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| Community Health Screen Scheduled for February 24 |
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| WHC Auxiliary Offers Annual Scholarships to College Students |
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An Auxiliary committee will choose this year's recipients and award $1,500 scholarships. These scholarships are funded by the WHC Auxiliary projects such as the Gift Garden, Book Fairs, Fall Food Fair and membership dues.
In addition, the WHC Medical Staff is offering the Sue Fish Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is given to any person in the WHC service area who has graduated high school (or completed the GED) and has completed or is completing one year in a nursing program or health career. The applicant must be a full-time or part-time student at an institution of higher learning when applying for the scholarship. Nursing students will be given preference with the Sue Fish scholarship. Scholastic standing and financial needs of the applicant will be considered.
Application forms are available to download from the WHC web site. Click here to download the application. Forms may also be picked up at the green or red entrances of WHC at 319 Ninth Street SW, Waverly. The deadline for submitting an application is March 15, 2012.
For further information, please contact Sharon Moeller, WHC Auxiliary Health Education chair at (319) 352-3192 or Laurie Everhardt, WHC Volunteer Services Manager, at (319) 483-4076 or LEverhardt@WaverlyHealthCenter.org.
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| Waverly Health Center Announces Winners of Shell Rock Clinic Photo Contest |
 The winning photographs of area landmarks and scenery in Butler and Bremer Counties were selected by Shell Rock Clinic staff. The images were enlarged and are now proudly displayed throughout the clinic. The name of the photo, location it was taken and the photographer’s name and hometown are shown by each piece.
The winners of the contest are:
1) Donna Busch, Shell Rock
2) Donna Busch, Shell Rock and John & Robyn Holden, Clarksville
3) Sharon Cashman, Waverly
4) Monica Edeker, Allison
5) Danielle Eisentrager, Dumont
6) Beth Hektoen, Janesville
7) Ranae Krull, Shell Rock
8) Erica Magedanz, Clarksville
9) Leslie Potter, Waverly
10) Daniel Rustad, Waverly
11) Rosemary Wiedler, Shell Rock
Waverly Health Center would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part in the contest.
Photo Credit:
Photo: One of winning photos from Danielle Eisentrager, Dumont
Title: “Watch out worms – here I come!”
Picture taken near Dumont
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| Terry Hinrichs Joins WHC Foundation |
“I am looking forward to working with the staff, patients and the communities served by the Waverly Health Center,” stated Hinrichs. “The care my wife and I have experienced at the Nashua Clinic and the Waverly hospital is a prime example of the patient-centered care the health center offers. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to help others learn about our great health system in my new role.”
Originally from Hampton, Iowa, Hinrichs earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Economics from Wartburg College in 1977. He has more than 16 years of fundraising experience, most recently serving as the owner of General Development Group and prior to that Director of Development for Franklin General Hospital. Terry and his wife Toni live in Nashua, Iowa.
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| Shell Rock Clinic Open House |
 The new Shell Rock Clinic will open on Monday, January 16 at 1 p.m. Construction started last June for the 8,600 square foot building. Dr. Dan Koos, nurse practitioner Jon Hennings and physician assistant Shannon Hull will be seeing patients there.
Dr. Dan Koos stated, “The new clinic will be an outstanding addition to the town. It will be big enough to help us serve a large number of patients.”
The clinic has 12 exam rooms and 1 treatment room. Additional space includes a lab for drawing blood and offices for clinic staff.
“The new space will help us better serve our patients in Butler and Bremer Counties,” stated Jon Hennings, ARNP. “The location of the new clinic right off of Highway 3 will make it very easy to access.”
The design of the clinic uses colors and images from nature. From the wood-look flooring in the exam rooms to the artwork on the walls, local landmarks and Iowa pride will be shown.
Waverly Health Center held a photo contest for the artwork. Many people shared photos of Butler and Bremer County landscapes. The staff at the clinic voted for the winners. Each photo that won is hanging in the clinic. The name of the photo, location it was taken and the photographer are shown on each piece.
Shannon Hull, PA-C, said “We used our patient-centered approach in designing the new clinic. It will be a very nice and relaxing place for our patients for many years.”
Diane Kohls, director of medical clinics, is pleased to have the new clinic. “We have been planning for the opening of the new Shell Rock Clinic for almost a year. Now that our staff can finally move in, all of the work it took to plan has paid off.”
Call (319) 885-6530 to schedule your appointment at the new Shell Rock Clinic.
