Missouri Delta Becoming Tobacco-Free Campus: Summer 2012
Smoking is a health and safety hazard both to tobacco users and nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke, carrying very serious health risks. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Missouri ranks third in adult smoking rates in the nation and nearly 10,000 Missourians die from tobacco-related illnesses ever year. Missouri’s annual health costs from tobacco use are estimated at $1.96 billion with lost productivity estimated at $2.34 billion. Hospitals in our region and across the state are working to decrease such statistics.
“Beginning August 1, 2012, Missouri Delta Medical Center will adopt a tobacco-free campus as a health and wellness initiative,” explains Jason Schrumpf, President of Missouri Delta. “This policy is designed to preserve the health of our employees, patients, visitors and volunteers along with fulfilling the hospital’s mission of promoting the general health of our community.”
In an effort to be sensitive to the addictive nature of nicotine, Missouri Delta Medical Center is providing ample time and resources to help those committed to smoking cessation. “Implementing a tobacco-free campus policy is a very ambitious goal requiring comprehensive implementation and communication strategies. However, we feel that this initiative is well worth the undertaking and are committed to working together with everyone during this transition period,” states Schrumpf.
Missouri Delta Opens New Center in Charleston
Missouri Delta Medical Center’s new Community Care Center located on East Marshall Street in Charleston opened it’s doors Monday, August 22.
Charleston City Manager Dan Gruen commented, “The negotiations that led to the newly constructed medical facility were a group effort. If there was one individual that stood out as a leader for this project, it would be Jim Cullison. It was Mr. Cullison’s goal during his tenure as chairman of the hospital board to see quality health care opportunities for his community for many years to come.”
The new center will be home to medical providers Jeffrey Griesemer, MD, Family Medicine; Lori Blankenship, APRN, FNP, Family Nurse Practitioner; and beginning Tuesday, September 6th, Gregorio Rodriguez, MD, Family Medicine.
According to Dr. Griesemer, the Missouri Delta Community Care Center in Charleston is a full service medical. “We are happy to see patients of all ages. Our goal is to become your medical home, providing primary care for your entire family.”
“We are experienced in treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, emphysema, and heart disease.” Dr. Griesemer has full hospital privileges at Missouri Delta Medical Center, and rounds on Community Care Center patients when they are in the hospital. “We also see patients at Charleston Manor and other area nursing homes,” he said.
“We offer a full spectrum of pediatric services. We are happy to provide well child check, school physicals, and same-day appointments for sick visits,” he added.
The new facility and physicians are well equipped to diagnose and treat broken bones, lacerations, and other minor injuries. “We have brand new x-ray equipment and full time staff to operate it. We also have a laboratory on-site for blood tests.”
ReStart Rehabilitation Center also will be located in the new facility.
ReStart has been providing Physical Therapy services to the community for over 12 years and will now be able to open to the public for fitness use and include comprehensive wellness programs, such as weight loss and management programs, health screenings which will include glucose testing, blood pressure, lipid panels, arthritis classes and much more.
More information on how to join as a fitness member will be announced soon.
Orthopaedic Care Available Again in Sikeston
by Scott Welton, Standard Democrat
It’s been over 20 years since we’ve had orthopaedics here in Sikeston,” said Jason Schrumpf, president of Missouri Delta Medical Center. “The hospital is excited to have all the elements in place to once again provide a comprehensive orthopaedic service line. This is the first step in providing our patients with a local orthopaedics program focusing on compassionate, convenient, cost-effective and quality care.”
Missouri Delta Orthopaedics is located in the new Dr. Leo A. and Dortha M. Bruce Medical Building, 201 Plaza Drive. “It’s just north of the Sikeston Jaycee Regional Dialysis Center,” said Sharon Urhahn, director of marketing for MDMC. “The first patient will be seen Monday, July 18th.”
Area residents got their first look at the Bruce Medical Building Tuesday, July 12th during a ribbon cutting ceremony as well as an opportunity to meet one of the two orthopaedic surgeons who will provide services there.
Orthopaedics involves “any ailment to do with the muscles, bones or joints,” Dr. Larry Conley, orthopaedic surgeon, explained. “I basically operate from the neck down.” Conley said Missouri Delta Orthopaedics will offer a full range of services from setting bones to joint replacements. “The majority of community-based orthopaedic needs can be met here now,” he said. “It’s been such a long time coming.” The other orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Cary Sanders, will do general orthopaedics including spine care.
By using a video arthroscope, which enables them to look at and photograph the inside of small joints, staff at Missouri Delta Orthopaedics will be able to operate on small joints in same-day surgery, he said. Conley said there are very few places in the country where a small community like Sikeston is able to establish and support this type of facility.
