Category Archives: Health Care

Area News, Health Care, Youth

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Distributes 988 Stickers to Area Students

Leave a comment
From L to R, Dawne Burchett, SEKMHC PR and Promotion and Prevention Specialist Lead; Sharla Miller, 13 Reasons to Fly SEK; and Megan Hageman, SEKMHC Promotion and Prevention Specialist. Submitted photo.

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is working to reach out to area students with nearly 3,200 reminders that help is available when they are experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.

Partnering with Sharla Miller, with 13 Reasons to Fly SEK, SEKMHC created stickers themed to share information about 988, the national suicide and crisis hotline. They will be distributing nearly 3,200 of them to students in 13 high schools in their six-county catchment area.

“Even if we help just one student – that’s one life that might be saved,” commented Miller. “We need to get better at letting kids know it’s ok to not be ok. We need to encourage those conversations.”

Miller, a strong mental health advocate in the community, started the SEK chapter of 13 Reasons to Fly after her son died by suicide nearly four years ago.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in Kansas. Kids are reporting feelings of depression and anxiety at higher rates than ever before. Teachers are observing alarming mental health challenges experienced by their students daily. It’s undeniable that children need help.

“We hope to see lots of stickers on laptops, water bottles, and other student belongings soon!” explained Megan Hageman, SEKMHC prevention and promotion specialist. “Getting this information to the youth in the area can make a huge difference. Showing kids that they have support, no matter what, is essential!”

988 (similar to 911) is the national hotline designated to provide support for individuals who are experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis. Callers may call confidentially and speak with mental health professionals who can help them through their crises and provide referrals for additional mental health resources.

13 Reasons to Fly, a non-profit organization, works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness while still spreading hope to those who are struggling. The foundation advocates for continual mental health care reform so that recovery can be equitable and accessible to all people. The SEK chapter, serving Allen County and surrounding communities, incorporates education, shared stories, and perspectives of teens to dismantle the stigma of mental health.

The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services, and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the quality of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.

 

###

 

 

Health Care

Rangeland Burns Start March 1: Air Quality Will Be Impacted

Leave a comment

Health Advisory, Safety Tips Issued During Flint Hills Burning Season

Smoke Modeling Tool to be activated on March 1

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are the months when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned, especially within the Flint Hills. These burns help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar, and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool on March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“This is the thirteenth year we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” said Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

  • Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
  • More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
  • Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.

For more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions, and the smoke modeling tool, please visit http://ksfire.org.

###

                              
Area News, Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Heart Month: Ascension Via Christi Hospital

Leave a comment

#HeartMonth feature: Kristy Tippie, RN, Heart Center at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg

Kristy Tippie. Submitted photo.

 

Kristy Tippie, RN, who began her nursing career 21 years ago at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, has spent the past 10 years serving in its Heart Center.

“I picked a career in healthcare for the flexibility,” says Tippie. “If you get ‘burnt out’ in one area, there are so many others that you can go into.”

The Heart Center, located inside the main hospital building, provides minimally and non-invasive diagnostic testing services like angiograms, pacemaker implantations, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests and more.

Tippie’s typical day includes setting up for the day’s procedures, performing pre-op with the patient and following through with their care until they are transferred to another department.

She says her favorite part of the job is one-on-one time with patients. Following the patient from when they arrive to when they’re transferred out of the Heart Center gives her the chance to establish a rapport with them and their family.

“I enjoy working for Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg because the size of the facility allows us to provide our patients with a personal experience,” says Tippie.

As a reminder during Heart Month, Tippie suggests trying your best to eat healthy and stay active, even if it’s just a short walk. She also suggests listening to your body and not being afraid to ask questions when you have concerns.

To learn more about cardiac services at Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/viachristiheart.

 

 

###

About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org

Area News, Health Care

Cardiac Rehab nurse reflects on years in department

Leave a comment
Jessica on the left, Michelle Hardister in the middle and Kerry on the right. Submitted photo and cutline.

 

Inside Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg is the Cardiac Rehab department where you’ll find Michelle Hardister, a nurse who helped open the department 31 years ago, hard at work with her patients.

A typical day in Cardiac Rehab consists of patient wellness programs, blood pressure being taken and telemetry monitoring, coupled with a lot of chatter and laughter, says Hardister.

“Exercise and socialization play a huge role in patient recovery,” says Hardister. “Patients are not only here to get their physical bodies stronger but to also improve how they feel about their health.”

