If You Have Paid It...Use It!

 

 

December 31 is fast approaching. It is a busy time of year, but it is worth making time for healthcare needs of you and your family.  If you have met or are close to meeting your annual deductible, don't let it vanish!

If your insurance policy runs on a calendar year, your benefits will reset January 1, 2015. This means a reset of your deductible and out-of-pocket expenses. If you have deductibles and co-insurance "out-of-pocket" maximums, there is a good chance you may have these and your insurance will now pay the larger portion of your medical expenses. (Maybe even 100%). This is the perfect time to schedule care you may have been putting off. Now is the time to scheduled needed medical procedures, tests or elective treatments.

• Some insurance plans cover annual physicals and lab work with little or no out of pocket expense. Have you done yours in 2014?

• Most plans have a deductible that resets at the beginning of the calendar year. So if you have met your deductible, last minute items will be covered at a lower cost to you.

• If you foresee a lot of medical needs for the coming year, start early to fulfill your deductible as soon as possible.

Let us help you maximize your insurance benefits.  Keep in mind scheduling is important and some procedures require several appointments. In some cases, treatments can be started at the end of one year and completed after the next year begins.

MMHD provides many needed healthcare services including:

• Lab Tests
• Imaging
• Outpatient (IV, Wound Care)
• Outpatient Surgery
• Orthopedic and General Surgery
• Colonoscopies
• Physical, Respiratory and Cardiac Therapies

Contact your primary care physician for a referral or call MMHD for more information.

 

www.mayersmemorial.com  (530)336-5511  43563 Hwy 299E, Fall River Mills, CA

 

 

Meet Dr. Syverson

 

Living in the rural community of Fall River Mills really isn’t a concern for Mayers Memorial Hospital District’s (MMHD) new surgeon. Dr. Dale Syverson was born and raised in a small Minnesota town and is quite comfortable in a rural setting. “Being in a rural community gives me the opportunity to offer patients a more timely intervention. I feel like I can make a difference in their outcome and am able to respond to the patient’s needs.”

Dr. Syverson is a welcome addition to the community hospital, as MMHD had gone without a surgeon for some time.  He has wasted no time in getting to work, becoming involved in the area, enjoying the offerings of the outdoors, purchasing a home and setting up roots.

Fall River Mills and the farming community is much like where Dr. Syverson came from. He worked in a lumber yard, hay field and print shop as a teenager. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for over 4 years achieving the rank of E5 as a hospital corpsman.  He then went to the University of Minnesota for undergraduate work and medical school. It was while in the Navy he became interested in being a surgeon. “I was drawn to the idea of being able to make decisive interventions that had immediate results.”

“While in medical school, I had a clinical rotation in surgery and was inspired by many great surgeons,” he said. He also noted that the University had a strong emphasis on the program.

Next came his general surgery residency at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon, followed by his fellowship at Ferguson Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “I stayed in Minnesota and Michigan for the next 15 years and then ended up in Susanville, California.”

It was quite a move from the Midwest to northern California. How did that happen? “I was visiting one of my children who attended school in California and ended up getting a job offer in Susanville. I really liked the small town appeal and decided to make the move.”

His rural practice in northern California allowed him to do what he loves. “It is more diverse and flexible. It requires a level of adaptability. I am able to use my skills and have a wide variety of cases.” His practice consists of general, colon and rectal surgery.  Since at MMHD, he has also performed several emergency surgeries, which prevented the patient from having to be transported.

Dr. Syverson clearly has a passion for helping people. He had no specific stories to share, purely out of respect and privacy to his patients. “I could tell a story and leave out the names, but I feel never feel comfortable with that.” He did talk about facing some difficult patient issues and life threatening illnesses that responded very well to surgical intervention. “As  a surgeon, I enjoy being able to provide a service and see immediate response and provide necessary care to save a life.”

