2019 Pulse Tab

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The

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Premier Health is the largest health care system in southwest Ohio


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Premier Health has first system-wide Magnet® recognition DAYTON – All Premier Health hospitals have earned Magnet® Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association. Nationally recognized as the highest standard for excellence in patient care, only 8 percent of U.S. hospitals hold the esteemed four-year designation – and only 20 U.S. health care systems have achieved the honor as a system. Premier Health hospitals are the only Dayton-area adult hospitals recognized as Magnet® hospitals. “Magnet designation is confirmation of our culture of excellence,” said Mary Boosalis, president and CEO of Premier Health. “Achieving this recognition for the first time as a health care system is not only rare; it signifies that all Premier Health facilities stand equally committed to deliver the best patient care possible.” Magnet status is recognized as professional nursing’s highest honor.

A wide body of research has shown that Magnet-designated hospitals provide a safer environment with better outcomes for patients, including fewer complications and injuries, as well as lower mortality rates. “Premier Health is only the second health system in Ohio to achieve Magnet designation as a system,” said Mike Maiberger, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Premier Health. “Achieving this highly selective honor is a huge point of pride for our organization and a testament to the hard work of our nursing teams and all who support them.” Jeanette Ives Erickson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, chair of the Commission on Magnet Recognition, announced the commission’s vote in favor of Premier Health’s Magnet status via conference call. Appraisers who visited Atrium Medical Center, Miami Valley Hospital, Miami Valley Hospital

North, Miami Valley Hospital South, and Upper Valley Medical Center during a weeklong site visit in November toured 79 departments and units, and met with 546 clinical nurses, along with many hospital leaders, physicians, essential partners, and community stakeholders. The Magnet Recognition Program evaluates hospitals based on empowerment and autonomy of nurses, collaborative work environments, nurse and patient satisfaction, nurse education and research, patient outcomes that exceed national benchmarks, and more. “Magnet appraisers said they were impressed with our systems and structures, community partnerships, interdisciplinary partnerships, physician-nurse partnerships, and our nursing staff overall,” said Peggy Mark, Premier Health’s chief nursing officer. “Achieving system designation through the Magnet Recognition Program is an organizational effort

that demonstrates the quality of work and commitment to our patients by everyone at Premier Health, and especially years of tireless work by our nursing teams. Our hospitals could not have earned this honor without their hard work and dedication.” As part of Premier Health’s firstever system Magnet designation, Miami Valley Hospital has achieved its fourth Magnet® designation since 2004. With its latest designation, the hospital in Dayton joins an elite group of only 58 U.S. health care organizations – fewer than 1 percent of hospitals in the nation – to have earned four Magnet designations, according to the ANCC. Miami Valley Hospital is the fifth-longest sustaining Magnetdesignated hospital in Ohio. Atrium Medical Center and Upper Valley Medical Center join 30 other hospitals in Ohio with Magnet status and only 481 Magnet-designated facilities in the world.

Kick off Heart Month and Go Red for Women DAYTON – The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, together with its Go Red for Women movement, are asking you to ‘wear red and give’ to support Go Red for Women on National Wear Red Day: Friday, Feb. 1. The Miami Valley Division of the American Heart Association will be kicking off American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day with a special event on Jan. 31, at Salar Restaurant and Lounge, 400 E. 5th St., Dayton. Beginning at 6 p.m., the wine tasting and healthy appetizer

event requires registration. Tickets are $75 per person and space is limited. Proceeds will go to support women’s health in our local area. Register at www.salarrestaurant. com. Why wear red and give? Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Someone you know and love may be affected – at any age. Heart disease and stroke claim the lives of 1 in 3 women – a third of our mothers, sisters and friends. It’s time to change this fact. That’s why the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women

movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Premier Health, encourages you to show your support by wearing red and giving on Friday, Feb. 1 to help raise awareness and save lives from heart disease. Here’s how you can support women’s health: * Wear red to raise awareness about heart disease – the leading cause of death in women. You can get the iconic Red Dress Pin at ShopHeart.org. * Make a donation to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association at WearRedDay. org or at your local CVS Pharmacy, February 3- 23. * Take action for your heart health. To help women better understand their risk for heart disease, CVS Health is offering no cost heart health screenings every Thursday in February, including Valentine’s Day, at CVS MinuteClinics nationwide. * Join the conversation by using GREENVILLE 548-2131 515 East Main St. 9-5 Daily Thurs. & Sat. 9-12

#WearRedAndGive on social media. “Premier Health is proud to be part of the Go Red for Women movement. As a leader in heart care for the region, we encourage all women to know their numbers and their risk for cardiovascular disease,” said Mary Boosalis, president and CEO of Premier Health. “Don’t let a heart attack be your first sign of a problem. Get a heart CT and follow the guidelines for a heart-healthy lifestyle.” While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat. To treat, beat and prevent heart disease and stroke, women should understand family health history, know their five key personal health numbers to help determine risk and make healthy behavior changes like moving more, eating smart and managing blood pressure. BRADFORD 448-2590 110 E. Main St. 9-5 M-T-W-F & 9-Noon Thurs.

