CNA Class is Coming Soon

CNA Class to Begin in August

Mayers Memorial Hospital District (MMHD) announces the availability of a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) /Home Health Aide (HHA) class through Shasta College which is slated to begin August 15, 2016. The CNA class will conclude December 1 and the completion of the HHA portion of the class is December 5 – 15^th.

An informational meeting to answer all of your questions will be held on Thursday, July 7^th at 6:00 pm in the Board Room at the Burney Annex.

Enrollment is already open; any interested students should get in touch with Libby Mee, Director of Human Resources at MMHD at 336-5511 Ext. 1206. 

WHAT DOES A CNA DO?

It's HOT!

The HEAT came Fast!

HEAT STROKE: Symptoms and Treatment

Heat Stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is a medical emergency. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke, you should call 911.

Heat Stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with dehydration.  This leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 105 degrees with complications involving the central nervous system than can occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. 

First Aid for HEAT STROKE:

• Call 911
• While waiting for paramedics initiate first aid, move person to an air-conditioned environment, cool shady area and remove any unnecessary clothing. 
• Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or cloth
• Apply ice packs to the patient's arm pits, groin, neck and back.  Because these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature. 
• Immerse the patient in a shower or tub with cool water. 

If emergency response is delayed, call the emergency room for more instructions. 

After recovering from heat stroke, you may be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following weeks. It will be best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you it is safe to resume your normal activities. 

It Is Mosquito Control Week

"If Noah had been truly wise, he would've swatted those two flies! (and mosquitoes!)"

It's that time of year when it is hard to sit outside for a backyard barbeque. If it weren't for those pesky little mosquitoes, the evenings outside would be perfect!

What is the best way to keep these insects away? Most people reach for a can of repellent. Here are a few tips for using repellents safely:

Always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label. EPA recommends the following when using insect repellents:

• Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not apply repellents under your clothing.
• Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Do not apply to eyes or mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using repellent sprays, do not spray directly on your face—spray on your hands first and then apply to your face.
• Do not allow children to handle or spray the product. When using on children, apply to your own hands first and then put it on the child. Avoid applying repellent to children’s hands because children frequently put their hands in their eyes and mouths.
• Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application does not give you better or longer lasting protection.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days.
• If you (or your child) get a rash or other reaction from a repellent, stop using the repellent, wash the repellent off with mild soap and water, and call a local poison control center for further guidance. If you go to a doctor, it might be helpful to take the repellent with you. 

More Information

Are You Drinking Your Calories?

You may know your daily calorie intake when it comes to food, but how many liquid calories are you adding? What you consume in fluids can make a big difference.

Many people don't realize just how many calories beverages can contribute to their daily intake. As you can see in the example below, calories from drinks can really add up.

Substituting no- or low-calorie drinks for sugar-sweetened beverages cuts about 650 calories in the example above.

Be aware that the Nutrition Facts label on beverage containers may give the calories for only part of the contents. The label may list the number of calories in an 8-oz. serving (100) even though the bottle contains 20 oz. or 2.5 servings. The contents of the entire bottle actually contain 250 calories even though what the label calls a "serving" only contains 100.

Now that you know how much difference a drink can make, here are some ways to make smart beverage choices:

• Choose water, diet, or low-calorie beverages instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.
• For a quick, easy, and inexpensive thirst-quencher, carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day.
• Don't "stock the fridge" with sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in the fridge.
• Serve water with meals.
• Make water more exciting by adding slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or watermelon, or drink sparkling water.
• Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.
• When you do opt for a sugar-sweetened beverage, go for the small size. Some companies are now selling 8-oz. cans and bottles of soda, which contain about 100 calories.
• Be a role model for your friends and family by choosing healthy, low-calorie beverages.

Run for Julie

It was the summer of 2013 and I was preparing for my first half marathon. I was feeling unsure and very nervous. I don't know if she sensed it, but a co-worker came alongside and offered me encouragement every time she saw me at work.

Julie McCullough was an EMT at Mayers Memorial Hospital. She also an avid runner and had completed many half marathons. Her kindness, compassion and advice were a significant part of me being able to complete my first half-marathon.

After the race weekend, she was the first to ask how it went and congratulate me on my accomplishment. She asked if I wanted to participate in a run she really liked, the Biz Johnson Half Marathon. That fall it wasn't going to work for me, but I thought, yes the next year (2014) I would definitely participate.

During the next year, Julie was diagnosed with brain cancer and we lost an amazing co-worker and friend at MMHD this summer.

We put out the word to our staff...

BEFORE YOU SAY NO “I Don’t Run…” Think about this…

This is a large challenge – something hard to endure and probably not something most of us want to do. It won’t be easy. For these reasons it will be a meaningful tribute to a person who loved to run. 

In honor of Julie and her love of running, 25 people representing MMHD participated in the Biz Johnson Half Marathon in October 2014.  Many of the participants were truly not runners and it was a big feat for them to tackle. Runners collected pledges to establish a fund to establish a scholarship in memory of Julie. 

The tradition continues.  MMHD participated again in 2015 and we have awarded two scholarships in Julie's memory.  It is that time again.  TEAM MAYERS is gearing up and training for the October 8, 2016 Biz Johnson.  We invite you to join us by participating or pledging. 

Again. we will accomplish and complete these 13.1 miles...with Julie whispering words of encouragement each step of the way.

What is a Critical Access Hospital

Mayers Memorial Hospital District is classified as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). What does that mean?

A CAH is a hospital certified under a different set of Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoP). These conditions vary from a regular acute care hospital.

