Healthy Times Spring 2014

Stormont-Vail HealthCare

Dedicated to your health ... for a lifetime.

Healthy Spring 2014

TIMES

Something to Chew On: Family Dinners Provide More than Nutrition

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T H I S

I S S U E

FAMILY HEALTH Outpatient Rehabilitation Services for the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Doctor's Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Managing Pain is a Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

MEDICAL NEWS Shortened Hospital Stay May Result from Gum Chewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Quality, Safety Initiatives Recognized at Stormont-Vail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Stormont-Vail Receives Coveted Award for Nursing Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CALENDAR Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Support Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Family Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Parenting

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 HealthWise 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The simple act of taking time to eat dinner with your children regularly can be powerful.

It lets your children know that you care about them and want to be involved in their lives, but that’s not all. Research shows that children and youth who eat dinner with their families five to seven times per week are: • Less likely to smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco; • Less likely to drink alcohol, use marijuana, or use prescription drugs that belong to others; • More likely to do well in school, be emotionally content, and have positive peer relationships; • More likely to have lower levels of stress, be bored less often, and be at a lower risk for thoughts of suicide.

Ashley Hisel, D.O., a family practice physician with Cotton-O’Neil Clinic, says in addition to the decreased risk factors for alcohol and drug abuse, some studies show that youth will have less of a chance of developing depression if they communicate with family around the dinner table, and also have a decreased risk for obesity. She said family dinner could provide a forum for learning manners and learning better how to communicate and resolve conflict.

As families get more and more involved in evening activities, their time to have meals together lessens. Knowing that there are benefits to family meals should encourage parents to schedule those important times, says (Continued on page 2)

FAMILY HEALTH Dr. Hisel. Televisions and cell phones should be turned off, and the family should be engaged in the dinner table conversation. While parents can learn about what’s on the minds of their children, the kids can also ask Mom or Dad or other family members what happened during their day.

“Kids can ask the same things as their parents ask,” said Dr. Hisel.

The dinner experience lets youngsters have a “sense of belonging and be a part of a group,” Dr. Hisel said. The dinner itself can be casual or formal, the important thing is the togetherness. And the “family” can be whatever type of family or supportive adults are available, just so kids have someone they know is listening and communicating.

In Kansas, a special day is designated as “family day” to promote eating together. Kansas Family Partnership promotes family dinners and has many resources available at its web site at www.kansasfamily.com. Any day is a good day to start the family dinner tradition.

For information about Cotton-O'Neil primary care physicians who are accepting new patients, contact Health Connections at (785) 354-5225.

– Anita Fry Ashley Hisel, D.O., Cotton-O'Neil Family Practice, 823 Mulvane, Topeka

Family-Friendly Recipes

Here are family-friendly recipes provided by Stormont-Vail dietitian Melissa Moore for you to try out at your family dinner.

Mini Meatloaves

½ cup plus 2⁄3 cup ketchup 1 Tbsp. packed dark brown sugar 1 ½ lb. lean ground beef 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. dry mustard 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 medium onion, minced 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mist a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk ½ cup ketchup with brown sugar.

Break beef apart in a bowl. Add bread crumbs, Worcestershire, mustard, eggs, onion, parsley, salt, pepper and remaining 2/3-cup ketchup; mix well. Divide among muffin cups. Spread 2 tsp. ketchup mixture on each.

Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 160 degrees, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on rack for 10 minutes.

Per Serving: 184 Calories, 7 g fat (3 g saturated), 72 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 14 g protein, 15 g carbohydrates, 693 mg sodium

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Oven Fries 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes cut into wedges 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. dried thyme (optional) Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss potato wedges with oil, salt, thyme (if using). Spread the wedges out on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake until browned and tender, turning once, about 20 minutes total.

Makes four servings.

Per serving: 181 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, ss3 g fiber, 4 g protein, 32 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugars, 306 mg sodium

Cinnamon Oranges 4 navel oranges 2 Tbsp. orange juice 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. ground cinnamon With a sharp knife, remove rind and white pith from oranges. Cut each into 5 or 6 slices and arrange on four plates. Whisk together orange juice and lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon. Spoon over the orange slices.

Makes four servings.

Per serving: 86 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 1 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates, 16 g sugars, 2 mg sodium

MEDICAL NEWS

Shortened Hospital Stay May Result from

Gum Chewing Increasing health care costs…limited health resources…affordable health care…it is today’s conversation. Investigators, providers, administrators and consumers are all looking for less expensive, but still safe alternatives to reduce costs. Who would think of chewing gum as a possible solution to these financial troubles?

The Greeks chewed gum made from the resin of the mastic tree, while other early cultures chewed bark tar and substances made from plants and grasses. American Indians chewed resin from the sap of spruce trees and the English settlers picked up on this practice. The first commercial chewing gum sold in 1848 was called The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum. Chicle was then brought from Mexico and became the main ingredient of modern gum. Chiclets gum dominated the chewing gum market in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Chewing gum is now produced from butadiene-based synthetic rubber, which is a cheaper product than chicle.

Researchers have shown that gum chewing can be used to prevent dry mouth and bad breath; helps prevent tooth decay, may reduce GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and can help boost concentration when working on sight-related and hearing-related memory tests. Chewing gum also helps us focus on tasks that require continuous monitoring over a longer period of time. In addition, researchers have found that chewing gum reduces stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue, while creating a positive mood and alertness.

However, as with any good thing, there are always warnings: Chewing gum may contribute to stomach ulcers and chewing large quantities may result in gas or diarrhea. Of course gum should not be swallowed, but the old myth that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years is not true. The stomach cannot break down a piece of gum the same way it breaks down other food; the digestive system just moves it along through normal intestinal activity.