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| Vote for Waverly to Become a Blue Zones Community |
 Waverly has made it into the top 15 with community support for the Blue Zones Project. Your help is needed now, more than ever! Help us crack the Top Ten by signing up and pledging your support for Waverly. You can sign up here online or by phone by texting BZP to 772937. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support! You can also follow all things Blue Zones through our Facebook Page. |
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| Health Care Providers Recommend Quitline Iowa |
“Physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, and nurses are in a unique position to help patients who are ready to quit tobacco use,” said Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. “I am happy to see so many health care providers opening up this dialog with their patients and offering assistance through 1-800-QUIT-NOW.”
According to IDPH, 3,062 referrals were faxed to Quitline Iowa from July to November in 2011, compared with 1,818 during the same 5-month period last year. When a fax referral arrives, Quitline Iowa staff follow-up with the patient to ask whether they are ready to take advantage of the free services, which include counseling and text messaging options.
When Iowans call Quitline Iowa (1-800-QUIT-NOW), counselors help them understand the underlying reasons for smoking and how to break the cycle of addiction that makes it so hard to quit. Together, these insights can more than double a person’s chances of successfully quitting tobacco use.
“Smoking cessation represents a difficult task. It is actually overcoming a chronic addiction. The more programs, support systems and safe medications available to battle this serious problem, the better. Quitline Iowa is one of the best and is very much underutilized,” stated Dr. Michael Berstler, Rohlf Memorial Clinic. “If you are a care provider, a smoker or know someone who smokes, please become aware of these high-quality programs, and educate others regarding support systems such as Quitline Iowa.”
Waverly Health Center (WHC) works closely with IDPH and visits local doctors’ offices and clinics on a regular basis. WHC provides information to help health care providers present the free Quitline Iowa services to their patients who use tobacco.
Quitline Iowa is offered for free to all Iowa adults who want to quit tobacco use. To learn more, call (800) 784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW), visit www.quitlineiowa.org or contact Waverly Health Center community relations at (319) 483-1361.
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| WHC Supports Quitters and the Great American Smokeout |
The American Cancer Society is marking the 36th Annual Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 17, by encouraging smokers to commit to quit for one day.
People who want to quit smoking for this year’s Smokeout will have a partner through Waverly Health Center (WHC). Free ‘Stop Smoking’ kits will be offered at WHC’s Red and Green Entrances.
Here are some tips to make this year’s Smokeout a success:
1. Tell your family, friends and co-workers about your plans to quit.
2. If you plan on using medicine, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about which ones may be right for you.
3. Write down your reasons for wanting to quit. Keep the list with you to read when you need a reminder.
4. Get rid of all cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
5. Stock up on sugarless gum, carrot sticks and hard candy.
6. Stay active by walking, exercising or doing other activities.
7. Drink lots of water.
8. Reward yourself.
If you are considering quitting for good:
Call Waverly Health Center at (319) 483-1361 to learn about the “Freedom From Smoking,” seven-week program beginning Monday, January 9, 2012.
Quitline Iowa – a free telephone service that will connect you with expert coaches that will talk to you about overcoming common barriers such as dealing with stress, fighting cravings, coping with irritability and controlling weight gain. Quitline Iowa can help you each step of the way. No guilt, no lectures, just planning and support that can double your chances of quitting successfully. Contact the Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or www.quitlineiowa.org.
For more information, call Waverly Health Center at (319) 483-1361.
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| Southeast Elementary’s ‘Safe Routes to School’ Campaign Off to a Great Start! |
Fitness Fridays will continue every Friday throughout the school year, weather permitting. Students who ride the bus or are dropped off by parents, will be given the chance to walk around the playground during the day. All students who take part will receive a punch on a special Fitness Friday card.
Once students have collected 10 punches, they receive a reward. Completed punch cards will be entered in a drawing for the grand prize at the end of the year.
The classroom that collects the most punches on their cards in the month, will receive the Golden Sneaker Award to display in their classroom.
Two walking paths from neighborhoods within walking and biking distance to SE Elementary have been identified and approved by the Waverly Police Department.
The SE Elementary Safe Routes to School committee includes staff and parents of SE Elementary, Waverly Police Department, the City of Waverly, Waverly Health Center and area residents.
To learn more, call (319) 352-3582.