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New Visions can help you stay in your home COLDWATER – So you want to stay in your home? At New Visions, 4108 State Route 118, Coldwater, they understand. You reared your children there. Time flew by, the kids flew the coop, and your beloved home, always your sanctuary, is showing its years. Heck, so are you.

Admit it: On a bad day, climbing that stairway to the second floor seems like scaling Mount Everest. Carrying a laundry basket down the basement stairs is a balancing act, and the thought of lugging it up two floors to make the beds is cause to sit down and rest. That “little fall” in the bathroom last year left your hip and ego bruised, but it was alarming enough that your children became concerned about your ability to stay safe and independent at home. Before the “For Sale” sign goes in the front yard, take a few moments to sit down with your loved ones and consider options. There are many ways to make your home safer and more livable. Some involve simple changes that might make you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Others involve assistive devices and aids to daily living that can make everyday tasks much easier and safer. On yet another level, home modifications can literally create new, safe spaces within your home. A 2006 study by the American Association of Retired Persons found Advances in technology have made everyday that 89 percent of respondents tasks easier to manage.

wanted to stay in their own homes as long as possible. New Visions Medical Equipment in Coldwater focuses on helping you stay in your own home as long as you wish and on your own terms. We can help you make informed decisions about assistive equipment and home modifications that can be the difference between staying independently in your home and alternatives that are not nearly as desirable. Oftentimes it is hard to comprehend and visualize how the correct modifications can enhance our lives and eliminate barriers without seeing, touching and trying different products. With this in mind, we recently remodeled our showroom and added displays to showcase some of these life-enhancing products for you to get a clearer picture of how you might be able to incorporate them in

your lifestyle for improved quality of life. Each situation that calls for home medical equipment is unique. Surgery, long and short-term disability, mobility limitations, respiratory disease, aging parents who want to stay in their homes, children with disabilities or medical conditions – each presents its own set of challenges. Our goal is to provide you with options that can make life easier for both patient and caregiver. Stop by New Vision’s showroom to check out some of the latest products or give them a call, 419-678-4979, to schedule a free home consultation with absolutely no obligation. Their mobility and accessibility experts would love to work with you to find solutions to simplify your life as it is our mission to improve individual’s lives every day.

WE CAN HELP YOU REMAIN SAFELY IN YOUR HOME! • Home Modifications • Stair Lifts • Ramps • Bathroom Safety 100% • Lift Chairs • Walk-In Showers QUALITY • Wheel Chairs • Mobility Scooters

A shower with no step is one alternative that can help persons with mobility issues.

FREE Home Evaluations 419-678-4979

4108 St. Rt. 118, Coldwater

301 Wagner Ave., Greenville, OH • (937) 548-3777 10242 Vers-SE Rd., Versailles, OH • (937) 526-4488 138 Shawnee St. Greenville, OH 45331

(937) 547-0114

www.newvisionsmedical.com

2 E. Woodside Dr. Arcanum, OH 45304

(937) 692-6113


Dementia, Alzheimer’s linked to hearing loss GREENVILLE – Did you know that you have a risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s in untreated hearing loss? According to a study done at John Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging, the longer you wait to seek hearing loss treatment, the more likely it is your brain will forget how to interpret sound. Auditory deprivation from lack of stimulation of hair cells in regions of the cochlea and the social isolation which occurs from hearing loss put individuals at risk for the loss of brain tissue which can hasten the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s, two diseases known for the deterioration of brain function. Our ears hear but our brain interprets the sounds so that they make sense and we can understand. With hearing loss, hair cells in the inner ear are damaged and can’t transmit sound signals to the brain. As hearing worsens and your brain is deprived of normal auditory messages, it forgets how to understand speech – much like

your muscles get weak when you stop using them. Studies indicate hearing aids can improve communication and reduce confusion among these patients and may help to improve memory and social interaction for them. Wearing hearing aids have proven to be effective in helping regain speech understanding, delay further hearing loss and reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation. Hearing aids have been shown to improve relationships with family and friends, increase participation in social activities and improve patients’ quality of life! Call and schedule an appointment with Beltone Hearing & Audiology to receive a free hearing screening. Their family-owned location has proudly been serving the Darke County community for 50 years. Local staff members are eager to help you and your loved ones. To take advantage of Belton’s free hearing screening; call 937548-4242.

