So your doctor has told you that you have the lung disease, C.O.P.D. (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). You’ve been told this condition will last the rest of your life and that it is a leading cause of death. What a sad moment! It’s not surprising that a person receiving that news would be sad. Thoughts of oxygen tanks and the loss of mobility would come to mind. The diagnosis would be disappointing but not totally unexpected because the symptoms of the disease have grown progressively worse over time due to smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke or chemical fumes.
It would be easy to succumb to sadness and to withdraw from life. There is an alternative! For the person who is determined to live their life to the fullest, there are ways to increase your strength and stamina and techniques that can help you breathe more comfortably. For many, pulmonary rehabilitation can make the difference between looking out at life and being involved in life. You can take action to improve your life. No one can do that for you.
The Benton County Health Department is offering a FREE class about pulmonary rehabilitation Thursday, November 20th, 10:00 AM in their office at 1238 Commercial Street, Warsaw. Guest speaker, Megan Cunningham, Director of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at the Golden Valley Memorial Health Center in Warsaw, will explain what patients experience when they work through the rehabilitation program and she will describe the results she’s seen in the patients she’s worked with.
Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare Radiology department and Golden Valley Medical-Clinton competed in a friendly competition to see which department could collect the most food items for the Samaritan Center. Radiology collected cans of soup and Golden Valley Medical-Clinton collected boxes of Corn Muffin mix. Pictured with 1000 boxes of Corn Muffin mix are some of the staff of Golden Valley Medical-Clinton. Congratulations to both departments for a job well done.
More than 11 million Americans receive home-delivered health care from home health care providers. In their honor, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare Home Services joins the National Association for Home Care & Hospice in celebrating November as National Home Care Month under the theme, “Preserving Health Independence and Freedom.”
"Caring for the sick and elderly in their homes truly is a privilege for us," said, Cheryl Foster, Director of GVMH Home Services. "Home care professionals and modern medicine make it possible for people to stay in their homes, regardless of their condition."
It was recently announced this year that Alzheimer’s disease is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, it is estimated that more than 72,900 Americans died of Alzheimer’s disease in 2006. And with an enormous population shift of 78 million aging baby boomers in the United States, Alzheimer’s disease is predicted to strike 10 million of these boomers — more than 12 percent of that population. With these shocking statistics, it is appropriate to bring attention to this escalating epidemic and designating November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month does just that.
A large group turned out at GVMH Medical Plaza to hear Dr. Richard Woodland, ENT present the program, Sinusitis: An Overview. Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare would like to thank. Dr. Richard Woodland for his commitment to educating the community.
It seems that some people in the area didn't realize that Golden Valley Memorial Hospital delivered babies. Odd, but true. To counter this, they decided to hold a little event so that people could find out about it. There where several booths, cookies, and prizes (baby items, of course). There were nurses and doctors to talk to and informational things everywhere. Since it was at Halloween, they also had the babies come in costume. They fell in love with a baby dressed as Minnie Mouse, but all the babies were cute- like this little guy dressed as a penguin.
Donations are “music to the ears” of staff and volunteers of the Benton County Hospice. They hope the donations will keep the music playing strongly through December 10th when their fundraising raffle takes place. To support the work of Benton County Hospice that serves over 80% of the hospice clients of Benton County, go to the Benton County Health Department and purchase tickets for the drawing to be held December 10th. Prizes include a toolbox from Waterloo Industries, a Stihl brand Leafblower from Wright’s Lawn Equipment and a beautiful quilt made by Judy Harms & Carol Brewster in memory of their husbands and quilted by Lee and Audrey Compton.
This fall’s fundraising campaign began with the 10th Annual Benefit Music Show presented in memory of William C. “Bill” Hayes. Jim Hayes and his “Country Music at the Lake” Band and special guests brought the great music and fun. An audience of regular hospice supporters brought the “music of donation” to the tune of $3,670. That generous support will help insure that neighbors and friends receive hospice care.