A significant impact of chewing gum is with the postoperative patient. Patients are often told they will not be able to go home until their bowels are working properly. If the bowels do not resume functioning correctly, it may result in prolonged hospitalization, impaired nutritional intake and significant increases in health care costs. Researchers have studied the impact of chewing gum after open abdominal surgery, C-section deliveries, liver resections, colorectal surgery, and after laparoscopic surgery. The results are positive and can save millions of dollars.

Intestinal obstruction is the most common reason for delayed hospital discharge after abdominal surgery, carrying an economic impact estimated at one billion dollars annually in the United States. Early feeding is a safe method to stimulate the gastrointestinal hormones, which affect bowel activity, but many patients are not able to eat following surgery. However, they will chew gum and that mimics food intake, which in turn stimulates gastrointestinal movement. In various studies patients were instructed to chew gum for three times a day for 15 to 30 minutes. Patients who followed this procedure recovered bowel function faster and experienced less dry mouth problems.

A piece of gum costs five cents per stick and if chewed three times a day for five days, just the decrease in hospital length of stay alone would amount to hundreds of millions of dollars savings in the United States. As pressure mounts for health care providers to be responsible stewards of our health care resources, the prospect of an easy to access, safe, less expensive and tolerable intervention that may hasten recovery and shorten hospital stay sounds pretty sweet. As consumers, we have to applaud those who are trying to test new techniques and ideas to help lessen the costs of health care while keeping the quality of care high and safe.

– Lenora Kinzie, MLS

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FAMILY HEALTH

Outpatient

Rehabilitation Services for

the Community

The outpatient Rehabilitation Services' staff.

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For more than 25 years, Stormont-Vail HealthCare has provided a wide range of outpatient rehabilitation services to northeast Kansans. Our physical, occupational and speech therapists assist patients in achieving optimal physical, mental and social independence by restoring function in their social and physical environments.

Our highly skilled staff provides every patient with an individualized plan of therapeutic care by collaborating with the medical community. When a patient receives services or has a procedure at Stormont-Vail, all of his or her medical information is compiled into a single electronic medical record. As a patient continues his treatment with Stormont-Vail rehabilitation services, therapists can readily access this information to make for a smooth transition and continuity of care.

“Having an integrated approach allows us to work closely with physicians,” said Steve Englander, MSPT, director of rehabilitation services. “We can communicate readily with the physician in person or electronically. This allows us to provide the patient the best of care.”

Englander takes pride in the excellent customer service the rehabilitation staff provides. Staff always strives to partner patients with the same therapist or team, something that’s not always the case at other rehabilitation organizations. This consistent staffing allows a better relationship between the patient and medical professional and improves the management of care.

“Our focus is the health and well being of our patients, not pushing additional, unnecessary services,” said Englander. “The number one goal is a positive outcome for the patient.”

With multiple locations and exceptional staffing, make Stormont-Vail your choice for all your rehabilitation needs. For more information, call the rehabilitation location of your choice listed to the right.

FAMILY HEALTH

Outpatient Rehabilitation Areas of Specialty •

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Pre- and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation – Integrated delivery system with continuity of care from orthopedic surgeons and therapy staff working closely together.

Joint and Muscle Injury Care (sprains/strains/tendonitis) – Treatment for back, neck, shoulder, foot, ankle, headache, knee and hip pain. Physical therapists are trained to assess and treat foot and ankle dysfunction, including fitting of custom foot orthotics.

Hand Therapy – Trained occupational therapists assess and treat hand and other upper extremity impairments, utilizing state-of-the-art treatment techniques and custom splinting.

Speech Language Pathology – Services to treat pediatric and adult patients experiencing speech and swallowing disorders. The continuity of care from inpatient to outpatient includes modified barium swallowing, the gold standard of swallow studies.

Occupational Therapy for Infants and Children – Continuity of care from inpatient to outpatient, provided by staff with more than 20 years of experience.

Sports Physical Therapy – Experienced staff provides highlevel, functional rehabilitation to assist patients of all ages with returning to regular sports activities.

Kinesiotaping – Specially trained therapists utilize this treatment for joint and muscle stability as a preventative measure and/or to treat pain.

Balance and Vestibular Training – Specially trained physical therapy staff assess patients' standing balance and conduct the Rhomberg test, visual and inner-ear screenings and a vestibular test (with eyes open and closed). Staff create an individualized program to help patients regain balance and proprioception.

Continence Therapy – Program to treat adult females of all ages who have stress, urge or mixed incontinence (urge to urinate). The treatment provided is behavioral intervention and biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle strengthening and control. State-of-the-art computer electrical stimulation equipment is available for treating pelvic muscle dysfunction.

(See page 6 for more information on continence therapy.)

Oncology Rehabilitation – Physical and occupational therapists certified in assessing and managing lymphedema.

Other impairments resulting from cancer or cancer treatments are also managed.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Locations Stormont-Vail Rehabilitation Services Fleming Place 4019 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka (785) 354-6116 Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Specializing in: • Hand/Occupational Therapy • Women’s Health – continence program • Balance and Vestibular Training • Oncology Rehabilitation -Lymphedema Treatment Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center 1500 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka (785) 354-5388 Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Specializing in: • Speech Therapy • Pediatric Occupational Therapy Kansas Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 909 S.W. Mulvane St., Topeka (785) 357-0301, Ext. 156 Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Specializing in: • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Pre- and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Cotton-O’Neil Clinic – Carbondale Outreach Clinic 211 Main St., Carbondale (785) 836-9351 Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. *Some services may require a physician referral.

– Yvonne Etzel

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FAMILY HEALTH

Doctor's Orders Kevin Nasseri, M.D., urologist at Cotton-O’Neil Clinic, 823 S.W. Mulvane St., Topeka, is board certified in urology. He specializes in adult general urology with clinical interests in kidney stone disease, disorders of the prostate and urologic cancers. He is available for patient consultations at (785) 270-4355.

