’s
February 8, 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.
Radiology Department Has Perfect Survey The SCKMC Radiology department received a perfect score during a recent Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) survey. The survey was part of KDHE’s routine inspections to ensure healthcare facilities across the State are meeting FDA guidelines for mammography and general radiology equipment safety. An inspector spent approximately four-hours reviewing quality control measures, required documentation, and verifying that the amount of radiation emitted from equipment met the guidelines to ensure patient safety. All equipment inspected was found to produce radiation doses lower than the regulated guidelines. “It is our job to provide the best quality of care possible. The fact that we got a zero deficiency survey just confirms the fact we are providing good patient care,” said Jane Campbell, SCKMC’s Quality Director.
Wyckoff Celebrates Retirement Kris Wyckoff retired on January 31st after almost 20 years of service at SCKMC. Wyckoff, a physical therapy tech, celebrated with a department wide luncheon, cake, and gifts. After taking sometime for himself, Kris plans to eventually rejoin the staff on a PRN basis.
Pay Stubs Going Paperless Beginning February 15th all medical center staff whose pay checks are direct deposit will be able to access virtual paystubs online. A secure website will offer access to up to 18 months of printable information. Staff members should log onto the hospital intranet, “The Daily Vitals”, to learn how to set up their personal accounts. Questions can be directed to Amber Bryant, Director of Human Resources, at ext. 5902.
Feb. Employee of the Month Congratulations to Janci Vogele, ER, for being named “Employee of the Month”. Janci has worked for SCKMC since 2007. She was nominated by a patient for exceptional care shown in the ER. Great Job!
February is American Heart Month Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but heart disease is preventable and controllable. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year—that’s 1 out of every 4 deaths. The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (CHD), which occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. CHD can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, costs the United States $312.6 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity. These conditions also are leading causes of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities. The situation is alarming, but there is good news—heart disease is preventable and controllable. We can start by taking small steps every day to bring our loved ones and ourselves closer to heart health. Plan for Prevention. Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. You can help prevent heart disease by making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions. • Eat a healthy diet. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least 5 servings each day. • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. • Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. One Step at a Time. As you begin your journey to better heart health, keep these things in mind: • Don't become overwhelmed. Every step brings you closer to a healthier heart. You may not be able to take all of the steps at one time. • Don't go it alone. The journey is more fun when you have company. Ask friends and family to join you. •Reward yourself. Find fun things to do to decrease your stress. Round up some colleagues for a lunchtime walk, join a singing group, or have a healthy dinner with your family. For more information on this topic visit www.cdc.gov.
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