CAHS News

POCKET CARDS AVAILABLE FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:09:20 EDT

Domestic violence awareness is recognized during October. Domestic violence is defined by Nebraska Law as abuse that occurs between spouses, persons living as spouses, or adult members of the same household. It is attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury with or without a deadly weapon or placing another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
The Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition states that between 1990-1997 there were 195 victims of homicide resulting from domestic violence/sexual assault in Nebraska. Of the 195 victims, 53 were children and adolescents. Creighton Area Health Services is helping to focus awareness on domestic violence by offering pocket cards at Physicians' Clinic, Lundberg Memorial Hospital, Creighton Care Centre, Verdigre Clinic and various locations throughout Creighton. The cards contain important information for victims on preparing to leave and what to take with you when you leave. It also has a directory of important local and state phone numbers for victims to keep with them. The pocket-sized card allows victims to discreetly have the information they need readily available.
For more information on domestic violence contact CAHS at 358-5700.

NEW WEBSITE UP AND RUNNING

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:08:25 EDT

Creighton Area Health Services recently revealed a new website layout. By visiting www.cahs-ne.org visitors can find information on Creighton Area Health Services, Creighton Care Centre, Physicians'Clinic, Verdigre Clinic and Lundberg Memorial Hospital. The website also has a listing of many diseases and injuries treated at CAHS, visiting specialty physicians, contact information for administration, and information regarding volunteer services. There is information available about the area, some patient demographic forms that can be downloaded and printed to speed up the check-in process for patients, and much more.
Patients are now able to pay a bill online by credit card through our new website. Visitors to the home page will note an icon in the upper right-hand corner that allows patients to simply click and pay through PayPal. You do not have to have a PayPal account to use the service. Kim Hixson, CPA, CFO of CAHS, says, “As a part of our patient advocacy program, the capability of paying a bill online creates another option for patients to pay their bill. We expect many patients to take advantage of this service. “Jeff Lingerfelt, CEO of CAHS, adds, “This new option really puts us in a unique situation compared to other facilities in Northeast Nebraska. We are proud to be one of the first healthcare facilities in our area to offer this service.”
People with ties to the Creighton community and Creighton Area Health Services are also able to donate to CAHS online. There is a “Make a Donation” icon on the home page that takes the visitor through the steps to make a donation. As in paying a bill, the payment is processed through PayPal by using a credit card. This new feature will be included in any upcoming fundraising efforts that CAHS may participate in. “Today's culture dictates that we are all busy people. Many people shop online and will do most of their holiday shopping online. For those people, donating online makes perfect sense, “says Lingerfelt. He continues, “This will also be an easier option for people who no longer live in the Creighton area, but have family members who are residents at the Care Centre and would like to donate to CAHS, or would simply like to remember the community with a donation to CAHS. “

55 PLUS PROGRAM OFFERED AT CAHS

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:07:13 EDT

CREIGHTON, NE-Creighton Area Health Services is pleased to bring you 55Plus, an extraordinary package of health related services for adults 55 and older. 55Plus is designed to give you pluses when you're sick and pluses when you're well. Best of all, it costs you nothing to join, and its services are offered to you on a complimentary basis or as special 55Plus membership opportunities.

Virginia Von Seggern, former CAHS Public Relations Director, and former Development Director will return to launch the new program to the Creighton area. There are no fees or dues for membership because 55Plus is not an insurance plan or a Medicare Supplement. We offer it as a community service. We are able to bring you 55Plus through our membership in the Heartland Health Alliance. Heartland Health Alliance is a network of urban and rural hospitals that brings the finest healthcare services to the people of Nebraska. When you join 55Plus, you become a member at our local hospital (CAHS), and at BryanLGH Medical Center in Lincoln. As a member, you may receive 55Plus benefits at both hospitals and at any other Alliance hospital that offers the 55Plus program.

If you're 55 and older, apply today for 55Plus. Applications are available at the front desk of Creighton Area Health Services. Further information will be mailed to you about 55Plus, and two membership cards, one from our hospital, and one from BryanLGH will be sent to you. Your cards entitle you to a variety of great services available only to 55Plus members. A Kick Off event for the new service will be held at Creighton Area Health Services on Thursday, November 6 from 2-4 pm featuring Delores Ruzicka, well known speaker in the Creighton and Verdigre areas. Come, enjoy, and find out about 55Plus!