Q:

What causes urinary incontinence and how is it treated?

Dr. Nasseri:

Kevin Nasseri, M.D., Cotton-O'Neil Urology, 823 Mulvane, Topeka

Stormont-Vail Rehabilitation Services is now offering continence therapy using state-of-the-art technology to help patients’ strengthen the urinary and pelvic floor area. This unique therapy is located at Stormont-Vail Rehabilitation Services located at Fleming Place in Topeka. To learn more about this new therapy, speak with your physician, urologist or call (785) 354-6116.

It is estimated that more than 15 million American adults suffer from accidental loss of urine control. Urinary incontinence is not only a medical condition, but it also impacts the social well being of many adults by limiting their ability to participate in activities that could result in urinary leakage.

In the majority of cases, this frustrating problem can be treated with good results utilizing conservative measures, often without the need for surgical intervention.

Normal urinary control requires intact communication between the brain and the urinary tract, a healthy bladder with adequate storage capacity, and a robust urinary sphincter muscle that can tighten and relax on command. The most common cause of urinary leakage in women is the loss of muscle tone in the pelvic floor musculature resulting from previous childbirth, pelvic surgery, and post-menopausal hormonal changes. Urinary issues in men are most often a consequence of abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland. In both men and women, conditions such as urinary infections, diabetes, obesity, memory loss, chronic constipation, and neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can also contribute to the development of urinary incontinence.

The treatment of urinary incontinence aims to identify and correct the underlying cause(s) of the urinary tract dysfunction. In women, the treatment should begin with strengthening of the urinary and pelvic floor musculature while maximizing bladder storage capacity. This is best achieved by enlisting the help of a physical therapist with expertise in the management of pelvic floor dysfunction. Other conservative treatments include moderating the intake of caffeine and other bladder irritants, correcting urinary tract damage caused by chronic estrogen deficiency, and optimizing the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. If conservative measures prove unsuccessful in correcting urinary incontinence, prescription medications and even surgical intervention may be appropriate for further treatment.

– Tami Motley

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FAMILY HEALTH

Pain Gain

Managing is a

Managing pain is an important

Most people think about medications first to relieve part of a person’s hospital pain, but McMaster said other stay, and the health care team resources are also being made at Stormont-Vail Regional available to patients. Patient Health Center is committed education about pain is also to making sure patients are as comfortable as possible. a big piece of the initiative to Shelly McMaster, RN, MBA, better manage pain.

BSN, director of Critical Care,

Effective comfort and Pulmonary and Respiratory pain management strategies Services, said the goal of the may include using a warm health care team is to ensure compress or heating pad to patient needs are addressed relieve soreness, or the use of and to provide realistic pain an ice pack, warm blanket or management options. She an extra pillow. Actions that noted pain during a major may provide comfort include: illness or injury, surgery or repositioning in bed, taking a childbirth often exists, but the walk, turning on a fan, taking Surgery staff member Connie Rangel, RN, takes a moment to visit with a severity of symptoms can be a bath or shower, doing gentle managed. stretching, or having some family member of a surgery patient. Discussing pain management options “We talk to the patient quiet, uninterrupted time. prior, during and after surgery can help patients better understand what about an acceptable pain level

Taking care of a person to expect. and then work together to emotionally is also important develop pain goals,” McMaster in pain management. Having said. “We may not be able to make them completely pain free, but we a visit from a chaplain or clergy, or a social worker may be important. can set reasonable and acceptable pain levels.”

Having reading materials or access to movies, a stress ball, playing cards In some cases, such as surgery, the discussion about pain or listening to music can also sometimes ease pain. management ideally needs to take place prior to the procedure so that a Changes are taking place behind the scenes at Stormont-Vail, too, plan is in place. That’s not always possible or circumstances may change, with staff making sure pain management protocols are standardized so hospital staff provides pain management discussion and tools. across the hospital. Staff is also gaining a better understanding of what “Everyone’s pain threshold is different,” she said. “Having these medications or activities work best to relieve pain in specific situations. discussions with patients helps us in understanding their pain,” McMaster said the organization is working with internal experts and McMaster said. exploring best practices to help patients manage their pain.

– Anita Fry

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MEDICAL NEWS

Quality, Safety Initiatives

Recognized at Stormont-Vail Costs, efficiencies, and quality can vary from hospital to hospital and even provider to provider. Stormont-Vail HealthCare has made quality and safety high priorities for all members of the health care team and recently received recognition for these efforts:

• Chest Pain Accreditation - Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care • VHA’s Health Engagement Network Award Reducing Preventable Harm to Patients • Platinum Award for Heart Attack Care American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology • Prematurity Program Accreditation Joint Commission • Blue Cross/Blue Shield's Distinction for Cardiac Care Designation • 2012 Top Performers on Key Quality Measures - Joint Commission

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The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative recognized Stormont-Vail for leadership and achievement in quality improvement and patient safety in October 2013 at its Summit on Quality. The Leadership in Quality Awards celebrate successful efforts of Kansas hospitals to improve the quality, safety and value of health care for Kansas patients. Stormont-Vail received the Quality in Safety Culture Award for its decadelong work to transform the organization’s quality and safety culture through awareness, new programs and Information Technology solutions.

