Donors Benefit Courtyard

The skilled nursing residents, family, visitors and employees of Mayers Memorial Hospital District have a beautiful Courtyard Patio thanks to the efforts of many generous donors. Over the past few years various funds have been designated for the courtyard project.  Most recently the addition of beautiful new patio furniture made the courtyard complete.

The project was supported by many individuals and organizations. Donations were made in memory of Pam Brown for handmade wooden benches by Willie’s Wood Creations. Residents of the Skilled Nursing Facility had a yard sale to raise funds and the Mountain Cruisers Car Club also donated to the project.

Community member Sharon McCulley donated items to the Lucky Finds and Thrift Store where proceeds were earmarked for the courtyard project.  There were also a couple of past senior projects that designated funds and a project that built the water feature.

Darla Van Riet of Do It Best Valley Hardware also supported the project with a savings on the beautiful patio furniture.

We are Here 24/7

You will often see the words "Always Caring, Always Here" when you see something related to Mayers Memorial Hospital District. Those four words mean a lot when it comes to our philosophy toward patient care in our community.

 

We invite you to learn more about our Critical Access Hospital by visiting our web page, stopping by for a tour or contacting us with your questions.

 

At Mayers we provide many services and are committed to quality patient care around the clock. We are ALWAYS CARING, ALWAYS HERE!

We Are TEAM MAYERS

 

We are team Mayers and we’re here to say

We use our stethoscopes every day.

Hanging round our neck or loan it to a doc,

It’s a necessary tool ‘round the clock.

Many years it took and this stethoscope is earned

Care, compassion and dedication is in our heart, it’s not learned.

We use this tool to listen to your heart

But that my friend is only the start

 

Patient care is always our first,

That’s what we do, we’re called a nurse.

 

So sit back, lay down as we gather ‘round

To make sure you are safe and sound

To evaluate, dictate what treatment is best

For you are our patient, you need your rest

 

Don’t worry or try to have it all make sense

Just be rest assured with our stethoscopes this

Team of nurses is your first line of defense

 

We’re TEAM MAYERS

 

With our stethoscopes on our neck, it should be clear;

We are Always Caring, Always Here.

 

 

 

MMHD Honoring the Stethoscope

Mayers Memorial Hospital District

Hospice Receives Donations

The Mayers Intermountain Hospice has recently been the beneficiary of funds from two local fundraisers. Members of the Norcal Road Gypsies presented the local Hospice group with a check for $2750 from proceeds raised at their annual car show.  The club hosted the event on July 19^th at the Clearwater Lodge and once again chose Hospice as the recipient of the funds.  Additionally, Clearwater owner, Michelle Titus donated another $200.

Car club co-presidents Greg Gordon and Bob Eastburn said the 32 member club loves to support the great work that Hospice does in our community.  Gordon, who is employed by PG & E, has a $350 donation also coming to Hospice for his community service and time committed to the community project.

The Hospice also received a donation in the amount of $1435 from Burney Honorary Mayor winner Patty Williams.  Williams raised the funds during her mayoral race and chose Hospice as her charity. Williams said that Hospice is “an awesome sector that is often forgotten.” She said the work Hospice does with patients, families and friends is very important.

 

 

Mayers Intermountain Hospice provides a special kind of care and support. Hospice helps patients and their families with decision making, meeting life goals, enhancing family relationships and promoting comfort.  The Hospice team is available 24/7 with dedicated on-call teams and Hospice trained volunteers.

 

 

Mayers Receives USDA Approval

USDA Loan Approval for Mayers

 

Mayers Memorial Hospital District (MMHD) received long awaited news last week from the USDA Rural Development Program. Administration at MMHD was informed that the USDA approved the newly submitted loan package to fund the expansion of the local healthcare facility.

MMHD submitted the new proposal at the beginning of the year after evaluating the original plan.  MMHD’s Board of Directors and Administration were conscience of the community’s needs while striving to be financially responsible. The new proposal reduced the project scale from $55,000,000 to $21,805,000.  The USDA state and federal offices are very supportive of the fully secured project.