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Hearing Aids can help reduce multiple Alzheimer’s symptoms. Has a loved one been diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? They’ll face many challenges but untreated hearing loss shouldn’t be one of them. Research shows that treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help lesson common Alzheimer’s symptoms, including depression, disorientation, anxiety, social isolation and general cognitive decline.

SOCIAL ISOLATION Hearing loss in older adults can often cause them to isolate themselves from others or stop participating in mentally stimulating activities. Combined, this lack of cognitive activity creates a mental enviroment ripe for the development of memory loss.

Help your loved one be their best!

Children susceptible to Hepatitis A GREENVILLE – Hepatitis A is a very serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Children with the virus often times don’t show symptoms. Therefore, they can pass the virus on to others, including their unvaccinated parents or caregivers, without knowing. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. These symptoms typically appear two to six weeks after a person is exposed to the virus. The Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool of a person who has the virus. It spreads when a person puts something in his or her mouth that has virus on it. As we all know, young children tend to put everything in their mouths, which puts them at a much higher risk. Even if an item looks clean, it can still have the virus on it. The amount of stool can be so tiny that it cannot be seen with the

naked eye. Hepatitis A virus can be found on surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, diapers, grocery carts or food. Doctors recommend that children get two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine for the best protection. The first dose should be administered at 12-months old and the second dose should be administered six-months later. The vaccine is very safe and effective. Vaccination is the best way to protect children from the Hepatitis A virus. For more information on Hepatitis A, call the Darke County Health Department’s Infectious Disease Nurse, Emily, at 937-5484196 x235. There will be a nocost-to-you Hepatitis A vaccine clinic held on Feb. 7, from 3-6:30 p.m. at the Darke County Health Department. For appointments, call 937-548-4196 x224. Walk-ins are also welcome.

CALL Beltone today to schedule a FREE Hearing Screening.

303 S. Broadway, Greenville

Dr. Kylie Young, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

548-4242

Our office will be moving in the spring. Keep watching for details.


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Heartland now Greenville Health and Rehab Center BY SUSAN HARTLEY STAFF WRITER shartley@earlybirdpaper.com

facilities in the region, Slemker said. GREENVILLE – Greenville Health G r e e n v i l l e and and Rehab Center, 243 Marion Dr., Health Rehab Center currently has a staff of may have a new name and new owners, 100 and is looking to add employees. but its many services will remain. “We’re currently looking for According to Megan Slemker, director of admission and marketing, nursing staff, aides and dietary staff,” the new owners – Boulder Healthcare Slemker said. The 92-bed facility offers both – took over Heartland of Greenville in private and semi-private rooms for December. “We’re still giving the same care, patients. Greenville Health and Rehab has we’re still a five-star rated facility,” an intensive rehabilitation program Slemker said. The Columbus-based Boulder for both in-patient and out-patient Healthcare purchased 20 Heartland care. Rehab programs include physical

t h e r a p y , occupational therapy and speech therapy for both shortterm and long-term patients. The new owners won’t be making any sudden policy changes, Slemker said, however referrals to the center will now be made directly to the Greenville location as opposed to a centralized intake facility. Families are invited to call the center to schedule a tour. One change, Slemker pointed out will include the facility offering and participating in more community

events. Two upcoming activities include a Family Night, set for Tuesday, Feb. 12. The event will include a meet and greet with administrators and staff and facility tours for families interested in finding more about the center’s offerings. On Feb. 24, the Greenville High School Wavaires will be performing for residents and staff. Also, weather permitting, new signage will be going up at the facility, Slemker said. For more information about Greenville Health and Rehab Center, call 937- 548-3141.

Versailles Healthcare opens new Memory Unit - Legacy VERSAILLES – Versailles Healthcare Center, 200 Marker Road, opened its new Memory Care Unit, Legacy, earlier this month. Designed to provide care for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, Legacy will offer a Montessori-type care approach by providing individualized activities and daily routines for each patient. The Montessori approach has

p r o v e n success rates in promoting the highest level of function for each person involved. “Activities will be determined by what stage each patient is at” in their care plan, said Christena Sharp, director of marketing for the healthcare center.

