Wednesday, December 31, 2014

7 Common New Year's Resolutions

 
 
It is the last day of 2014. How many times have you said, "after the first of the year I will...?" It is New Year's Resolution time, have you made yours? Resolution by definition means "a firm decision to do or not to do something." With the beginning of a new year many people decide it is time to get organized and start with a fresh slate. Goals are often set, but not kept.
 
Here is a list of seven of the most common resolutions and a little information that may help you achieve your goals.
 
  • Lose Weight - choose a safe and successful program that you can stick to. Don't DIET, make a lifestyle change.
  • Quit Smoking - Have a PLAN - habits and addictions are hard to break and you will need a plan and support.
  • Get Fit - Physical activity each day is important for many reasons. There are many ways you can build activity into your daily routine. Set a goal, schedule time and stay determined.
  • Manage Debt - Is this the year you are going to get your debt under control? Worrying about finances causes stress. There are many budgeting techniques, counseling services and other programs to help you achieve this goal.
  • Save Money - We all want to do it, but it always seems to get spent on something else. Try this great publication from USA.gov with useful worksheets, helpful hints and more.
  • Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - By reducing, reusing and recycling can help you, your community and the environment by saving money, energy and resources. How can you help?
  • Get Organized - A new year, a clean organized home or office...sounds great, but how do you achieve this? Try these quick hints.
For more on a Happy, Healthy New Year visit MMHD' s new feature on the website.
 
 
 


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

History of New Year's Resolutions



January 1st is the day many people make New Year's Resolutions. Do you know how this tradition got started? Here's a little history behind why you vow to get in shape each new year.


The Babylonians

The first recorded New Years resolutions were made by the Babylonians around 4000 years ago. Most commonly, it revolved around returning any borrowed farm equipment, as their New Year coincided with the start of their farming season.

The Romans

Not long after, the Romans would start the new year by counting the stock of the previous year and setting a goal to accomplish more in the coming year.

It was not just western countries that set resolutions either.

The Chinese

The Chinese set a special New Years resolution - house cleaning. Most people nowadays would relate this to Spring-Cleaning. At the coming of the New Year, the Chinese would clean their house from top to bottom. What a great way to start the year, with a beautiful clean house!

The Modern World

Today we still set New Years resolutions, and try to achieve them. They are almost always based around self-improvement resolutions and goals. They are a way to mark the beginning of changes in our habits and lifestyle. The most common resolutions include losing weight, quitting smoking and/or drinking, and improving your finances.

Millions of people make resolutions but unfortunately only 10% ever manage to achieve them. It is a sad fact, but many of these resolutions do not even last longer than a few weeks. By July, most have been completely forgotten and no real progress against the resolution has been made.

It is amazing what such a long history the New Years resolution has had. You may be thinking of creating on yourself this coming New Year. And why not? It is a tradition practiced around the entire globe. Above all though, we should remember that the most important aspect of a New Years resolution is to take action and stick to it.
 
MMHD wants to help. We will be beginning a Healthy Happy New Year program for our employees including a "Waist Management" program and more. Stay tuned for health and fitness ideas over the next few weeks.
 

Monday, December 29, 2014

On the 12th Day of Christmas




12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 12th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
12 Departments Serving
 
Thank you to the many departments at MMHD!
 
  • ER/Ambulance
  • Acute
  • Cardiac Rehab
  • Hospice
  • Imaging
  • Lab
  • Obstetrics
  • Outpatient Services
  • Physical Therapy
  • Rehabilitation/Swing
  • Skilled Nursing
 
In addition to these patient services departments MMHD's support services are an essential part of the hospital's operations.
 
  • Dietary
  • Maintenance
  • IT
  • Business, Finance
  • Purchasing
  • Environmental Services
  • Employee Health
  • Personnel
  • Volunteer Services
  • Patient Access
  • Administration
  • Pharmacy
  • Surgery
  • Medical Records
  • Foundation

...11 Lab Employees, 10 Acute Care Nurses, 9 Ambulance Responders, 8 Maintenance and IT Guys, 7 Days a Week, 6 Team Chiefs, 5 Board of Trustees, 4 Important Words, 3 OR Nurses, 2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

On the 11th Day of Christmas



12 Days of Christmas

On the 11th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
11 Lab Employees

MMHD has a full service lab staffed by skilled employees. The department is managed by Chris Hall. In addition to the 11 regular employees, there are two travelers (Joe and Steve). Thank you to our dedicated staff:

Jessica, Wendy, Linda, Kelsey, DeAn, Relissa, Chris, Ron, Mike, Ann, and Marsha.