Seismic retrofits and requirements were placed on the local hospital as a result of SB1953.  The facility must be compliant with patient care areas by January 1, 2020.  Major areas affected are the Emergency Room, Imaging Department and the Laboratory.

Legislation (AB1290) sponsored by Assemblyman Brian Dahle was signed recently and allows the district to use the Design-Build process. This process will provide a faster timeline and reduce the cost of the project.

Read More

Never Forget

 

We will never forget.

 

 

Mayers Memorial Hospital District

Always Caring...Always Here

TEAM MAYERS at the Fair

 

TEAM MAYERS was well represented at the recent Inter-Mountain Fair. Thank you to all of the amazing staff who helped with our booth. 

 

 

Congratulations to the parade committee for your awesome entry!  We are proud of the1st place ribbon you earned!

 

 

 

 

 





Addressing Air Quality Concerns

By Adam Dendauw

Respiratory Department Manager

 

It’s that time of year again when the fires flaring up and spreading smoke into the valley. Most of us think of this as an annoying or irritating, which it is, and are more or less unaffected by the exposure. Those of you out there with pulmonary and lung histories, such as COPD or Asthma dread this time even more. Air pollution and smoke exposure are two very big risk factors to those with a lung disease; even a small increase in the air pollutant index increases your chances off hospital admission due to an exposure related exacerbation. We wanted to give you a few tips to help avoid an episode of shortness of breath or an asthma attack due to smoke exposure.

               The number one tip is obviously, try and remain indoors and avoid smoke exposure as much as possible during this time, if you must go outside try and check the air quality reports first. There are a few websites that can give you a good idea of what the air quality levels are quickly and easily.

http://weather.weatherbug.com/CA/fall%20river%20mills-weather/air-quality.html

http://weather.weatherbug.com/CA/Burney-weather/air-quality.html

http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=399

               Currently we have a moderate air quality index for the Redding and surrounding areas. Try to remain outdoors as little as possible, even if the air quality is stated as being good or moderate, it can still easily affect those with lung conditions. Avoid the outdoors at all costs if the air index drops to unhealthy. Refrain from any physical activity that is too strenuous or adds other exposures, such as yard work or being around animals. If you can’t avoid an activity, take frequent breaks indoors and out of exposed areas. Also try and do as much as you can early in the day, this is when air quality is at its peak. If you have been prescribed any breathing medications, always carry them with you and consult your doctor about worsening symptoms due to the smoke this time of year, they may be able to give you alternative medications or instructions for your current medications to help with the added smoke risks. When traveling by car, try and keep your windows up and when your air conditioner, please use the internal air circulation to avoid pulling in smoke from the outside.

While indoors, keep your home well ventilated, replace all filters for your air conditioners or central air units in order to cut down on exposure. You can prevent smoke from filtering into your home by making sure that all doors to the outside are properly sealed on all sides and most importantly make sure there is no gap at ground level. Make sure windows are properly sealed off or weather stripped, not only will this help prevent smoke from entering, but it will increase your energy efficiency. Plugging up unused electrical outlets with childproof plastic covers and any other gaps should be filled with suitable filler such as insulating foam for large gaps or silicone caulk for smaller ones. Consider gaps around light fittings, electrical points, around air vents, around plumbing items etc.

Remember that children a are even more prone to problems due to exposure, if your child has a history of asthma or breathing problems, it is best that they avoid smoke exposure if at all possible. Remember to inform their schools, care providers and other family member to be aware of the risks associated with smoke inhalation. Also make sure that they are aware of any breathing medications that they take and that everyone is educated on how to properly use them.

If you or a loved one are caught in an exposure and have shortness of breath try and remain calm, use any breathing medications as prescribed by your doctor, try and get out of the smoke as quickly as possible and rest, taking slow deep breaths, until you feel better. Contact emergency services if you continue to be short of breath. We hope these tips will help, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us, at Mayers Memorial Hospital District Memorial Hospital District. We are Always Caring, Always Here.

