’s
September 18, 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.
Text Your Way to a Healthy Pregnancy?
Veterans Hold Flag Ceremony
South Central Kansas Medical Center has partnered with text4baby, a free texting service, to provide health information to pregnant women and new moms. Texts are sent starting with early pregnancy through a baby’s first year. Women who sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish) receive three free SMS text messages each week timed to their due date or baby’s date of birth. These messages focus on a variety of topics critical to maternal and child health, including birth defects prevention, immunization, nutrition, seasonal flu, mental health, oral health, safe sleep, and more. “The greatest potential benefit (of using Text4baby) is having a healthier pregnancy and healthier baby. My hope is that by using this service, women are empowered to improve their own health and the health of their families,” said Darci Hiten, RN and Childbirth Education Coordinator at SCKMC. Dozens of federal agencies, national, state, and local organizations provided input into the content development. In addition to health information, Text4baby messages also connect women to prenatal and infant services and other resources. “Nothing can replace the prenatal care provided by your doctor,” Hiten said. “But the mom's who use this service tend to ask more relevant questions and feel more confident participating in their own care. Plus text reminders mean less missed doctor appointments too.” According to the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition, each year in the U.S., more than 500,000 babies are born prematurely and an estimated 28,000 children die before their first birthday. The infant mortality rate in the U.S. is one of the highest in the industrialized world, and for the first time since the 1950s, that rate is on the rise. SCKMC and Text4baby are trying to reduce the infant mortality rate by educating more pregnant women and new mothers directly. Research shows over 85% of Americans own a cell phone and 72% of cell users send or receive text messages. The majority but not all mobile carriers are providing this service. Text4baby is available to over 96% of people with cell phones in the U.S. “Mom's can get correct information about what's important to them just by doing something they're probably already doing, reading a text message. By getting little bits of information at the appropriate times, mom's gain knowledge without feeling bombarded with 'information overload',” Hiten said.
SCKMC was honored to receive a gift of a POW-MIA flag on behalf of VFW Post 1254. The flag was presented during a special ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Americans across the U.S. pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war (POW), as well as those who are missing in action (MIA), and their families. The ceremony included a speech from Michael Holland, Department of Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars State Jr. Vice Commander, as well as the official flag raising. “We must not forget the sacrifices that these comrades are still making or the suffering that they are still enduring for us and our way of life,” Holland said. All military installations fly the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag, which symbolizes the nation’s remembrance of those who were imprisoned while serving in conflicts and those who remain missing. “On behalf of SCKMC, we thank the VFW for including us on this special day,” said Clayton Pappan, SCKMC Chief Marketing Officer. We are grateful for all those who have served our country as well as those who are currently protecting our freedoms, and proudly fly the POW/MIA flag.”
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. Two new warnings have been issued regarding the prescription medications Invokana, Brintellix, and Brilinta. Invokana is a prescription medication used to decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by causing the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through urine. The FDA has strengthened its warning regarding the risk of bone fractures while taking this medication. Revisions to the drug label have been made, including new information involving the risk of decreased bone mineral density with losses seen at the hip and lower spine. Healthcare professionals and patients need to be extra cautious if newly prescribed Brintellix or Brilinta. Brintellix is used to treat depression and Brilinta is an anti blood clotting medication. Nationally there have been reports of the wrong medication being prescribed or dispensed. None of the reports indicate a wrong medication being consumed, however errors continue to occur. The main cause of the errors is due to the similarity of their brand names. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to include the generic name and indication when prescribing these medications.
W e Have the Technology. W e Have the Team. .
Introducing
Dr. Adam Keesling Dr. Keesling specializes in family medicine and believes in personalized care for you and your loved ones. Now accepting new patients through the Ark City Clinic.
Call to schedule your appointment today or visit us online for more information.
AC Clinic: 620-442-2100 www.sckmc.org
We are 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City
(620) 442-2500