New Therapists Join JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services

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Landon Zarybnicky, physical therapist, and Sarah Meyer, speech therapist, Join Team

Two new therapists have joined JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services recently. Landon Zarybnicky, PT, DPT, joined the staff in August. Sarah Meyer, MS, CCC-SLP, joined the staff in June.

Landon Zarybnicky, Physical Therapist

Zarybnicky grew up in the Odell and Beatrice areas, and now lives in Beatrice. He played college basketball at Doane University, and graduated from Doane with a bachelor of arts in exercise science. While there he talked to athletic trainers and got involved in training.  He graduated from

Rockhurst University in Kansas City with his doctorate in physical therapy.

He said his interest in therapy goes back to high school when physical therapy came up in a career survey.

“I just like helping people reach their own goals, and improve their quality of life,” Zarybnicky said.

He offers the full gamut of physical therapy. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

He is in a serious relationship with Katie Meyer, who teaches sociology at Southeast Community College. Outside of work he enjoys recreational sports such as basketball and sand volleyball; spending time outdoors, especially at lakes; and spending time with friends and family.

 Sarah Meyer, speech therapist

Sarah Meyer grew up in Diller. She got her bachelor of science degree in education – speech-language pathology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, then got her Master’s degree there in speech language pathology.

She said that in high school she liked English, but was also interested in the medical field. She realized speech language pathology might be a good fit for her, since she could actually work in medical and educational settings.

After graduating she worked two years in school settings in Kansas, one preschool and one elementary school.

She found JCH&L “a great opportunity to give back to all ages in the community,” she said.

She said going from a school setting to providing pediatric and adult speech therapy in a hospital setting was a big change, but she has appreciated being part of a supportive team. The pediatric therapy specialty area was added at JCH&L in 2020, and is growing. She said it has a wonderful new space in the new clinic area which is ser

ving patients well. She also has a space in the area to work with adult speech patients.

Meyer has a specialty certificate to provide VitalStim therapy as an additional treatment option for adults with swallowing disorders.

She and her husband, Shane Meyer, Jr., live near Diller. They have a dog, Millie. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family, cooking and reading.

Mau Earns Certified Rural Health Professional

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Jenn Mau, RN, MSN, has earned the Certified Rural Health Professional credential. Mau, who serves as JCH&L Fairbury Clinic Nurse Manager, has been with JCH&L since 2004.

To attain certification as a Rural Health Professional she successfully completed the Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional Course and passed an exam. The course is designed to help clinic administrators learn to operate a successful Rural Health Clinic.

In March, Mau graduated from the Nebraska Hospital Association QI Residency Program.

She continues to serve as Clinical Care Coordinator, working with teams of providers to coordinate services and help patients deal with chronic conditions.

Mau has been with Jefferson Community Health & Life since 2004. She has worked as a nurse aide, a licensed practical nurse, and an RN.  She received her Masters of Science in Nursing Administration and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Wesleyan University; her Associate Degree in Nursing from Cloud County Community College, Concordia, Kan.; and her practical nursing diploma from Southeast Community College Beatrice.

Starr Earns Degree

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FAIRBURY – Erin Starr RN, chief nursing officer and chief quality officer at Jefferson Community Health & Life in Fairbury, has earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University.

Starr has been with Jefferson Community Health & Life since 2003. She began as an RN in acute care, and began working in patient safety and risk management in 2007. She was promoted to Chief Quality Officer in 2010, and Chief Nursing Officer in 2019. She supervises the areas of acute nursing, surgery, employee safety, infection prevention, therapy and rehab services, laboratory, radiology, EMR specialist, home health, risk management, and pharmacy.

She became a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) in 2016.

She is a member of the Nebraska Association of Healthcare Quality Risk and Safety, the National Association of Healthcare Quality.

Starr has two children, Samantha and Ben.

Big Blue Test Coming to Burkley Fitness Center

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Learn how exercise affects your blood sugar

FAIRBURY – How does exercise affect your blood sugar? Find out on Nov. 15 with the Big Blue Test at Jefferson Community Health & Life Burkley Fitness Center.