Patients attending Cardiac Rehab may be recovering from a heart bypass, transplant, valve surgery,   balloon or stenting procedure, heart attack, or living with heart failure.

Hardister reflected on one patient in particular who she will never forget: “She first came in using a wheelchair and as time progressed she went from a walker to not using any assistive devices at all,” she says. “She went from being very nervous to becoming a wonderful advocate for Cardiac Rehab and would encourage our new patients by telling them to ‘Look at me now!’”

Hardister says her favorite part of the job is her daily interactions with patients and coming up with exercise plans that fit their individual needs.

As a reminder during Heart Month, Hardister suggests being proactive about your health by getting yearly screenings, practicing moderation instead of deprivation, and finding an exercise you enjoy and making it a part of your routine at least 4-5 times a week for 30 minutes. Regular activity, she adds, not only helps physically but emotionally and mentally as well.

To learn more about cardiac services at Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/viachristiheart.

 

 

###

About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.

Area News, Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi Hospital’s Newborn Screening Program receives recognition

Leave a comment

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has been recognized for its Newborn Screening Program, a service done 24-48 hours after birth to identify and treat rare conditions.

The awards, given in partnership between the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Midwives Association and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, were assessed from 2021 qualifying criteria based on state screening goals. The hospital received recognition for its critical congenital heart defect, hearing, metabolic and genetic screenings.

 

“These screenings allow us to provide the best care for babies born in our hospital,” says Janelle Wade, director of inpatient services. “If needed, we are able to get the baby immediate care for conditions that may have gone unnoticed otherwise.”

 

The program, available to Kansas families at no cost since 1965, is a collaborative effort among public health, hospitals, providers and the parents of the babies screened. Newborn screening in Kansas consists of three types of tests: hearing screen to detect hearing loss, pulse oximetry screening to detect critical congenital heart defects and a heel stick to collect small blood samples which can detect 32 genetic or metabolic conditions.

 

“This achievement speaks to the high quality of care that every member of our team provides to our moms and babies,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “I am so proud of the collaborative effort of all involved in receiving this recognition.”

 

To learn more about Labor and Delivery at Ascension Via Christi, go to viachristibaby.com.

 

###

About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.

Health Care

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Leave a comment

f Someone Won’t Get a Pap Test for Themselves, They Should Get One for their Family

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly proclaims January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Through a partnership with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Kansans are urged to get pap tests for cervical cancer to reduce long-term cancer risks. Free or low-cost screening test through the KDHE Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is available for eligible women at average risk who also do not have health insurance and meet income guidelines.

There are many things a person can do for the ones they love; and they should make screening and preventing cervical cancer one of them. On average, 100 women in Kansas are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and half of those are diagnosed as late stage. If caught early, cervical cancers are treatable.

Anne Zajic is a mother of three active little girls and a loving wife. “I remember feeling as though the room was spinning when I learned I had cervical cancer,” says Zajic. “I have been cancer free for more than five years and encourage others to get the HPV vaccine and tests regularly because cervical cancer is a very preventable illness and one that I hope my daughters won’t have to experience.”

Newly released data shows that 83.9% of women are up to date in cervical cancer screening. But screening must begin at 21 and follow the schedule recommended by a health care provider. The goal in Kansas is that 90% of women will be up to date in cervical cancer screening by 2027.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for cervical cancer:

  • Every 3 years with cervical cytology for women aged 21 to 65, or
  • Every 5 years with primary HPV testing (an HPV test that is done by itself for screening) or HPV-Pap co-testing for women aged 30 to 65.

Recommended screening beginning at age 21 is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. For more information about cervical cancer, visit kdhe.ks.gov/816.

Area News, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg becomes Dispensary of Hope site

Leave a comment

 

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg soon will become a Dispensary of Hope site, a pharmaceutical program that delivers critical medicine, at little to no cost, to the people who need it the most but can’t afford it.

 

“America’s most vulnerable are in the greatest need of healthcare solutions and typically lack access to a consistent and reliable source of medication,” says Chris Okeke, director of Pharmacy Services. “Our local community hospital will now be able to provide solutions to that problem.”

 

Since 2007, Dispensary of Hope has been providing eligible patients with medications and supplies needed to treat a wide range of chronic diseases and conditions. The program offers participants ordering and free weekly shipping.

 

“We are blessed to be able to provide these essential medicines to those in the community who may not have been able to receive them otherwise,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “This addition to our hospital aligns perfectly with our Mission of providing compassionate care, close to home.”

 

Those who are looking to benefit from the program will need to talk with their provider to get started.

