’s
August 18, 2017
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Eclipse Brings Health Concerns
Volunteers Needed for Landrush
On August 21, a total solar eclipse will touch the U.S. mainland for the first time since 1979. The moon will cover at least part of the sun for 2 to 3 hours. Tens of millions of people who live within a 70-mile radius of its cross-country track will witness the eclipse in totality (the sun completely blocked by the moon) while millions of others outside of it will enjoy a partial eclipse. The American Optometric Association (AOA) is urging Americans to view the eclipse with proper eye protection to avoid any temporary or permanent eye damage from the sun. To ensure spectators won’t miss the remarkable sight, the AOA is sharing a few tips for safe viewing: •Get centered and enjoy the view. Within the path of totality, you can safely witness the two or more minutes when the moon completely covers the sun with the naked eye. Once the sun begins reappearing, however, viewers must be replaced. Those outside the path of totality should never look directly at the sun without protecting their eyes with verified viewing tools, even briefly. •Know your duration. Outside of the path of totality, always use solar filters. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through specialpurpose solar filters or other ISO-certified filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Before looking at the sun, cover your eyes with the eclipse viewers while standing still. Glance at the sun, turn away and then remove your filter. Do not remove the filter while looking at the sun. Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. If you can't find eclipse viewers, build a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse. •Be aware of harmful solar exposure. If you stare at the sun without protection, you may experience damage to your retina (the tissue at the back of your eye) called “solar retinopathy.” This damage can occur without any sensation of pain, since the retina does not have pain receptors. The injury can be temporary or permanent. Visit your local doctor of optometry immediately if an accident occurs. •Visit your doctor of optometry. Check in with your local optometrist for information about safely viewing the eclipse. If you experience any problems with your eyes or vision after the eclipse, their office will be able to provide you with the medical care you need. To access additional information on the solar eclipse visit aoa.org/2017eclipse.
The SCKMC Landrush planning committee is looking for volunteers to assist with the August 26th fundraising event. Additional help is needed for “obstacle observers,” teams of two who oversee one of the 12 obstacles to ensure both participant safety and fair play; parking attendants to help direct traffic, and clean up crew. “It takes a lot of man power to put together an event like the Landrush. While we have a lot of volunteers from our hospital staff and their families, we could always use more help,” said Clayton Pappan, SCKMC’s Director of Marketing. Final set up for the event will begin at 6:00 a.m. that morning and will include preparing vendor booths, setting up observer tents and water stations throughout the course, and much more. Obstacle observers are asked to check in at the race registration tent by 8:00 a.m. for assignments. Opening ceremonies courtesy of the American Legion Riders Post 10, Winfield will begin at 8:45 with the first race at 9:00 a.m. and the final race beginning at 11:00 a.m. “This is a great event for everyone involved, whether you are up to the challenge of running or not. Our volunteers have a blast,” Pappan said. Those interested in volunteering should contact the events Volunteer Coordinator, Darci Sampson, by calling (620) 4415744 or e-mailing darcis@sckrmc.org.
Fall Shred Week Scheduled for Staff SCKMC staff will have the ability to bring in their personal documents for safe disposal Aug. 28 – Sept. 1. A special shred bin will be placed near the med/surg nurse’s station and will be monitored by video surveillance throughout the week. Please make sure all documents placed in shred containers have had all paperclips and staples removed.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. One of the many symptoms of a common cold is congestion. Here are a few things you can do to help ease congestion. Take oral Sudafed instead of oral Sudafed PE because the latter has poor absorption. Try non-pharm methods first such as increasing fluid intake, humidifiers, saline nasal products, or bulb syringes for young children. If you have controlled hypertension, you could use oral Sudafed for a few days. Avoid using inhaled camphor or menthol, this may lead to irritation and worsening of symptoms. Using an intranasal steroid may be ineffective for congestion due to the common cold.
Saturday, August 26th – Patterson Park, Arkansas City Opening Ceremony 8:45 a.m. - First Race Starts at 9:00 a.m. Free Spectator Area – Food & Beverage Vendors – Entertainment for All Ages
Extreme Obstacle 5K • •
12 Obstacles Prizes by Age Category
Kids 2K Fun Run • 6 Obstacles • Open to Ages 8 - 14
Obstacle Bike Race • •
New for 2017! On Road / Off Road Race + Obstacles
The funds raised will benefit South Central Kansas Medical Center and our mission to serve within the community. All money raised will be used as the foundation of growth and development for the services we provide, such as equipment purchases, physician recruitment, and program enhancement.
www.sckmc.org for registration information Obstacle photos are representative only. Obstacles are subject to change without notice.