Some of the requirements for a CAH include:

• Having no more than 25 inpatient beds
• Maintaining an average annual length of stay of no more than 96 hours for acute inpatient care
• Provide a 7 day a week, 24-hour a day emergency service
• Located in a rural area
• At least 35 miles away from another hospital

The limited stay and size of a CAH facility is meant to encourage a focus on providing care for common conditions, providing outpatient services; while referring other conditions to larger hospitals.

MMHD was certified as a CAH on November 1, 2001.  This certification allows for a cost-based reimbursement from Medicare instead of a fixed reimbursement rate.

It is estimated that one-fifth of the United States population lives in a rural area. Critical Access Hospitals offer much needed services in small areas and serve as a foundation to the healthcare delivery system. Many residents of rural areas face challenges with transportation. A CAH focuses on providing that essential care in an accessible manner.

MMHD has a service area of over 8000+ square miles.

MMHD Services

Protect Your Skin

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Skin cancer is a lifestyle disease and it can be prevented. May is national Skin Cancer Awareness Month; a time to become informed and learn the facts.

A large percentage of skin cancer cases are a result of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and about 65% of melanoma skin cancers are a direct result of UV radiation. Protecting yourself from the sun should be a priority in prevention.

Reducing your risk of skin cancer involves simple steps:

• ·       Seek shade
• ·      Avoid sunburns. Your risk of melanoma doubles if you have had 5 or more sunburns at any point in life.
• ·      Avoid tanning beds - UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer in humans, and the more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk. Those who make just four visits to a tanning salon per year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11 percent, and their risk for the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, by 15 percent.
• ·       Cover Up!
• ·       Use sunscreen - UVA/UVB with an SPF of 15 or higher for every day. For extended activity  use a water resistant SPF 30.
• ·      Examine Your Skin - To a head to toe self exam every month and have an annual exam by your physician each month. Download a printable body map to assist with keeping track of spots.

Fishing Derby Proceeds to Hospice

Intermountain Healthcare Foundation President Keith Earnest, Hospice Manager Mary Ranquist and Stevie Collins

Fall River Senior Stevie Collins has teamed up with mentor Jeremy Vanover to host a Fishing Derby. The idea came from trying to find a way to encourage family interaction and family fun.

The Derby will take place July 2, 2016 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm at Baum Lake in Cassel, California.  There will be instruction for the participants, prizes and a lot of fun fishing! Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

Participants will receive a measuring tape, a scorecard and will be given the opportunity for some good old-fashioned fun. July 2nd is a Free Fishing Day so no license will be required. 

Collins will be a senior and enjoys fishing himself  He also enjoys playing football and baseball.  He aspires to be a surgeon someday.

Collins will donate all proceeds to the Intermountain Hospice. 

How About a 25% Discount?

Patients or their responsible party may receive a prompt pay discount in the following ways:

To qualify for a 25% Discount:

·       A good faith/partial payment must be made on the date services are rendered.

·       Account or a combination of multiple accounts must add up to over $100.00 (for the patient responsibility portion).

·       Account is paid in full within 30 days of the first statement.

To qualify for 15% Discount:

·       Account or combination of multiple accounts must add up to over $100.00 (for the patient responsibility portion).

·       Account is paid in full within 30 days of the first statement.

*It should be mentioned that we cannot by law discount any Medi-Cal Share of Costs amounts or services in relation to Long Term Care.  These discounts would only be applicable to services provided by MMH, such as Emergency Room, Inpatient Care, Outpatient Services, and Therapy Services…..

Patients are encouraged to contact Patient Financial Services/Patient Financial Counselor to make payment over the phone to ensure the prompt pay discount is applied. They may contact the Patient Financial Counselor at 530-336-7552.  If patients cannot pay in full and have questions regarding other discount options, we have our Financial Assistance Program as well as payment plans.  Patients are encouraged to contact Patient Financial Services concerning their bills within the first statement period to set up payment arrangements if needed.

Do You Know the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

During Men's Health Week there is a focus on prevention, awareness and how to lead a healthy life. Being educated and knowing the facts about certain diseases can mean the difference between life and death.

Heart Attacks are a major concern when it comes to men's health. There are five major symptoms of a heart attack. 

1.    Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back

2.    Feeling weak, light-headed or faint

3.    Chest pain or discomfort

4.    Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders

5.    Shortness of breath 

It is important to seek attention for a heart attack immediately.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when a section of the heart dies or gets damaged because of reduced blood supply.

For more information

CNA Class to Begin in August

CNA Class to Begin in August

Mayers Memorial Hospital District (MMHD) announces the availability of a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) /Home Health Aide (HHA) class through Shasta College which is slated to begin August 15, 2016. The CNA class will conclude December 1 and the completion of the HHA portion of the class is December 5 – 15^th.

Class will be in Redding weekly Monday through Thursday with Monday and Tuesday being theory days and Wednesday and Thursday being clinical and lab days.

MMHD will provide transportation for up to 15 committed students and will coordinate with the SMART program for student expenses. 

Informational packets are available to pick up with the Ward Clerk at the MMHD Burney Annex and with Jessica in the Administration office at MMHD in Fall River.

Enrollment is already open; any interested students should get in touch with Libby Mee, Director of Human Resources at MMHD at 336-5511 Ext. 1206.  

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June is Men's Health Month

June is Men's Health Month. The purpose of the event that is anchored by a Congressional health education program is to increase awareness in all areas of men's health.

The awareness month focuses on preventable health problems, and encourages early detection and treatment of male diseases. There are many ways to stay pro-active with men's health; having the correct information and knowing what you need to do is the first step.

For more information, visit Mayers Memorial Hospital District's website.