’s
December 11, 2015 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Auxiliary Installs New Officers The annual Auxiliary Christmas luncheon was held on Tuesday, Dec. 8th. The hospital uses this time to thank our volunteers for their efforts and gifts. Every other year the meeting is also used to officially install the upcoming Auxiliary Board members. The following volunteers will hold office for the 2016/2017 term: Rose Anstine, President; Gloria Hull, Past President; Judy Day-Trenary, Recording Secretary; Jo Ann Baker, General Treasurer; Marilyn Tracy, Gift Shop Treasurer; Sara Ward, In-Hospital Services/Membership. Hospital CEO Virgil Watson conducted the officer installation ceremony, and followed up by addressing the general membership. “We have a lot of challenges that are facing us, and we think we are going to conquer all of those, but we need your help. You do special work for us, and I want you to feel like you are very, very important to this organization. All of the things that you sell in the gift shop and all of the courtesies that you show our patients and guests that come through our building is much appreciated. Without you those things would not be done,” Watson said. The luncheon concluded with outgoing Auxiliary President Gloria Hull recognizing member Betty Johnson for 25 years of service to the Auxiliary. Johnson is retiring from Auxiliary activities, and was presented with a certificate of appreciation and will be recognized as a life-long member. Pictured: The upcoming Auxiliary officers (from left) Ward, Tracy, Baker, Day-Trenary, Hull, Anstine were installed by CEO Virgil Watson.
Angels in the Attic Drive Ends Monday Angels in the Attic is a new non-profit organization filling the void left with the leaving of our local Salvation Army. SCKMC staff is assisting with gathering items for Christmas packets for area families in need. Together the staff has filled a large container with food and gift items. Those who would like to contribute have until Monday to bring in canned goods / non-perishable food items and any new unwrapped toys, winter coats, blankets, or clothing to donate. A donation cart is set up in the main lobby of the hospital.
Auxiliary Prepares for Annual Cookie Sale The SCKMC Auxiliary will once again be selling homemade cookie bundles this holiday season. Platters of two dozen cookies will be sold for $8.00. The sale will take place in the hospital lobby on Friday, Dec. 18th beginning at 7:00 a.m. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the hospital through equipment purchases and program development.
December Employee of the Month Congratulations Diane Ray, Registered Dietitian, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for the month of December. Diane was nominated by hospital staff for taking on a larger role within the Nutritional Services department. Her leadership and positive attitude set the tone for all to follow. Diane was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Chief Marketing Officer Clayton Pappan, and will have a special parking spot reserved for her.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The FDA has added new warnings to a class of type 2 diabetes medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. Drugs in this class include Invokana, Farxiga, and Jardiance. When your cells don't get the glucose they need for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones. When ketones build up in the blood, they make it more acidic. The new warnings state that taking these medications may result in too much acid in the blood (ketoacidosis) and serious urinary tract infections (UTI). People should stop taking this drug and seek immediate help if they have symptoms of ketoacidosis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness, and trouble breathing. You can detect ketones with a simple urine test using a test strip, similar to a blood testing strip. Ask your health care provider when and how you should test for ketones. Many experts advise to check your urine for ketones when your blood glucose is more than 240 mg/dl.
Give the Gift of Health This holiday season consider a gift to the Medical Center. Your donation will benefit our community for decades to come. Giving to the hospital helps us continue to provide the best in medical care right here, close to home. We offer a number of approaches to support our programs. Gifting opportunities range from providing support to name a portion of the new facility, to providing funding that can assist in providing new equipment or sponsoring programs.
Call or visit us on-line and find out how you can share the gift of health.
We are 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500