Stormont-Vail has adopted the Lean Value Stream Improvement Method to lower health care cost and improve quality and outcomes. Lean has its origins in the Toyota Production System in Japan and has been successfully and efficiently applied to health care over the last decade in leading organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Barnes-Jewish HealthCare. Lean focuses on the removal of process waste, which is defined as work that does not add value (waiting, re-work, etc.) to the delivery of a product or service to a customer. While Lean focuses on removing process waste and improving flow, it is equally interested in ensuring that quality is built into to the process as well. The Lean approach is highly dependent on the front-line staff (those that see and touch the work) to be involved in changing process methods to improve performance. Once a project has been identified, physicians, employees, key players, anyone involved in the project attend the Lean Workshop. It is an intense, short-term (three day) team approach to put concepts of Lean and Continuous Improvement into action. On the first day of the workshop, the improvement

MEDICAL NEWS team learns about the Lean process and maps out their current state of production (how they currently get their work done). On the second day, the team designs a future state (how they could complete their work more efficiently with the help of the Lean process). On the third day, the team develops a plan to get from the current state to the future state. The team has 90-120 days to implement the changes and reach the future state.

Dr. Doug Rose, vice president and chief medical quality officer, is the executive Lean champion and has operational oversight of the Lean Program. Chad Yeager, RN, process improvement/lean manager and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt holder, is the facilitator for Lean work throughout the organization.

Two successful Lean projects to date are: Health Information Management’s Provider Note Routing (inpatient physician notes routing to outlying physicians). The process was transformed from a manual process to one that fully leveraged the organizations's electronic medical record. A second Lean project was an opportunity to improve efficiency of the process of Door-to-Balloon time. Doorto-Balloon time is the time from a patient’s arrival at the hospital to life saving angioplasty balloon inflation in the Cath Lab. Team members included physicians, administrators, and front-line staff from Administration, the Emergency Department (ED), Cath Lab, Heart Center, Health Connections, Registration, and members of the local EMS ambulance services.

Stormont-Vail staff members understand that every minute counts when a patient is having a heart attack and are now working closely with EMS personnel. EMS personnel have received additional training and if they feel that their patient is having a heart attack they call Stormont’s ED to activate the heart attack team. This activation has allowed many patients to bypass stopping in the ED and go directly to the Cath Lab for treatment…saving time. Barbara Columbus, RN, BSN, acute coronary syndrome program manager at Stormont-Vail’s Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center, says that Stormont has cut in half the time it takes heart attack patients arriving by ambulance to be treated in the Cath Lab. Stormont-Vail is bypassing the Emergency Department 75 percent of the time compared to 0 percent before the project began and EMS crews are using field-activations 80 percent of the time compared to 15 percent pre-implementation. Going directly to the Cath Lab has reduced the door-to-balloon time from a median of 63 minutes down to 26 minutes for patients arriving by EMS.

Both projects are continuously measured by the frontline process owner to identify errors. They fix errors that are identified and if the fix does not work, they identify the root cause of the failure, fix and continue to measure results so it does not fail in the future. Initial Lean results are good and more projects have been identified. Each member of StormontVail’s health care team is committed to remaining focused on quality and patient safety.

– Lenora Kinzie, MLS

Andy Barnes, RN, Brandy Meyer, PCT, Scott Rowland, RN, and Sharde Ashraf, RN, Emergency and Trauma Department

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MEDICAL NEWS

Stormont-Vail Receives

Coveted Award

Nursing Excellence for

Carol Perry, RN, MSM, BSN Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Stormont-Vail HealthCare

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Football has the Heisman Trophy. Journalism has the Pulitzer Prize. In the world of nursing and patient care, excellence is measured by Magnet designation.

Stormont-Vail learned in late January 2014 that it received redesignation as a MagnetÂŽ facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Stormont-Vail initially received this prestigious designation in 2009.

The organization had to meet stringent criteria through documentation and evidence, followed by a rigorous site visit from three ANCC Magnet surveyors in December.

"Receiving Magnet redesignation shows that the Stormont-Vail staff is setting and maintaining excellence as the standard," said Randy Peterson, president and chief executive officer of Stormont-Vail.

"Our physicians and staff provide high quality, safe and compassionate care, comparable to other top tier health care facilities across the nation and reflect our mission of 'Working together to improve the health of our community.' The Magnet redesignation is another indicator that Stormont-Vail and Cotton-O’Neil are amongst the nation’s leaders in providing integrated health services."

MEDICAL NEWS

Studies show that Magnet hospitals experience: •

Increased patient satisfaction, patient safety and improved quality

•

Decreased mortality rates, pressure ulcers and patient falls

Magnet status creates a positive organizational culture. Core values such as empowerment, pride, mentoring, nurturing, respect, integrity and teamwork are demonstrated in Magnet facilities. As a Magnet organization, Stormont-Vail fosters innovative, patient-focused initiatives and higher levels of safe, quality patient care. Magnet designation helps attract high-quality physicians and specialists.

Carol Perry, RN, MSM, BSN, vice president and chief nursing officer, said the Magnet redesignation is “recognition of our pursuit of excellence and achievement in leadership and professional practice. The transformation of nursing is critical to a health care system.

Empowered nurses translate to effective health care.” The Magnet program provides a framework for nursing excellence through transformational leadership, structural empowerment, new knowledge, innovations and improvements, and exemplary professional practice.

– Anita Fry

What is

Magnet?

The Magnet Recognition Program® recognizes health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. Consumers can rely on Magnet designation as the ultimate credential for high quality nursing.

Developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Magnet is the leading source of successful nursing practices and strategies worldwide. Stormont-Vail is one of two health care organizations in Kansas with Magnet designation. There are only 397 Magnet facilities worldwide.

Jessica Briggs, RN, The Birthplace

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Calendar MARCH, APRIL AND MAY 2014 SUPPORT & EDUCATION GROUPS Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance Sponsored in part by Behavioral Health Services at Stormont-Vail West, meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at Valeo, 330 S.W. Oakley and at 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Topeka Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Alzheimer’s Support Groups The Alzheimer’s Association has three caregiver support groups available as well as other support services.

Call Alzheimer’s Association at (785) 271-1844 for days and times.