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| Medicare Part D Drug Changes Start in October |
Most important are the new dates for the Part D “Open Enrollment Period.” The new dates are October 15 to December 7. This is the time that you can change Part D plans for 2012, enroll in a Part D plan or drop coverage. Choices made during the open enrollment will go into effect January 1, 2012.
“This is a change from past years when the open enrollment was November 15 to December 31,” stated Kris Gross from the state of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). “We’re asking everyone to remind family, friends and neighbors that the dates for changing have moved up a month. We don’t want anyone to miss the chance to make their choice of plans for 2012.”
Plans can change their coverage and costs from year to year, so comparing plans during the open enrollment is critical. Other changes to note include:
- The “Annual Notice of Change,” is sent out by plans to explain the formulary (drugs covered), benefits and cost changes for 2012. It is due in mailboxes by September 30.
- The “Notice of Creditable Coverage” is also due September 30. This is a notice from an employer, union or other group health plans which tell Medicare-eligible enrollees if their drug coverage will be “as good as or better than Medicare’s coverage” in 2012.
- The 2012 Medicare drug plans will be available on the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov on October 1. Plans not renewing their contract with Medicare for 2012 must let their members know by October 2.
- The “donut hole” or “coverage gap” will continue to close. Once again, you will pay 50 percent for brand name drugs covered by the plan, but your cost for generic drugs will be lowered from 93 to 86 percent. Each year these costs will drop until the donut hole is closed.
- Currently, anyone in a nursing home on Medicaid and Medicare, does not pay anything for drugs covered by their Part D plan. In 2012, the same will be true for individuals who qualify for the Medicaid Elderly Waiver Program.
Waverly Health Center is Bremer County’s SHIIP sponsor. SHIIP is a free, confidential counseling program provided by the State of Iowa Insurance Division. SHIIP does not sell, endorse or promote any insurance products.
For more information or to make an appointment with a SHIIP counselor, call (319) 483-1300.
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| Jerry Roling Motors Sponsors Bremer County Car Seat Program |
“We are concerned about the safety of all drivers and passengers,” stated Brad Roling, dealer principal with Jerry Roling Motors. “We are pleased to help support the health center’s efforts to educate parents and their work to ensure young riders are safely secured in their families’ cars and trucks.”
According to SafeKids.org, Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death to children 3-14 in the United States. Research on the effectiveness of child safety seats has found them to reduce fatal injury by 72% for infants younger than 1 year of age and by 54% for toddlers ages 1-4. Children ages 2-6 years old in child safety seats (including child restraints and belt positioning booster seats) are approximately 28% less likely to receive a fatal injury than those using safety belts alone.
Proper use of car seats helps keep children safe. With garage sales in season, it is important that parents and caregivers are alerted to avoid buying used car seats if they do not know the seat’s owner or history. Never use a car seat that:
- Is too old. Car seats expire six years after manufacture date. Check the label for manufacture date and model number.
- Is visibly cracked.
- Does not come with an operator’s manual.
- Is missing parts. Used car seats often come without important parts.
- Was recalled. Find out by calling (888) 327-4236.
- Has been in a moderate or severe crash.
Iowa law requires that:
- Babies under one year of age and weighing less than 20 pounds are secured in a rear-facing car seat.
- Children under age 6 are secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat, not a seat belt alone.
- Children over age 6 but under age 11 are secured in a booster seat or seat belt.
- Rear seat occupants under 18 must be secured by a seat belt.
- Driver and front seat passengers must be secured by a seat belt.
For more information or to schedule a car seat installation, call Waverly Health Center community relations at (319) 483-1361.
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| Donation Received for “Fuel Up” Program at W-SR Junior High |
The program came about when Ms. Kuhse applied for and received a “Fuel Up to Play 60” grant from the National Dairy Council and the National Football League for the 2010-2011 school year. “Fuel Up to Play 60” calls on students and adult school leaders to work together to create in-school programs that promote wellness, good nutrition and physical activity.
Health experts recommend that young people get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. W-SR Schools are taking the lead for student health by taking part in the national, wellness program. The National Dairy Council® and the National Football League -- in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – have made a long-term commitment to help curb obesity among America’s youth through this educational and fun program.
Through the “Fuel Up to Play 60” program, students pledge to:
“Get up and play” for 60 minutes a day
“Fuel up” with the nutrient-rich foods many kids don’t get enough of, such as low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Encourage their friends, family and entire school to join them
“The ‘Fuel Up to Play 60’ grant has helped to fund several student and family activities,” stated Ms. Kuhse. “The funding helped to support nutrition and physical activities in our school and has had a very positive impact on our student body.”