The Health Department reports that the supply of flu vaccine is up to normal after a few years of scarcity. Despite a warm fall, winter is around the corner and with the cold temperatures comes the seasonal increase in cases of flu. To be prepared, you need to have your flu shot soon. It takes approximately 3 weeks for your body to build up your immunity as a positive reaction to the shot. Appointments are not needed. The best time to come to their office for a shot is 9:00-11:30 and 1:30-4:00 Monday-Friday. Bring your Medicare or Medicaid card with you to the Health Department at 1238 Commercial Street, Warsaw. No doctor’s order is required for the flu shot.
The Center for Disease Control recommends the flu shot for persons 6 months and older who want to reduce their risk of having the flu this season. Individuals who are especially encouraged to have the vaccination are:
Pneumonia shots are available with a doctor’s order.
As I continue to teach a state-mandated co-parenting class, Focus on Kids, to divorcing parents, I often leave the class feeling discouraged about relationships, concerned about childrens’ futures, and negative about society in general. So many parents are living in chaos and conflict, some are dealing with poor choices and others struggle to make sense of their lives. Most parents attending the classes agree, they didn’t ever expect to be getting a divorce.
Last year 28,000 individuals in our area needed a blood transfusion. This year, the local needs for blood are expected to rise. Community Blood Center, the provider of blood services to local hospitals, will be conducting a blood drive on Thursday, October 30 at Sac-Osage Hospital in the Outpatient Department to help the local hospital patients in our area that depend on life saving blood donations.
“When individuals normally think of essential community services, they think about the fire and police departments,” said Dr. Jay Menitove, Executive Director and Medical Director with Community Blood Center. “However, because Community Blood center is here to meet the needs of local patients, we would hope that individuals in our community would consider us to be just as essential.”
Individuals in Osceola can help meet the local needs by donating blood at the Community Blood Center blood drive on Thursday, October 30 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sac-Osage Hospital Outpatient Department. To make an appointment you can go online to www.esavealifenow.org and use Sponsor Code sacosagehspt. You may also contact Joani Boleyn at (417) 646-5043. Just one donation can help as many as two local hospital patients. Community Blood Center must collect at least 580 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of our area.
As the nation marks the annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Cancer Society is encouraging women to fight breast cancer by taking charge of their personal breast health and supporting efforts against the disease. The Society is reminding women 40 and older about the importance of getting a mammogram annually to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. An estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. in 2008, and about 40,480 deaths are expected.
Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare (GVMH) will join healthcare facilities nationwide in honoring and thanking respiratory care professionals for their contributions during National Respiratory Care Week, Oct. 19- 25.
A wide range of conditions and diseases affect the respiratory system, including asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, sleep apnea, and lung cancer. To correctly diagnose and treat lung problems, patients may have to undergo certain medical tests that can be performed in a doctor's office or may require a visit to the hospital.
Sinusitis is quite common. It feels much like a head cold, with a stuffy or runny nose and a headache. It affects all age groups and while any healthy person can develop sinusitis, certain groups are more prone to it than others. Mild cases of sinusitis may go away without medical intervention, but left untreated can become serious. Join Dr. Richard Woodland, ENT on October 20 at 12:00 noon in the GVMH Medical Plaza classroom for his presentation, Sinusitis: An Overview. During this free program you will learn about the latest in treatment of Sinusitis. You may bring your lunch.
For more information, call 890-8451.
Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare invites you to attend the Second Annual Baby Shower on Thursday, October 28th from 3-7 p.m. in the GVMH Medical Plaza Classroom. The baby shower is for new parents, expectant parents, and individuals planning a pregnancy. Informational booths are provided to help parents know what to expect before, during and after the birth of a baby.