JCH&L Diabetes Educator Bekah Kimberlin, PharmD, will be at the fitness center on Nov. 15 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take blood sugars pre- and post-exercise. Between blood sugar checks, participants are encouraged to exercise for 14-30 minutes, doing the workout of their choice, or a suggested workout.

“Exercise is the least expensive medication for diabetes prevention and control. This is an opportunity to see how exercise affects your blood sugar – with no cost and no obligation,” said Kimberlin.

It is not necessary to be a fitness center member to participate – just check in with the front desk when you arrive and tell them you would like a complimentary pass to participate in the Big Blue Test.

Diabetes risk tests are available all month at JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center.

“Knowing your risk for diabetes is so important. We want those who are at risk to know there are ways to prevent the progression to diabetes,” Kimberlin said.

November is National Diabetes Month, and it’s a great time to learn more about diabetes. JCH&L offers diabetes self-management classes for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, and Smart Moves lifestyle change program for those who have pre-diabetes or are at risk for pre-diabetes. For more information, contact Kimberlin at 402-587-5186.

Kline Earns ACHE Service Award

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Jefferson Community Health & Life CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE, was awarded the America College of Healthcare Executives Service award at the annual meeting held in LaVista on Thursday, Oct. 20.
ACHE held its annual meeting during the Nebraska Hospital Association convention. ACHE is dedicated to advancing healthcare management excellence. The American College of Healthcare Executives Recognition Program was implemented in appreciation of the extensive volunteer involvement of members. It celebrates members’ commitment to the healthcare management profession. Recognition is bestowed at three levels, based on a range of volunteer activities that demonstrate leadership and contributions to furthering professional excellence.
Dr. Kline serves on the board of directors for the American College of Healthcare Executives Nebraska and Western Iowa Chapter. His three-year term began in January. He is a member of the membership committee of the Nebraska and Western Iowa Chapter, as well. He is also serving a three-year term on the Editorial Board for the national association. He has also served as co-chairman of the mentorship committee and has served as a mentor through ACHE’s program.

Holiday Grief Support Group Planned by Cottonwood Hospice

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Cottonwood Hospice will hold a Holiday Grief Support Group Oct. 18-Dec. 27 at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic Conference room, 2200 H St.

Sessions will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. every other Tuesday starting Oct. 18. Sessions are set for Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Nov. 29, Dec. 13 and Dec. 27.

There is no cost, and the sessions are open to anyone who has lost a loved one in the past year.

Pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. Please call Cottonwood Hospice at 402-228-8501.

High School Students Get Hands-On Experience

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Nine Schools Represented at JCH&L-Hosted Career Academy Event

Twenty-eight area high school students tried their hand at suturing  bananas, giving shots to oranges, taking blood pressures, playing a game as if it was laparoscopic surgery,  learning about radiology, and taking blood samples on Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Southeast Community College Career Academy event at Jefferson Community Health & Life in Fairbury. They also learned about medical terminology and health care careers.

“We are always pleased for opportunities for Health Career Academy students to learn about the many health care careers, and have the opportunity to try hands-on activities,” said Adam Niederklein, SCC Career Academy Coordinator for the Southeast Nebraska Career Academy Partnership  (SENCAP.)

SENCAP is a partnership between Southeast Community College and 47 school districts, offering high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in college level courses in fields in their area of interest: agriculture, business, construction, criminal justice, education, health sciences, information technology, manufacturing and welding. Besides taking dual credit high school/college courses, the students have the opportunity to explore their career in a hands-on approach through job shadowing, field trips, professional speakers and annual events highlighting resume building, mock interviews and other career-related activities.

Jefferson Community Health & Life has worked with the SENCAP program in a variety of ways, including career exploration, tours, and shadowing. On Sept. 29, they hosted 28 students and 4 educators from Beatrice, Bruning-Davenport, Deshler, Fairbury, Fillmore Central, Shickley, Sterling, Thayer Central and Tri County.

“This is a partnership which benefits not only the students, but also our community, as it encourages young people to consider career opportunities in health care,” said Lana Likens, JCH&L director of public relations.

Influenza Vaccinations Available Soon at JCH&L

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Influenza vaccinations will be available at special clinics Oct. 7 and 12 at Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic.