Some of the W-SR Junior High “Fuel Up” activities this past school year include:
A “Christmas on Main” window with The W
A mini chef contest
A school-wide Wellness Day
A walking club
Mini nutrition lessons at Carey Elementary School
Two Family Fun Nights in November and February where students and parents took part in various activities such as roller skating, dodge ball and volleyball. Each family fun night also had a nutrition component, where students presented different fruit, vegetable and whole grain taste-testing.
Adds Ms. Kuhse, “I will be applying for a grant again this summer for next year and would like to expand on our activities and add an after-school Cooking Club.”
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| WHC Radiology Department Earns Accreditation |
This accreditation relates to the CT scanning equipment that is used in radiology. The accreditation lasts for 3 years and certifies that the CT scanning equipment used meets high standards. Sites that earn this accreditation must meet many testing criteria measures.
“I am so proud of the staff that worked on securing this accreditation for the next 3 years. They have worked incredibly hard. This has been a very time intensive process. I give special thanks to Diana Huisman and Emily Schut, two of our radiology team members, for leading this process,” said Michelle Berglund, radiology manager.
For more information about Waverly Health Center radiology services, call (319) 352-4926.
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| Mammograms Can Protect Your Health |
Screening mammograms are recommended every year beginning at age 40 for women at average risk of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). This screening test can be an important tool in diagnosing and preventing breast cancer and other health concerns in women.
Check with your health care provider for more information on mammograms and how they can protect your health.
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| Waverly Health Center Welcomes First Baby of 2011 |
Waverly Health Center greeted Kenneth and his family with a variety of gifts including a $50 savings bond donated by Security State Bank, a $25 gift certificate from Waverly Palace Theaters and a $30 gift certificate from Applebee’s. Additional items presented to the family were a flower arrangement donated by Ecker’s Flowers and Greenhouses, a care package from Center Pharmacy and a WHC fleece blanket.
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| WHC Supports Quitters and the Great American Smokeout |
People who want to quit smoking for this year’s Smokeout will have a partner through Waverly Health Center (WHC). Free ‘Stop Smoking’ kits will be offered at WHC’s Red and Green Entrances.
Here are some tips to make this year’s Smokeout a success:
Tell your family, friends and co-workers about your plans to quit.
If you plan on using medicines, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about which ones may be right for you.
Write down your reasons for wanting to quit. Keep the list with you to read when you need a reminder.
Get rid of all cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
Stock up on sugarless gum, carrot sticks and hard candy.
Stay active by walking, exercising or doing other activities.
Drink lots of water.
Reward yourself.
If you are considering quitting for good:
Call Waverly Health Center at (319) 483-1361 to learn about the “Freedom From Smoking” seven-week program beginning Thursday, January 6, 2011.
Quitline Iowa – a free telephone service that will connect you with expert coaches that will talk to you about overcoming common barriers such as dealing with stress, fighting cravings, coping with irritability and controlling weight gain. Quitline Iowa can help you each step of the way. No guilt, no lectures, just planning and support that can double your chances of quitting successfully. Contact the Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or www.quitline.com/.
Quitlogix – is a FREE online service available to Iowa residents 18 years of age and over. When you become a member, you get special tools, research-based information and a community of others trying to become tobacco free. As you enroll at www.quitline.com/, select 'Quitline Iowa Web/Phone Program’ and you will be given access to the QuitLogix web program. A Quitline Iowa agent will contact you to complete your enrollment in the phone program.
For more information, call Waverly Health Center at (319) 483-1361.
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| Planetree Honors Waverly Health Center Caregivers |
Dr. Suzanne Bartlett, women’s clinic, was the recipient of the Physician Champion Award. “Dr. Bartlett has a unique rapport with patients that includes an open communication style. She has the uncommon ability to explain medical terms and conditions in very easy to understand language that the patient comprehends without difficulty. Patients frequently comment how easy she is to talk to and they leave the office with a complete understanding of their condition,” said her nominator, Terrie Thurm, ARNP.
Lynnae Hoffman, LPN, medical-surgical, was the recipient of the Individual Caregiver Award. “Lynnae always does the little extra things for her patients that make their experiences better ones. Lynnae doesn’t expect anything extra for going above and beyond, it is what she believes every patient deserves,” said registered nurses, Connie Koehler and Sylvia Welter, who nominated Lynnae.
