Spotlight Second Act
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Second Act
A free program for adults 50 and beyond However, the vast majority of patients with COVID-19 will have relatively mild self-limiting illness that will resolve on its own. The next step for hotline callers involves virtual visits. These are for situations where we identify things that raise our level of concern, particularly involving people with a higher risk of complications. If we identify those risk factors, we may feel like those individuals warrant additional testing. That is when we consider testing through our drive-through sites. It helps us limit exposure to other patients and staff.
Here’s a collection of frequently asked questions with Matthew Winkleman, MD, a family practice physician at SIH Primary Care Harrisburg. Q. How does the SIH COVID-19 Hotline work with the SIH Drive-Through Testing Clinics? The whole idea of our drive-through testing model is to try to perform any testing we feel we need to do in the safest setting possible. Our first contact is through the SIH COVID-19 Hotline. Clinicians help identify patients who are at risk based on their symptoms, their demographics such as age, health conditions and their travel history. Based on that, we’re able to connect them to their primary care doctor if they don’t have concerning risk factors. For people with a higher level of risk, we conduct a virtual visit where a provider (a physician, a physician assistant or nurse practitioner) contacts that patient over the phone and digs into the details of what’s going on with them.
Q. How long does it take to get all of those different test results? For a rapid flu test, one can anticipate a result in 10 to 15 minutes. For a respiratory viral panel, anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. For the actual COVID-19 test, it could be four days or more, depending on the testing capacity of the various labs performing the analysis. Q. With social distancing messages and the shelter-inplace mandate from the Illinois Governor, is it safe to go to the store? My advice: limit your time in the public right now, particularly if you’re in one of those high-risk groups. If possible, see if there’s someone else who can do your grocery shopping for you. If it is not essential, do not do it right now. Call our 24/7 COVID-19 hotline if you have fever, cough, or concerns about exposure 844.988.7800
Q. How do providers decide who does and doesn’t get the COVID-19 test? First, if you are mildly ill, meaning you have a mild cough, minimal fever, you don’t have shortness of breath and you are young and otherwise healthy, we really want to encourage you to stay home. Testing is not unlimited, so we’re trying to be good stewards of testing that is available. Certainly we don’t want to discourage anyone from accessing the healthcare system or their doctor, particularly if their symptoms are getting worse.
LATEST UPDATES FROM SIH ON COVID-19 AT WWW.SIH.NET CALL OUR 24/7 COVID-19 HOTLINE IF YOU HAVE FEVER, COUGH, OR CONCERNS ABOUT EXPOSURE 844.988.7800 Physicians providing services at and admitting patients to SIH Herrin Hospital, SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and SIH St. Joseph Memorial Hospital are not employees of the hospital. Physicians exercise their own independent judgment regarding medical care and treatment and the hospital is not responsible for their actions.
SECOND ACT
Updates At-Home Workouts & Ways to Ease Anxiety It is important to stay active during this time; here are five tips to help you exercise at home:
Ways You Can Help Donations of Masks and Other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) We are happy to accept homemade fabric masks, commercially manufactured masks, goggles that provide full eye protection (front and sides) and clear plastic face shields. Donations will be accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the entrances of the SIH Corporate Office on the southeast side of University Mall in Carbondale. SIH asks that all masks be free of interfacing.
1. Look up workouts online. a. Google at-home workouts. Try a few out until you find one you like and that works for you. 2. Go for a walk around your yard. a. Fresh air is good for you; take some time to enjoy the outdoors. 3. Use items around your house. a. Stairs are a great way to boost your cardio workout. Water bottles make a great hand weight.
SIH COVID-19 Relief Fund
Here are ways to help ease your anxiety:
The SIH Foundation has established a Relief Fund that:
1. Take a time out. a. Listen to music, meditate, learn some yoga, when you take time to step back from a problem it helps to clear your mind. 2. Eat well-balanced meals. a. Nutrition is a huge part of your mental well-being, try not to skip meals and eat energy-boosting snacks. 3. Get enough sleep. a. Try to stick to your sleeping pattern; when stressed, you may need some extra rest. 4. Accept that you cannot control everything. a. Put your stress in perspective, and know this is only temporary. 5. Welcome humor. a. A good laugh can go a long way.
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Supports our healthcare professionals, staff, and all those behind the scenes
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Supports the needs of our patients during this crisis
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Assists our partner agencies and local social service organizations
Our team of dedicated physicians, nurses and staff are working around the clock, along with local partner agencies, to help keep our communities safe. Please consider directing your support to these key roles at the front lines of the COVID-19 fight. You can give by sending a check or online at www.sih.net/COVID19-response Checks should be made payable to the SIH COVID-19 Relief Fund and mailed to the SIH Foundation PO BOX 3988 Carbondale, IL 62902-3988
MEDICARE HELP NEEDED? Do you have Medicare questions and don’t know who to ask? Well, no worries SIH Second Act is here to help you! With everything going on right now, we are not offering in-person Medicare visits. However, we are still accepting phone call visits with our Medicare counselor Milly Kaiser. If you have any questions or need help with your Medicare, give us a call at 877.480.4040. This is a great time to get ahead of your Medicare plans.
Please register for Second Act classes, trips and special events by calling 877.480.4040
Southern Illinois Healthcare PO Box 3988, Carbondale, IL 62902
SIH Brain & Spine Institute
Is back or neck pain keeping you from
what matters most? Our specialized team of surgeons, neurology and interventional pain management physicians, advanced practice providers, therapists and nurse navigators will work together as a team to get to the source of your discomfort.
Whether you need surgery, pain management, or physical therapy to feel better, the SIH Brain & Spine Institute offers the most comprehensive care available, close to home.
For a consultation or to schedule an appointment, please call
618.457.3066 sih.net/spine Š2020 Š2020