 

To learn more about services offered at Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.

 

###

About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.

Business, Fort Scott, Health Care

New Chiropractic Practice Opens on February 1

Leave a comment
Dr. Vyhlidal’s office is located at 304 E. 23rd, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

Dr. Megan Vyhlidal, 26,  is opening a chiropractic office on Feb. 1 at 304 W. 23rd. It will be a satellite practice of Riggs Chiropractic, in Pittsburg.

The pronunciation of her name is Vil-Li-Doll, she said.

She currently works at Pittsburg Riggs Chiropractic.

“We are excited to be in Fort Scott to help promote overall wellness in the community,” Vyhlidal said.

Dr. Megan Vyhlidal. Submitted photo.
Dr. Megan Vyhidal. Submitted photo.

Vyhlidal is a 2014 graduate of Pittsburg High School. She then earned a biology degree from Pittsburg State University in 2018 and graduated with a degree from Cleveland University in Kansas City in April 2022.

“I worked as an assistant at Riggs Chiropractic while going to P.S.U. for two years then in February 2022 I returned back as a intern, then in April 2022 started as a doctor,” she said.

“I was sitting in a class at P.S.U. and an admissions rep from Cleveland University talked to us,” she said. “I started exploring more and fell in love with it, and here we are.”

The hours of operation starting Feb. 1:

7 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday, 7 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday,  12:30  6 p.m. Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. to noon on Friday.

Contact her at [email protected] or by phone 620.224.2280.

She has hired an assistant, Kalyn Turner.

 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Avian Influenza “Bird Flu” in Kansas

Leave a comment
Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.

Note from the Local Health Officer Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEK Multi-County Health Department

524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701

P(620)223-4464 F(620)223-1686

[email protected]

 

Avian Influenza “Bird Flu”

1/13/2023

As egg prices are skyrocketing and it may be costing you more to eat out, you may be asking yourself why all of this is happening, if you haven’t turned on the news much lately. Well, Avian Influenza is much of the cause, or otherwise known as the “bird flu”. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has continued to be detected in new locations nationwide, including new counties in Kansas.

This viral disease appears to be spread by the migration of wild birds which puts Kansas’ domestic birds at risk. HPAI causes severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry and is a concern for the possibility of being transmitted to humans who are exposed.

Infected birds shed the bird flu virus through their saliva, mucous and feces. Though rare, human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when “enough” virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or is inhaled. Transmission can happen through air (droplets, dust) and in inhaled, or when a person touches something that has the virus on it then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose. Most human infections with bird flu have occurred after unprotected contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated with bird flu viruses.

I am probably getting an eyeroll right now from any hunters that might be reading this, but the CDC recommends whenever possible, avoiding contact with wild birds because they may not appear to be sick. You should avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) that are sick or who’ve died. Do not touch surfaces contaminated with saliva, mucous or feces from wild/domestic birds. If you do or you must encounter birds (such as occupational exposure, hunters, bird owners, hobby flocks) take these precautions to prevent infection:

  • Wear protective equipment such as gloves, respirators, -or well-fitting masks, and eye protection.
  • Avoid touching your face!
  • Wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds and surfaces birds inhabit or frequent.

I recommend the seasonal flu shot as well, though it will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, it can help reduce the risk of getting sick with human and bird flu viruses at the same time. It’s not too late to get a flu shot. We have them available at any of our 4 offices. Allen County: (620)365-2191, Anderson County: (785)448-6559, Bourbon County: (620)223-4464, or Woodson County: (620)625-2484.

See these helpful links for more information:

https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-animal-health/animal-diseases/avian-influenza

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm

Thank you,

Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN

SEKMCHD Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer

Reference: Centers for Disease Control, Kansas Department of Agriculture

Area News, Health Care

NRMC Earns Swing Bed Accreditation

Leave a comment

NEVADA, MO December 28, 2022 – Nevada Regional Medical Center has been surveyed by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and has successfully met the
requirements to be accredited for a Hospital Swing Bed Program.
In meeting the requirements, NRMC demonstrated compliance with all CIHQ Standards and the Conditions of Participation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This recognition reflects NRMC’s continuous commitment to safety and quality patient care.

Nevada Regional Medical Center was subjected to a rigorous, unannounced assessment on December 13, 2022. The CIHQ team toured the hospital, reviewed medical records, observed
care practices, and interviewed staff.