Facility Service Dog, Charm, along with her handler, Leah Their, physical therapy, were the recipients of the Therapy Animal Award. “Charm fits her name because she is ‘charming.’ She is a real motivator to get our patients on the move. Leah has gone far above and beyond with being the trainer and caretaker of Charm. We have personally been able to see the positive difference that Leah and Charm have made during a patient’s stay at WHC or in their visit to physical therapy,” said nominators Shelley McCully and Sally Johnson.
As a Planetree designated hospital, Waverly Health Center is committed to the Planetree philosophy and implementing the Planetree model of patient-centered care. Guided by the model's 10 core components, WHC implements initiatives and practices designed to enhance the patient experience while also supporting the professional and personal aspirations of their staff.
For more information about Planetree, please visit www.planetree.org.
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| 2011 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans Announced |
The Part D deductible for 2011 remains at $310. The coverage gap is reached when total drug costs (what you and the plan pay) equal $2,840. You get out of the coverage gap when your out-of-pocket drug costs equal $4,550. One change you will see in 2011 is coverage for part of your drug costs in the gap. Drug manufacturers will provide a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the gap and the government will provide a seven percent discount on generics. These discounts will increase each year until 2020, when the gap will no longer exist.
For 2011, every Part D plan must send an Annual Notice of Change to plan members by October 31, 2010. This notice explains covered drugs, benefit and premium changes for 2011. It is very important to watch for this notice and to read it carefully. You may be able to save money by changing plans for 2011.
Some plans that will no longer be available in 2011 are transferring members into another plan with the same company. These individuals will be notified via the Annual Notice of Change.
If your plan is not transferring you into another plan, you should have received a plan termination letter by October 2. You will have additional time (through January 31, 2011) to choose a Part D plan for 2011. However, if you enroll in a plan in January 2011, it will not be effective until February 1, 2011. Choose a plan by December 31, 2010 to assure coverage starting January 1.
Those who have drug coverage through an employer-provided plan must receive a notice by November 15 stating if their coverage for 2011 is as good as Medicare’s. This is called a Creditable Coverage notice.
You can go to www.medicare.gov, the Medicare website, and do a comparison of the Medicare drug plans available for 2011. This Internet tool can help you decide if you want to stay with your current plan or switch to a plan that better meets your needs for 2011.
Should you choose to change plans, you must enroll in the new plan between November 15 and December 31, 2010. During this same period you can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan if you missed the enrollment deadline earlier this year. If you’re happy with the plan you have and what it will offer next year, you don’t need to do anything. Your enrollment will continue from this year into next.
You can also call your local SHIIP office at (319) 483-1300. Waverly Health Center is Bremer County’s SHIIP sponsor. SHIIP counselors can assist you with enrollment in a Part D plan.
SHIIP is a free, confidential counseling program provided by the State of Iowa Insurance Division. Trained, SHIIP counselors can help answer your questions about Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, Part D, long-term care insurance and other types of health insurance sold to people on Medicare. SHIIP does not sell, endorse or promote any insurance products.
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| WHC Re-certified as a Community Trauma Care Facility |
“It is very important for Waverly and the surrounding communities to have a quality community trauma care facility such as Waverly Health Center,” stated Dr. John Ebensberger, emergency department physician. “We are able to provide care to stabilize patients and transfer them, if necessary, to regional trauma care hospitals.”
Hospitals must reapply every three years to participate in the Iowa’s trauma system. Based on the availability of resources, they are classified into four areas including resource, regional, area or community trauma care facilities.
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| First National Bank Donates to Family Nest Program |
The Family Nest program offers parents with children up to age 18 a chance to earn “points” for participating in or accessing services related to health, safety, self-sufficiency and family stability. Activities such as receiving well-child check-ups, going to the library, receiving dental care, participating in WIC programs or school-sponsored activities, improving grades or school attendance, obtaining a GED or high school diploma are all eligible to earn families “points” in the program.
Families are able to redeem the “points” each month at the Family Nest located at Waverly Health Center. Items to be purchased with points include necessities such as soaps, laundry detergent, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, diapers and baby items.
“The Family Nest program is designed to encourage families to participate in services that help them become more self-sufficient, healthy and stable,” stated Krisha Clopton, RN, WHC community health specialist.
The Family Nest is open to families throughout Bremer County. Families may be referred to the program by individuals in the school systems, health care providers or other family service agencies. For more information or to enroll in the Family Nest, contact Krisha Clopton at (319) 483-1361.
