’s
December 8, 2017
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Celebrate Handwashing for the Holidays Between the rush of the holidays, the end-of-the-year excitement, and the turn in the weather, it’s easy to become run down and exhausted—perfect conditions for illness to take hold. When your system is compromised, it’s extra important to stay healthy by avoiding germs, and the best way to do that is by washing your hands. December 4 - 10 is National Handwashing Awareness Week. According to the American Cleaning Institute, the goal of this week is to “decrease the spread of infectious diseases by empowering individuals to educate and help protect their communities.” Washing your hands is one of the most effective and simple ways to easily decrease your risk of flus, viruses, and the common cold. Most people are good about washing their hands when they use the restroom or are about to prepare food, but there are many other moments throughout your day in which a good washing will go a long way. For example, if you’re caring for someone who is sick, about to or just finished treating a wound, cleaning up after a child or changing a diaper, in contact with animals or their waste, or just took out the trash, you should absolutely wash your hands. All of these everyday activities could spread germs and disease, so make sure to wash up! The Center for Disease Control outlines the five steps to proper handwashing. They are as follows: • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. • Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. • Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. The American Cleaning Institute has some great resources that are all free for the taking! Their offerings include webinars, infographics, activity and coloring sheets for younger kids, brochures and fact sheets for adults, and posters that you can print out and hang to remind people of this important week. Download them at: www.cleaninginstitute.org.
Putting the RN in Run SCKMC staff and family joined together to compete in the Ark City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas in the City Santa Run. The 5K run took place on December 2nd through downtown Ark City, and ended with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies for all of the participants. Michelle Belindo, purchasing manager for the hospital, helped organize the team. “I was excited to be part of this, especially with the new clinic opening up and doing the wellness program. The turnout was excellent. I was impressed, we had over 20 people there associated with the hospital. I appreciate everyone running in it and being involved,” Belindo said.
December Employee of the Month Congratulations Brittany Brandt, ER RN, for being named the SCKMC employee of the month. Brittany was nominated by a patient for being kind, friendly, and helping to provide effective treatment for their health concerns. Brittany was presented with a certificate of appreciation by ER Team Leader Bonnie Schieber and will have a special parking spot reserved for her throughout the month. Great job Brittany!
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. According to the FDA's Office of Generic Drugs (OGD), 9 out of 10 prescriptions filled in the United States are for generic drugs. When the availability of generic drugs increase this creates competition in the marketplace. This helps to make treatment more affordable and increases access to healthcare for more patients. The OGD ensures that people have access to safe and affordable generic drugs by following a rigorous review process. They may look different than brand name drugs but they are as safe and effective. They cost less because they do not have to repeat clinical studies that were required of the brand name drugs.
Dr. Tyson Blatchford, General Surgery
Dr. Perry Lin, OB/GYN Dr. Willie Posey II, Internal Medicine
HAVE Moved OFFICE LOCATIONS Dr. Blatchford, Dr. Lin, and Dr. Posey are now seeing patients through our Winfield Medical Arts location at 3625 Quail Ridge Drive in Winfield. Call (620) 221-6100 for scheduling.
WINFIELD MEDICAL ARTS
www.winfieldmedicalarts.com
Dr. Blatchford Office Hours Monday - @ SCKMC Tuesday – 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday - @ SCKMC Thursday – 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
www.sckmc.org
Dr. Lin Office Hours Monday – 9:00 a.m. to close Tuesday – @ South Central KS Clinic Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. to close Friday - @ South Central KS Clinic
Dr. Posey Office Hours Monday – 8:30 a.m. to close Thursday – 8:30 a.m. to close Friday – 8:30 a.m. to Noon