Topeka Celiac Support Group The Topeka Celiac Support Group provides information, support and knowledge of how to eat safely to avoid gluten from grain-based proteins in wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats. Meeting is 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Pozez Education Center. For more information, contact Sharon Larson, president, (785) 379-0479.

MOMS: Moms of Multiples Support Support group for parents expecting or parenting multiples. Monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Pozez Education Center.

For more information, call (785) 267-2955.

Grief and Loss Support Groups Midland Care offers weekly grief and loss support groups available to the public. For more information, call Tim Keogh at (785) 232-2044.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group First and third Thursdays of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. Pozez Education Center. For information, call (785) 354-5225. The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group, which has regular meetings to share information and experiences, also has a blog for members, which offers communication, resources and support. If you are interested in learning more about the blog, please e-mall lrosen@stormontvail.org Topeka “HEALS” Support Group A confidential peer support group that is also known as Survivors of Suicide, “HEALS” stands for “Healing After Loss by Suicide.” It is for those who have lost a loved one

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by suicide. First and third Tuesdays of the month in Pozez Education Center at 7 p.m. For more information, call (785) 220-1368.

“On the Road to Better Managing Your Diabetes” Class This 90-minute refresher class is designed for those who have had diabetes education in the past and would like an update. The next class meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, or Wednesday, May 7, in the Diabetes Learning Center classroom, lower level of the Cotton-O’Neil Endocrinology Center, 3520 S.W. Sixth Ave. Call (785) 368-0416 to reserve a seat. Your insurance will be billed for the cost of attendance.

Living with Diabetes Adult Support Group Meets from 10 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday, except holidays, at the Cotton-O’Neil Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, lower level, 3520 S.W. 6th Ave. A Diabetes Learning Center staff educator facilitates each meeting. There is no fee to attend and no need to pre-register. Call (785) 368-0416 with questions.

The Latest in Insulin Pumps and Glucose Sensors A class designed for current pump users and those considering an insulin pump for the first time. It provides an overview of pump therapy and CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) as well as current options available.

Following the 60-minute class, all major insulin pump and CGM device manufacturers are available to offer a ‘hands on’ look at the products. Class presenter is Julie Johnson, BS, RN, CDE, CPT. The next class will be 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, March 3, in the Diabetes Learning Center, located on the lower level of the Cotton-O’Neil Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, 3520 S.W. Sixth Ave. Insurance will be billed for the cost of attending. For reservations, call the Diabetes Learning Center at (785) 368-0416.

Cancer Support Group Meets Mondays at 11 a.m. to noon in the library of the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Caregivers Group (Loved Ones Partnering for Support) Meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in the library of the StormontVail Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Cancer Center Pet Meet and Greet Wednesdays at 10 to 11 a.m. in the lobby of the StormontVail Cancer Center, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group Affiliated with SPOHNC (Support for People with Head and Neck Cancer). Meets the second Wednesday of the month, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center library, 1414 S.W. 8th Ave. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Parents Partnering for Support Support group for parents with children with a diagnosis of cancer. Fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.

For location and information, call Leigh Ann at (785) 270-4905.

Tai Chi for Patients and Families of the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center Tai Chi Easy offers physical and mental benefits no matter what your age or physical limitations. Tuesdays at the Stormont-Vail Cancer Center (3:30 p.m. hard, and 4:30 p.m. easy). For more information, call 1-800-354-0091.

Look Good Feel Better Educational Program Program is offered at the Cotton-O’Neil Cancer Center on a regular basis. For more information, call 1-800-354-0091 or the American Cancer Society at (785) 273-4462.

Stroke Support Group at KRH A stroke support group is now meeting the first Friday of each month at the Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital.

Meetings are 4 to 5 p.m. in the West Dining Hall, first floor. The support group is for patients and families of those who have suffered a stroke. For more information or to RSVP, call Randy Williams at (785) 235-6600, Ext. 553.

FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAMS To register for Family Education classes, call Health Connections at (785) 354-5225.

And Baby Makes Four or More (for children 5 and older) 6:30 to 8 p.m. • Wednesdays, March 12, April 16 and May 14 • Pozez Education Center $10 per family • Lori Hamilton, occupational therapist This class for potential siblings and their parents includes a tour of The Birthplace, a video presentation and a discussion of what to expect after the baby comes. The special roles of big brother and big sister are explored. Parents are able to address how they can help their older child adjust to the new baby.

And Baby Makes Four or More (for children ages 2 to 4) 6:30 to 8 p.m. • Wednesdays, March 5, April 9 and May 7 Pozez Education Center • $10 per family • Lori Hamilton, occupational therapist

CALENDAR This sibling preparation class includes a tour of The Birthplace and provides structured activities to help young children verbalize their concerns and expectations about when “the new baby come.” This class is for young children who will soon be big brothers and big sisters and their parents.

From Girl to Woman Saturdays, March 8, April 12 and May 10 • 9 a.m. to noon Pozez Education Center • $25 mother/daughter couple Course pre-registration required.

The time in a girl’s life between ages 8 and 12 is one of dramatic physical and emotional changes. This program for girls and their mothers, will address menstruation and other physical changes of puberty, the emotional upheaval of adolescence, and communication techniques for mothers and daughters.

From Boy to Man Saturdays, March 8 and April 12 • 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Pozez Education Center • $25/family • Course pre-registration required.

When we think of puberty and its changes, we usually think of girls and the transition they make, but boys experience puberty, too. While usually starting later than girls, the time in a boy’s life between the ages of 10 and 13 is filled with many physical and emotional changes. These changes are exciting, but often puzzling, sometimes embarrassing, and usually challenging to a young adolescent. Join us for a discussion that will focus on the physiological changes of puberty, the developmental tasks of early adolescence and ways to improve communication between boys and their parents. This class features time for boys and parents together but also time for separate facilitated discussion.

PARENTING PROGRAMS To register for Parenting classes, call Health Connections at (785) 354-5225.

