Get a flu shot this year!
September 13, 2021
Categories: Community health news, News
It’s never a good time to be seriously ill or hospitalized with the flu, but 2021-22 could be particularly challenging as patients with COVID-19 continue to fill beds. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, infections are also on the rise in our area. Health experts in northeast Kansas and nationwide are worried about the upcoming influenza season and hope people will help prevent a large number of flu hospitalizations by getting a flu shot.
Karen...
Take control of your health at our October 9 Health Fair
September 8, 2021
Categories: Community health news, Events, General, News
During the Health Fair, individuals can receive a complete blood count, chemistry panel, thyroid screen, cholesterol panel, and hemoglobin A1c for...
CHCS offers Heart to Heart Therapy
August 9, 2021
Categories: Community health news, General, News
If you have a heart attack or a heart procedure, you can participate in Cardiac Rehab to help regain your health. But Community HealthCare System wants to do more to help people prevent heart problems in the first place. A new program, Heart to Heart Therapy, can do just that.
The friendly, highly customizable program is designed to help people set goals, learn about heart health risk factors, and start exercising with help from a team of wellness experts.
Meranda...
How to boost your heart health
August 9, 2021
Categories: Community health news, News
By Meranda Schmitz, RN and Cardiac Rehab nurse
We recently posted about cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. So what can you do decrease your risk factors and increase your heart’s health?
Make a few changes to your diet Exercise for the recommended amount of time at the recommended effort level Keep your blood sugar levels under control Take the medications prescribed by your doctor or cardiologist Join Cardiac Rehab!After a...
What is cardiovascular disease?
August 9, 2021
Categories: Community health news, General
By Meranda Schmitz, RN and Cardiac Rehab nurse
Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. Just like any muscle, it can get damaged or worn out. Cardiac Rehab is designed to strengthen and recover your heart so that you may go on to live a happier, healthier life. If you have cardiovascular disease, Cardiac Rehab may be for you. But first, it’s important to understand cardiovascular disease, its risk factors, and how it affects the body.
So...
St. Marys Clinic offers extended hours
July 1, 2021
Categories: News
Community HealthCare System’s St. Marys Clinic will offer extended hours starting Tuesday, July 6.
The clinic will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Hours on Mondays and Fridays will remain 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
According to Merica Surdez, Community HealthCare System chief of provider and clinic operations, the extra two hours three nights per week will help busy families.
“We...
Welcome to Medicare exams can boost quality of life
June 11, 2021
Categories: Community health news
As we age, we may focus on negatives such as new aches and pains. But age also brings some advantages, including time and resources that can help us focus on our health and quality of life.
Upon enrolling into Medicare Part B at age 65, beneficiaries are eligible for a once-in-a-lifetime examination. This “Welcome to Medicare” visit must occur during the first 12 months of enrollment and is free; the patient does not pay a fee, and the visit is not subject to a deductible.
Community...
Trauma awareness: Vehicle and ATV safety
May 20, 2021
Categories: Community health news, News
By Mindy Olberding, Chief Nursing Officer
Since 1988, the United States has recognized the month of May as Trauma Awareness Month. This year’s theme chosen by the American Trauma Society (ATS) and The Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) is Safe and Secure – Safety is a Choice, Prevention is the Key.
During the pandemic, we learned that taking preventative measures to ensure our safety against COVID-19 was important, and the same is true with...
Catch up on mental healthcare
April 9, 2021
Categories: Catch Up On Care
The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many people. In addition to catching up on your physical healthcare, now is time to catch up on your mental healthcare, too.
Suicide affects not only an individual or a single family, but entire communities. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, one Kansan dies by suicide every 16 hours. Rural areas have consistently demonstrated higher rates of suicide than urban counterparts. In 2018, suicide...
Patient says colonoscopy 'gives you peace of mind'
March 15, 2021
Categories: News, Patient story
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, and 25 to 30% of colorectal cancer patients have a family history of the disease according to FightCRC.
That was enough to convince Gary Sorensen, a patient of Dr. David Allen at Community HealthCare System, to start getting regular colonoscopies when he was in his late 40s.
“My dad had colon cancer, and it was detected in his 50s. My dad’s brother and his father...