Surgery is not all that defines Dr. Syverson, he loves the outdoors. “I fish, but am not a fisherman; I golf, but am not a golfer. I also like to paddle, go boating, skiing, hiking and just enjoy the outdoors.” The Intermountain area is the perfect fit for these interests. “It is great to be in such close proximity to nature. There is so much nature to see all around us. There are not many places you can see nature this close on a daily basis. Bald Eagles, hawks, and deer – you can see them every day.”

Dr. Syverson is happy with his move. What does he think about the Intermountain area and MMHD? “I love it. This is a great small hospital. The staff is engaged and invested in the hospital and the community. It is obvious the hospital is an important resource to the community. It makes a difference and there is quality of care.”

As far as his hope and goals for the MMHD surgery department, he said he wants to continue to operate in the scope of the department’s capabilities to provide as much care to as many members of the community as possible.

Dr. Syverson has clinic hours at Mountain Valley Health Clinic and also goes to Modoc six days a month. He performs surgeries and procedures at MMHD weekly. So before you head out of the area for a procedure, Dr. Syverson would love to meet with you and see if he can help.

 

Balancing Calories

 

With the holiday season upon us, it is a good time to think about our habits. There is no need to gain 5-10 pounds during the holidays; it can be avoided by being aware, planning ahead and balancing our eating and exercise.

 

When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, calories really do count. It is all about a balance;  calories in, calories out.

 

A calorie is a unit of energy supplied by food. No matter what the source; protein, fat, carbs, or sugar; a calorie is a calorie.

 

To remain in balance and maintain a specific weight, you need to maintain a caloric balance. The calories consumed must be balanced by the calories you use with normal body functions, activities and exercise.

 

It takes about 3500 calorie deficit to lose one pound of body fat. So if you want to lose 1 - 2 pounds per week, you need to reduce your calorie intake by 500-100 per day.

 

The SuperTracker tool from the USDA is a great resource to look up nutritional values of food, track your daily eating, record physical activity, manage weight, track goals and organize recipes. There are some other great resources at eatright.

 

No one wants to "diet" especially during the holidays; but you can work to maintain a balance and not gain weight. If you eat a little more, then exercise a little more.

 

Everyone is different and has different caloric needs. Find your balance and try to maintain. There are many simple tips on cutting calories at each meal. Try one or two each week.

 

When planning you holiday meals make substitutions in recipes, provide healthy appetizers and encourage an after meal family walk.

 

MMHD encourages you to keep your holidays healthy and active.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Lucky Finds on 299

 

The Mayers Intermountain Healthcare Foundation opened a new store this week.  Located in McArthur, California, the store features quality resale furniture, home décor and recreational equipment.

 

The first day went very well.  The store is operated by volunteers and is open Thursday through Saturday.

 

Stop on by and take a peek...you might just acquire a lucky find!

Why Do They Open in the Back?

They are not a fashion statement by any means, they come in one size and...they open in the back!

Is there a reason for this or is it a big design flaw?

According to medical professionals, having a gown that opens in the back makes it a lot easier to examine patients and administer treatment. Regular sleep clothing and robes can become a hindrance in the efficiency of the clinical staff.

Injections are much easier to administer and it is much easier to listen to the heart and lungs.

Another big factor for the hind side opening is for the ease of care in an emergency. With the opening in the back, if there is an emergency, removal is easier and the gown does not have to be cut off.

The good news is there are new designs being worked on that will be efficient and private.

For the time being, at MMHD the quality of your care and your privacy are very important to us and we promise you we will make that our top priority.

Recipes with 3 Ingredients

 

 

How much easier can a recipe get?  With busy lifestyles, when it comes to cooking, easy is GREAT. Here are a few recipes with only THREE ingredients!

 

 



Pancakes

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Combine banana, eggs and cinnamon; mixing and mashing until smooth. Grease or spray pan with oil or butter. Heat to a medium temperature. Pour batter and cook for abut 1 1/2 minutes on each side.

 

 



Chili

• 1 pound ground beef - cooked and drained
• 1 can of chili beans
• 1 can of diced tomatoes

Mix the meat, beans and tomatoes in a large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Top with cheese and sour cream.