Welcome Baby Sunday, March 2 and April 27 • 2 to 5 p.m. • Pozez Education Center • $15 per family This three-hour class will consist of updated information for the whole family. Such topics include; an overview of pregnancy with strategies to deal with common discomforts, intro to labor and birth, what to expect, choices and options during labor and delivery. In addition, baby care, including car seat information, a gift bag and community resources will be provided. Finally, adjustment to parenthood and grandparenthood will also be covered in this class. Mothers are welcome to bring their support person, family or a friend who provides support during their pregnancy and beyond.

Childbirth Preparation I: For New Parents Please visit us online at www.stormontvail.org for class dates and times • Pozez Education Center • Weekday evening and weekend classes available • $60 (payable at the first class) Learn breathing and relaxation skills plus information is provided on other pain control measures. Included is information on late pregnancy, labor and birth, early parenting experience and a tour of The Birthplace. Classes are taught by experienced

instructors and are tailored to the adult learner with plenty of opportunity for individuals and couples to explore their own personal needs. Dress comfortably and bring two pillows. eLearning Online Childbirth Education Program eLearning Online Childbirth Education Program is an alternative for those parents who cannot attend conventional prenatal classes due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time constraints.

It is an interactive web-based program that includes animated illustrations, videos and voice-overs. It can be viewed on a PC or Mac. High speed Internet is advised, but dial-up will work; it will take longer to download.

Upon registration, we will send you a code to access the class. Once you log in with the code issued, you have six weeks to complete the information at your own pace.

The fee also includes a tour of the Birthplace. Visit us at www.stormontvail.org to register.

Childbirth Preparation I: For Parents Having Cesarean Sections Please visit us online at www.stormontvail.org for class dates and times • $30 (payable at the first class) Whether this is your first cesarean section or you are having a repeat cesarean section, your delivery is an event we would like to help you prepare for. You will find out what to expect from admission to dismissal. We will watch films, show slides, have open discussion, practice breathing and relaxation techniques, and tour The Birthplace.

Childbirth Preparation I: For Teens or Young Adults Please visit us online at www.stormontvail.org for class dates and times • Free • (certain restrictions apply) Classes are designed for teens, young adults and their support people. Included are discussions about pregnancy, labor and parenting, as well as explore ways to cope and deal with labor.

Information to assist new parents to care for and enrich their baby’s early years is provided. A tour of The Birthplace is included. The class series lasts five weeks. Dress comfortably.

Birthing with Confidence Please visit us online at www.stormontvail.org for class dates and times • Pozez Education Center • Weekday evening and weekend classes available • $60 (payable at the first class) This class is designed for woman and their support person who would like an in depth exploration of alternative ways to deal with the pain of labor besides epidurals and IV pain medications.

The instructors, who have many years of experience with laboring women will help the participants to be aware of their strengths and abilities to cope with the process of labor and the strategies that are effective for pain control. There will be opportunities to examine potential barriers to reaching individual goals and methods to overcome those barriers in order to achieve their unique goals. This class series is interactive and uses videos, games and more to prepare you and help you understand that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process.

Breastfeeding Basics First Monday of each month (except for holidays) • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. • March 3, April 7 and May 5 • Pozez Education Center • $10

This informal introduction to breastfeeding provides pregnant women and their families an opportunity to learn all they need to know about breastfeeding before their babies are born. Classes are designed to help families prepare for their breastfeeding experience by providing information on how breastfeeding works, how to get started, problems that may arise and how to incorporate breastfeeding and working.

Pumping for your Baby First and third Tuesdays • 1 p.m. • Breastfeeding Clinic, Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center • Free Designed for women planning to work outside of the home or for those who are breastfeeding but want the flexibility to be away from their baby. This class is designed for mothers who have delivered. Mothers who are at least 2-3 weeks postpartum would benefit most from this class. We will provide information and options for expressing milk from the breast. We’ll address breast pumps and how to choose one, pumping techniques, milk storage and maintaining adequate milk production. For the mom working outside of the home, we also will explore issues of time management, negotiating with employers and relationships with co-workers. We’ll also discuss the very important role childcare providers play in breastfeeding success and methods of feeding breast milk to infants. Babies welcome, pre-registration not required.

Join Us: Welcome Baby Jubilee Stormont-Vail invites pregnant and soon-to-be pregnant couples to open houses that showcase the services and amenities that the Birthplace and the Neonatal IntensiveCare (NIC) provide women and their families during the labor and delivery process.

Refreshments, tours, door prizes and information on Birthplace services and classes are provided. Physicians and other staff will be on hand to answer your questions about pregnancy and infant care. Vendors and other community resource representatives will be present.

Pregnant and soon-to-be pregnant couples are welcome to drop by anytime during the open house. Enter for a chance to win $250 gift card to Babies R Us or Medela Breast Pump. Visit stormontvail.org for details. To attend the Jubilee, e-mail us at marketing@stormontvail.org or click “I’m Attending” on the Stormont-Vail HealthCare Facebook event page. Please park in the parking garage.

Mark Your Calendar for the Welcome Baby Jubilee: Please join us from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at Pozez Education Center – 1505 S.W. 8th Ave. (Stormont-Vail’s main campus). Please park in the parking garage.

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CALENDAR

HealthWise 55 Programs for March, April and May 2014

HealthWise 55 is an organization sponsored by Stormont-Vail HealthCare for those 55 years of age and older who want to stay current on health information and health resources. Membership is free. For information about joining HealthWise 55, a packet of exercise information and reservations for Senior Suppers, Lunch Bunch and coffees, call Health Connections at Stormont-Vail at (785) 354-5225. For clinic information and appointments, call (785) 354-6787.