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| Center Pharmacy Can Help You Dispose of Unused Medications |
Requirements:
Medicine must be in original container
No controlled substances allowed
Liquids up to 4oz are allowed but must be sealed in zip lock bag
No sharps or syringes allowed
If you leave your medicines in your home, you might be opening the door for the use of prescription drugs for recreational purposes. Even though you're not currently using the drugs, that does not mean someone else isn't. According to the National Safety Council, seventy five percent of people who abuse drugs say they obtained them from friends or relatives.
And medications aren't just a problem for humans. Not only does flushing unused meds down the drain or throwing them in the garbage pollute drinking water, pharmaceuticals are linked to bizarre mutations in fish, frogs and water fowl. The Associated Press recently reported the EPA found trace pharmaceuticals - including antidepressants, birth control and narcotics – in over 80% of the water samples they tested, affecting at least 46 million Americans.
Sharps disposal is also available through Center Pharmacy with the purchase of a $2 disposal sticker. Sharps can only be accepted in approved containers. The pharmacy cannot accept coffee cans, plastic jars or milk jugs.
If you have any questions about the TakeAway™ program or sharps disposal, contact Center Pharmacy at (319) 483-4100.
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| The Spa at Waverly Health Center Offers Massage |
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| Women’s Clinic Offers Evening Hours |
“We are offering evening hours for the convenience of our patients,” stated Lisa Forsyth, associate director of clinic operations. “We know our patients have busy schedules and this is one way we can make it easier for them to get the care they need.”
In addition to Terrie Thurm, care at the Women’s Clinic is provided by Dr. Suzanne Bartlett, Dr. Shannon Lau and Dr. Michele Martins. The Women’s Clinic provides obstetric, gynecology and urogynecology services for women from adolescence through menopause. Services include well-woman care, normal and high-risk pregnancy services, infertility treatment and gynecologic surgery. For more information, call (319) 483-4074.
The Spa at Waverly Health Center, located inside the Women’s Clinic, also offers evening hours on Tuesdays. The Spa offers medical spa services such as Botox, vein therapy and laser hair removal. Call (319) 483-4894 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
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| Center Pharmacy Offers Diabetic Shoes, Custom Inserts |
| If you are diabetic and qualify, Medicare Part B may cover the cost of one pair of Dr. Comfort shoes and three pairs of custom inserts each year. Talk to your doctor or call Center Pharmacy for more information. The pharmacy can be reached at (319) 483-4100.
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| Quitline Iowa to Halt Free Patches, Gum |
“Quitline Iowa has everything you need to start quitting today,”stated Megan Lantow, LPN, Waverly Health Center, community health. “Coaches will help you start a plan and give you tips for along the way.”
When Iowans call the Quitline, counselors help them understand the underlying reasons for smoking and how to break the habits that make it so hard to quit. Together, these insights can more than double one’s chances of successfully quitting tobacco use.
Since 2008, nearly 54,300 Iowans have called 1-800-QUIT-NOW to work with quit coaches to develop and carry out personalized, long-term plans for quitting tobacco use.
A wide range of quit aids, including nicotine replacement products, are available through retailers such as local pharmacies. Most sell a two-week supply for about $25, a great deal less than the cost of just one week’s supply of cigarettes to a pack-a-day smoker.
For more information, call 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW) or visit www.quitlineiowa.org. You may also contact Waverly Health Center, community health to find out about their ‘Freedom from Smoking‛ classes, at (319) 483-1361.
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| WHC Adds Counseling Services |
Services will be provided by Jennifer Schneiderman, Licensed Independent Social Worker and Certified Grief Counselor. Jennifer has twelve years of experience counseling teens, families and adults.
Areas of expertise include but are not limited to the following:
Depression
Anxiety
Stress management
Postpartum depression
Grief or loss
Adjustment to illness or life changes
Trauma
Eating disorders
General mental health care and wellness
For more information or to schedule and appointment, call (319) 483-4074.