F o r example, Sharp said, activities may include coloring, which will assist with brain stimulation and busy work for their hands, as well as a family-style approach to dining with Legacy patients and staff. The Legacy unit has 14 beds available for the in-patient program.

NEW Client Appointments for all locations

Centers of Midwest Ohio Darke - Miami - Preble

Bringing HOPE for 37 Years 1982-2019 Our Mission Is To Save Lives

Patients can be referred by their physician with their medical history and a physical, Sharp said. Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center will be hosting an open house on Feb. 8. Families are welcome to attend and tour the new Legacy unit. For more information about the open house or to schedule a personal tour of the Legacy unit, call 937-526-5570.

Crisis Hotline

Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties

937-423-3432

800-351-7347

Substance Use Disorder, Behavorial/Psychiatric Health Agency

Main Office and Substance Abuse Disorder Agency

937-456-7694

937-548-6842

Substance Use Disorder, Behavorial/Psychiatric Health Agency

Behavorial/Psychiatric Health Agency

228 N. Barron St., Eaton, Ohio 45320

550 Summit Avenue, Troy, OH 45373

937-335-0361

600 Walnut Street, Greenville, OH 45331

212 East Main Street, Greenville, OH 35331

937-548-1635

Website for all locations

www.recoveryandwellnessohio.org


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WHC, OASWO ďŹ rst in region to offer Mako System GREENVILLE – Wayne HealthCare is the ďŹ rst hospital in the West Central Ohio and Dayton regions to offer Stryker’s robotic-arm assisted total knee application for use with its Mako System. This latest advancement in joint replacement surgery transforms the way total knee replacements are performed. The Mako Total Knee combines Stryker’s advanced robotic technology with its clinically proven GetAroundKnee (Triathlon Total Knee System), to enable surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience for patients. “Mako is changing the way joint replacement surgeries are performed by providing each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their speciďŹ c diagnosis, pathology and anatomy.

More importantly, the Mako roboticarm assisted technology is a new and progressive type of technology that takes the human error out of the necessary bone cuts during surgery,â€? said Chad Weber, DO, FAOAO of Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio. “Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio is excited to partner with Wayne HealthCare to be the ďŹ rst in the area to offer this transformative technology for knee replacements. Stryker’s robotic-arm assisted application will allow implants to be precisely aligned, which will lead to great patient outcomes and longevity of knee replacements,â€? said Dr. Weber. Using a virtual 3D model, the Mako System allows surgeons to create each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively before entering the operating room. During surgery, the surgeon can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments with hands on guidance of the robotic-arm to execute that plan. The Mako Total Knee application is a knee replacement treatment option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis. Through CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can use the Mako System to create a personalized surgical plan and identify the implant size, orientation and alignment Adriana Burnside, OR Tech, prepared to get ready for the ďŹ rst Mako based on each Surgery at Wayne HealthCare. patient’s unique

anatomy. The Mako System also enables surgeons to virtually modify the surgical plan intra-operatively and assists the surgeon in executing bone resections. “As a forward –looking organization, we are proud to be the ďŹ rst hospital in our region to offer this highly advanced robotic technology,â€? said Terri Flood, Director of Business Development and Marketing of Wayne HealthCare. “This addition to our orthopedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to introduce new medical technology and services while becoming a regional

The Wayne HealthCare surgery team is shown learning about Mako.

VILLAGE

destination for joint replacement surgery.� Wayne HealthCare will host a community open house on Saturday, March 9, from 2-4 p.m. to celebrate this new technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Chad Weber, tour the surgery center, and meet their Mako robot. To learn more about the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology, visit waynehealthcare.org/robotics or call 800-824-9861. For more information, visit www. waynehealthcare.org or www.oaswo. com.


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Wayne HealthSports serves local schools BY GAYLEN BLOSSER SPORTS WRITER gblosser@earlybirdpaper.com GREENVILLE – Wayne HealthCare employs six full-time Athletic Trainers for their sports medicine program throughout Darke County and is a great career opportunity for graduating students. “We started the Wayne HealthSports program in 2011 at Versailles High School with Stephanie Beisner, ATC,� said Jim Beyke, Director of Rehabilitations Services. “The program grew quickly with Ansonia and Greenville City Schools, both added in 2012. From there, we added Tri-Village in 2015 and Mississinawa Valley Schools in 2016. Our latest addition was Franklin Monroe schools in 2017.� Athletic Training is an allied health care profession that is a great career opportunity for anyone that wants to combine a passion for athletics and medical care. The profession encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