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH RECOGNIZED

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:18:02 EDT

CREIGHTON, NE-Creighton Area Health Services Physical Therapist Tom Ostronic is recognizing National Physical Therapy month by offering a free program to the general public. Ostronic will demonstrate proper use of the fitness equipment at the CAHS Wellness Center, 702 Main, Creighton on Tuesday October 14th, 4-7pm and Saturday October 18th, 9am-12pm. He will also be available to answer questions on fitness program development. This year's theme for physical therapy month is “Physical Therapy: It's all about the movement!” According to the American Physical Therapy Association website, “Physical therapists are the movement experts. We help people move forward. We help people who have had a stroke or an amputation regain their independence. We help millions of Americans manage or eliminate their neck or back pain. We help children with cerebral palsy improve their overall function and participation in life. We help people move forward.” It continues, “Movement is essential to our everyday lives. Having the ability to move safely and effectively is crucial in our lives and the lives of the people physical therapists treat. The physical therapy profession empowers people to move forward and take control of the movement that is so important in all of our lives.” For more information on physical therapy, contact Tom Ostronic at 358-5700.

BENEFIT PLANNED IN CREIGHTON

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:46:44 EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
September 29, 2008 Kara Osborn 402-357-5757

BENEFIT PLANNED IN CREIGHTON CREIGHTON, NE-A benefit for the June Kotrous family will be held in Creighton on Sunday October 5th from 11am-2pm at St. Ludger Social Hall. June was seriously injured in an automobile accident that claimed the lives of her parents in May 2008. The family faces large medical expenses as June continues to recover at Madonna Rehabilitation in Lincoln. June was the Human Resource Director of Creighton Area Health Services. Sunday's events include a bake sale, raffle for a 42” plasma TV, kid's games, chicken dinner free will offering, and a silent auction. There are over 50 items for the silent auction including a 2007 Masters Flag Pin autographed by Jack Nicklaus, an autographed copy of “Carolina Way” by Dean Smith, and a Tom Osborn autographed football. All proceeds go to June Kotrous. Additional funding will be provided by Antelope-Knox Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit Fortune 500 financial services organization helping 2.8 million members achieve financial security and give back to their congregations and communities.

CARE CENTRE SURVEY

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:24:35 EDT

Creighton Care Centre is participating in a satisfaction survey from My Inner View, a management intelligence firm that allows participants to assess satisfaction at all levels of an organization, specializing in senior health care. The Care Centre is part of a peer group of 4,029 facilities with My Inner View. In July 2008, My Inner View mailed surveys to 41 Care Centre residents and families. 34% responded by mailing a completed survey back to My Inner View. Of those responding, 57% were family members and 43% were residents themselves. The survey asked the participants to rank the Care Centre on 24 items, from excellent, good, fair or poor.
71% of respondents rated the Care Centre as excellent for Overall Satisfaction, giving the Care Centre a 93rd percentile rank (out of 100) within the peer group. 79% rated the care/concern and respectfulness of staff as excellent, with a 93rd percentile rank for care/concern and a 88th percentile rank for respectfulness. The quality of RN/LPN care ranked on the 90th percentile when compared to the peer group, with 86% rating as excellent. 71% rated the quality of CNA/NA care as excellent, giving the Care Centre a 95th percentile rank in the peer group.
Jeff Lingerfelt, CEO of Creighton Area Health Services states, “Congratulations to the staff of the Care Centre. It's obvious they are committed to providing our residents with excellent health care. Especially when you look at how our staff ranks within the group of 4,000 facilities. That's a true testament to their dedication. We will continue to listen to what our residents and families tell us, and My Inner View helps us do that. By using the survey results, and combining those results with our other forms of monitoring quality goals, we hope to continue to improve our services offered to our residents and families.” Tanya Curtis, Director of Nursing at the Care Centre agrees, “It's all about the residents. We are here to take care of them and make them feel comfortable by offering the services they need to thrive in a long term care setting.” For more information on Creighton Care Centre, contact 402-358-5701.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS RECOGNIZED AT CAHS

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:23:01 EDT

Creighton, NE-Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among American women except for skin cancers. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is about 1 in 8 (12%). During the month of October, many health care facilities focus on Breast Cancer to help raise awareness of the issue.
Creighton Area Health Services is proud to be a part of the nationwide effort. On October 2nd and 16th, all women who have a mammogram at CAHS will be given the chance to register for one of four � massages by Candace Cunningham to be given away by CAHS, a coupon for a $5 off a � hour massage, a 30 day pass to the Wellness Center, and a free shower card for help with breast self exams. Patients are encouraged to call 358-5728 for an appointment. In addition, CAHS recognizes that many women have their mammogram during their birthday month, or at other times during the year. Any woman who calls during October to schedule their mammogram for another time of the year, will be entered in the drawing for the four � hour massages.
CEO Jeff Lingerfelt states, “As our community's health resource, it's our privilege to bring awareness to Breast Cancer and help our community members take advantage of preventative tools, such as a mammogram, that we have available.” For more information on Breast Cancer, call CAHS at 358-5700.

