’s
November 29, 2013 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Healthy Living: Construction Begins for New Hotel Conco Construction began moving dirt this week in preparation of the construction of a 69-room Best Western Plus hotel on the corner of 242nd Road and U.S. Highway 77, near SCKMC. The hotel will feature six extended-stay rooms, which are larger than traditional rooms and have kitchenettes, and 63 nightly-stay rooms. Construction is scheduled to be completed by July 1, 2014.
Ranzau Completes MLT Congratulations to Kayla Ranzau for successfully completing the Seward County Community College MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician) program and certification exam. The two-year program included clinical training here at the South Central Kansas Medical Center Laboratory. Kayla has worked at SCKMC since March 2008 as a Laboratory Aide/Phlebotomist. She is now qualified to perform and report testing in all areas of the Laboratory. (Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Blood Bank, Urinalysis, Microbiology, Immunology) We are very proud of her!
We are Thankful. As Thanksgiving was coming, I paused to reflect and give thanks. I thanked God for the wonderful team we have at SCKMC. A team of caring persons who pour their heart and soul to assist the sick and suffering. I also thanked God for our community that has been supportive of our mission to continuously improve health care through personalized and compassionate care close to home. And I thank you all. - Steven J. Perkins, CEO
Most people have a family health history of some chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, heart disease, diabetes) and health conditions (e.g., high blood pressure). People who have a close family member with a chronic disease may have a higher risk of developing that disease than those without such a family member. A family health history is a written or graphic record of the diseases and health conditions present in your family. A useful history for understanding health risks and preventing disease shows three generations of your biological relatives, the age at diagnosis, and the age and cause of death of deceased family members. It is helpful to talk with family members about your health history, write this information down, and update it from time to time. Family health history information may help health care providers determine which tests and screenings are recommended to help family members know their health risk. For more information on this topic visit www.cdc.gov.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Billions of dollars are spent on medications to help treat heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers. Many prescribers and consumers turn to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as a solution. Half of the gastrointestinal (GI) drugs on the market are PPIs and can be estimated at a value of $20 billion dollars. Many of us know them as Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Nexium (esomeprazole). PPIs act by suppressing gastric acid secretion. It is best utilized when taken 30-60 minutes before eating. This class of drug may reduce the amount of calcium your body absorbs if used for extended period of time. To avoid having low calcium levels, make sure you supplement your diet with enough calcium and vitamin D. When choosing a calcium supplement, look for calcium citrate. When self-treating with an over-thecounter PPI, do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months unless directed by your physician. These drugs are well tolerated and very effective if used appropriately. Inappropriate use can lead to drug interactions and infections. Before starting treatment, ask your health care provider if this treatment is an option. Check with your pharmacist to see if it interacts with other medications you are currently taking.
Suffering from
Reflux or Heartburn?
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EsophyX TIF is an Incisionless Procedure that addresses the underlying cause of reflux, getting you back to living your life quickly.
Eat the foods you want, when you want.
Sleep the way you desire.
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Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org