Peanut Butter Cookies

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg

Mix ingredients until smooth. Scoop 1 inch balls onto parchment lined cookie sheet. Press down with the back of a fork to form a criss-cross pattern. Bake at 350for 12 minutes.


Follow MMHD on Pinterest for more recipes, tips and health information.

The Price of Smoking

This week is the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. November 20th is the day to consider quitting.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the Untied States. Even with that statistic, more than 45 million Americans still smoke. From 2000 to 2004, tobacco related health costs and productivity loss in the United States totaled $193 billion.

What is the cost to the smoker - aside from potential health issues?

If you started smoking at age 20 and are now 45 years old, you have paid an average of $4.50 a pack. If you smoke 1 pack per day these are the figures.

1 Year = $1642.50

25 years you have smoked = $41,062.50

 

If you continue to smoke for another 30 years until you are 75 (the average cost per pack will go up to $7.00 over that time) you will spend an additional:

 

$76,650

 

Grand total of $117,712.50

 

That is what you have spent and will spend if you smoke one pack per day for 55 years. If you smoke more...do the math.

 

Think of how this money could better be spent and how your life could be impacted for the better. Many people want to quit or intend to quit.  Why not pick a day? That is what the Great American Smokeout is meant for. Pick November 20 for starting a healthier, happier (and richer) life.

 

MMHD Respiratory Department has Smoking Cessation programs.  Call for more details. (530)336-5511 Ext. 1226

 

 



 

 

 

 



Prepare for Winter Weather

 

 

Cold spells and winter storms have already targeted many parts of the country. Here in Fall River Mills, California it was 14 degrees this beautiful Monday morning. It is time to make sure we are prepared for winter. A few simple steps can help you be sure to have a safe and warm winter.

 

For your home:

• Check weather stripping, insulation, vents and storm doors and windows.
• Insulate water lines and faucets.
• Inspect and clean fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys.
• Check roof for leaks and damage.
• Install/check smoke detector (replace batteries if needed)
• Have a safe alternative heat source available.
• Be aware and know about signs/symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

For your car:

• Service the radiator, check antifreeze.
• Use a winter formula in you windshield washer.
• Keep an emergency kit in your trunk:
• blankets
• food and water
• booster cables, flares, tire pump, sand or cat litter for traction on ice
• flashlight, radio and batteries
• first aid kit
• extra warm clothes, gloves, etc.

Emergency Precautions:

• Be prepared for power outages with extra bottled water and food
• Keep cell phone charged and have an "old school" phone that requires no electricity
• Be aware of weather conditions when planning travel
• Keep batteries, flashlights and lamps
• Keep first aid kit stocked

When outdoors:

• Wear appropriate clothing, layers, hats, gloves, boots, etc.
• Maintain icy patches on sidewalks, driveways
• Carry a cell phone

Winter is on its way, MMHD encourages you to be prepared with the above tips and suggestions.

 

 



Perioperative Nurses Week

If you or someone you love has had a surgical procedure, a perioperative registered nurse was directly responsible for you or your loved one's well-being throughout the operation.

While all of the other medical professionals in the room, including the surgeon, anesthesia provider, surgical assistant and other assistive personnel, are focused on their specific duty, the perioperative registered nurse focuses on the patient for the duration of the procedure. Perioperative registered nurses provide specialized nursing care to surgical patients before, during, and after surgery.

November 9-15 marks the celebration of Perioperative Nurse Week, an annual celebration of perioperative nurses and their commitment to safe patient care.

MMHD has a dedicated, quality staff in our surgery department ready to assist Dr. Dale Syverson and Dr. Todd Guthrie.

 

 

 

The staff welcomes any questions you may have about surgery or what types of services are offered at MMHD. 

 

10 Ways to Show Kindness

 

 

 

Today is World Kindness Day. "No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted." -Aesop

 

Find a way to make someone happy today...practice kindness.