...10 Acute Care Nurses, 9 Ambulance Responders, 8 Maintenance and IT Guys, 7 Days a Week, 6 Team Chiefs, 5 Board of Trustees, 4 Important Words, 3 OR Nurses, 2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

On the 10th Day of Christmas




12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 10th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
10 Acute Care Nurses


Mayers Memorial Hospital's Acute Department is here to meet the needs of inpatients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Acute Department cares for: OB and medical/surgical patients of all ages; birth, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, geriatrics
 


Services:

* Provides post-op care & instruction to surgical patients
* Provides care to Medicare patients requiring rehabilitation: Swing Beds
* Provides patient & family centered care
* Basic nursing care, including routine cardiac monitoring
* The treatment of respiratory conditions requiring continuous or intermittent oxygen via    mask, cannula, or tent
* Pre and post surgical care and monitoring
* Convalescence and health restoration
MMHD has 10 Acute Care Nurses to provide quality and compassionate care to our patients. The department is managed by Theresa Overton, RN. In addition, the staff is supported by CNA's, LVN's and ward clerks along with other specialty areas of care. Thank you to our amazing nursing staff!
 
Coleen Beck
Kelly Schneider
Linda Sawyer
Chris Bierly
Hilary Farrell
Stacie Warnock
Karen Taylor
Debbie McIntyre
Karri Mike
Autumn Moulton


...9 Ambulance Responders, 8 Maintenance and IT Guys, 7 Days a Week, 6 Team Chiefs, 5 Board of Trustees, 4 Important Words, 3 OR Nurses, 2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...

Monday, December 22, 2014

On the 9th Day of Christmas




12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 9th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
9 Ambulance Responders
 
MMHD's Emergency Department has a great EMS staff and ambulance service to respond to emergencies.
 
 
 
Thank you to our Ambulance Responders!
 
EMT's:
 
DeAn Carter
Don Chaix
David Robb
Dusty Doetch
 
Paramedics:
 
Ralph Crnkovic
Dorothy Hutchison
Gonzalo Solario
Brian Harris
Kim Golczynski
 
The department is managed by Bob May.
 
Additionally, we have  Tammy Allison and Tom Coe who work occasionally in the department.
 
 

...8 Maintenance and IT Guys, 7 Days a Week, 6 Team Chiefs, 5 Board of Trustees, 4 Important Words, 3 OR Nurses, 2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...


 


Sunday, December 21, 2014

On the 8th Day of Christmas





12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 8th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
8 Maintenance and IT Guys

The daily operations of MMHD depend greatly on the efforts of our amazing Maintenance and IT (Information Technology) staff. The maintenance department is staffed with 6 guys: Dave, Victor, Josh, Steve, Don and Steve. This is a dedicated and hard working crew that gets things done. They are responsible for all of the maintenance, upkeep, repairs and daily items to keep the hospital facility running. They literally have to know how to do a little bit of everything.
 
The IT Department  - Chris and Michael - have the huge responsibility of keeping the computer infrastructure running. Everything is electronic and computerized, it is a big responsibility to keep all of that running smoothly.
 
A big thank you to these crews for a job well done!
 


...7 Days a Week, 6 Team Chiefs, 5 Board of Trustees, 4 Important Words,3 OR Nurses, 2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...
 

Saturday, December 20, 2014

On the 7th Day of Christmas




12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 7th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
7 Days a Week

MMHD is Always Caring...Always Here 7 days a week to serve our communities. Our emergency department is open 7 Days a week, 24 hours a day. Quality, compassionate care no matter what day or time is always provided on our acute floor and long term care facilities.
 
For hours of other services, visit our website.
 
 

...6 Team Chiefs, 5 Board of Trustees, 4 Important Words,3 OR Nurses, 2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...
 

Friday, December 19, 2014

On the 6th Day of Christmas



12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 6th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
6 Team Chiefs
 
MMHD emphasizes teamwork among the staff. That philosophy is directed by a six member chief's team.
 