“This is a very specialized service line,” Schrumpf said. “We are very fortunate to have the resources—the technology and skilled physicians—to be able to make this service line a reality.”
Construction of the Bruce Medical Building was possible due to a generous donation to the Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation from the daughters of the late Dr. and Mrs. Bruce. Dr. Bruce was a well-known ear, nose and throat doctor in the community who later went into optometry which he continued to practice almost up until his death in 2009.
“Dr. Bruce had a passion for medicine. His daughter, Brenda, told me her father seemed to never want to retire,” Schrumpf said. “Conley and Sanders will live up to the Bruce standard and the legacy of Dr. Bruce as a community physician—it appears that they have similar medical integrity and ethics as Dr. Bruce.
The surgeons will be supported by a full staff. “We are going to hire around 35 additional staff members to launch the new orthopaedic line,” Schrumpf said. “That consists of people in the inpatient and outpatient aspects of orthopaedic care.”
The Bruce Medical Building will also house the Missouri Delta Wound and Hyperbaric Center which slated to open August 1, Urhahn said. Additional space at the Bruce Medical Building is also available for another service that hosptial officials have yet to decide upon.
Missouri Delta Benefit Ball Plans Begin
By Scott Welton
scottw@standard-democrat.com
New Year’s Eve may seem like a long way off, but planning for the Missouri Delta Medical Center 2011 Benefit Ball has already started. “In order to pull off a perfect evening, you have to plan in advance,” said Sarah Garner, co-chair for the event. “So we’re already working on it.” This will be the 15th Missouri Delta Medical Center Benefit Ball.
“This is the hospitals opportunity to celebrate its accomplishments, as well as raise money to benefit patients in our community,” said Sharon Urhahn, co-chair. “Proceeds from this year’s Benefit Ball will go toward the Hologic 3D Mammography software upgrade. It will greatly enhance our current digital mammography system.”
Traditionally the Hospital Ball, which is held every other year, is scheduled in October. “The first time it was held on New Year’s Eve was in 2009,” Urhahn said. “The City of Sikeston had asked us to kick off the city’s sesquicentennial year with a birthday celebration for the city.” “There was such a tremendous response to that,” Garner said. “Holding it on New Year’s Eve was so well received that we wanted to do it again.”
This year’s event will be held at the Sikeston Armory with “An evening on the Square” theme. “The biggest party on New Year’s eve is on Times square in New York City, so we’re bringing a little bit of the Big Apple to Sikeston Missouri,” Garner said. Organizers are planning decorations that include New York’s famous skyline and other icons associated with a NYC New Year’s celebration. “Of course we’re going to have a big ball,” said Garner.
“Cocktails begin at 7pm with heavy hors d’oeuvres, Urhahn said, “and then dancing until 1am. Entertainment for the evening will be an energetic band out of Atlanta, GA called Mo’ Sol. They play a variety of music, including Motown, funk, soul and hip hop.”
For those looking for an earlier start for their evening or just wanting to offer additional support for the hospital, a patron party is also being planned. “We are going to have the patron party before the ball from 6-7pm,” Garner said. “That is going to be at the home of Larry and Melanie DeWitt.”
While tickets don’t go on sale until September, organizers want to get the word out now so people don’t make other plans and miss out on the social event.
In addition to a regular ticket, there will be other levels of support available ranging from “Grand Central Station” to Times Square.”
With a limited number of tickets available, Urhahn recommended getting them as soon as they are available. “The last Ball on New Year’s Eve was sold out,” she recalled.
Invitations will be sent in September as reminders, but are not required to attend. “The ball is open to the public, so anyone interested in going to the ball should contact us,” Garner said.
Beginning in September, for more information or to purchase tickets, call Urhahn at 472-7329 or Garner at 472-7222.
The Latest in Digital Mammography at Missouri Delta
Women who undergo routine mammograms at Missouri Delta Medical Center now have the latest diagnostic technology available to them, digital mammography. Missouri Delta Medical Center is the first healthcare provider in the Sikeston area to offer the state of the art Selenia Dimensions 2D™ full field digital mammography system from Hologic.
“Missouri Delta Medical Center is very proud to be able to offer the newest technology for breast cancer detection,” states Jason Schrumpf, President of Missouri Delta Medical Center. “Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is acquired and viewed.” Our radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images. These features allow our radiologist to evaluate micro-calcifications and focus on areas of concern. Digital mammography is revolutionizing the practice of mammography through its ability to yield high quality images at lower radiation doses.
Schrumpf also states, “By offering women the latest technology in mammography, the center hopes to reach a broader population of women in our communities who should be routinely screened. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women and statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent.”