LUNCH AND LEARN SCHEDULED

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:28:10 EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
September 4, 2008 Kara Osborn, Marketing Director 402-358-5757

CHOLESTEROL LUNCH AND LEARN SCHEDULED

Creighton, NE-Creighton Area Health Services will present a free “Lunch and Learn” session on Cholesterol on September 30th. The seminar will be presented by Brandon Essink, MD, Board Certified Family Medicine, from 6:00-7:00pm at CAHS. September is Cholesterol Education Month and Creighton Area Health Services is focusing on the importance high cholesterol plays in many health risks. For more information and to register for this free session, call Creighton Area Health Services at 402-358-5700. Attendees will receive a free light supper with registration. ####

CAHS FOCUSES ON CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:27:31 EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
September 4, 2008 Kara Osborn 402-358-5757

CAHS FOCUSES ON CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION
CREIGHTON, NE-Creighton Area Health Services is participating in National Cholesterol Education Month. Community residents are encouraged to stop by CAHS during September to pick up free educational material on Cholesterol.
High blood cholesterol affects over 65 million Americans. It is a serious condition that increases your risk for heart disease. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater the risk. You can have high cholesterol and not know it. Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high lessens your risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of having a heart attack or dying of heart disease.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is offering several helpful resources to use during National Cholesterol Education Month. CAHS is offering the handout “High Blood Cholesterol: What you need to know” simply by calling 358-5700 to request a copy mailed or by stopping by the Physicians' Clinic/Hospital Admissions or the Verdigre Clinic for your free copy.
CAHS will also be hosting an educational seminar on Cholesterol on September 30th from 6-7pm in Creighton with Dr. Brandon Essink. To register for the free event, call 358-5700. A light supper will be provided free of charge. Take advantage of this local opportunity to learn more about Cholesterol.

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NEW IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:51:12 EDT

CREIGHTON, NE-During Immunization Awareness Month in August, Creighton Area Health Services is offering free immunization schedules. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated the schedules on March 5, 2008. Schedules are available for persons aged 0-6 years; persons aged 7-18 and a catch-up schedule for aged 4 months-18 years. The schedules list the ages for when each vaccine or series of shots is to be given. If your child or adolescent has missed any shots, consult the catch-up schedule and check with your doctor about getting back on track. Schedules are available at the admissions lobby at CAHS, 1503 Main Street, Creighton, at the Verdigre Clinic at 401James Street, Verdigre or by calling 358-5700 and requesting a mailed copy. According to the CDC, we don’t vaccinate just to protect our children. We also vaccinate to protect our grandchildren and their grandchildren. If we keep vaccinating now, parents in the future may be able to trust that diseases like polio and meningitis won’t infect, cripple, or kill children. Vaccinations are one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases.

CAHS HONORED FOR 5 MILLION LIVES PARTICIPATION

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:41:38 EDT

Each year, despite the effort and dedication of caregivers, nearly 15 million incidents of medical harm occur in the U.S.-a rate of 40,000 per day. This statistic is higher than even most patients and professionals realize. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has developed the 5 Million Lives Campaign. The goal of this campaign is to avoid five million incidents of harm during the two-year campaign and to continue the mission of providing the right care for every patient, every time. The IHI says, “Thousands of patients are harmed in US hospitals every day. Hospital acquired infections, adverse drug events, surgical errors, pressure sores, and other complications are commonplace.” Participating hospitals are challenged to adopt twelve changes in care that save lives and reduce patient injuries. Suggested changes include preventing pressure ulcers and reducing surgical complications.
Creighton Area Health Services enrolled in the 5 Million Lives Campaign and is proud to be a participant. Jean Henes, Director of Nursing at Lundberg Memorial Hospital, states, “The campaign from IHI falls directly in line with our mission of providing our patients with the highest quality of care in the safest manner possible. “ Jeff Lingerfelt, CEO of Creighton Area Health Services adds, “It is our duty, as a community health care provider, to do everything in our power to end the incidents.” CAHS was recently recognized as “fully committed for 2007” to the 5 Million Lives Campaign for our active participation in the health care quality initiative. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska recognized CAHS for its commitment to deliver the best health care possible to the people living in the Creighton, Nebraska region. Because of this achievement, BCBS honored CAHS with its first Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska Recognition of Quality award. For more information on the 5 Million Lives Campaign, visit their website at www. ihi.org/ihi/programs/campaign.