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| Schedule WHC to Bring Health Education to Your Group |
The WHC Speakers Bureau offers informative and timely topics such as:
Aging:
Care for the Caregiver
Elder Abuse
Medicare
What to Look for When
Choosing a Nursing Home
Intellectual Health:
Depression
Grief
Personal Empowerment
Stress
Preparedness:
Crisis Events
Emergency Preparedness and the Community
Health:
Autism: A Parent’s Perspective
Birth Control/Family Planning
Breast Cancer/Breast Health
Colon Health, Cancer and Screening
Communicating with your Health Care Provider
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Hand Hygiene
Health Maintenance Issues
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Nutrition
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Think your Drink: Healthy Hydration
Weight Management Strategies
Women’s Health
Let WHC help you find the right speaker to educate and inform at your next event. For more information call (319) 483-1360 or e-mail Lkhoffman@WaverlyHealthCenter.org.
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| WHC Designated as a Planetree Hospital |
Waverly Health Center is the only hospital in the state of Iowa, one of only nine hospitals in North America and the only Critical Access Hospital in the nation to have received the Patient-Centered Hospital Designation since the program’s inception in 2007. This designation is the only formal program that recognizes individual hospitals’ achievement in fostering a culture to provide patient-centered and holistic care for patients.
“Achieving Planetree designation confirms the dedication of our employees and medical staff to provide patient-centered care,” said Mike Trachta, Waverly Health Center CEO. “Empowering patients to be active participants in their health is essential to providing high quality care. The commitment to caring for our patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs is what makes WHC very special. Our entire team should be congratulated on this accomplishment.”
To become a Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Hospital, WHC demonstrated its successful implementation of programs that meet the spirit and intent of the designation criteria. All designation determinations are made by an independent committee of national health care experts and CEOs from previously designated hospitals. As part of the designation process, which included a site visit by representatives from Planetree, WHC demonstrated the following attributes:
- Patient-centered policies are a part of the hospital culture. Examples include non-restrictive visiting hours, open medical chart and opportunities for complementary therapies such as massage and music therapy
- Staff members at all levels are involved in the implementation of patient-centered care
- The hospital’s physical environment is a healing one engaging all of the human senses
- The hospital meets or exceeds national performance benchmarks for quality and patient satisfaction.
“Planetree is very pleased to award Waverly Health Center this designation,” said Susan Frampton, Ph.D., Planetree’s President. “This recognition differentiates Waverly as a hospital firmly committed to ensuring that its patients, staff and visitors feel cared for, supported, listened to and empowered as partners in the health care experience.”
Planetree’s membership network is a global community of more than 140 acute care hospitals, continuing care facilities, outpatient clinics and consumer health libraries. The Planetree model is implemented in a variety of settings, ranging from 25-bed critical access hospitals to large urban medical centers with more than 2,000 beds.
Click here to learn more about patient-centered care at WHC.
At WHC we recognize the following:
- A patient is an individual to be cared for, not a medical condition to be treated.
- Each patient is a unique person with diverse needs.
- Patients have knowledge and expertise that is essential to their care.
- Patients’ family and friends are important in the healing process.
- Access to understandable health information is essential to a patient’s recovery and access to credible information will be provided for the patient.
- The opportunity to make decisions is essential to the well-being of patients.
- Each staff member is a caregiver.
- Patient-centered care is the core of a high quality health care system and a necessary foundation for safe, effective, timely and equitable care.
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| WHC Helps Families |
The Family Nest program offers area parents with children up to age 18 a chance to earn “points” for participating in or accessing services related to health, safety, self-sufficiency and family stability. Activities such as receiving well-child check-ups, going to the library, receiving dental care, participating in WIC programs or school-sponsored activities, improving grades or school attendance, obtaining a GED or high school diploma would all be eligible to earn participants “points” in the program.
Participants would then be able to redeem the “points” each week at the Family Nest closet, located at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1400 West Bremer Avenue in Waverly.
Items to be purchased with points include necessities such as soaps, laundry detergent, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, diapers and baby necessities, as well as items to help encourage healthy activities for children – books, car seats and other items to help make it easier for children to be involved in school and community activities.
“The Family Nest program is designed to encourage families to participate in services that help them become more self-sufficient, healthy and stable,” stated Linda Hall, supervisor of Home and Community Health at WHC. Hall, along with WHC Birthing Center Manager Brenda Poppens, are co-coordinators of the Family Nest program, and are working with an advisory committee made up of representatives from local school districts, area churches, the Waverly Public Library and other family service organizations.
Funded with dollars from an Empowerment grant, the Family Nest project is open to families throughout Bremer County. Families will be referred to the program by contact with individuals in the school systems, health care providers or other family service agencies. These providers have been given the Family Nest information and are ready to help individuals begin accumulating points.
For more information, contact Linda Hall at (319) 352-4905.
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