 

• Listen
• Be polite
• Open a door
• Smile at a passerby
• Forgive
• Be fair
• Give of your time
• Call a friend
• Give a compliment
• Love

 

 

 

 

Happy World Kindness Day from MMHD

 

 



Healthcare Careers

MMHD will be participating in a Career Day at Burney High School today. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the many careers available in the healthcare industry.  The great thing is that there are so many and they require all levels of education.

 

 

Thank You Veterans

 

 

In honor of our military men and women, here is compilation of quotes recognizing their service to our country.

"Freedom is never free." -Author Unknown

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" -Maya Angelou

"When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?" - George Canning

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die." -G.K. Chesterton

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis

"But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye." -Thomas Dunn English

"I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot." -Gary Hart

"Lord, bid war's trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace." -Oliver Wendell Holmes

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"The most persistent sound which reverberates through men's history is the beating of war drums." -Arthur Koestler

"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, 'Mother, what was war?'" -Eve Merriam

"Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul." -Michel de Montaigne
"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." -Jose Narosky

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." -Cynthia Ozick

"The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war." -Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Take the Test - Know the Risk

November is American Diabetes Month. It is estimated that 1 in every 3 American adults has pre-diabetes. Most of these people do not know they have it. Pre-diabetes is a high blood sugar level; higher than normal; but not enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

Pre-diabetes can be a serious health condition that can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Research shows that modest weight loss and regular physical activity can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by almost 60%. Losing 5 - 7% of your body weight and getting at least 2-3 hours of physical activity per week is important.

Find your risk for pre-diabetes by taking this test provided by the CDC.

If your score is 3 - 8 points your risk is lower for pre-diabetes. Keep your risk low by keeping your weight in check and staying active. If you are overweight, make and effort to lose some. Try to include physical activity in your daily routine. Don't use tobacco. Include low fat meals with  fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods.

If your score is 9 or more points you are at risk for having pre-diabetes now. It is advised to contact your physician soon.

There are several blood tests that can be performed. Talk to your physician regarding  these tests which can be performed at the MMHD lab.

500 is the Lucky Number

Five Hundred. 500. Quinientos. That's what we need annually and that's what you could win by helping.

Mayers Memorial Hospital District orders about 44 units of blood each month. That is over 500 units per year. Several Blood Drives are hosted annually to contribute to that need.  Blood collected at these community drives goes directly to the needs of our local hospital and community.

 

You can help! The next Blood Drive is Tuesday, November 11th from 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm at the Fall River Seventh Day Adventist Church.

 

Not only can you be a hero and contribute to that 500 units needed annually; you will have a chance to win $500. Shasta Blood Center is having a promotion and anyone who donates that week will be entered into a drawing for a $500 choice of either a Best Buy Gift Card, a Ticketmaster gift card or a American Express Gift card.

 

Do you meet the eligibility requirements?

 

Here are some of the basics:

 

Age: 17 (16 year-olds can donate with a Minor Donor Permission Form signed by a parent or guardian).

Weight: At least 110 pounds (different requirements for 16-22-year-olds, please call 1-888-393-GIVE).

Diet: A well-balanced meal is recommended within four hours of donation.

Health: General good health

Identification: Valid identification such as a driver’s license, DMV identification card, passport, etc.

Donating blood is one of easiest ways to support your community. Your donation will help save the life of up to three people!  If you’ve never donated blood before, you’re probably wondering what you can expect and you may even be a little nervous, but don’t worry!  Giving blood is safe and simple.  Although the actual blood draw takes only a few minutes, the entire donation process takes about an hour. Learn more

Some of your other questions may be answered here.

 

Mayers Memorial Hospital District thanks you for your continued support of the local Blood Drives.  We hope to see you November 11th!

Diabetes ABC's

November is National Diabetes Month. This year the highlight is the critical link between diabetes and heart disease.

Why is this important?

• More that 29 million people in the United States have diabetes.
• 86 million Americans over the age of 20 have pre-diabetes.
• More than 8 million people with diabetes don't know they have it.
• Heart disease deaths are nearly 2 times higher among adults diagnosed with diabetes.
• Hospitalization rates for heart attacks are 2 times higher among adults diagnosed with diabetes.