New parents and those who are planning to become parents may enter the Grand Prize, “Baby on the Go” drawing which includes play pen, car seat, diaper bag with contents, and much more. There will be a separate drawing for other guests who attend. Bring your baby in costume, and they will be entered into a drawing of their own and receive a complimentary photo.
Come by at your convenience between the hours of 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. You need not be present to win any of the drawings. For more information about the Baby Shower, call 890-8451.
It will be an Evening to Remember, as the GVMH Foundation presents its black-tie optional fundraising dinner November 15, 2008.
General tickets for the Foundation’s “An Evening to Remember,” to be held at the Clinton Benson Center, go on sale Monday, October 6, 2008. Community members were invited to become host tables during August and September. 35 hosts/hostesses have elected to purchase a table for 8, and are now inviting guests to fill those tables. Seats at an additional 10 tables will be available beginning Oct. 6 at $125 each or a full table for $1,000. Community members are encouraged to get a group together now, and purchase tickets to this fun event!
In memory of Larry Orfield, family members presented a donation to Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare (GVMH) Wound & Skin Care Clinic. Wife Linda, and daughters Chrissy and Amy, presented the donation on September 28 in remembrance of Larry’s birthday.
Larry passed away in October 2007. To show appreciation for the ostomy care he received from the Clinic and to honor Larry, the family and friends raised $1077 dollars to present to GVMH on his birthday. Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse Jettie Bailey accepted the donation on behalf of GVMH and the Wound & Skin Care Clinic. The donation will be utilized for the needs of other ostomy patients. To date, the total amount donated in the name of Larry Orfield is $1577. GVMH and the Wound & Skin Care Clinic would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Linda Orfield and family for the generous contribution.
Photo: The family of Larry Orfield, pictured L to R is Dennis and Amy Setzer and their children, Dylan (back) and Cameron (front); Linda Orfield, Jettie Bailey RN, Chrissy and Cory Schmidt with their children, Corbin (back) and Courtney (front).
Our fall 2008 Breathe Free Stop Smoking Program has been moved to Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. We’ll be located at the Golden Valley Adventist Church seminar room at 2000 N. Community Dr. just two doors north of the hospital in Clinton.
The Benton County Health Department has announced their schedule for flu shot clinics throughout the county. Appointments are not needed.
The Health Department has received a supply of vaccine and does not expect a shortage this year. If you are unable to attend the clinics, you may have an immunization at the Warsaw office from 9-12 and 1-4 Monday through Friday.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that anyone over 6 months of age who wants to reduce their chance of getting the flu can be vaccinated. They indicate that individuals in these groups should make a special effort to be vaccinated:
According to the CDC, “(Each year) the flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.
The 2008-09 influenza vaccine can protect you from getting sick from these three viruses, and it can make your illness milder if you get a related but different strain of flu virus.”
One of the enduring traditions of fall is returning to the stage of the Warsaw Community Building Saturday, October 11th. The benefit for the Benton County Hospice begins at 8PM that evening. Jim Hayes’s “Country Music at the Lake” Band will please the crowd with favorite tunes. Jim will keep the laughs coming and is sure to pick a mean banjo. Local special guests include Bob Smith, Joe Scroggins, Jerry Eldridge, Darlene Hayes, Johnny Spaugh and Peggy Scoggins.
The Benton County Health Department is sponsoring the Ellis Fischel Mobil Mammogram Screening Van in Warsaw on Tuesday, October 28th. Appointments for these clinics must be made no later than Friday, October 10th. To make an appointment, call the Benton County Health Department in Warsaw at 660-438-2876 from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday.
It is recommended that women without symptoms ages 35 through 39 have a mammogram to establish a baseline. A doctor’s order is needed for women in this age group to use the services of the mobile van. Women without symptoms age 40 and older are encouraged to have a mammogram annually and do not need a doctor’s order to utilize the mobile van.
Women who are at a higher risk due to a family history of breast cancer should work closely with their physician to determine the appropriate screening schedule.