“I am so excited that we have been able to purchase this state of the art digital mammography unit,” explains Debbie Nichols, Director of Radiology at Missouri Delta. “I would like to thank the generous benefactors and supporters of our Foundation who have made this purchase possible.”
The Selenia Dimensions 2D was designed from the ground up using patient, technologist and radiologist input from hundreds of screening sites and is a top rated system compared to all other digital mammography machines on the market today.*
Missouri Delta Medical Center is committed to the fight against breast cancer. By offering digital mammography, Missouri Delta provides the latest in imaging quality. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact our mammography department at 573-472-7330.
The primary mission of Missouri Delta Medical Center is to offer high quality, accessible health care to the residents of New Madrid, Scott, Mississippi, and Stoddard Counties. For more information about Missouri Delta Medical Center, please call 573-472-7329 or visit our website at www.missouridelta.com.
*KLAS
Preparing for lost sleep is part of Daylight Saving
By Michelle Felter
michellef@standard-democrat.com
SIKESTON — Although Daylight Saving Time doesn’t start until Sunday, it’s a good idea to prepare for the spring forward now.
“Losing that hour of sleep can be really hard for some people, especially those that already have some sleeping issues,” said Jill Ortiz, director of respiratory care and the sleep lab at Missouri Delta Medical Center. “We actually recommend people use Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to evaluate your sleep environment for a better sleep experience.”
This year, those tips are all the more relevant, as this week is National Sleep Awareness Week.
Ortiz made several suggestions to help people prepare for losing that hour of sleep as they move their clocks one hour forward on Sunday. Her suggestions are in line with those recommended by the National Sleep Foundation.
“One thing people can do is gradually go to bed a little bit earlier three or four nights prior to the change,” said Ortiz. “Ramping back your bedtime 15 minutes a night before Sunday can make the transition a lot easier.
And for those who feel a bit groggy on Sunday afternoon, it’s a good idea to take a nap — as long as it’s not done within a few hours of someone’s regular bedtime, she said.
Ortiz also suggested people be mindful of what they do in the last couple of hours before they go to bed to help sleep come more quickly.
“Establish a relaxing bedtime routine that prepares your brain and body for sleep, such as reading, soaking in a hot bath and relaxing,” she said. “Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.” While regular exercise helps establish good sleep patterns, it should not be done within three hours of bedtime, said Ortiz.
The environment does a lot to help individuals sleep, too. “Use your bedroom only for sleep and intimacy,” Ortiz advised. “Avoid distractions such as work, computers and television.”
Although it won’t be a big issue at the beginning, as the season of spring progresses and the days get longer, it may still be light outside when some go to bed. “When that happens, keep your sleeping area dark and quiet,” she said, adding bedrooms should also be comfortable and cool. “Use blackout shades or something to tone out the light so you don’t notice it’s lighter outside.”
Ortiz also noted that since Daylight Saving Time is marked twice a year, that’s a good time for people to evaluate their pillows and mattresses, as both play a role in obtaining a good night’s sleep.
Ortiz recommended people come up with a routine to follow throughout the year — not just near the time change. “Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, even on the weekends,” she said.
Sometimes, however, those tips aren’t enough. Ortiz noted that someone who has tried all of these tips, plus those found at www.nationalsleepfoundation.org, and still isn’t getting a good night’s sleep should consider seeing a physician.
“Sometimes following those guidelines isn’t enough,” she said. “There may be an underlying condition.”
NATIONAL SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK – MARCH 6-12
Sleep is something we usually don’t think about unless we aren’t getting enough or we are experiencing sleep difficulty. However, sleep is a vital component to good physical and mental health. Daylight Savings Time begins on March 13 when you will lose another hour of sleep! This is perfect time to change your sleeping habits! The following sleep hygiene tips are recommended by the Sleep Institute at Missouri Delta and the National Sleep Foundation.
- Maintain a regular bed and awake time schedule including weekends.
- Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or listening to soothing music.
- Create a sleep conductive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool.
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow.
- Use your bedroom for only sleep and intimacy. Avoid distractions like work materials, computers, or televisions.
- Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime.
- Exercise regularly. It is best to complete your workout at least a few hours before your regular bedtime.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol prior to bedtime.
Please call 573-472-7754 or go online at www.sleepfoundation.org for more questions concerning sleep.
Missouri Delta Announces Opening of Wound and Hyperbaric Center
Missouri Delta Medical Center is proud to announce the August 2011 opening of Missouri Delta Wound and Hyperbaric Center. This service will be located in the new Dr. Leo and Dortha Bruce Medical building which will be located west of the Medical Center.