The CDC recommends influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older. Influenza vaccinations are especially important during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. October is the optimal time to receive your vaccination.

Special influenza vaccination clinics will be offered at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic on Friday, Oct. 7, and Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling 402-587-5188. Please be prepared to leave your name, a phone number where you can be reached, and which day you would like to have an influenza vaccine appointment. COVID booster appointments may be made on the same line.

When you arrive for your appointment, please use JCH&L’s new main entrance, accessible from H Street.  Influenza vaccines will be given in the Clinic Conference room.

Influenza vaccines will also be available at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic at regular clinic appointments or at a vaccine appointment beginning Oct. 10. Call 402-729-3361, option 1, for an appointment.

When you come to your appointment, please wear clothing which allows easy access to your arm. Bring your health insurance card and a photo ID. Most major insurances and Medicare cover the influenza vaccine. There will be a fee the day of your vaccination if you are a private pay patient.

Children 18 and under covered by Medicaid can’t get their influenza vaccines at these clinics. Please contact Blue Valley Community Action’s vaccination program at 402-826-2141, extension 3, for information on flu shots at BVCA shot clinics.

If you have questions or need more information, please call JCH&L’s COVID and influenza line at 402-587-5188.

JCH&L Home Health Offices Move

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FAIRBURY – JCH&L Home Health offices have moved to what will now be named the JCH&L North Building (the former Fairbury Clinic) at 825 22nd St. The offices were formerly located in Cedarwood assisted living.

JCH&L Home Health provides services for those who need the skilled services of a nurse or therapist. Home health is patient-centered, and goals might include recovery from an illness, healing of wounds, getting a patient back on their feet and moving again, keeping them out of the hospital, or assistance with certain procedures or treatments. JCH&L Home Health offers skilled nursing service; physical, occupational and speech therapy; and bath aide services. If there is a medical need, any or all of these services could be available. Education of the family and caregivers is also an important factor.

“Our goal is for patients and families to gain independence,” said Home Health Director Lori Ohlde, RN.

Home health continues to provide and set up Life Assist USA personal medical alert units. Please call for more information.

Home Health services have expanded over the years, and currently includes a director (who is an RN), two full-time nurses and a full-time aide.

The home health staff is committed to continuing the quality of care and the caring services that JCH&L Home Health offers, and caring for each patient’s individualized needs.

In order to receive home health care, a patient must have a medical need and a physician’s order. Home health care may be ordered by any physician. Home health may be paid through Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance. For Medicare to approve home health care, the patient must be homebound, not by choice, but by necessity. Other insurance providers might cover certain circumstances where the patient is not homebound, but requires skilled nursing care for a specific period of time. But there must always be a medical need.

The agency is Medicare and Medicaid certified in Nebraska, and focuses primarily on patients who live in Jefferson County or near Jefferson County.

For more information on home health services, contact JCH&L Home Health at (402) 729-6857.

Immunization Clinic Has New Location

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FAIRBURY – The Blue Valley Community Action Immunization Clinic held in Fairbury will have a new location as of the Sept. 22 clinic. The Immunization Clinic will now be held at the JCH&L North Building, 825 22nd St. Those utilizing the clinic are asked to use the west door on the south side of the building, which will be marked.

Blue Valley Community Action and Jefferson Community Heath & Life have partnered for immunization clinics in Fairbury for many years.

Clinics are available for both insured and uninsured. Private insurance plans are accepted through the private vaccine program. Those who have Medicaid, no insurance or are under-insured are vaccinated through the VFC (Vaccines for Children) state program. Those receiving vaccines are asked to bring vaccine cards to each appointment.

Clinics are held in Fairbury on the second Tuesday of the month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on the fourth Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. In December, the Fairbury immunization clinic is held on the second Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. All clinics are by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 402-587-1589.

“We appreciate the long-standing partnership with Blue Valley Community Action Partnership which allows immunization clinics to be held in Fairbury,” said Erin Starr, chief nursing officer at Jefferson Community Health & Life. “Keeping children up to date on vaccinations is so important to the health of our community.”

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE