. The positive interaction of the support group can provide survivors with a renewed sense of hope and quite possibly mitigate the physical symptoms from prolonged exposure to violence and abuse.
Whether it’s deciding to share their own story or providing encouragement to others, support groups provide a unique opportunity for survivors to gain a sense of
One of the key services provided by Hope Unlimited that positively impacts survivors’ health is the facilitation of peer-to-peer support groups. In a supportive environment, survivors can freely express their emotions and share their experiences with others. The act of sharing can play an important part in rebuilding self-esteem and confidence, and the collective experience within the group can become a valuable safety net when survivors feel isolated or alone.
The health benefits of support groups extend far beyond the emotional and psychological relief that often arises through group participation. For many survivors, the connections and coping skills gained in a group setting have a positive and lasting impact on their physical health and well-being. It is well documented that
From left, advocates Kayla Knavel, Alexandria Gumfory and Molly Shaughnessy volunteer at a local church.
Hope Unlimited advocates Alexandria Gumfory and Kayla Knavel regularly connect with community members to explain the organization’s mission and services. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
trust and a safe space to move forward on their healing journey.
Hope Unlimited’s advocates facilitate ongoing support groups throughout the year. Most of the groups are open to anyone who has experienced domestic or sexual violence, however some groups are closed to only a few participants based on the needs of survivors. Topics in the group often include recognizing trauma triggers, regaining control, setting boundaries and practicing self-care.
A part of the group session generally includes a meal shared by the participants and an informal conversational style that leads to a comfortable and safe place for survivors to create their own space of healing. Other support group experiences have included yoga, meditation and creative crafts. The group belongs to the survivors, and they decide its parameters.
If you would like to learn more about the healing benefits of peer-to-peer support groups, participate, or volunteer to assist with groups, please call our advocates at 620-365-7566 or stop by the outreach office at 406 North Buckeye in Iola.
Hospitals & Clinics
HEALTH DIRECTORY
ALLEN COUNTY REGIONAL HOSPITAL- SAINT LUKE'S HEALTH SYSTEM
IOLA CLINIC
ANDERSON COUNTY
3066 N. Kentucky St., Iola, KS 66749..........................(620) 365-1000
826 E. Madison Ave., Medical Arts Building, Iola, KS 66749..............................................................(620) 365-6933
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER OF SEK (CHC/SEK)
IOLA CLINIC
2051 N. State St., Iola, KS 66749................................(620) 380-6600
THE FAMILY PHYSICIANS, PA 1408 East. St., Suite A, Iola, KS 66749........................(620) 365-3115
ASHLEY CLINIC CHANUTE CLINIC
505 S. Plummer Ave., Chanute, KS 66720..................(620) 431-2500
HUMBOLDT CLINIC
202 S. 9th St., Humboldt, KS 66748............................(620) 473-2275
IOLA CLINIC
401 S. Washington, Iola, KS 66749..............................(620) 365-0151
IOLA VA CLINIC | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
BOURBON COUNTY
WOODSON COUNTY
301 S. Vine St., Garnett, KS 66032..............................(785) 448-6559
524 S. Lowman, Fort Scott, KS 66701.........................(620) 223-4464
NEOSHO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
1408 East St., Iola, KS 66749......................................(620) 223-8655
NEOSHO MEMORIAL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
629 S. Plummer Ave., Chanute, KS 66720..................(620) 431-4000
NMRMC Family Medicine - Chanute
1501 W. 7th St., Chanute, KS 66720..........................(620) 432-5588
NMRMC Orthopedic Clinic
1501 W. 7th St., Chanute, KS 66720...........................(620) 432-5775
NMRMC Women’s Health Center
629 S. Plummer, Chanute, KS 66720.........................(620) 431-0340
NMRMC Home Health Agency & Hospice
LABETTE HEALTH
1409 W. 7th Ave., Chanute, KS 66720.........................(620) 432-5436
1902 S. U.S. Highway 59, Parsons, KS 67357............(620) 421-4881
Chanute Clinic & Express Care-RHC
2613 S. Santa Fe, Chanute, KS 66720........................(620) 902-2030
ANDERSON COUNTY HOSPITAL-SAINT LUKE'S HEALTH SYSTEM
WILSON MEDICAL CENTER
Mental Health
120 W. Rutledge St., Yates Center, KS 66783.............(620) 625-2484
320 E. Main St., Chanute, KS 66720...........................(620) 431-5770
SEK MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
421 S. Maple St., Garnett, KS 66032...........................(785) 448-3131
2600 Ottawa Rd, Neodesha, KS 66757.......................(620) 325-2611
Health Agencies/Departments
SEK MULTI-COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ALLEN COUNTY
411 N. Washington Ave., Iola, KS 66749......................(620) 365-2191
IOLA - 304 N. Jefferson Ave, Iola KS 66749................(620) 365-5717
CHANUTE - 1322 S. Grant, Chanute, KS 66720.........(620) 431-7890
FORT SCOTT - 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Suite B and C, Fort Scott, KS 66701....................................................(620) 223-5030
HUMBOLDT - 1106 S. 9th, Humboldt, KS 66748.........(620) 473-2241
GARNETT - 519 S. Elm, Garnett, KS 66032................(785) 448-6806
PLEASANTON - 505 W. 15th, Pleasanton, KS 66075 ...(913) 352-8214
BLANKET FORT THERAPY
YATES CENTER - 204 S. Main, Yates Center, KS 66783...............................................(620) 625-2746
Kari Miller, LCMFT RPT 118 W Jackson Ave, Iola, KS 66749.............................(620) 228-1181
Dental
DAVID ANDERSEN, D.D.S. (CHC/SEK)
2051 N. State St., Iola, KS 66749................................(620) 380-6600
GRANT GASTINEAU, D.D.S., LLC
RICHARD T. HALE, D.D.S.
RYAN COFFIELD, D.D.S., P.A. 415 N. Washington Ave., Iola, KS 66749.....................(620) 365-6262
32 W. Main St., Chanute, KS 66720.............................(620) 431-4823
GARNETT - 519 S. Maple St., Garnett, KS 66032.......(785) 242-1800
OTTAWA - 1136 W. 15th St., Ottawa, KS 66067..........(785) 242-1800
WILLIAMS KENNETH D.D.S., P.A.-CHANUTE FAMILY DENTAL 2607 S. Santa Fe Ave., Chanute, KS 66720................(620) 431-3000
ANDREW RAFIE, D.D.S., RADIANT DENTAL 711 Bridge St., Humboldt, KS 66748............................(620) 473-2289
GOLDEN RULE DENTAL GROUP-YATES CENTER 109 W. Butler, Yates Center, KS 66783........................(620) 625-2185
Rehabilitation Services
ALLEN COUNTY REGIONAL OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION
3066 N. Kentucky St., Iola, KS 66749..........................(620) 365-1051
WILSON MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTER
604 Main St., Neodesha, KS 66757.............................(620) 325-2253
CORE-REHABILITATION (THERAPY) - LABETTE HEALTH
1902 S. U.S. Highway 59, Parsons, KS 67357............(620) 820-5885
NEOSHO MEMORIAL REHABILITATION AND FITNESS CENTER
629 S. Plummer Ave., Chanute, KS 66720..................(620) 432-5378
SEK RECOVERY RESOURCES
YATES CENTER HEALTH AND REHAB
16 N. Buckeye St., Iola, KS 66749 ...............................(620) 380-6008
801 S. Fry St., Yates Center, KS 66783.......................(620) 625-2111
Vision
IOLA VISION SOURCE
ROBERT N. SMITH OD
MCINTOSH/BOOTH INSURANCE
HEALTH DIRECTORY
212 South St., Iola, KS 66749......................................(620) 365-3523
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER OF SEK (CHC/SEK) 2051 N. State St., Iola, KS 66749................................(620) 380-6600
Hearing Aids
MIDWEST HEARING AID
216 N. Jefferson, Iola, KS 66749..................................(620) 365-2108
601 S. State St., Iola, KS 66749...................................(620) 365-6001
CATHERS OPTICAL & HEARING AID
19 S. Highland Ave., Chanute, KS 66720.....................(620) 431-4840
Transportation Services (Non-emergency)
ALLEN REGIONAL TRANSIT (A.R.T.)
9 S. Jefferson, Iola, KS 66749......................................(620) 228-0463
624 Bridge St., Humboldt, KS 66748...........................(620) 473-2772
GARNETT VISION SOURCE
115 N. Maple, Garnett, KS 66032.................................(785) 448-6879
Chiropractors
ALLEN COUNTY CHIROPRACTIC LLC
DR. STEVEN L. LEONARD
DR. KENDRA TAICLET
219 W. Garfield St., Iola, KS 66749..............................(620) 365-3000
103 W. Mary St., Yates Center, KS 66783 (Located within JACK'D Wellness LLC)...................... (620) 365-3000
MIDWEST CHIROPRACTIC-DR. LARRY A. BUCK
103 West St., Iola, KS 66749...................................... (620) 365-7711
MINOR CHIROPRACTIC-DR. CARY DANE MINOR
ALLEN COUNTY SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY VAN 1 N. Washington, Iola, KS 66749.................................(620) 365-1407
TRI-VALLEY DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
521 W. 35 Chanute Pkwy., Chanute, KS 66720...........(620) 431-7401
Skin Care & Spa
IOLA DERM 101 1408 East St., Iola, KS 66749......................................(620) 363-0097
221 S. Washington Ave., Iola, KS 66749......................(620) 365-2524
SIMPLY SKIN 108 S. Jefferson Ave., Iola, KS 66749..........................(620) 228-3194
BELLA DONNA SALON 401 N. Jefferson Ave., Iola, KS 66749..........................(620) 365-5400
RENU MEDICAL & SPA
826 E. Madison Ave., Iola, KS 66749 (Allen County Regional Medical Center)......................(620) 308-6123
WEILERT CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC-DR. STEPHEN WEILERT
606 Bridge St., Humboldt, KS 66748...........................(620) 473-3212
WILDFLOWER CHIROPRACTIC -DR. ALEXIS SEABOLT
208 W. Madison Ave, Iola, KS 66749...........................(620) 531-0275
Pharmacies
IOLA PHARMACY
109 E. Madison Ave., Iola, KS 66749...........................(620) 365-3176
IOLA PHARMACY CLINIC
APOTHECARE PHARMACY (CHC/SEK)
1408 East St., Iola, KS 66749......................................(620) 365-6848
2051 N. State St., Iola, KS 66749................................(620) 380-6400
WALMART PHARMACY
2200 N. State St., Iola, KS 66749................................(620) 365-7637
Healthcare Navigators
KANSAS CARE-THRIVE ALLEN COUNTY
9 S. Jefferson, Iola, KS 66749......................................(620) 365-8128
Fitness and Wellness
SKIN STUDIO BY SHAYLEE 108 S. Washington, Iola, KS 66749..............................(620) 363-1522
CEDARBROOK FITNESS 1810 East St., Iola, KS 66749......................................(620) 380-6031
HUMBOLDT FITNESS CENTER 1301 N. 9th St., Humboldt, KS 66748..........................(620) 473-5200
LAHARPE FITNESS CENTER 902 S. Washington Ave., LaHarpe, KS 66751 ..............(620) 496-2241
Breaking free from diet culture
By Callee Kaufman, NASM-CPT, NASM-CNC, NASM-BCS Health & wellness coach at Humboldt Fitness
Show of hands – how many of us have experienced negative feelings related to nutrition, exercise, body image, or even health and wellness as a whole?
Sadly, chances are high that most of us have our hands raised. With various media outlets, companies, influencers, and even our own loved ones distributing “healthy” advice, it can be easy to get stuck in the diet culture quicksand. Before you realize it, you’re surrounded by restrictive dieting, compulsive exercise, misinformed health regimens and negative self-image.
You
exercise with excitement, because it flows well with your life. You deserve to enjoy food that is right for you, because moralizing it is no longer tolerable.
deserve to feel empowered, confident, and at peace with yourself. Because you are so much more than just another before-and-after photo.
You don’t deserve that. You deserve to feel empowered, confident, and at peace with yourself. You deserve to
But how? How do we unlearn years of the ingrained unhealthy, incorrect, and problematic behaviors and thoughts? The idea alone can feel daunting, but remember you are not alone. As a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and Behavior Change Specialist, I’ve seen a lot of tears, discouragement, and an earnest desire just to feel seen. I’ve also had the privilege to extend a rope and help my cli-
Members of Humbolt Fitness’s Power Pilates class take a break for a quick photo. The center offers a robust variety of classes for all interests and ages.
Callee Kaufman explains her personalized approach to Gina Honeycutt of Iola. Individualizing each plan is part of Kaufman’s focus on whole-body wellness.
ents out of the quicksand. It’s a spectacular process to witness.
increase by leaps and bounds. Overgeneralization of fad diets, empty promises, and unrealistic fitness expectations keep you stuck in the quicksand. Are you ready to break free of it?
Ways to Get Unstuck:
• Work with an accredited health professional.
• Surround yourself with positive health influences. Reduce as many negative influences as possible (especially those that provoke diet culture concepts).
• Hit the unfollow button.
• Remove the scale.
• Refrain from “diet talk.”
• Life can get in the way of life. Make modifications when needed.
• Reject the diet mentality and moralization of food. There isn’t “good” or “bad” food. Food is fuel for the body. Find the fuel that works best within you.
• Find forms of physical activity that you enjoy and work well with your lifestyle.
Time and time again, I’ve found authentic, positive long-lasting behavior changes, evidence-based education, and person-focused fitness training ultimately result in a healthier and happier quality of life. And I’ve learned that can’t come with a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Because you’re not just another statistic. You’re not just another before-and-after photo. You are uniquely you, an individual with specific needs, goals, and background. And those things are a hindrance. They are unique attributes that should be worked with.
You are the only person in this world who has the combination of your specific DNA, family dynamic, career, geographic location, and other various characteristics that form your identity. When a health journey has those factors in mind, overall success and satisfaction
Taking control of chronic wounds
What every diabetic should know
By Erica Johnson, Director of Marketing for Wilson Medical Center
Living with diabetes presents various challenges. One of the most critical is the body’s reduced ability to heal wounds. As Dr. Brad Barrett, family medicine physician and wound care specialist at Wilson Medical Center, explains, “Managing your health is a full-body experience. For diabetics, even something as small as a blister can quickly escalate into a serious problem. That’s why early intervention is so important.”
For diabetics, proper wound care starts with managing blood sugar levels, wearing protective footwear, and regularly inspecting the skin for any signs of trouble.
However, despite the best precautions, advanced or chronic wounds may still develop — particularly foot ulcers. This is when timely, expert intervention becomes essential. Knowing when to seek professional help can make all the difference in preventing complications.
Early access to specialized wound care is critical for patients with diabetes or chronic conditions such as venous or arterial insufficiency, a history of radiation treatment, or immobility. At Wilson Medical Center, our Wound Care Center leads the way in southeast Kansas, providing cutting-edge treatments to ensure patients heal properly and maintain a high quality of life after a wound.
Infections from untreated wounds can lead to serious complications like amputations. Delaying advanced, aggressive wound care can have significant consequences. That’s why at Wilson Medical Center’s Wound Care Center, we partner with Healogics®, a leader in advanced wound care. Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, which may include specialized therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, advanced dressings, and other innovative techniques. These treatments not only accelerate healing but also reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
It’s important to remember that these services aren’t limited to diabetics. Patients dealing with venous ulcers, pressure sores, or post-surgical wounds can also benefit from advanced wound care.
Don’t wait to seek help for a chronic wound. Expert care is essential for fast, safe healing. And the good news is, no physician referral is need-
ed to visit our Wound Care Center. Take the first step toward healing today by calling Wilson Medical Wound Care Center at 620-325-8393 or visiting us online at wilsonmedical.org.
CardioScans Now
A simple test can help determine your risk for heart attack
By Deepthi Vodnala, MD
Cardiologist,
Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants
Fact: One in four people are at risk for heart disease. Half of them will die, most without any prior symptoms.
For people aged 60 or older, or who have a family history of heart disease, one simple test and a matter of minutes can determine the potential risk of a future heart attack. The key is early diagnosis.
CardioScan, also known as Coronary Artery Calcium Scan, is a special type of CT scan that detects calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. This calcified plaque, commonly referred to as hardening of the arteries, indicates the presence of coronary artery disease.
The buildup of plaque prevents blood flow and increases the risk of heart attack. “Many times, the beginning stages of plaque building up in arteries starts in our younger years,” said Deepthi Vodnala, MD, a cardiologist with Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants who sees patients in the specialty clinics at Allen County Regional Hospital and Anderson County Hospital.
“We’ve learned that coronary disease festers for years and even decades before causing a heart attack or stroke. A CardioScan can provide a baseline and allow us to see if there are any concerning areas to monitor.”
Identifying plaque buildup
early allows the patient and their provider to determine the best course of treatment and whether additional testing is required. “We know that genetics plays a major role in calcium buildup,” said Dr. Vodnala. “While we can’t change genetics, there are things we can control through diet, exercise, and medications.”
You should consider having a CardioScan if you are 60 years and older or meet one or more of the following criteria:
• Mother or sister diagnosed with heart disease at age 65 or younger
• Father or brother diagnosed with heart disease at age 55 or younger
From left, Melissa Crooks, RT®, McKayli Cleaver, RT® and Loni Wilhite, CT, RT® are radiology technologists at Allen County Regional Hospital. Behind them, the hospital’s brand-new Siemens SOMATOM go.All® Computed Tomography (CT) scanner.
Have a history of: Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
• Stroke
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Tobacco use, either current or former
Saint Luke’s was the first in Kansas City to offer CardioScan, and the exam has been available at Anderson County Hospital in Garnett for several years.
With the implementation of a new CT machine at Allen County Regional Hospital, CardioScans can now be scheduled in Iola.
A referral from your primary care provider or cardiologist is required. Referrals can be made to Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola or Anderson County Hospital in Garnett, whichever is most convenient. Once the referral is received, the hospital will call you to schedule the scan.
The exam itself only takes about 10 minutes and no needles or pain are involved. You will have three ECG leads placed on your chest and lie back with your arms above your head. You will need to hold your breath for 15 to 20 seconds two or three times during the scan. The scanner is not confining, and most patients don’t feel claustrophobic.
A Saint Luke’s cardiologist interprets the imaging, and a patient educator will contact you to review and discuss your results. Results will also be sent to the primary care provider and/or cardiologist who referred you for the test.
Most insurance companies do not cover CardioScan, but the cost of this important screening is kept low and is only $60 out-of-pocket.
Talk to your primary care provider or cardiologist about a referral, or to learn more, visit saintlukeskc.org/CardioScan.
CARDIOPULMONARY
Learning to breathe again
Neosho Memorial’s cardiopulmonary rehab helps area residents return to active lifestyles
By Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center Staff
There are moments in life that can take your breath away. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation helps patients with chronic heart or lung conditions enjoy those moments by helping people return to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
“The benefits of this program helped me to get back to 100%,” Iola resident Gary Hoffmeier said. “It is so enjoyable to participate in, and I look forward to it each time,” he added.
This emphasis on enjoyment is designed to make participants feel more positive and open to embracing the program.
“I’ve been a respiratory therapist for 11 years and this is the favorite part of my job. My entire staff will say it’s their favorite part, too,” said Amanda Hamilton, RRT, director of cardiopulmonary rehab at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center.
“We love seeing our patient’s progress and see how life-changing this program is for them,” she added.
The Chanute program uses a combination of education, cardiovascular strength training and breathing techniques to help strengthen the heart and lungs to improve overall fitness. The staff can also help address anxiety or depression caused by living with chronic health conditions.
Clinical studies prove cardiopulmonary rehab can improve quality of life, and it is one of the most cost-effective treatments available for heart and lung conditions. The medically supervised 12-week program focuses on exercise, education, and behavior change.
According to the American Cardiothoracic Society, 96% of Medicare patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) don’t use cardiopulmonary rehab as a treatment option.
“That’s huge,” Hamilton stated. “People are more familiar with cardiac [heart] rehab. Our program also offers rehabilitation for lung conditions, but the general public doesn’t realize just how beneficial it can be.”
Family medicine provider Mallori Smith, PA-C has referred several patients to NMRMC Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. “It’s a blessing to have this service,” she said.
“My patients say they enjoy their time in rehabilitation, and most would like to repeat the program, as they’ve noticed significant improvement in their day-to-day life,” Smith added.
“We really help patients regain confidence and control of their health. It empowers them to make small changes that add up to bigger lifestyle improvements,” Hamilton said. “Our clients have seen on average a
Left to right: Program director, Amanda Hamilton, RRT, Chelsie Riebel, RN, Rachel Donovan, RN, and Tricia Dillow, RN.
Gary Hoffmeier of Iola, left, has experienced significant health benefits through cardiopulmonary rehab.
127% improvement in their six-minute walk tests. We are so happy to help.”
“We accept self-referrals. Call us, and we’ll talk to your provider and see if our program fits,” Hamilton explained.
Most insurance companies pay for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation if there is a qualifying event or condition such as:
Heart Issues
Lung issues
Heart attack COPD
Coronary artery bypass surgery Emphysema
Angioplasty and stents Chronic bronchitis
Coronary heart disease Asthma
Heart valve replacement Lung cancer
Chest pain Interstitial lung disease
Neosho Memorial’s cardiopulmonary rehab program is on the main floor of the hospital, located at 629 S. Plummer in Chanute. Amanda Hamilton can be reached at 620-432-5374.
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