Patients who should have a mammogram at a clinic rather than in the mobile van include: women who have had a mammogram before age 40; women who are currently being treated for breast cancer or require diagnostic follow-up, including a 6-month mammography follow-up; and patients with breast implants.
Ellis Fischel will directly bill the cost of $204.00 to Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or the client. There is no co-pay charged. Women 50 and older with low income may qualify for free or reduced fees. Contact the Mobile Mammography Unit at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center for information at 573-882-8511.
Golden Valley Medical-Warsaw is excited to announce, a brand new service that will begin in October. The Walk-In Clinic will be available for patients over the age of 2 years old.
The Walk-In Clinic, staffed by a Family Nurse Practitioner is designed for prompt care when you experience a minor illness or injury. Appointments are not necessary. All patients will “walk-in” for caring and professional services with less waiting time. The walk-in clinic should not replace a primary care physician but is convenient when one’s physician is not available.
The walk-in clinic is not limited to but will see patients for the followings: pinkeye, ear infections, colds, bronchitis/Respiratory illness, sore throat, sinus infections, bladder infections, swimmer’s ear, flu symptoms, stomach disorders such as constipation and diarrhea, and skin conditions. Other services include sports physicals, flu shots, sprains and strains, pregnancy tests and Ear wash.
The walk-in clinic is not able to provide the following services: Narcotic prescriptions, routine medication refills, chronic pain appointments, dental appointments, neck or back (spinal) injuries or work comp, routine wellness exams (PAP, etc.), chest pain or other possible life threatening conditions, mental health (anxiety, depression), and obstetric visits.
For more information about our Golden Valley Medical-Warsaw Walk-In clinic, call 890-5193.The Benton County Health Department has announced their schedule for flu shot clinics throughout the county. Appointments are not needed.
Friday, Oct 3—Warsaw Flu Clinic 9 AM-3 PM Health Dept Office 1238 Commercial Street
Friday, Oct 10—Lincoln Flu Clinic 9 AM-12 Noon Senior Housing
Friday, Oct 17—Cole Camp Flu Clinic 9AM-12 Noon Health Dept Office Junction of Hwy B and Hwy 52
The Benton County Health Department, in conjunction with the local Taskforce Against Childhood Obesity, recently provided alarming information to county, school, workplace and medical organizations. Age and gender-specific height-weight test results from the Warsaw R-9 School District show that 25% of students are clinically obese and an additional 16% are at risk for obesity. This testing included 1,258 students grades K-12. These results provide a baseline. If testing is continued in subsequent years, the community will be able to tell if progress is being made to lower our rates of childhood obesity.
Medical facilities throughout Benton County are on the move toward improvement and increased services. The tax-supported Benton County Health Department is part of that movement. September 2nd they moved into a larger building located at 1238 Commercial Street in Warsaw next door to their previous location. The new facility has 9,000 square feet, about 50% more than their older building, and allows their services to be offered on one level.
The public is invited to tour the building during their Open House scheduled for Friday, September 26, 3:00-6:00 PM.
Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare is pleased to announce that Family Nurse Practitioners Patty Kinkead and Stephanie Pfautz are now seeing patients. Patty is seeing patients at Golden Valley Medical-Warsaw, located at 1771 Commercial Street. Stephanie is seeing patients at Golden Valley Medical-Windsor at 100 S. Tebo.
Sac-Osage Hospital will be participating in the Osceola School Health Fair on September 16th and the Lakeland School Health Fair on September 17th.
The staff of Sac-Osage Hospital will provide services including height, weight, and blood pressure checks. As always, there will be goodies handed out. Some of the goodies include coloring books for younger children and information on careers in healthcare for younger adults.
Sac-Osage Hospital will also provide an ambulance for kids to see and ask questions about. For more information please contact Joani Boleyn or Marti Hart at 417-646-8181.
