’s
September 20, 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.
KPERS to Offer Spouse Life Insurance Life insurance provides financial protection for you and your family. This fall, spouse coverage will be available to all employees of affiliated KPERS employers, even those who are not currently enrolled for optional life insurance coverage. Members can enroll for $10,000 or $25,000 in guaranteed coverage for themselves and their spouse without answering health questions, if they apply for coverage between October 1 and November 15, 2013. Coverage for $50,000 or $100,000 require proof of good health. Proof of good health is required at all levels for members who have been previously declined for coverage. Cost is based on the spouse’s age, and premiums will automatically be deducted from the employee’s paycheck. For more information visit www.kpers.org.
SCKMC FAST FACT Dr. Tyson Blatchford, the medical center’s general surgeon, is one of only four physicians in the State of Kansas specially trained to perform the EsophyX TIF incisionless procedure for the treatment chronic acid reflux.
SCKMC Celebrates Nursing Grads Alyssa Trammell - Med/Surg Unit, Kaycia Gelino - Birthing Center (above), and Erica Lathers - Surgery (left) all recently passed their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses. NCLEX examinations test the knowledge, skills and abilities essential for the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry-level. Alyssa began her career with SCKMC in 2010 as a CNA, Kaycia started in 2008 also as a CNA, and Erica was first an ER Registrar for the medical center in 2003. We are very proud of all three of these talented professionals!
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Healthy Living: Antibiotic Resistant Threats Antibiotics are powerful tools for fighting illness and disease, but overuse of antibiotics has helped create bacteria that are outliving the drugs used to treat them. Antibiotic resistance is a quickly growing, extremely dangerous problem. World health leaders have described antibiotic-resistant bacteria as "nightmare bacteria" that "pose a catastrophic threat" to people in every country in the world. Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected and 23,000 people die as a direct result of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. In addition, almost 250,000 people get Clostridium difficile each year, an infection usually related to antibiotic use. C. difficile causes deadly diarrhea and kills at least 14,000 people each year. Many C. difficile infections and drug-resistant infections can be prevented. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, they start learning how to outsmart the drugs. Resistant bacteria can multiply and spread easily and quickly, causing severe infections. They can also share genetic information with other bacteria, making the other bacteria resistant as well. Each time bacteria learn to outsmart an antibiotic, treatment options are more limited, and these infections pose a greater risk to human health. Anyone can become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria anywhere and anytime. Most infections occur in the community, like skin infections with MRSA and sexually transmitted diseases. There are many ways you can help prevent the creation and spread of resistance: • When you are sick, do not demand antibiotics from your doctor or take antibiotics that were not prescribed to you directly for your specific illness. • Do not skip antibiotic doses, and make sure to follow the directions about dose and duration from your doctor. • Get updated and regular vaccinations against drugresistant bacteria. • Wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom to avoid putting bacteria into your body. • Wash your hands after handling uncooked food to prevent ingesting drug-resistant bacteria that can live on food. • Cook meat and poultry thoroughly to kill bacteria, including potential drug-resistant bacteria Learn more about antibiotic resistance at www.cdc.gov.
Experience a new type of
mammography.
The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. At the medical center, specially trained technologists and doctors work together to diagnose and treat breast changes that may be cancer. From mammography to same day surgical biopsies, we have the team to provide an increased likelihood of early detection. Now with digital mammography early detection is even easier. Experience a gentle exam in less time than usual, with exceptional quality for diagnostic accuracy. Call 441-5770 to schedule your appointment today.
Throughout October, pay the regular price or allow us to bill your insurance for a mammogram screening and you will receive a certificate for a free mammogram screening* to give to your sister, mother, friend, or to donate to someone in need. *RADIOLOGIST’S INTERPRETATION FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS OFFER.
Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org