Senior Supper Information: Reservations Call (785) 354-5225. Name, number of persons attending and a telephone number will be needed when making your reservation. To help us have a more accurate count for meals, please call for reservations as well as cancellations by the Friday before each program. We understand this is not always possible. Thank you for your consideration. Parking - There is an alternative to parking in the Stormont-Vail parking garage for those attending Senior Suppers. Aldersgate Village and Brewster Place offer transportation from the parking lot of Grace Episcopal Cathedral (west side of parking area) to Pozez Education Center and back again. The bus will be at the parking lot at 4:45 p.m. and leave at 5 p.m. Let Health Connections know you will need a ride when you make a reservation for Senior Suppers.

Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease Lunch Bunch • Thornton Place • Monday, March 3 11:45 a.m. presentation with lunch to follow • Nancy Kathrens, RN and Sally Fankhauser, RN, Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Osteoporosis: A Disease of Men and Women Koffee Klatch • Aldersgate Village • Thursday, • March 6 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. • Lynne Dryer, MSN, APRN, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Healthy Eyes: Necessary for Balance Senior Supper • Pozez Education Center • Tuesday, March 11 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. • Babak Marefat, M.D., Ophthalmologist, Cotton-O’Neil Clinic • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Spring 2014 Vol. 11, No. 2 Healthy Times is a local, community newsletter providing information on health care concerns, issues and interests for you and those you love. Published quarterly by Stormont-Vail HealthCare, 1500 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604-1353, www.stormontvail.org

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Recognizing a Heart Attack and Seeking Treatment Dessert and Coffee • Drury Place • Wednesday, March 12 2 - 3 p.m. • Amber Judd, RN, Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease Lunch Bunch • Presbyterian Manor • Thursday, March 13 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • Nancy Kathrens, RN, Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

What is Atrial Fib? Dessert and Coffee • Lexington Park Independent Living Monday, March 17 • 2 – 3 p.m. • Carol Bragdon, MSN, PhD, APRN, CSN-BC, AACC, Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center • Free Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

What is Atrial Fib? Lunch Bunch • Brewster Place • Tuesday, March 18 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • Carol Bragdon, MSN, PhD, APRN, CSN-BC, AACC, Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center • $5 Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease Koffee Klatch • First Apartments • Monday, March 24 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. • Rochelle Thompson, APRN, Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease Dessert and Coffee • McCrites Independent Living Tuesday, March 25 • 2 - 3 p.m. • Sally Fankhauser, RN, CottonO’Neil Heart Center • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Osteoporosis: A Disease of Men and Women Dessert and Coffee • Atria Hearthstone • Wednesday, March 26 2 - 3 p.m. • Lynne Dryer, MSN, APRN, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Getting Ready for Medicare Pozez Education Center • Monday, March 31 5:30 – 7 p.m. • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

See sidebar for details, page 15.

“Thanks for the Memories” Koffee Klatch • Aldersgate Village • Thursday, April 3 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. • Connie Wood, RN, HealthWise 55 Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms and Treatment Senior Supper • Pozez Education Center • (NOTE DATE) Monday, April 7 • 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. • Alap Shah, M.D., Cardiologist, Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center • $5 Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

“Thanks for the Memories” Dessert and Coffee • Drury Place • Wednesday, April 9 • 2 – 3 p.m. • Connie Wood, RN, HealthWise 55 Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

“Thanks for the Memories” Lunch Bunch • Presbyterian Manor • Thursday, April 10 • 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. • Connie Wood, RN, HealthWise 55 • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

“Thanks for the Memories” Dessert and Coffee • Lexington Park Independent Living Monday, April 14 • 2 - 3 p.m. • Connie Wood, RN, HealthWise 55 • Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

“Thanks for the Memories” Lunch Bunch • Brewster Place Main Building Tuesday, April 15 • 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. • Connie Wood, RN, HealthWise 55 • $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

“Thanks for the Memories” Dessert and Coffee • McCrites Independent Living • Tuesday, April 22 • 2 – 3 p.m. • Connie Wood, RN, HealthWise 55 Free • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Design: jones huyett Partners

Editor: Anita Miller Fry Advisers/Contributors: Melissa Moore, R.D., L.D. Nancy Burkhardt Tami Motley Carol L. Wheeler, RN, BSN, FACHE

Yvonne Etzel Linda Ruiz Connie Wood, RN Lenora Kinzie, MLS

To receive your free subscription to Healthy Times, call (785) 354-5225.

CALENDAR

“Thanks for the Memories” Koffee Klatch • First Apartments • Monday, April 28 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. • Connie Wood, RN, HealthWise 55 $5 • Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

May is OLDER AMERICANS MONTH. Come celebrate with us Brunch and Thai Chi at Gage Park and Topeka Zoo Tuesday, May 6 • 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. • Thai Chi 9 – 10:30 a.m. • Breakfast • Join us for Thai Chi at the zoo led by Mae Lovell, RN, Thai Chi instructor followed by breakfast at the Big Gage Lodge located right outside of the zoo. Please park in the zoo parking lot. • Breakfast and Tai Chi are free • HealthWise 55 members can also enjoy entrance to the zoo that day for $4.25. • Sponsored by Topeka Presbyterian Manor • Reservations for one or both activities: (785) 354-5225.

“Thanks for the Memories” Senior Supper • Pozez Education Center • Tuesday, May 13 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. • Connie Wood, RN, HealthWise 55 • $5 Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

CarFit Checks Wednesday, May 21 • from 9 a.m. to Noon Quick Lane Tire and Auto, 1136 SW Wanamaker A review of driver comfort and safety will be made. Items such as car mirrors, headlights, and seat and head comfort will be checked.

Recommendations may be made but no changes will be made to your car. The CareFit checks take approximately 20 minutes. • Free Reservations: (785) 354-5225.

Sponsored by AAA Travel and Insurance, AARP and Stormont-Vail Rehabilitation Services.

