’s
December 27, 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.
SCKMC Auxiliary Give Gift to Hospital Earlier this month the medical center’s Auxiliary met for their annual Christmas luncheon. The event consisted of many activities including two fundraising drawings, a gift exchange, and the ceremonial installation of the organizations new officers for the 2014-15 term. Dr. Nick Rogers, SCKMC Board Chairman, greeted those in attendance and took a moment to review some of the accomplishments of the past year. The Auxiliary had funded several purchases and programs in 2013 including: medical profession scholarships, items for newborn/pediatric patients, healthcare equipment, facility improvement items, and staff continuing education opportunities. An additional $3,300 was presented by the Auxiliary during the luncheon to members of the hospital’s administrative team. The gift is to be used for the purchase of a digital baby scale for the med/surg department and waiting room seating for the specialty clinic.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. With the New Year, many individuals choose to add loosing weight to their list of resolutions. Many consumers turn to weight loss OTC drugs as a quick fix without considering the unwanted side effects. A few of the most popular weight loss drugs include Alli, SlimQuick, and Sensa. Alli is an FDA approved OTC drug which inhibits absorption of dietary fats and used in conjunction with a low fat diet. Side effects include but not limited to oily stool, oily spotting, and abdominal pain. SlimQuick has not received FDA approval. You take one in the morning and another one six hours later and it claims to burn fat, reduce appetite, and increase energy. Side effects include but not limited to include chest pain, dizziness, headache, and irregular heartbeat. Sensa also has not been FDA approved. It claims to help trigger your “I feel full” signal quicker. All you have to do is sprinkle it on your food before you eat and you lose weight by eating less. Manufacturers of this product claim their ingredients are on FDA’s “generally recognized as safe” list. There are many negative side effects associated with some of the weight loss drugs. Researching your options is the best way to be sure you know what to expect while trying them. SlimQuick and Sensa both lack published scientific evidence and not regulated by the FDA. Taking these medications without first notifying your healthcare provider may lead to unnecessary harm.
Healthy Living: 12 Tips for Healthy Holidays Follow 12 recommended tips for self-care this season. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy—and ready to enjoy the holidays. • Wash hands often to help prevent the possibility of spreading germs and getting sick. • Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing. • Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out. Find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep. • Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Driving drunk puts everyone on the road in danger. • Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. • Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Use seat belts on every trip, no matter how short the trip. • Get exams and screenings. Update your personal and family history. • Get your vaccinations. Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for complications from flu, and for people who care for someone who is at high risk. • Monitor the children. Develop family rules on safe behavior—on using electronic media, for instance. • Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don't leave fireplaces, space heaters, stoves, or candles unattended. • Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate them promptly. • Eat healthy, stay active. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. For more information on this topic visit: www.cdc.gov.
Season’s Greetings from SCKMC As we leave the wonder of Christmastime and look to the new year, many take pause to reflect on the opportunities for a "new chapter" in our lives. Helen Keller once said, "Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties." This brings sincerest wishes to each and all that 2014 brings you many happy times and God's blessings of peace and grace. -Steven J. Perkins, CEO
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