Matt Rees, Chief Executive Officer
 
Keith Earnest, Chief Clinical Officer
 
Sherry Wilson, Chief Nursing Officer, Acute/SNF
 
Travis Lakey, Chief Financial Officer
 
Caleb Johnson, Chief Compliance Officer
 
Louis Ward, Chief Operations Officer
 


...5 Board of Trustees, 4 Important Words,3 OR Nurses, 2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...
 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

On the 5th Day of Christmas


12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 5th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
5 Board of Trustees
 
Mayers Memorial Hospital District is governed by an elected board of directors (trustees). Members of the board serve a four year term and are commitment to the oversight of the district.
 
The Board fulfills these responsibilities by adopting specific outcome targets against which to measure the organization’s performance. To accomplish this, the board must:
 
  • Establish policy guidelines and criteria for implementing the mission statement.
  • The board also reviews the mission statements of any subsidiary units to ensure that they are consistent with the overall mission.
  • Evaluate proposals brought to the board to ensure that they are consistent with the mission statement.
  • Monitor programs and activities of the hospital and any subsidiary units to ensure mission consistency.
  • Periodically review, discuss, and amend the mission statement if necessary to clarify board responsibilities.
 
MMHD has five dedicated individuals that serve our community. They meet monthly for regular meetings and committee meetings.
 
Allen Albaugh
Mike Kerns
Abe Hathaway
Art Whitney
Beatriz Vasquez, PhD*
 
*This seat is being installed today - December 18, 2014. Thank you to Brenda Brubaker for her years of service.
 
 
...4 Important Words, 3 OR Nurses, 2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

On the 4th Day of Christmas


12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 4th day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
4 Important Words
 
ALWAYS CARING...ALWAYS HERE
 
Mayers Memorial Hospital District's Mission Statement is based on those four words. We are always here to care for your healthcare needs.
 
Mayers Memorial Hospital District serves the Intermountain area providing outstanding patient-centered healthcare to improve the quality of life through dedicated, compassionate staff and innovative technology.
 
The vision of Mayers Memorial Hospital District is to become the provider of first choice for our community by being a leader in rural healthcare.
 
We value teamwork, leadership, commitment, quality, responsibility and safety.
 
We are Always Caring...Always Here!
 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

On the 3rd Day of Christmas



Mayers Memorial Hospital District presents

12 Days of Christmas

 
On the 3rd day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....
 
 
3 OR Nurses
 
 
 

 

The Surgical Services Department provides a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and personnel in order to provide optimum assistance to the surgeons in meeting emergency, preventive and restorative health needs of the patients. A dedicated staff provides quality-conscious, competent and cost-effective care with respect for life and dignity.
 
The surgeons are supported by a team of highly skilled registered nurses and surgical technicians who are devoted to ensuring a positive surgical experience for you and your family before, during and  after your procedure.
 
Part of that staff consists of 3 Operating Room Nurses...Lisa Akin, Department Manager, Sean Sanders and Stacie Warnock.
 
 
If you need surgery, MMHD offers a wide spectrum of surgical specialties that you might expect to find only at a big city hospital, coupled with small-town compassion and high quality, personalized care.
 
 
...2 beautiful campuses and a hospital in the valley...
 



Monday, December 15, 2014

Mayers 12 Days of Christmas


12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas Mayers gave to me....

A hospital in the valley
 
 
Mayers Memorial Hospital was first formed in the hearts and minds of Dr. and Mrs. Howard Mayers, who arrived in the Intermountain region in 1938.  Like many country doctors, Dr. Mayers received much of his pay in produce and often gave up his own bed to a patient who needed care.  Over the years, Dr. & Mrs. Mayers began to envision a hospital that would provide the needs of residents in these rural communities. He realized this would draw new providers to the area; give residents timely emergency, surgical and obstetric care locally; and reduce the need for elderly residents to leave their families and support systems once they became in need of long term care.
In 1951, Dr. Mayers held a meeting in his home to share his vision with local citizens. As he presented the benefits a local hospital would bring, it did not take long for key community leaders to join him in his vision. Enthusiasm spread very quickly and the community eagerly backed his plan.
 
