’s
March 3, 2017
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Dining with Diabetes Class Begins Soon
SCKMC Expands Telemedicine Program
Imagine a gathering with 10 of your friends and family members. Now imagine that at least one of you has a disease that can lead to blindness, amputation, or stroke. The prospect is not at all far-fetched. About one in 10 Kansans has been diagnosed with diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar (blood glucose). High levels of blood glucose are a result of inadequate production of insulin or a resistance to the effects of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, retinopathy that can lead to blindness and neuropathy that can lead to lower limb amputation. K-State Research and Extension Cowley County is partnering with South Central Kansas Medical Center to offer Dining with Diabetes. This national extension program is designed to boost the health and wellness of Kansans with Type 2 diabetes and help educate their family members, caregivers and others who support them. Dining with Diabetes is a series of two-hour classes held once a week for four weeks. Lessons focus on the best ways for those with the disease to take care of themselves; healthful food choices including familiar foods; low-impact physical activity; food sampling; cooking techniques using herbs, spices, reduced-fat foods and artificial sweeteners. Diane Ray, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, will be cofacilitating the class with Becky Reid, Extension Agent – Family and Consumer Science. “Diabetes is not a ‘don’t’ diet, there are a lot of things you can do. This is a chance to increase your knowledge about diabetes and nutrition, but also learn about everyday things that they can incorporate into their lives,” Ray said. Each class will include lunch and interactive activities related to nutrition and physical activity. The cost for the entire four class series is $25, and the fee can be paid the first day of class (scholarships may be available). The class will meet on Wednesdays (March 29 - April 19) from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the South Central Kansas Medical Center Specialty Clinic, 6403 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City. Pre-registration is requested to allow for appropriate planning of food and handouts. For more information or to register for Dining with Diabetes, contact K-State Research and Extension Cowley County at 221-5450. Article written in part by Mary Lou Peter, K-State Research and Extension News Media Services Unit
The SCKMC Board of Trustees approved a motion during the February meeting to enter an agreement with Vigilias LLC, to provide specialty medical services remotely through the hospital’s clinic. “I think it is something that will benefit our patients and our hospital. It is similar to the (telehospitalist) robot but not nearly as big and cumbersome,” said Virgil Watson, SCKMC’s CEO. The medical center has used remote medicine for inpatient services for almost two years. Watson sees the Vigilias agreement as a natural expansion for outpatient services. “Telemedicine is not a Band-Aid or temporary solution, it is going to be the solution as we move forward in the coming years,” Watson said. The telemedicine program is scheduled to begin around April 1st, initially offering access to dermatology and rheumatology. However, additional specialties could be added in the future. “We are only limited by our ability to handle patient volume,” Watson said.
March Employee of the Month Congratulations Larry Langhorst, CNA on the medical/surgical unit, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for March. Larry was nominated by a patient for being helpful and providing timely care during the stay. He was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Med/Surg Department Manager Ashley Lynn and will also have a special parking spot reserved for him throughout the month. Great job Larry!
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Staying healthy while traveling abroad can be difficult at times. Traveler's diarrhea affects up to 70% of people who travel to developing areas in Africa, Asia, Mexico, South America, etc. Prevention is important...avoid raw foods and tap water, brush your teeth with bottled water, and have medicine on hand. If you have mild diarrhea, it can be treated with loperamide and it is important to stay hydrated. It is often recommended to get vaccinated early before traveling to these areas. Bring insect repellent and protective clothing to areas where mosquitoborne illness are present.
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We are 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
www.sckmc.org
(620) 442-2500