’s
January 24, 2014 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Flu Cases On the Rise SCKMC is just beginning to see patients with flu-like symptoms, but that has not stopped them from being proactive in preventing the spread of the illness. The medical center is following the guidance of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to stay ahead of the demand. A strict visitation policy went into effect last week. Patients and guests are being asked to take some standard precautions to protect themselves and others. Guests are requested to limit themselves to only necessary visitation, and anyone with flu-like symptoms not visit. In addition, the visitation policy prohibits children under the age of 12 from visiting the facility. All public entrances will have sanitation stations complete with surgical masks, and hand sanitizer for visitor use. “We want to protect the community, and also protect our patients and employees from coming into contact with someone who is contagious,” said Shelley Pinnegar, SCKMC’s Employee Health Nurse and Manager of Nursing Services. The symptoms of the flu are common and may include fever, headache, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, dry cough, nausea, diarrhea, and extreme tiredness. Pinnegar warns that just because you may have some of these symptoms it does not necessarily require a visit to your family physician or the emergency room. “We are seeing an increased number of patients through the ER with symptoms of the flu, but only a small number are actually positive for the flu at this point. If you’re sick stay at home, don’t go to public places. If you’ve been around someone who’s been ill, you have an increased risk of becoming ill as well. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting that could lead to dehydration, or if there is an inability to wake the person. Otherwise, contact your family physician during regular hours for non-emergencies,” Pinnegar said. Medical Center staff insist that the key to limiting the number of individuals who will come down with the flu this season is in immunization and preventing the spread of the germs. Pinnegar recommends staying with the basics of good hygiene, frequent hand washing, covering your cough/sneeze with your elbow, eat healthy, get plenty of rest, regular cleaning of touchable items such as telephones and light switches, stay home when you are ill to avoid spreading the virus, and finally thoroughly cleaning the home if someone in the family does come down with any of the symptoms of the flu.
Baker Named Auxilian of the Year JoAnn Baker was honored for her achievements with the SCKMC Auxiliary by being named “Auxilian of the Year for 2013”. Auxilian of the Year is not a recognition traditionally awarded, however the Auxiliary membership felt Joann had contributed above and beyond to the organization over the past year. Joann regularly works the hospital’s information desk; sewed a queen sized quilt for the annual fundraiser drawing; baked multiple dozens of treats for, as well as chaired the Christmas cookie fundraiser; and began collecting recipes that will eventually be developed into a cookbook for sale through the gift shop. JoAnn (pictured on the left) was recognized during the January Auxiliary meeting with a rose presented by fellow Auxilian Betty Johnson.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. It’s no surprise that quitting smoking is one of the top resolutions that individuals make in the New Year. Recently Hookah smoking has been increasing in popularity as an alternative to cigarettes with many consumers believing this is a less harmful alternative. Hookahs are water pipes used to smoke flavored tobacco products. Some manufacturers claim their products have minimal harmful health effects which often is misleading. The CDC states that hookah smokers are exposed to many of the same harmful toxins and health risks as cigarette smokers. They are still at risk for but not limited to lung cancer, respiratory illness, low birth weight, and periodontal disease. Hookah smokers may absorb higher concentrations of toxins when compared to cigarette smoke because the volume of smoke inhaled is greatly increased. Typically, the same mouthpiece is passed from person to person which increases your risk of developing an infection. In conclusion, hookah smoke is not less harmful when compared to cigarette smoke. Educating our peers regarding the dangers is important in preventing the harmful effects. Consumers who avoid smoking greatly decrease their risk for morbidity and mortality.
We’ve Got What It Takes to Get You On Your Feet Again.
Now Offering Expanded
Orthopedic Services Chris Siwek, MD Main Office: Private Practice, El Dorado KS Ark City Specialty Clinic Hours: Every Tuesday and Friday
Damion Walker, DO Main Office: Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine at Cypress, Wichita KS Ark City Specialty Clinic Hours: Every Wednesday
Orthopedic Procedures: •Trauma Fracture Surgery •Minimally Invasive Fracture Care •Shoulder & Knee Arthroscopy •Total Hip, Knee, & Shoulder Arthroplasty •Carpal Tunnel
Ortho Related Services: •Private patient rooms •64-slice CT •High Field 1.0 Open MRI •In/Outpatient Physical Therapy •Full Service Laboratory
Dr. Siwek and Dr. Walker are seeing patients at SCKMC's Outpatient Services Building Specialty Clinic located just east of the hospital; 6403 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City, KS.
Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org