Only one month later, long before the hospital could become a reality, Dr. Mayers and his wife were killed in a tragic automobile accident.  Broken hearted by the loss but motivated to carry on the dream, the residents of Fall River Mills and surrounding communities began to raise funds to build a rural community hospital in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Mayers. Anna McArthur, one of the community’s local residents, donated land on which to build the hospital. Numerous residents joined forces to raise the funds necessary to realize their goal.
A daunting task for any community, raising enough money to build a hospital would likely not have been feasible for this rural region if not for Bing Crosby, one of the part-time residents of the Intermountain area. With help from community organizers, Mr. Crosby agreed to put on a benefit show to help raise the necessary funds.  What began as a small show in the garden of the Jack Martin’s Rising River Ranch skyrocketed into a gala production at the Intermountain Fairgrounds. 
 
Local residents were the driving force in the planning and organizing of this incredible event, and Bing Crosby, Phil Harris and other Hollywood celebrities helped draw crowds from well beyond the region. Needless to say, the fundraiser was a great success. A year later, at the request of local community members, Mr. Crosby and friends produced a second show to help finance the furnishings and equipment for Mayers Memorial Hospital. Construction of the 10-bed building was completed in March 1956. In the early years, Mayers Memorial was largely volunteer-operated. In the late 1960s various regulations and the need for increased operational funding led the community to establish Mayers Memorial as a District Hospital, which provided the funding needed to draw new caregivers and specialists to the region.
 
On the 2nd day of Christmas Mayers gave to me...
 
Two beautiful campuses
 
 
 
Between the years of 1970 and through the 1990s, the District constructed various additions to the building and remodeled older sections to make room for growth—patients, physicians, new technologies and services. In 1993, another facility was built in the growing community of Burney (over 17 miles to the west) on land owned by Fruit Growers Supply Company. This facility now houses additional skilled nursing rooms, including a secure Alzheimer’s unit.


...and a hospital in the valley...

Friday, December 12, 2014

Benefits of PT


If you read the blog yesterday, you are aware that Mayers Memorial Hospital has a great Physical Therapy Department staffed with skilled, dedicated employees. Why should you consider Physical Therapy as an option for your situation?

Physical Therapists are experts in improving mobility and motion.  Pain free movement is crucial to quality of life, ability to work and enjoy your favorite activities.

Improve Mobility and Motion
Being able to move freely is essential for life. Being active can prevent obesity and diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Consistent movement is important to maintaining good balance, which is important in preventing falls and injuries.

Physical Therapists work with patients of all ages and ability levels to restore, expand and maintain a good range of motion.

Avoid Surgery and Prescriptions
Many patients come to a physical therapist following an injuring. There are many times the rehabilitation can "do the trick" and prevent potential surgery and eliminate the use of pain prescriptions.

After surgery, Physical Therapy is an important part of recovery and regaining mobility.

Be an Active Participant in You Recovery
Patients are a part of developing their goals in order to meet individual needs and challenges. Participating in your own recovery is rewarding.

Each patient responds different to treatment. People have different types of bodies, ailments, habits and lifestyles. The beauty of Physical Therapy is that it is designed to meet individual needs.

At MMHD, Physical Therapists Jolene Platko, PT, DPT, ATC and Daryl Marzan, PT, DPT, along with Scott Platko, PTA work collaboratively to provide quality care to their patients.  After a referral is received, a full evaluation is scheduled to determine the course of treatment that is best for the patient.

Laura Sanders is the department's Certified Massage Therapist and PT Aide.  Amanda Shoup takes care of all of the scheduling and coordination of paperwork  and details.

Together, the staff at MMHD is ready to help you meet your goals of rehabilitation.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

The Amazing PT Staff at Mayers



Mayers Memorial has a Physical Therapy Department that is here to serve patients Monday through Friday. When you visit the Mayers Memorial Hospital Physical Therapy Department you will probably meet one on the Platko's. This husband and wife team share their passion for Physical Therapy in this inpatient and outpatient facility.

Who are the Platko's?

Jolene Platko, PT, DPT, ATC, PT Manager—Originally from Williston, ND, Jolene received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. She began working at MMHD in April 2012

Scott Platko, PTA—Scott has over 16 years experience working as a licensed PTA after graduating from Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT. He has worked extensively with orthopedic and sports medicine patients, as well as helping develop management strategies for the chronic pain patient.

Together, with an amazing staff, the pair has built a department aimed at meeting the needs of their individual patients.

Jolene and Scott are joined by a great staff. The other Physical Therapist on the team is Daryl Marzan.

