FORT SCOTT, Kan. (April 6, 2018) – Mercy lead dietitian Sherise Beckham, MS, RD, LD, has recently been named to the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Healthy Kansas Hospital Committee.

The vision of KHA is “Optimal Health for Kansans.” In her role, Beckham will serve the committee as one of only two representatives from the southeast region of the State of Kansas.

The Healthy Kansas Hospitals Committee has been established to look at hospital policy and environments across the state to determine best practices health systems can implement to model healthy cultures—basically to set the “gold standard” of what hospitals can aspire to do. Hospitals in many communities are seen as the anchor organization and can lead the way (by example) to healthier lifestyles, communities and increase the quality of life.

Beckham’s responsibilities on the Healthy Kansas Hospitals Committee include:

• Exploring opportunities that provide greater access to healthy food and beverage options for hospital employees, patients, and visitors.

• Helping to establish strong community norms for healthier living and are willing to learn more about making healthy food/beverage policy changes to help all employees and patients live longer and better lives.

• Providing information that has the potential to establish a corporate culture which encourages key leadership strategies for a healthy food and beverage environment.

• Assisting in overall implementation through web tools to assist in vendor and food policy changes, assistance for food service staff implementing changes, and opportunities for shared expertise and interaction with peers.

To learn more about the Health Kansas Hospitals Committee, visit kha-net.org.

FSCC Rodeo Athlete’s Snow Skiing Injury is “Life Changing”

 As a barrel racer, Baylee Oney knows how to navigate twists and turns. But in late December when her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was torn in a snow skiing accident, her life may have the biggest turn yet.

“The whole ordeal has been life-changing,” said Oney, 21, of Creighton, MO.

As a student and rodeo team member at Fort Scott Community College, Oney knew she had a challenging road ahead. She needed surgery, she needed to stay in school, and she needed to recover from a serious injury before rodeo season kicked into high gear.

Fortunately all those “needs” have fallen into place, plus she’s found her career calling through her physical therapy experience at Mercy Health for Life.

“I’ve never been a physical therapy patient before and this has opened my eyes to a whole new world where people help people in overcoming challenges,” Oney said. “All my life I’ve been physically active and have enjoyed working with people.”

“Through my therapy at Mercy Health for Life, I’ve personally experienced how being surrounded by encouraging, highly skilled and knowledgeable people is helping me recover and remain determined. The therapy team here has been so influential that I’ve been inspired to change my careers goals and become a physical therapy assistant.”

During Oney’s three months of physical therapy, she has been treated with the typical modalities used for ACL surgery rehab such as strengthening exercises, stretching, and Biodex testing, plus the Mercy therapy team has added aquatic therapy and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), also known as the Graston technique.

“Baylee has benefitted from using aquatic therapy because water creates natural buoyancy that allows for therapy to be less stressful on her joints while increasing strength, flexibility, and range of motion,” explained Denny Gillard, Mercy Health for Life director and physical therapist.

“The Graston Technique is a soft-tissue massage that uses stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue around the surgery site so Baylee has better mobility, plus her therapy is less painful and she can progress faster,” Gillard added. “The results are incredible.”

Oney is making excellent progress. She’s eager to get back on her horses and step into the next chapter of her life.

“I’ve learned that in a second, life can throw you a curve,” Oney said. “I’m not taking anything for granted. My experience has been great here at Mercy Health for Life, and I’m now focused on sharing the same with patients I’ll work with in the future.”

To learn more about Mercy Therapy Services, call 620-223-7073.

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott is an acute care hospital with 46 licensed beds, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, home care and hospice services. Inpatient care is provided with 24/7 physician coverage. In 2017, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott received The Leapfrog Group’s prestigious A rating. Mercy Clinic Fort Scott is located on hospital grounds as well as Mercy rural health clinics in Arma and Pleasanton.