Getting Ready for Medicare Do you understand Medicare and all the issues involved with Medicare A, B and D, the prescription drug coverage? Do you know you may need Supplemental Insurance also? Come listen, and ask questions during this presentation.

Where: Pozez Education Center When: Monday, March 31 • 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Reservations: (785) 354-5225 Seating Limited Drinks and snack served Presenters are: Pam Brown, SHICK Education and Outreach Specialist, Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services, Mary Hume, RN, SHICK Insurance Counselor, HealthWise 55.

AARP DRIVING PROGRAMS AARP Smart Driver Course • Tuesday and Wednesday, March 25 and 26, Thursday and Friday, May 22 and 23 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Pozez Education Center • (NEW PRICES) $15 per person for AARP members, $20 per person for non-members of AARP • (Must bring your AARP membership card at time of registration. Bring your HealthWise 55 membership card for a discount in the Food Connection if you plan to eat lunch at Stormont-Vail) • Registration: (785) 354-5225.

HEALTHWISE 55 EXERCISE Exercise Programs Available to HealthWise 55 Members Call Health Connections at (785) 354-5225 to have a packet of information mailed to you regarding these exercise programs.

• HealthWise 55 exercise group meets in the Pozez Education Center every Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

Included in the schedule: chair aerobics, strength training, balance and flexibility. Cost is $25 for 20 times.

• YMCA Exercise Programs with special rates for HealthWise 55 members.

• Great Life Golf and Fitness with special rates for HealthWise 55 members. The YWCA and many other locations are managed by Great Life. A list of locations is included in the packet.

• Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital offers aquatic exercises classes, Wavemakers and Tai Chi • Healthy Steps: A walking program sponsored by StormontVail HealthCare and West Ridge Mall.

HEALTHWISE 55 LINE-UP ON TV The following HealthWise 55 television programs are available on WIBW-TV, Channel 13.

HealthWise After 55 “HealthWise After 55” airs from 9 to 9:30 a.m. the first and third Fridays of each month. It offers interviews on health topics of interest to seniors as well as the 20-minute exercise segment.

Sponsors are AAA Travel and Insurance, and Aldersgate Village for Family Caregivers “for Family Caregivers” airs the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The show highlights information for people who are providing caregiving services to loved ones and a 20-minute exercise segment for caregivers and their loved one.

Sponsors are Brewster Place, Caregivers Home Health Care and Jayhawk Patient Supply.

The Exercise Programs are sponsored by Topeka Ear, Nose and Throat.

HEALTHWISE 55 CLINICS The Health Wise 55 Resource Center hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The office is located at 2252 S.W. 10th Ave. #B, Topeka, Kan. For appointments and information on clinical services, please call (785) 354-6787.

Blood Pressure Clinics • Free • No appointment necessary • Call (785) 354-6787 for more information. Walk-ins are welcome at the following locations: • • • • • •

Every Tuesday • 10 a.m. to noon • HealthWise 55 Resource Center, 2252 S.W. 10th Ave. #B First Tuesday • 9 to 10:30 a.m. • West Ridge Mall (Food Court, Restroom Entrance), 1801 S.W. Wanamaker Rd. Second Thursday • 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. • Southwest YMCA, 3635 S.W. Chelsea Third Thursday • 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. • Oakland Community Center, 801 N.E. Poplar Third Thursday • 9 to 10 a.m. • Rose Hill Place, 37th and Gage Fourth Thursday • 9 to 10:30 a.m. • Kuehne Branch (North) YMCA, 1936 N. Tyler St.

SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansans) Counseling • For questions and assistance with Medicare, Supplemental, Long Term Care Insurance or the Medicare Prescription Drug Program • HealthWise 55 Resource Center • Free • Call (785) 354-6787 for times and appointment.

Medication Clinics • Every Wednesday • Bring questions to our trained pharmacy staff regarding your medications (prescriptions or over-the-counter) • 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

HealthWise 55 Resource Center • Free • Call (785) 354-6787 for an appointment.

Nutrition Clinics • Wednesdays, March 19, April 16 and May 21 • Discuss your nutrition questions with our trained dietician staff • 10:30 a.m. to noon • HealthWise 55 Resource Center • Free Call (785) 354-6787 for an appointment.

Zostavax Clinics • Every Tuesday and Thursday.

Ask your primary care doctor if you are a candidate for the shingles vaccine. (Prescription required.)

8 a.m. to noon • HealthWise 55 Resource Center Call (785) 354-6787 for an appointment.

Information and Referral • Assistance to help connect you with resources in the community • FREE HeathWise 55 Resource Center • Call (785) 354-5525 for assistance.

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MEDICAL NEWS

Patient Safety Enhanced by Bar-Code System To improve patient safety and curb

“The bar-code medication potential medication errors, Stormont-Vail administration system is one example We have had an increased HealthCare has implemented a bar-code of patient safety initiatives that focus on patient safety in many medication administration system. are underway at Stormont-Vail,” The technology-supported nursing said Jennifer Dunham, PharmD, areas, and this one is a great practice utilizes electronic scanning of Medication Safety Coordinator, Clinical leap forward in preventing patient and medication identifier codes Performance Improvement. “We have medication errors through use that are transmitted to a database. The had an increased focus on patient patient information is contained on a bar safety in many areas, and this one of bar-code technology. code on the patient's wristband. Nurses is a great leap forward in preventing access this information at the patient’s medication errors through use of bedside using a scanner and a computer bar-code technology.” linked to the electronic health record. If there are any potential According to the Journal of Nursing Administration, risks problems or errors, an alert occurs prior to the medication associated with medication therapy are increasing as the number administration, preventing any error. of medications being administered increases with the aging The new system supports and cuts down time of manual population and the number of patients who have multiple identification and documentation of medication administration. health issues.

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– Anita Fry