Don't Fret Over that Bill...We May Be Able to Help

Financial Counseling Can Assist Patients

Unexpected things happen and we are seldom in control of our healthcare needs. Unfortunately an illness or injury isn’t something that is budgeted for.  Mayers Memorial Hospital District has taken necessary steps to assist the patient in time of need.

FinancialCounseling offers patients the opportunity to apply for Financial Assistance through various Federal, State, and local programs.  Mayers Memorial Hospital has a Certified Covered California Application Counselor on staff that can assist patients with applying for Medi-Cal or other insurance coverage.

With Financial Counseling, we are able to access the patient’s needs and find the best solution for them that will allow them to proceed with medically necessary services while still being able to afford them.  From a Financial Assistance Policy to monthly payment arrangements, each situation is handled on an individual basis to reassure the patient we are truly here to help.

If there are concerns with a bill received, patients are encouraged to reach out to our Patient Financial Services department for assistance as soon as they receive their first bill.  If a bill is forwarded to a third party agencies for handling, Mayers can still assist the patient and address any concerns they may have, and will work with you to resolve the account.  Mayers has two third party companies that handle billing on our behalf:

·        AR Services – An extension of Mayers Patient Financial Services Department.  The perform follow up patient billing on our behalf, handling accounts after the first statements is sent by Mayers.  If patients pay their bill in full or make monthly payment arrangements directly with Mayers within 30 days of receiving their first statement, the account will not be forwarded to AR Services. 

 

·        State Collections – Mayers collections agency.  If an account remains outstanding without a payment arrangement in place for more than 120 days they are referred to State Collections.  It is important to handle accounts sent to State Collections within 30 days of the first statement date.

It is the goal of Mayers to assure patients that the staff is here for them in regards to every aspect to their care, including the often overwhelming task of paying for services received. 

Visit www.mayersmemorial.com for more information on financial services and the discount payment program.

 

 

 

 

 

Respiratory Advice - Quit the Habit

Hello Everyone,

            My name is Adam Dendauw; I am the respiratory manager here at Mayers Memorial Hospital. I was asked to take some time and write a blog entry on some aspects of respiratory care and respiratory education for the community. My mind immediately went to the easiest advice and education to give, though one that is very difficult for many to adhere to. It is the single most important thing you can do to prevent pulmonary/respiratory illnesses, for both the long and short term. I am talking of course, about giving up smoking, or if you haven’t started yet making sure you never do.

There are two main factors given to those who smoke as a reason to quit, the health of themselves and those around them and the personal cost to keep the habit going. Many know the dangers of smoking, or have been told the impact that cigarettes may have on your health and lifestyle.  Smoking can lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), heart failure, lung cancer, mouth cancer and can negatively affect those with asthma or reactive airway disease. Smoking is the #1 preventable cause of death in America and the #1 cause of preventable lung dieses as well.  All of this caused by the more than 7,000 chemicals now found in today’s average cigarette and all of it is preventable. If the health risks were not scary enough, the financial impact each pack of cigarettes has on your wallet is horrifying, the average pack now cost $6.65 in the U.S.A. This means a one pack a day smoker spends roughly $2,400 a year supporting their habit. It is also worth mentioning the added health care costs smokers pay over their lifetime, roughly 15-20% more than a non-smoker. All of these wasted funds are savable, just as the health risks are preventable.

Many of you have already been told about these dangers, but how many have actually been given good solid advice on how to quit? How many have attempted to quit only to fail and picked up the habit again? It’s ok we are all human, we fall we get back up and try again. Plus it is not easy, if it were there would be no need for this education. I have personally seen someone I love struggle with the addiction, my mother went through four very long, very hard attempts before she finally gave up smoking for good. It is my hope that I can share with you some information that will give you an edge and that you can use this information in quitting once and for all.

