Diabetes Support Group to Meet in Abilene, Kansas

Diabetes Support Group to Meet in Abilene, Kansas

The Dickinson County Diabetes Support Group will meet on Tuesday, October 4, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Hospital Conference Room B.  The group will discuss and learn about living with diabetes.

The Dickinson County Diabetes Support Group is open to anyone with diabetes and family members of those with diabetes.  The group meets the first Tuesday of each month.

The Dickinson County Diabetes Support Group is affiliated with the American Diabetes Association, Memorial Health System, and K-State Research and Extension, Dickinson County.  For more information, call Beth Helmerichs, RD, LD, Memorial Health System, 785-263-6676 or K-State Research and Extension, Dickinson County, at 785-263-2001.

Learn and Grow Depot Child Development Center is recognized as a “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care”

Learn and Grow Depot Child Development Center is recognized as a “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care”

Photo: Mason Helmerichs, Beth Helmerich (parent), Marie Malo (director),Kirstin Johnson (teacher), Anne Wright (teacher), Kristy Kohman (parent), Emmalyn Kohman.

Memorial Health System’s Learn and Grow Depot Child Development Center has received designation as a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care, from Child Care Aware® of Kansas and the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc.

The designation recognizes programs that provide a high level of support to families of breastfeeding babies enrolled in child care. There are five criteria included in the designation.

The facility:

·         creates a culturally appropriate breastfeeding-friendly environment.

·         has written policies that reflect a commitment to support breastfeeding mothers. 

·         provides educational materials and information to breastfeeding mothers and family members.

·         ensures that staff are trained in the skills needed to support and promote breastfeeding.

·         has written policies that reflect a commitment to support breastfeeding employees.

Learn and Grow Depot Director, Marie Malo said, “We want our moms to feel comfortable enough to breastfeed in our facility if they choose to. Breastfeeding provides so many benefits for growing babies, and we want them to get off to the very best start they can.”

Research shows that breastfeeding provides infants the healthiest start in life.  However, children who are routinely cared for by someone other than their parents are less likely to be breastfed.  When child care programs provide support and encouragement for breastfeeding families, it is easier for mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, thus their babies continue to receive optimal nurturing and nutrition. 

Learn and Grow Depot Child Development Center is one of the first child care programs in Kansas to receive this designation, and will receive a certificate and a window cling to market the child care as breastfeeding friendly.  In addition, the designation will be recognized in the provider profile information that is distributed to families looking for child care.

“We know that providers who are willing to work with and encourage breastfeeding moms can make huge difference for that family,” said Leadell Ediger, Executive Director of Child Care Aware® of Kansas. “Continuation of breastfeeding has long-term health benefits for both mom and baby.  We are pleased to offer this designation as a small way to recognize providers who go the extra mile for breastfeeding families.”

All child care programs in Kansas are eligible for the Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care designation.  For information on how to apply for the designation, or to inquire about how your childcare business can support breastfeeding families, contact Child Care Aware® of Kansas at 785-823-3343.

MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES PASSES SURVEY

MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES PASSES SURVEY

Photo: Memorial Hospital mammography technologists Rhonda Schmid RT (R)(M) and Kari Smith RT (R)(M) hold the FDA certificate that the department recently received. The department passed a KDHE survey in which no deficiencies were found.

Memorial Hospital’s Imaging and Radiology Department received notification from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that mammography services passed its recent survey with zero deficiencies. The survey is conducted to see that all certifications, personnel, and equipment meet standards.

The KDHE completes an annual survey on behalf of the FDA to meet the requirements for certification under the Mammography Quality Standards Act.

A few interesting facts from the US Food and Drug Administration: There are 8,737 certified facilities with 16,560 mammography units installed in the United States. There have been 39,383,721 mammography procedures reported as of September 1st, 2016. MHS completes around 1,100 mammograms per year.

Amending America: God, Guns, and Freedom to Be Discussed at Eisenhower Presidential Library

Amending America: God, Guns, and Freedom to Be Discussed at Eisenhower Presidential Library

A two-part program celebrates the Bill of Rights 225th anniversary through civic engagement.