OUTREACH CLINIC ANNOUNCES CARDIOLOGIST

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:38:13 EDT

The outreach clinic of Creighton Area Health Services is announcing the addition of

Steven Diamantis, M.D., Cardiologist. Dr. Diamantis will begin seeing patients in Creighton on August

21st, replacing James Morgan, M.D. who is retiring. Like Dr. Morgan, Dr. Diamantis is part of Heart

Consultants, PC, a seventeen cardiologist, physician-owned group practice with offices in Omaha,

Fremont. They also provide outreach services in the rural Nebraska communities of Blair, Norfolk,

Osmond, Creighton, Plainview, Schuyler, and in Missouri Valley and Red Oak, Iowa.

Dr. Diamantis specializes in cardiology and cardiac catheterization and coronary interventions. He is a

Board Certified member of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine,

Cardiovascular Disease, and Interventional Cardiology. In Creighton, Dr. Diamantis will work in

collaboration with Dr. Michael Dehning seeing patients on alternating Thursdays. To schedule an

appointment with Dr. Diamantis, contact the Creighton Area Health Services Outreach Clinic at 358-

5736, or your primary care provider.

SLEEP SEMINARS SCHEDULED

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:49:58 EDT

Creighton, NE-Leigh Heithoff, Clinical Manager with BryanLGH Sleep Center will present two free sessions on Sleep at Creighton Area Health Services July 15th. The first session is scheduled for 12 noon and is titled “Sleep: As Important as Diet and Exercise (Only Easier)”. During this session, Heithoff will discuss how important sleep is, the stages of sleep, and what a normal night of sleep should look like. The 6pm session is titled, “Sleep Issues for Shift Workers” and will discuss the common challenges that shift workers face. Heithoff will give simple strategies for getting a good night's (or day's) sleep. Both sessions are free and will be held onsite in Creighton. For more information and to register for either session, call Creighton Area Health Services at 402-358-5700. Attendees will receive a free light lunch/supper with registration.

VERDIGRE CLINIC SURVEY RESULTS

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:09:53 EDT

CREIGHTON, NE-The Verdigre Clinic recently completed a survey of several community members. Surveys were mailed to 200 patients chosen at random from a list of patient visits. All patients surveyed had been a patient at the clinic for at least two years. Patients were asked to mail the completed surveys to an outside source, who then tabulated the results.

Sixty-eight (34%) of the surveys were returned. Results indicate that patients are satisfied to extremely satisfied with ease of making appointments (100%), courtesy of staff (100%), and length of time waited between making appointment and the day of the visit (100%). In addition, 71% of patients definitely would recommend their doctor to their family or friends.

Jeff Lingerfelt, CEO at Creighton Area Health Services said, “We cannot improve our services without input from our patients. We appreciate all those who were contacted and filled out the survey.” Results are being reviewed by Creighton Area Health Services, who is committed to offering the highest quality health care to the residents of Verdigre and the surrounding communities. For more information on the survey, please contact CAHS at 358-5700 or the Verdigre Clinic at 668-2216.

PAM WAGNER RECEIVES DIRECT CARE STAFF AWARD

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:08:21 EDT

Creighton, NE-Pam Wagner, a laundry/Certified Nurse's Aide at Creighton Care Centre for the past 2

years, was among the 70+ long term care employees who were nominated for direct care staff awards

that were presented at the Nebraska Health Care Association Mid-Year Convention held in Kearney April

22-24, 2008. A total of 12 awards were presented statewide recognizing individuals for their

outstanding service to the long term care profession.

Pam was nominated by her peer staff for the positive energy she brings to her job

responsibilities. Her co-workers describe Pam as “a ray of sunshine to everyone”. Pam and her family

are active in their church and in community events sponsored through their church. She is a volunteer

on the Relay for Life team.