One of the main keys to quitting is Awareness! Awareness of your habit is very important, I am often told by patients that they know roughly how much they smoke, but are not 100% sure as they will sometimes light a smoke, finish and begin another one or two before they realize they have gone through so many. Being aware of factors such as when you smoke most often, how many you smoke in a day or at a time and what drives you to smoke is the first step in getting a handle on your habit. You can create a log or time table in order to better track your habit and to get a better grasp on the situation. If you suddenly realize you smoke three cigarettes in the morning every day you can begin to ask yourself why that is, was there real reason or need? You will also become aware of when your cravings are more prominent and can better prepare yourself to make a decision not to smoke, or for starters to really cut back during these times.

Being honest with yourself about wanting to smoke is more helpful than ignoring the cravings, instead acknowledge and take note of when you feel like smoking or having a cigarette and then make a mental note that you are making a commitment to quit. Be prepared and knowing your Triggers and how to deal with them will make for a much smoother transition.  Identifying and dealing with the temptations associated with smoking is a very key, but difficult, component to staying smoke free. It is important to have the tools, knowledge and motivation to help overcome these obstacles on a daily basis. Knowing ahead of time about your specific triggers that urge you to smoke and having a plan in place to deal with these urges are some of the best ways to break the habit of smoking permanently.

 

Quick Ideas for dealing with cravings

Change your routines

Have an alternative activity you enjoy planned

Removing yourself from tempting situations

Use Nicotine replacement therapy

Talk to your support group

Remember the negative effects of smoking

 Stress is a very unfortunate part of life; some people think smoking helps deal with stress, but does smoking ever really solve anything when you’re stressed? The problems or factors causing stress will always be there after the cigarette is put out. Knowing and acknowledging your stress factors, much like your temptations and having a plan to help deal with them will help you become successful and stay smoke free. Accepting the fact that your life can and at times will be filled with stress is always the first step, taking a stand and acknowledging that smoking will not help solve the situation is step two.  You must preparing yourself daily to deal with the stress without the need or use of smoking, easier said than done. Knowing your stress factor ahead of time and having a plan to handle it without a cigarette is the goal and here are a few techniques that may help.

1.     Take a moment away from the situation if possible

2.     Practice breathing deeply and calmly

3.     Remember the benefits of remaining smoke free

4.     Talk about the situation with your support group, friends and family

5.     Remember that smoking will not solve the problem at hand

6.     Think of all the things about your life that you are thankful for

7.     Take each day and situation one at a time

8.     Always ask, what benefit will smoking provide during this situation

Setbacks will and can occur; it is very common for almost everyone to fall off the wagon during their quitting journey. Almost everyone falls when learning to walk and almost no one quits smoking without some reoccurrence. The trick is to not throw in the towel and let all your hard work go to waste. Pick yourself back up and continue back down that road to quitting. The best thing you can do is reflect on why you started smoking again, try not to be hard on yourself, think about what factors came into play and why did you feel like you couldn’t resist a cigarette? Remember all the good that quitting will do for you and your family, think of all the extra money you will have, how much healthier everyone will be and how well you have done up until this point. Everyone slips at one time or another, this does not make anyone a bad person, stay motivated, stay healthy, stay strong.

A lot of people have anxiety or fear quitting because they fear the possibility of failing, whether it be due to stress, the side effects of withdrawals from quitting, possible weight gain or simply because of habit. Most everyone is afraid of change, but you must remember that quitting smoking is a very positive change for you and your loved ones and with perseverance and hard work, a positive outlook and acknowledging and accepting that quitting will be difficult you can succeed. Remember breaking an addiction requires dedication, commitment, and hard work -- the same ingredients you need to achieve any goal. Accept that immediately after quitting, hunger may increase. This is part of the process of quitting, but it's temporary. In order to reap the long-term benefits of better health, you've made the choice to endure the temporary stress and discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. Understand that the first two to three weeks will be the toughest. That's when your psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms will be strongest. Remind yourself that this tough time is temporary Stressful situations may increase likelihood for relapse, so anticipate them and come up with a plan to manage your stress. Reward yourself for the progress you've made. Put the money you normally would spend on cigarettes into a jar or bank. Movies, dinners, and nights on the town will motivate you to enjoy your new smoke-free life.