In celebration of the Bill of Rights 225th anniversary, the National Archives is holding conversations across the nation to explore the continuing and often complicated issues of rights in our age. A two-part discussion titled "God, Guns, and Freedom" will be held at the Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center Auditorium in partnership with K-State's Center for Engagement and Community Development.

God, Guns, and Freedom seeks to facilitate discussion of these critical and often controversial amendments with two programs designed to help Kansans negotiate the meaning and consequences of these rights in 21st-century Kansas.

The first panel discussion on Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. will focus on the rights to freedom of speech and religion. The panel will be moderated by David Procter, Director of K-State's Center for Engagement and Community Development. Each panelist will provide a 15 minute presentation followed by Q&A.

Panelists include:
Courtney Fowler, Great Plains Conference Lay Leader, United Methodist Church
Thea Nietfeld, ordained Unitarian Universalist Minister
Jon Mahoney, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Kansas State University
Michelle Schroeder, President of Faith, Family, Freedom Alliance of Kansas

The second discussion, set for October 25 at 7 p.m., will focus on the second amendment and the right to bear arms in a world where gun violence is increasingly common. The issue is critical to the lives of Kansans as new open carry laws increase the presence of firearms. As a reminder, firearms are not allowed on the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus, as it is federal property.

MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM VOLUNTEER CORPS EARNS GOLD AWARD FOR 24th CONSECUTIVE YEAR

MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM VOLUNTEER CORPS EARNS GOLD AWARD FOR 24th CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Shown from left: MHS CEO (and this year’s KHA Board President), Mark Miller; MHSVC Corresponding Secretary, Linda Duncan; MHSVC Member at Large, Janice Roth; MHSVC President, Doris Chaput; HAK President, Pat Martin; HAK District 3 Coordinator, Jeannette Butler

The Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps was awarded the Gold Award of Excellence for the twenty-fourth consecutive year at the annual joint convention for Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) and Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas (HAK) in September.

The Corps must complete 17 requirements to be eligible for the award each year. The goals attained included their involvement in health-related community service programs such as contributing to a health career scholarship, volunteering to staff the MHS booth at the Central Kansas Free Fair, membership recruitment, recognizing hospital personnel, promoting National Volunteer Week, and offering a health information program to the community such as Healthwise 55.

Memorial Health System Director of Volunteer Services, Michelle McClanahan, commended the volunteers on the accomplishment.

“We are so thankful and proud of all of our volunteers,” McClanahan said. “Receiving the Gold Award for 24 consecutive years is amazing. It’s proof of the commitment they make to provide compassionate care to patients and guests every day at Memorial Health System,” McClanahan said. “Each and every volunteer has earned this Gold Award in their support of our projects and caring for others.”

According to McClanahan, there are many opportunities to volunteer for the Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps. Those who are interested in volunteering may contact Michelle at (785) 263-6692.

September is Suicide Awareness Month By: Haley Chisholm

September is Suicide Awareness Month

By: Haley Chisholm, RN, Senior Life Solutions, Program Director

As September is Suicide Awareness Month, we at Senior Life Solutions would like to share some information in getting the word out to the community. According to the American Association of Suicidology, suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring every 12.3 minutes. This is most prevalent between the ages of 15-24, but is a widespread problem for all age groups.

At Senior Life Solutions, we focus on the elderly, which make up 14.5% of the population and comprise 18% of all suicides. An estimated 4.8 million Americans are survivors of suicide of a friend, family member, or loved one. It is extremely important to know the warning signs of suicide in an attempt of prevention. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, confidential help is available free of cost by calling the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. An easy-to-remember mnemonic for the warning signs of suicide: IS PATH WARM?