If you have diabetes you can lower your risk of heart disease by managing the ABC's.

A = A1C Test - a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the last 3 months. High glucose levels can harm your heart and blood vessels, kidneys, feet and eyes.

B - Blood Pressure - High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. It can cause heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. The blood pressure goal for many diabetes patients is below 140/90 - but you should always consult your physician.

C - Cholesterol - LDL Cholesterol can build up and clog arteries, which can result in a heart attack or stroke. HDL helps to remove cholesterol from your blood vessels.

S - Stop Smoking! - No explanation needed!

At Mayers Memorial Hospital District our quality staff can assist with these needs. We have a full service laboratory that can provide the needed testing. Consult your physician for more information.

Rad Stuff!

They take you x-rays, perform CT scans  and other imaging treatments. Can just anyone do that? What is a Radiologic Technologist?

 



What do they have to know in order to work as Rad Tech?

Did you know the first x-ray was discovered by a German physicist on November 8, 1895? The image was of a hand with a wedding ring on it. In 2013 there were over 159 million x-rays performed in United States.

 

Medical technology has allowed for diagnostic tests and procedures that aid in all areas of healthcare. 

 

 

 

November 2 - 8 is National Radiologic Technology Week.

Medical imaging professionals work with some of the most innovative equipment in the medical field to help identify pathologies, plan and administer treatment and restore patient health. R.T.s specialize in imaging, computed tomography, cardiac-interventional procedures, ultrasound, general diagnostic radiology. At MMHD our excellent staff is available for your radiology needs.

 



 

Med-Surg Nursing equals DIVERSITY

 

In honor of Medical-Surgical Nursing Week, how about a little lesson on what a Med-Surg Nurse is?

 

Medical Surgical nursing is the cornerstone of all nursing. Today many nurses choose to work a specialty area, but once upon a time most nurses were a Med-Surg Nurse. This nurse is a backbone in every facility.

 

Med-Surg Nurses care for patients in many types of settings including:

• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Home Health
• Long Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Urgent Care
• Surgical Centers

Med-Surg nurses are often responsible for multiple patients at one time. They make assessments, administer care, treatments, medications and complete charting and documentation.

 

The skill set of a Med-Surg Nurse is broad. They are knowledgeable in all aspects of adult health, have skills in assessment, technical areas, are organized and know how to prioritize.

 

They are patient advocates and understand the importance of quality care. They know that patient safety is the top priority and work with patients to identify what is in their best interest.

 

Med-Surg Nurses are able to care for patients of all ages with a multitude of diagnoses in a variety of settings. They make a difference and provide comfort and care to those that need it.

 

 

 

At Mayers Memorial Hospital District we are staffed with exceptional Med-Surg Nurses. Thank you for the commitment and care you provide to the patients of our community.



Six Things to Know About Hospice

MYTH: If I accept a referral to Hospice, I have given up.

FACT: Accepting a referral to Hospice simply means you have chosen to focus on the quality of life for however much time you have left. The goal of Hospice care is to reduce physical pain, create emotional well-being and enhance spiritual peace.

November is National Hospice Month; a time to share the message of what Hospice really means.

Each year more than 1.6 million people with a life-limiting illness receive care from Hospice providers. Most Hospice is provided in the home, allowing people to be with their loved ones and be in comfortable surroundings.

Hospice provides a special kind of care and support; helping patients and their families with decision making, meeting life goals, enhancing family relationships and promoting comfort.

There are 6 reminders about Hospice that can help one to understand this type of care.

1. Hospice care is usually in the home or wherever the patient calls home
2. Hospice cares for people with any kind of life-limiting illness
3. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medi-cal, private insurance and donations
4. Hospice support is available 24/7
5. Hospice is not "giving up", it is a focus on caring - not curing
6. Anyone can contact Hospice to learn if it is right for your loved one

Intermountain Hospice at Mayers Memorial Hospital is fully staffed to care for the needs of residents within the district.

Always Caring...Always Here