Lastly there are many support outlets available, many are free and give free motivation and support, and there are even a few programs available that give samples of nicotine replacement therapy products if you and your doctor decide they would be beneficial. I hope these tips may help you in becoming smoke free, remember it is you who are in control. If you have any questions or would like additional information do not hesitate to ask, all of us here at Mayers Memorial Hospital are Always caring and Always here.

 

References & Resources

http://www.cancer.org/research/infographicgallery/tobacco-related-healthcare-costs

http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/health-effects/smoking.html

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/

http://smokefree.gov/

http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/how-to-quit/getting-help/

https://www.becomeanex.org/

 

 

 

Free Diabetes Education

Last year Fall River High School senior Rodrigo Alvarez decided it was time to give back to a cause he knows very well.  Rodrigo is diabetic and has experienced the challenges that come with the condition. Education about diabetes is essential in managing the disease.

For his senior project Rodrigo hosted a 9-Hole golf scramble at the Fall River Golf Course. He was mentored by Travis Hickey and Beth Allison. His project yielded $2000.  Rodrigo donated all of the proceeds to Mayers Memorial Hospital District for Diabetes education material.

MMHD Registered Dietician Lani Martin is putting those funds to good use.  She will be presenting a Diabetes Education class on Thursday, July 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the MMHD Fall River Board Room. The class will be translated is Spanish.  It is FREE and is open to all ages.  Families are encouraged to attend.

For more information contact 530.336.5511 Ext. 1136

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers and Community Service

Making a Difference!

Mayers Memorial Hospital was started by community volunteers back in 1956. Today, volunteers are still making an impact on the community one person at a time. Volunteer hours and financial donations can be measured by numbers but there is no measurement for the gift of a warm smile and personal contact by caring volunteers. 

Currently there are over 60 volunteers donating thousands of hours annually to the care of others. 

Become a Volunteer

Contact: Barbara Spalding at (530) 336-5211 or 336-511, ext 1159. 

Our volunteers play an important role in providing quality health care to the communities we serve. Many opportunities are available for our volunteers to make a valuable difference in someone's life and the rewards of the volunteering are just as numerous! 

Volunteers receive individualized orientation, training, and education. Every year our volunteers give thousands of hours of service to the hospital and foundation. 

Below are samples of some of the areas you can donate your time and talents: 
Gift Shop - Cashier, stock, and customer service with a smile!
Thrift Store - Cashier, sort, price, display merchandise and customer service with a smile!
Shredding Service - Collect and shred recyclable items from all departments.
Clerical Service - Type, file, and handle special projects.
Activities Service - Join in on all the fun with our Long-Term Residents.
Gardens - Landscape design, maintenance and planting of beautiful gardens.
Many other job functions are also available.

As you can see, opportunities to volunteer abound. Mayers Memorial Hospital District has a proud tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. 

Consider these reasons to volunteer: 
It's good for the heart!
It increases your self-esteem and lessens stress.
People who volunteer live longer, healthier, happier lives.
You can help someone needing your services.
It provides a sense of accomplishment and a way to do good deeds!

We're Searching for Volunteers

Why Join the Mayers' Volunteer Team?

You will have the opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills, or keep old ones honed. Volunteers serve the hospital in virtually every department, providing support for the staff, patients, and visitors with a focus on patients. Placement depends on your skills, interests, availability and our current open opportunities. 

Click below to print and fill out a Volunteer Application and Background Check. 
Adult Volunteer Application
Junior Volunteer Application
Background Check Application - ALL Volunteers

Email or send volunteer applications to: 
Barbara Spalding, Volunteer Services & Events Coordinator 
Mayers Intermountain Healthcare Foundation 
P.O. Box 77 
Fall River Mills, CA 96028
(530) 336-5211 
bspalding@mayersmemorial.com