According to the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), Athletic Trainers (ATs) are highly qualiďŹ ed, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic Trainers must graduate from an accredited baccalaureate or master’s program and maintain licensure in the state of Ohio. In addition, 48 states require ATs to hold the Board of CertiďŹ cation credential of “Athletic Trainer CertiďŹ edâ€? (ATC). The current Wayne HealthCare staff includes: Taylor James (Versailles), Kurt Moneysmith (Ansonia), Alyse Grillot (Greenville), Chelsea Sweeney (Tri-Village), Samantha Chrismer (Mississinawa Valley), and Ethan Nealeigh (Franklin Monroe). “Wayne HealthSports is fortunate to have a great staff of hard working and dedicated Athletic Trainers,â€? stated Beyke. “Kurt Moneysmith has been with Wayne HealthSports since 2012 and has taken the lead role with

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the Athletic Trainers.� “I enjoy being there for the student athletes,� said Ansonia’s Moneysmith. “We see athletes at what sometimes seems to be the lowest point in their sports career due to an unexpected injury. Sometime kids need to hear it’s going to be ok and it’s not always the worst thing that can happen to you.� “You develop a relationship and you care for students as your own,� Moneysmith added. “You want to see the student athlete healthy – you want to see them healthy on the court and in the classroom.� Lori Oda, ATC serves as the group supervisor at Wayne HealthSports. “Lori, has helped tremendously with the daily operations of the program and is involved with planning our annual sports physicals, which are held in May each year,� noted Beyke. “Our Athletic Trainers have a lot of responsibility at each school. They basically extend the medical services of the hospital into the school setting. We make sure that athletes are evaluated timely and referred for appropriate medical care.� Dr. Safet Hatic plays an important role in the Wayne HealthSports program serving as the medical director providing consultation to the entire AT staff seven days a week. “Dr. Hatic is available to my staff,� Beyke said. “This is a big advantage for our program. We are able to get athletes in timely for orthopedic consultation with Orthopedic Associates of Southwest Ohio (OASWO). We try to minimize any downtime for the athlete and get them treated promptly.� “Athletic Training is a neat profession that allows a person to stay

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connected to the sports world and provide medical care to the athletes,â€? said Beyke. “I would recommend that young people consider this fastgrowing profession. There are many colleges and universities that offer the degree in Ohio, so you don’t have to go far to earn your degree.â€? “I recommend anyone interested in the health ďŹ eld, interested in sports to consider a career as an Athletic Trainer,â€? shared Moneysmith. “It is an avenue for many other professions in the medical ďŹ eld including a physical therapist, an orthopedic doctor, a surgeon or a physician assistant. It’s a great avenue to advance in the medical ďŹ elds.â€? “I have really enjoyed my work with the Athletic Training staff,â€? concluded Beyke. “We have been able to help our communities with a needed service in our local schools.â€?

We’re keeping our finger on the “pulse� of the Darke County Area through healthy community connections.

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Ansonia Schools Athletic Trainer Kurt Moneysmith. (Gaylen Blosser photo)

Stop in for a tour and hear about everything Art Sense is doing to stay active in our community.

Art Sense, Adult Day Services

388 ST. RTE. 571, UNION CITY, OH 45390

(937) 968-3099


JANUARY 27, 2019-SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD - PULSE - PAGE 11

Satisfying donation for local lawmaker DAYTON - Miami County lawmaker Steve Huffman took care of some unfinished business on Jan. 10 at the Dayton Community Blood Center. Huffman, a lifelong blood donor and an ER doctor, sponsored House Bill 252 to designate January “Ohio Blood Donor Awareness Month” while representing the Ohio House 80th district. Three days after his swearing-in as the newly-elected member of the Ohio Senate 5th district, he joined family members in adding their donations to the first celebration of “Blood Donor Awareness Month.” Steve and his wife Kathryn

donated with three of their five children. Daughter Ashley and twins Will and Allison were available because they were home on holiday break from the University of Notre Dame. “They’re modeling after me and my wife, who modeled after my parents, to give on a regular basis,” said Steve. “They started in high school and like a lot of people they just need a little reminder. That’s what Blood Donor Awareness Month is all about: a reminder to give blood on a regular basis as often as you can.” The opportunity to donate with his son Will is especially

meaningful to Steve. The twins were born 12 weeks premature and spent six weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. Will needed a transfusion and Steve donated directly for his son. Steve encouraged his children to begin donating in high school. He envisioned “Blood Donor Awareness Month” as a way to inspire a new generation of blood donors. “I think it’s great getting into the high schools,” he said. “The earlier you can spark donating with young people, the more likely they’re going to be lifelong donors.” Blood Donor Awareness Month is an opportunity for CBC to emphasize its strategic goals for 2019: Welcome new donors; encourage current donors to donate “one more time” than planned; and identify and recruit new platelet and plasma donors. Platelets and plasma are clotting agents that are critical for the care of trauma patients, cancer patients, transplant, and burn patients.