Creighton Care Centre is a 46 bed long term care facility. The mission of Creighton Area Health Services

is to provide exceptional health care environment to all we serve.

OSTEOPOROSIS "LUNCH AND LEARN" EVENING SESSION SCHEDULED

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:19:53 EDT

In honor of Osteoporosis Awareness Month, Creighton Area Health Services presents Osteoporosis: The Silent Disease. Osteoporosis affects both men and women. Ronald Morse, M.D., Board Certified in Family Practice, will present the “Lunch and Learn” evening session on Tuesday, May 20th from 6-7pm in the lobby of the CAHS Admissions area in Creighton. Participants will receive a free light supper. To register for this event, and reserve a free light supper, contact CAHS at 358-5700.

PHYSICIAN CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:16:28 EDT

Ron Morse, M.D., Board Certified Family Practice is celebrating his 25th year of serving as a Physician. Dr. Morse is currently practicing at Creighton Area Health Services Verdigre Clinic, Physicians’ Clinic, and is supervising physician at Bloomfield Medical Clinic.

Dr. Morse states, “Several major changes have occurred in health care over the last 25 years. Notable, in technology; i.e. MRI’s, PET scans, new ultrasound machines, and new blood tests. CT’s were only at research hospitals and now we have one in Creighton.” He continues, “Major changes in medicines have revolutionized care in several areas; especially cancer, hypertension, diabetes. We now do much more on an outpatient basis rather than in the hospital. Surgeries are now often same-day and more are done with scopes. The next 25 years should be equally as exciting.”

Dr. Morse graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and did his residency in family practice at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He has been Board Certified for 22 years by the American Board of Family Practice. Since 2003, he has been practicing at the Verdigre Clinic in Verdigre. He is also Medical Director of Alpine Care Center in Verdigre, Verdigre Fire and Rescue, and Good Samaritan Village in Bloomfield.

“We salute Dr. Morse and his commitment to continue to serve our area residents with expert medical care, “says Jeff Lingerfelt, CEO of CAHS. For more information, contact CAHS at 358-5700.

APRIL IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:09:59 EDT

April has been designated as National Occupational Therapy Month by the American Occupational Therapy Association, and by occupational therapy practitioners in Creighton.

Occupational Therapy is the allied health profession that focuses on maximizing a person’t ability to participate in life independently. People who can benefit from occupational therapy range from the tiniest of newborn infants to senior citizens, and every age in between.

Occupational Therapy helps children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, mental retardation, spina bifida, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other health and psychosocial conditions.

Older persons can also benefit from occupational therapy. It not only helps in recovery from illness, surgery, or stroke, it can also improve overall well being. Occupational Therapists help seniors maintain their independence and age in place by working to improve their mobility, ensure safety in the home, and maintain access to their community.

Joan Lilly, Occupational Therapist from Creighton Area Health Services, is offering free “Tips for Living” educational handouts from the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. to all area residents. Handouts include “Caring for the Adult’s Caregiver”, “Modifying Your Home for Independence”, “Maintaining Quality of Life with Low Vision”, “Keeping Older Drivers Safe”, “Recovering from Stroke”, “Daily Activities after Hip Replacement Surgery”, and “Helping your Loved Ones Preserve Independence in later year”. Any of these handouts are available free of charge at CAHS Admissions or by calling 358-5700 and requesting a copy.

NEW PHYSICAL THERAPIST ON SITE AT CAHS

Thu, 22 May 2008 14:02:28 EDT

Tom Ostronic, PT, DPT, CSCS joined CAHS as on site licensed physical therapist. Tom holds a doctorate in physical therapy and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. He received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine. Tom is a general practice physical therapist, treating a wide range of injuries and conditions. Some of Tom’s specialties include sports medicine, pre and post operative injuries, neuromuscular conditions, pain management, manual therapy, general geriatric, and pediatric care. Tom will be located on site at CAHS and is easily accessible Monday-Friday. For more information contact Tom Ostronic at 358-5732.

NEW PHARMACY OPEN AT CAHS

Thu, 22 May 2008 13:58:51 EDT

Thanks to donations from the community and monies received through the Christmas Appeal, the new pharmacy is open at Creighton Area Health Services. The pharmacyis much larger than the previous location and hwill allow the pharmacist and staff to more efficiently serve residents and patients. Jeff Lingerfelt, CEO, says, “We are grateful for the continued support our communities provide by helping to keep CAHS a progressive and innovative health care facility. We will continue to improve our facility and services.”