’s
August 9, 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.
SCKMC Partners to Fight Alzheimer’s September 14th will be the date for the second annual Cowley County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and the medical center is one of several local sponsors supporting the event. The Cowley County walk is part of the Alzheimer's Association nationwide Walk to End Alzheimer's®, an event designed to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, Walk to End Alzheimer's is a display of combined strength and dedication in the fight against this devastating disease. Alzheimer's disease is currently the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. This year’s event will be held in downtown Winfield. While there is no fee to register, each participant is expected to fundraise in order to contribute to the cause and raise awareness. The Alzheimer's Association provides free, easyto-use tools and staff support to help each participant reach their fundraising goal. A registration link is posted on the SCKMC homepage, www.sckmc.org.
Healthy Living: West Nile Virus
2012 was the largest and most deadly outbreak of West Nile virus since 1999 when it first appeared in New York. A single mosquito bite could make you or your loved one sick, cause severe illness, or even death. Don’t risk your health this summer! Know the facts - Many cases of West Nile virus disease are not reported to CDC. It is estimated that since 1999 over three million people have been infected and of those over 780,000 have been seriously ill and over 1,500 have died. Know your risk - All 48 states in the continental U.S. have had human West Nile virus cases. Though anyone can get infected with West Nile virus, there are people at higher risk for severe disease. People over the age of 50 are at higher risk for encephalitis. The reasons one person becomes severely ill and another doesn't aren't entirely known. Know the symptoms of West Nile infection: • No symptoms in most people. Most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. County-Wide Baby Shower Saturday • Fever in some people. About 1 in 5 people who are Representatives from SCKMC will be showcasing their family infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as birthing center, as well as other obstetrical and women’s health headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or related services, during this Saturday’s Cowley County-Wide rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease Baby Shower. The public event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for 1:00 p.m. at The Physicians Pavilion, 1230 E. 6th Ave in weeks or months. Winfield. The event is being coordinated by the Breastfeeding Severe symptoms in a few people. Less than 1% of • Advocates of Cowley County coalition and is designed to people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic introduce new and expecting parents to available community illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of resources. the brain or surrounding tissues). The symptoms of The medical center will provide participants with health neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck information, free blood pressure checks, promotional stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or giveaways, and hold a drawing for a newborn care package. paralysis. See your healthcare professional if you think you have the symptoms of West Nile infection. Prevention is up to you. - There are steps you can take to help prevent a West Nile virus infection. The mosquitoes Congratulations to Pattie Brown, that spread the virus bite between dusk and dawn. Limit the Physical Therapist, for being amount of time you spend outdoors during these hours. If you named this month’s exceptional are outside, be sure to wear repellent and protective clothing. service award winner. Pattie was DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon nominated by our patients for eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by CDC. All always providing excellent care contain an EPA-registered active ingredient and have been and concern for their well being. evaluated for efficacy and safety. For more information on this Great job! topic visit www.cdc.gov.
Aug. Employee of the Month
ur New Surgical Procedures May Require a Closer Look. Actual Incision Size*
Our surgeons’ specialized training in arthroscopic and laparoscopic procedures mean your surgery can have smaller incisions with less scarring, shorter stays in the hospital or same day release, and more precise results.
Dr. Christopher Siwek – Orthopedic Surgery
Racquel Szabo – Physician’s Assistant Dr. Tyson Blatchford – General Surgery
Dr. Perry Lin – OB/GYN
Our Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Procedures Include: •Acid reflux surgery •Complex hernia repair •Gallbladder
•Weight loss surgery •Appendectomy •Colorectal surgery
•Joint repair & carpal tunnel •Hysterectomy
For more information on this service contact us or schedule an appointment with your family physician. *Incision size will vary based upon each patient’s unique circumstances
Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org