Family Medicine is the only specialty that provides individualized care to patients of all ages from birth through geriatrics. Family Health accepts most insurance plans and as a Federally Qualified Health Center can also provide services to patients with financial limitations. State Senator Steve Huffman is shown with son Will at a recent blood donation site.

“They’re needed in the ER and after surgery and trauma just as much as whole blood,” said Huffman, an ER physician at TeamHealth. “They are life-saving, especially in the ER, where you use plasma to increase volume. Trauma patients lose so much blood they need the protein in the plasma to get back to their natural state.” “Platelets are used in the ER to stop bleeding,” he said, “and they are used for cancer patients because the chemotherapy they are getting has decreased their own system’s ability to make platelets.” Part of CBC’s goal for 2019 and beyond is to provide the opportunity to donate platelets and plasma at more mobile blood drives. “I think it’s great that CBC has so many different areas to set up and to partner with so many churches and other sponsors to provide the opportunity to give blood products,” he said. Learn more at www.GivingBlood. org.

Is accepting new patients GREENVILLE OFFICE

Meredith Britton APRN-CNP Direct Line 937-548-1700

NEW MADISON OFFICE

Kayla Borchers APRN-CNP Call 937-996-0023

familyhealthservices.org


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AHA announces new Heart Walk director DAYTON – The Great Rivers Affiliate of the American Heart Association has hired Denise Elsas as Heart Walk Director for the Miami Valley Division. Ms. Elsas is a graduate of the University of Toledo and holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and Social Thought. Elsas worked for the American Cancer Society in various positions and most recently, for Dayton Children’s where she was a leadership giving officer working with mid-level givers. She is a resident of Versailles.

“We are excited to welcome Denise to our tremendous team in Dayton,” said Kelli Dixon, executive director of the Miami Valley Division of the American Heart Association. “She brings a wealth of professional experience and an extensive fundraising background. We look forward to her unique contributions to our events and the skills she brings to help us fulfill our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.” In her new role, Elsas is

responsible for the Greater Dayton 5k Heart Walk and Run, the single largest fundraising event for the Miami Valley Division. Held annually in September, the event attracts more than 10,000 walkers and runners and raises nearly $400,000. She will also oversee the Clark and Champaign Counties Heart Walk and the overall Healthy for Good cause campaign locally.

GREENVILLE – Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County’s Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA), in partnership with the Ohio Department of Health and the Union County Health Department, is offering free and reduced-cost radon test kits for Darke County homeowners to check their homes for elevated radon levels. Radon is a colorless, odorless soil

gas that can build up in homes and may increase the risk of lung cancer for the occupants. Radon gas can occur in any home regardless of the age of the home, location, or construction type. The gas is able to enter buildings by cracks in the basement floor, walls, and even around service pipes and lines. It is recommended by the Ohio Department of Health for homeowners to test for Radon

gas in their homes. Elevated indoor radon levels can be corrected with the installation of a ventilation system to direct the gas outside. If the household income is $80,500 or less per year the home is eligible to receive one free test kit. If the household income is over $80,500 per year you can still purchase a radon test kit at a reduced cost of $8.45 per test kit. To

Denise Elsas

Free Radon test kits available in Darke Co. request a test kit please go to www. doctorhomeair.com/ohio and fill out the online form. Remember there are no safe levels of radon gas and high levels of radon are known to cause lung cancer. If you have any questions about radon gas you can call RAPCA at 937-2254435 or visit their website at www. rapca.org/programs/radon.

Mobility Aids & So Much More... You Can Rent Them From Us!!! We offer a broad selection of hospital and home medial supplies to meet your needs. Home Delivery Service available.  WHEEL CHAIRS  HOSPITAL BEDS  HOME OXYGEN EQUIPMENT  MANY OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE

Talk to one of our helpful associates today, and let us answer your questions.

937-547-1642

100 FORT JEFFERSON AVE., GREENVILLE

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30-6:00; Saturday 9:00-12:30


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