’s
August 5, 2016 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Health Update: Zika The Florida Department of Health has identified an area of Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes. At this time there is no Zika threat in Kansas, but summer travels could lead you to Florida. Zika virus is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, or can also be sexually transmitted. Only about 1 in 5 people with Zika virus will get symptoms of illness; because of this, many people may not realize they have been infected. If a person does develop symptoms, they’re usually mild and include fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. Currently no vaccine or medication exists to prevent or treat Zika virus infection. Pregnant women are most at risk for complications from Zika virus. This is because Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus; infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly in babies. Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected. This birth defect can result in seizures, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays, among other problems. The Center for Disease Control now recommends that all pregnant women in the United States be assessed for possible Zika virus exposure during each prenatal care visit. Pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant should consider the following precautions: • Pregnant women in any trimester should not travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. • Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during their trip. • Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during their trip. • Pregnant women should discuss their male partner’s potential exposures to mosquitoes and history of Zika-like illness with their healthcare provider. Additional information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/zika
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Registration Fees Lowered for Landrush The SCKMC Landrush planning committee made the decision yesterday to keep the registration fee for the August 27, 2016 event at the discounted “early registration” rate through the day of the event. The reduced rate will save participants $15 over last year’s regular race fee. “We discussed it and decided the reduced rate made sense for this year’s race. We, as a hospital, have asked a lot from our community this year with the sales tax, and this is one way where we can say thanks,” said Clayton Pappan, SCKMC’s Director of Marketing. The reduced registration for the 5K, 12 obstacle race is now $45 plus fees. The kids 2K will remain at $25 plus fees. The committee expects the reduced rate to draw in even more runners than the previous year. “Registrations have really picked up in the last couple of weeks and the earliest heats are either full or close to it,” Pappan said. For more information or to register online visit: http://www.sckrmc.org/sckmc-landrush.
August Employee of the Month Congratulations Briana Luis, Emergency Department Registrar, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for August. Briana was nominated by a patient’s family member for taking the time to speak with them and ease their nerves prior to a procedure. Briana (pictured left) was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Department Manager Lola Martin and will also have a special parking spot reserved for her throughout the month.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. School is starting soon, parents make sure your children are up to date on their vaccines. Vaccines help ensure your children’s long term health as well as the health of friends and classmates. The CDC has online resources and tools to help parents make sure their kids are up to date. If you are unsure with school requirements, check with your school, pediatrician, or local health department.