“CIHQ’s goal is to partner with hospitals to improve the care provided in our communities,” states Richard Curtis, Chief Executive Officer of CIHQ. “CIHQ is proud to recognize Nevada Regional Medical Center for achieving swing bed accreditation.”

Jason Anglin, NRMC’s CEO stated: “We are so excited to add this service to NRMC. This will help us better serve our community as patients will no longer have to travel to other facilities for
skilled care. Our doctors, nurses and rehabilitation staff will help patients stay close to home and move forward in their recovery process. To prepare for this survey, our leadership team prepared
policies and educated our clinical staff on how to care for and rehabilitate patients after their acute care stay. We are so proud of this accomplishment.”

For more information about our Swing Bed program, please visit
www.nrmchealth.com/swingbed or call 417–448–3682. Reyna Blakely Community Relations & Foundation Manager
417.448.3801
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Government, Health Care

Fort Scott’s CHC Receives Federal Money: Completion Date March 2023

Leave a comment
CHC originally projected the Price Chopper building would be completed by the end of 2022, it is currently now March 2023..

“There is a Santa Claus,”  Krista Postai, CEO of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas said.

U.S. Senator Moran called Postai last Friday to let her know some good news for CHC/SEK.

Krista Postai. Submitted.

“Senator Jerry Moran contacted CHC/SEK on December 23 to notify us that our request for $5 million to offset the cost of renovating and equipping a comprehensive full-service medical facility (the former Price Chopper building) in Ft. Scott, was approved,” Postai said. “Total cost of the project has been estimated at approximately $10 million including the installation of a CT Scanner.”

CHC’s request was included in Moran’s Congressionally Directed Spending appropriations approved in the Fiscal 2023 Omnibus spending package, Postai said.

“The $1.7 trillion bill to fund the U.S. Government was signed by President Joe Biden shortly after it was approved by the Senate (on Thursday) and the House on December 23,” she said. “Also contributing to the cost of our new facility is the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, through the Community Care Network of Kansas’ Capital Investment Grant which awarded us $40,000 to help equip the wellness section of the facility; funding for diagnostics is coming through the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress in 2021. The balance of the cost will be covered directly by CHC/SEK offset partially by the sale of its buildings at 902 Horton Street and 1624 S. National Ave.”

Completion of the new clinic is now expected in March due to supply chain delays and unanticipated construction issues.

“The primary supply chain issues were the heating/cooling system and doors and flooring. They were delayed,” she said. “We also had to fill in the underground tunnels we found throughout the building with concrete. Apparently they were there to support the utilities necessary for the store’s refrigeration system…. renovation always bring surprises.”

 

 

 

 

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC/SEK Fort Scott Walk-In Mammogram Event TODAY

Leave a comment

CHC/SEK Fort Scott to host walk-in mammogram event

FORT SCOTT — Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is making it easy for women to maximize their health insurance benefits before the end of the year by getting an annual mammogram. 

It is recommended that all women age 50 to 74 years of age have a screening mammogram at least every two years. For women who choose to begin screening at age 40 years, it is recommended that they have a screening mammogram every one to two years.

Walk-in mammograms will be available between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6. at the Fort Scott main clinic located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. No appointment or doctor’s referral required. 

Screening mammography is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms or new breast abnormalities. The goal is to detect cancer before clinical signs are noticeable. 

“If you are having symptoms, or you are at an increased risk of breast cancer, it is best to be seen by a health care provider for an exam and to ensure the correct testing is performed,” said CHC/SEK Chief Medical Officer Dr. Linda Bean, DO. 

December is a crucial time to plan for health care costs: 1) deductibles will reset in January and 2) it’s your last chance to use any money you’ve put in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

CHC/SEK participates in the Early Detection Works which is a breast and cervical cancer screening program for Kansas women and the clinic offers other financial assistance programs ensuring every woman who needs a mammogram will receive one regardless of income or insurance status.  

Women in Southeast Kansas rank far below state and national averages in receiving this life-saving screening, and having the service available within the clinic helps remove barriers many women have in receiving timely breast cancer screenings. Likewise, the walk-in event will give patients an option on when they can arrive. 

CHC/SEK uses the Hologic Genius system that screens the breast in 4 seconds for a much less compression time, with less radiation exposure than many conventional mammography machines. The Genius exam is also superior for denser breasts, that can hide early signs of cancer in a traditional mammogram. 

In addition, the Hologic Genius scans potentially reduce patient callback by up to 40 percent compared to 2D, sparing the emotional and economic toll of additional testing, including biopsies when there could be nothing wrong. 

For more information people can call 620-223-8484.