The Missouri Delta Wound and Hyperbaric Center will consist of state of the art technology with four treatment rooms and two hyperbaric chambers, and will serve people with difficult to heal wounds or sores, delayed effects of radiation and some skin infections.
Missouri Delta Medical Center has partnered with Comprehensive Healthcare Solutions, Inc., a nationwide consulting firm from Tacoma, WA, which helps hospitals develop outpatient wound and hyperbaric programs to achieve optimal patient outcomes in a cost effective manner.
Under most circumstances, a minor wound will heal in about 3 weeks. When a patient has a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure or chronic lung problems, healing can be delayed. “Often these wounds may require more aggressive and advanced would healing technologies in order to prevent additional complications, such as wound extension and devastating infections,” explains Earl Sisk, RN, MSN, Vice President of Professional Services. As many as 7.8% of Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and the numbers continue to rise. Many of these persons are over the age of 60, and they experience associated complications including diabetic foot ulcers, poor circulation and delayed healing.
Hyperbaric medicine can be used for chronic wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation tissue damage, and a host of traumatic wounds. Hyperbaric medicine involves the patient resting comfortably in a chamber that is compressed with 100% oxygen. The treatment is painless and helps improve healing by generating new cells and improve blood supply to the wound. The chambers at Missouri Delta Wound and Hyperbaric Center are extra wide for comfort, and will accommodate patients up to 500 pounds.
Missouri Delta Wound and Hyperbaric Center will have a physician directed team trained to aggressively treat chronic wounds, to help prevent amputations and control underlying causes.
The center will also treat patients with pressure ulcers, venous stasis disease, ulcers resulting from peripheral vascular disease, and difficult to heal bone infections.
For more information about the new Missouri Delta Wound and Hyperbaric Center, please contact Sharon Urhahn at (573) 472-7329 or email surhahn@missouridelta.com.
Missouri Delta Opens New Primary Care Clinic
We are proud to announce the opening of Missouri Delta Primary Care in the Barton-Jolly Physician Services Building located at 1017 N. Main in Sikeston. Amber Jones, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, is accepting new patients of all ages and is available Monday – Friday from 9am-1:pm and 2pm-6pm. Amber has prior military service with the Army Nurse Corps. and had a previous practice in the Bloomfield/Puxico area. Call 573-472-6010 to schedule an appointment or walk-ins are welcome. Missouri Medicare/Missouri Medicaid and all insurances accepted, including private pay.
Grief Support Program to Begin Thursday at Missouri Delta
SIKESTON — Grieving residents in the Sikeston community have a new place to turn to for support.
“I think everybody has grief in their lives,” said Sandy Robison, director of social services for MDMC. “We all have grief we have to deal with. Some people cope well with that, and some get stuck in their grief.”
An eight-session grief support program begins Thursday at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. The sessions will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and consist of the same members over a 16-week period. The groups will be small containing at least four people but not more than 10.
Currently, the program, which is based on Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s model for grief and loss, is offered to only adults at this time. Wolfelt is an internationally noted author, educator and grief counselor. He serves as director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition and is on the faculty at the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine.
“Dr. Wolfelt says in our society, we are not comfortable with grief, and he talks about companioning someone in their grief to help them cope with their feelings of loss,” Robison said.
She continued: “It’s not about getting over grief. You’re walking with someone through their grief rather than trying to fix it.”
Robison, who attended a weeklong grief support training last month conducted by Wolfelt at his Center for Loss in Fort Collins, Colo., said the loss the MDMC group will focus on will be over the loss of a loved one.
What makes this support group unique is that it provides continuing education and includes the same people throughout the 16 weeks, Robison said.
“I think it’s a much-needed service in the community,” the social worker said.
Facilitating the program with Robison is Melissa Merideth, who has a master’s degree in social work.
Besides discussion taking place in the meetings, participants can also expect to use some reading guides that coordinate with Wolfelt’s book, “Understanding Your Grief.” Topics addressed include misconceptions about grief; exploring feelings of loss; understanding the needs of mourning; reaching out for help; and seeking reconciliation and not resolution.
Anyone who wants to participate in the group should first contact Robison.
“I would want to know what their loss was, how long ago it was, what they’re experiencing now, what their concerns are, if they have any,” Robison said.
The ideal time for attending this group is five months or longer after the significant loss. The grief is so raw initially that people need some time before participating in a group, Robison said. However, there’s really no set time frame for grieving, Robison said. She encouraged anyone who wants assistance in coping with the loss of their loved one to contact her about the group.
“It takes a lot of courage to seek help or support,” she added.
Those interested in participating in the group should contact Robison at (573) 472-7441 for reservations.