The Benton County Health Department is sponsoring the Ellis Fischel Mobil Mammogram Screening Van in Warsaw on Tuesday, October 28th. Appointments for these clinics must be made no later than Friday, October 10th. To make an appointment, call the Benton County Health Department in Warsaw at 660-438-2876 from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday.
It is recommended that women without symptoms ages 35 through 39 have a mammogram to establish a baseline. A doctor’s order is needed for women in this age group to use the services of the mobile van. Women without symptoms age 40 and older are encouraged to have a mammogram annually and do not need a doctor’s order to utilize the mobile van.
Women who are at a higher risk due to a family history of breast cancer should work closely with their physician to determine the appropriate screening schedule.
Patients who should have a mammogram at a clinic rather than in the mobile van include: women who have had a mammogram before age 40; women who are currently being treated for breast cancer or require diagnostic follow-up, including a 6-month mammography follow-up; and patients with breast implants.
Ellis Fischel will directly bill the cost of $204.00 to Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or the client. There is no co-pay charged. Women 50 and older with low income may qualify for free or reduced fees. Contact the Mobile Mammography Unit at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center for information at 573-882-8511.
The St. Clair County Health Center (Osceola, MO) will be scheduling flu and pneumonia shots for October 2ND and 9TH.. These shots will be given by appointment only.
The flu shot fee is $30.00 and the Pneumonia shot fee is $40.00
To schedule an appointment, please call Stacy or Judy at (417) 646-8332.
You may have heard about the threat of a flu pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading health experts say it is not a question of IF a pandemic will occur, but WHEN it will occur.
What health topic is important to you and to the members of your club or group? Do you want to learn about prevention of illness or do you want to learn more about a particular condition? Do you need information about the services offered by our county sanitation department, about our public health services, hospice, home health or in-home services? Tell us your interest and we’ll be glad to present a program with that health-related theme? Each group has unique needs for health information.
The Benton County Health Department also has brochures available to the public on many health topics. The Benton County Health Department’s website offers helpful information at http://benton.lphamo.org (no www). To explore the health-related information available from the Missouri State Dept. of Health and Senior Services go to www.dhss.mo.gov.
Contact Cynthia Bolinger at the Benton County Health Department, 660-438-2876 Ext 232, to coordinate a program that will meet the needs of your group.
Missouri ranks just above the National average when looking at the percentage of deaths per capita that occur from fire related causes. In 2005 12.3% of deaths in America were fire related 12.6% here in Missouri. The 2005 data shows that fire killed more people that year than any other nature disaster, which is almost unbelievable considering that hurricane Katrina hit that same year. A recent e-mail from a friend made me aware that fire safety is something that I personally take for granted. We hear about hurricanes, tornados, and large natural disasters, but sometimes forgot that the little fires add up, injuring and/ or killing over 20,000 people per year.
By Susan Mills-Gray
Nutrition /HealthSpecialist
Media ads show smiling women bragging how their yogurt has improved “their intestinal transit time” and “digestive health”, what’s the fuss over products claiming to “keep you regular”?. It’s amazing, gut health is now a topic for polite conversation!
Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare Outpatient surgery now offers a playroom for children waiting for surgery. The room offers a distraction for young children who are waiting for surgical procedures. Pictured using the playroom is three year old, Blake Tanner, son of Tiffany Wilson of Centerview, Mo.
Breathe-Free is a smoking cessation program that has helped 20 million people quit smoking. This program helps participants avoid failure, stop urges, manage stress, manage weight, along with giving guidance and support. Orientation is Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the GVMH Medical Plaza classroom.
You must attend the September 11 meeting to receive the needed information and to be prepared for the five-evening program. Pre-session preparation meetings are Tuesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 18. Quit Smoking sessions begin Monday, September 22 and meet every evening though Friday, September 26 and again on Tuesday, September 30. Graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7. All sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. There is no cost for the program if pre-registered. A $10 fee will be charged for those who do not pre-register, so call now. You may register by calling 660-890-8451.