I- Ideation

S- Substance Abuse

P- Purposelessness

A- Anxiety

T- Trapped

H- Hopelessness

W- Withdrawal

A- Anger

R- Recklessness

M- Mood Changes

If you know someone that is suicidal, do not leave them alone. Call for help as soon as possible. If you are a senior over the age of 65 with depression, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, difficulty sleeping, coping with loss or feelings of hopelessness, please don’t hesitate to call us at Senior Life Solutions in Abilene, 785-263-6805, to see how we could potentially help.

Fight Against Breast Cancer To Happen In Abilene For Seventh Year; 5K Is Now A Certified Course

Fight Against Breast Cancer To Happen In Abilene For Seventh Year; 5K Is Now A Certified Course

Shown above: Participants begin the 5K run prior to the 2-Mile Fun Walk at last year’s Impact the Cure.

The seventh annual Impact the Cure on October 1 will give both runners and non-runners of all ages the opportunity to celebrate life and raise funds to help fight breast cancer in Dickinson County. The Impact the Cure 5K is a certified course—USATF certification KS16006GAN. 

Impact the Cure is an annual Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run and 2-Mile Fun Walk in downtown Abilene hosted by Impact Sports and Fitness, 418 N. Broadway, Abilene. The race will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, starting at Impact Sports and Fitness and is open to people of all ages and fitness levels.  

Pre-registration is $20 and includes an Impact the Cure long sleeve t-shirt. Couch Potato fee (for those who are unable to participate but wish to support the cause) is a donation of $20 and receive a t-shirt. Interested persons may pre-register at Impact Sports and Fitness or by visiting www.impactthecure.com (click on the registration tab). Please note there is a fee of $0.75 for all online registrations.

Registration the day of the event is $25 (t-shirt not guaranteed for day-of registrations). Registration and check-in begins at 7 a.m. on October 1 at Impact Sports & Fitness.

Impact the Cure offers a full schedule of activities beginning with an informal ceremony at 7:45 a.m. recognizing cancer survivors as a group. Survivors will receive a special gift (please note on the registration form if you are a cancer survivor). Following the race, enjoy a pancake breakfast and entertainment as Chris Cakes shows off their fancy pancake flipping skills! The breakfast is open to everyone in the community; you do not have to be registered for the run/walk to enjoy the breakfast. Booths with information about breast cancer and local health care resources will be available. There will also be vendor booths with pink breast cancer-related items and other pink merchandise available for purchase so you can stock up on your pink favorites! 

In its second year are the FREE kid’s races starting at 8:45 a.m. There’s a 100 Yard race for kindergarten & under, Down the Block race for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd graders, and the Around the Block race for 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th graders. All participants in the kid’s races will receive a ribbon. The first three male and female finishers in each category will receive a place ribbon.

New this year is the Wiener Dog Race beginning at approximately 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Impact Sports & Fitness. The race is open to miniature dachshunds or at least half miniature dachshund breeds. The entry fee is $5 per dog the day of the event (no pre-registration), with all proceeds going to Impact the Cure. Be sure to put some pink on your dog to show support for the event (pink on the dog is not a requirement to participate). Enter your dog or come out and watch these dogs participate in the FRIENDLY competition to add to the fun of the day. The overall “wiener” will get a small prize and every participant will receive a ribbon with the first 20 dogs registered also receiving a shirt. It is fun to watch for everyone and it is free to watch!

Also new for the kids this year are the Bouncy House and Face Painting…free of charge! Parents must sign a waiver before a wristband can be provided.

An awards ceremony will follow the completion of all events. Overall male and female 5K winners, and 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place 5K finishers in each age group will be awarded. The fun walk is noncompetitive and will not have awards. All Impact the Cure participants will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Proceeds raised by Impact the Cure will fund local breast health initiatives by providing free mammograms and mammography services to uninsured residents in Dickinson County. Mammograms and mammography services are provided by Memorial Hospital’s Imaging and Radiology Department, 511 NE 10th Street, in Abilene.

This is a wonderful event for your friends and family to enjoy. So bring them, along with your running shoes, and contribute to the local fight against breast cancer.

For more information on Impact the Cure, contact Impact Sports and Fitness at 785-263-3888 or visit www.impactthecure.com.