’s
May 1, 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.
SCKMC Celebrates Recognition Weeks
May hosts two of the nation’s largest healthcare recognition weeks, National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week. SCKMC is planning events for both of these special occasions. According to the American Nurse's Association, there are roughly 2.4 million actively employed Registered Nurses in the U.S. As the largest occupation in health care, nurses are integral to hospitals, clinics, and other health care organizations across the nation. National Nurses Week has been celebrated since 1954, although it was not officially recognized until President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation in 1974. Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. To celebrate, there will be raffle prizes given away to nursing staff throughout the week, along with a pizza lunch provided by administration. National Hospital Week is considered to be the nation’s largest healthcare event. The annual celebration dates back to 1921 when it was suggested by a magazine editor who hoped a community wide celebration would alleviate public fears about hospitals. The celebration, launched in Chicago, succeeded in promoting trust and goodwill among members of the public and eventually spread to become a national event. This year’s National Hospital Week celebration is being held from May 10 – 16. SCKMC has scheduled a full slate of activities for both the staff and the community in order to celebrate the efforts of the hospital team and the care they provide. One such event is the hospital “Services Fair” held on Friday May 15th from 11:00 to 1:00. The fair is open to the public and will take place at the hospital. Fair events include multiple health related activities, informational booths, a free hot dog lunch, and discounted laboratory screenings sponsored by the Legacy Foundation. SCKMC’s Chief Marketing Officer, Clayton Pappan believes the Services Fair is an important part of National Hospital Week, celebrating the partnership the community has with the hospital. “This is one of the few times a year when our friends and neighbors can learn first hand how much we can provide. We hope everyone comes out, asks questions, takes advantage of our special offers, and enjoys a free lunch,” Pappan said.
Changing of the Guard The SCKMC Board of Trustees appointed new officers for 2015 during their April meeting. Slade Griffiths was approved as Board Chairman; Carol Hearn as Vice Chair; JoLynn Foster as Treasurer; and Greg Norwood as Secretary. In addition, this was the final meeting for Lance Niles. Niles has served two full terms, having been on the Board since 2006. In recognition of his service, Niles was presented a plaque by Board chairman Dr. Nick Rogers. When asked about his time on the Board, Niles described it as “wild” but feels significant progress has been made. “I know our financials don’t look like we have accomplished much but I have been in meetings at other facilities and we have the best. We have great staff and great administration. The pieces are in place to be successful, we just have to figure out and adjust to what the government does to us and make that happen,” Niles said.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Levothyroxine is a replacement for a hormone normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Levothyroxine, like many medications, has many myths regarding when and how it should be taken. Speak with your physician or pharmacist to discuss your concerns and possible interactions if you are taking multiple drugs. Myth #1: It must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. It is okay to take it in the evening four hours after your last meal. Setting an early morning alarm to wake up and take it is usually unnecessary. If not taken on an empty stomach, the dose can be adjusted to your regular routine. The key is adherence and consistency. Myth #2: It must be separated from other meds by four hours. Calcium, iron, and phosphate binders can interact and reduce its absorption. If four hours is not possible, keep a consistent time interval between the meds and stick to the schedule. Speak with your physician or pharmacist to discuss possible interactions if you are taking multiple drugs. Myth #3: Levothyroxine products should never be switched. Many products are considered bioequivalent. Bioequivalent means the active ingredient of two products has the same rate and extent of absorption at the site of action. It is usually OK to switch between bioequivalent products.