Daryl Ann Marzan, PT, DPT—Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Daryl received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. She began working at MMHD in April 2013.

To complete the staff Laura Sanders is an aid and certified massage therapist. Amanda Shoup coordinates all scheduling works with patients on insurance and other needs.

MMHD's Physical Therapy Department coordinates inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation therapy. PT's provide evaluation and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and functional impairments. Services are directed at functionally improving the patient, so they are able to return to their pre-hospitalized setting.

The department is also actively involved in the discharge process of inpatients and assists in identifying the needs of the patient to return to activities of daily living.

There are treatment plans for all of your physical therapy needs.
  • SPORTS INJURIES
  • NECK & LOW BACK PAIN
  • ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES & SURGERIES
  • OSTEOARTHRITIS & OSTEOPOROSIS
  • TENDONITIS & REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES
  • JOINT REPLACEMENTS
  • NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS
  • VERTIGO & DIZZINESS
  • GAIT AND BALANCE TRAINING
  • POSTURE & BODY MECHANICS TRAINING
  • WORKERS COMP
  • RETURN TO WORK TESTING/TRAINING
  • PEDIATRICS
  • PRE AND POST PARTUM
  • SCIATICA AND SI DYSFUNCTIONS

For more information call (530)336-5511 Ext. 1243 or talk to your physician about a referral.

View a full BROCHURE







Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Healthy Holiday Cooking Swaps




Practice Healthy Holiday Cooking. Preparing favorite dishes lower in fat and calories will help promote healthy holiday eating. Incorporate some of these simple-cooking tips in traditional holiday recipes to make them healthier.

  • Gravy — Refrigerate the gravy to harden fat. Skim the fat off. This will save a whopping 56 gm of fat per cup.

  • Dressing — Use a little less bread and add more onions, garlic, celery, and vegetables. Add fruits such as cranberries or apples. Moisten or flavor with low fat low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and applesauce.

  • Turkey – Enjoy delicious, roasted turkey breast without the skin and save 11 grams of saturated fat per 3 oz serving.

  • Green Bean Casserole — Cook fresh green beans with chunks of potatoes instead of cream soup. Top with almonds instead of fried onion rings.

  • Mashed Potato — Use skim milk, chicken broth, garlic or garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese instead of whole milk and butter.

  • Quick Holiday Nog — Four bananas, 1-1/2 cups skim milk or soymilk, 1-1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon rum extract, and ground nutmeg. Blend all ingredients except nutmeg. Puree until smooth. Top with nutmeg.

  • Desserts — Make a crustless pumpkin pie. Substitute two egg whites for each whole egg in baked recipes. Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk in cheesecakes and cream pies. Top cakes with fresh fruit, fruit sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of fattening frosting.

Enjoy the holidays, plan a time for activity, incorporate healthy recipes into your holiday meals, and don't restrict yourself from enjoying your favorite holiday foods. In the long run, your mind and body will thank you.

Holiday tips from Mayers Memorial Hospital...Always Caring...Always Here

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Electronic Medical Records Provide Better Care Coordination


Change is hard.

Recently I needed some information for my son that dated back to 1995. It took time for the clinic to locate the paper file and manually read through the file to find the needed information. If it had been something from the past year or two, a simple search on the computer would have yielded the needed information.

Sometimes change can make things easier

There definitely is something to holding that paper in your hand, but when it comes to overall efficiency and quality care coordination, electronic records are the best options.

A couple of years ago, I sat in a doctor's office with a family member. He put in his notes right there and with the click of a button on the computer, emailed the notes to the primary care physician.

So how do electronic health records (EHR) connect you to your doctor? The primary factor is the ability to share the records safely with other people involved in your care plan.

The infographic below shows the history of EHR's and how they may improve your health and healthcare in the future.

At MMHD, we have established a Patient Portal that provides the opportunity to use the power of the web to track all aspects of your health care through your patient portal easily, safely, and securely over the internet.
 
Patients find this service more convenient than the telephone. It is also safer than e-mail because it uses secure technology to help protect your privacy.
 
We highly recommend you complete your account registration so that it will be ready to use when the need arises. It's easy to get started, and you can register at no cost.
 
On our website there is a video tutorial that walks you through the process. There is also an instruction sheet.
 
This is a change that is happening in healthcare. At MMHD we are here to assist you with all of your healthcare needs and the changes that come with it.