JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE, has been named an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. With the honor he has been invited to join the Nebraska Admiral’s Association.

The title of Admiral in the Nebraska Navy may be conferred by the governor on any worthy Nebraskan, who must nominated by a Nebraskan. The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska was created in 1930 by Lt. Gov. T.W. Metcalfe. The governor’s website states: “Admirals in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska are individuals who have contributed in some way to the state, promote the Good Life in Nebraska, and warrant recognition as determined by the governor.”

The certificate Kline receives reads: “and knowing you to be a good person and a loyal friend and counselor, I have nominated and do appoint you an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.” The certificate is signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Among the goals of the Nebraska Admiral’s Association is to continue efforts to have U.S. Navy ships named after Nebraska, its people and places. There have been 40 so far. Other goals include promoting tourism and products, to promote education, to enhance agriculture, and to build Nebraska pride.

Dr. Kline said he does not know who nominated him for the Admiralship, but is grateful for the honor.

“I’m proud to now be an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska,” Dr. Kline said.

Heather Parde RN has received her ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate. Parde has been the oncology nurse at Jefferson Community Health & Life since March 2021.

This certificate means Parde possesses knowledge in the subspecialty chemotherapy and immunotherapy administration.  This course equips her with the tools she needs to safely administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy to our patients with cancer, while providing the type of quality care demanded by JCH&L.

The course is intended for nurses who have knowledge of cancer basics and are in a position to regularly administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy. It builds on a foundation of cancer knowledge, with the learner earning a certificate of added qualification upon successful completion.

The certification is renewable every two years.

Dr. Joni Tilford, oncologist with Cancer Partners of Nebraska, comes to JCH&L monthly. Ancillary services available include lab, radiology, respiration therapy and surgery. JCH&L can take orders for services – including chemotherapy and ancillary services – from any physician or oncologist.

For more information, contact JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.

For many years, Jefferson Community Health & Life has offered reduced-price complete blood profiles to the community once a year. Now JCH&L offers reduced-price blood profiles – and a number of other patient-requested blood tests – year round.

Appointments are offered on alternating Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Appointments are required at least 24 hours before the testing time. Payment with cash or check is required at the time of testing. If you wish to use a credit card, please let the scheduler know. Since this is not a physician-ordered exam, it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance, and results are not sent to a physician.

The type of tests available is also increased. The complete blood profile, called a general health panel, is available for a cost of $75. It includes measures of electrolytes, sugar, proteins, and overall kidney and liver functions; complete blood count, lipid panel, and TSH (thyroid.) This is comparable to the complete blood profile which was previously offered annually for a reduced price. Fasting is required prior to this screening.

Other tests available separately include General Chemistry, $25; Lipid panel, $25; CBC, $20; TSH, $20; Hemoglobin A1C, $25; PSA, $25; Vitamin D, $60; Blood type, $25. Some of these screenings require fasting, others do not. All of these tests are available at patient request on Wellness Wednesdays (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and Fasting Fridays (6 a.m. to 8 a.m.)

These patient-requested blood tests are being offered for those who wish to have more frequent testing than your health insurance plan will cover, want to access and manage health status on a regular basis, or are uninsured or have a high deductible and want to take advantage of lower out-of-pocket expenses. These are made available at patient request at a reduced price without a physician order.   Results will be available on JCH&L patient portal. Patients can sign up for the portal when they have the screening if they don’t already have access. Results will not be shared with your provider.

To make an appointment, call 402-729-3351 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required at least 24 hours before desired test time. Check in at the Outpatient/ER entrance.

Since this is not a physician-ordered exam, it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance, and results are not sent to a physician. Payment will be collected at time of service. Cash and checks will be accepted for payment.

This screening is private pay only. If you want a complete blood profile which would be covered under an insurance preventative care option, you must have a physician-ordered screening.

The rates are a considerable savings to patients compared to the regular costs, said Erin Starr, JCH&L Chief Nursing Officer.

“We felt it was important to offer the various blood tests at a cost-savings to patients who wish to have more frequent testing than health insurance will cover or who are uninsured or have a high deductible,” Starr said. “We also felt it was important to offer this service year-round, rather than only once a year.”

Those who want to make appointments should call 402-729-3351 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lifestyle change program helps participants learn to live healthy

FAIRBURY — The next session of a successful lifestyle change program will be offered beginning in April at Jefferson Community Health & Life in Fairbury. The year-long program is designed for those who are at risk for diabetes and want to change their lifestyle to avoid getting diabetes. A free no-obligation introductory class will be held from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22. Anyone who thinks they might be interested in Smart Moves is encouraged to attend this session. To sign up for the introductory class, call Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT, at 402-729-6846.

The year-long program will begin April 12. Classes will meet on Tuesdays at 4 p.m.

Lifestyle coaches who lead the program are JCH&L Dietitian Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT; Bekah Kimberlin, PharmD; and Jen Johnson, manager of JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center.

“This program has been successful in helping participants to make lifestyle changes which positively impact their health,” Edeal said.

JCH&L’s program has received Full Recognition from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC). This designation is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all the standards for CDC recognition.

Studies show that diabetes can be prevented. Diabetes risk can be lowered by losing weight, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking part in a lifestyle change program, such as Smart Moves. Smart Moves is a program of the National Diabetes Prevention Program. JCH&L is participating with the support of Public Health Solutions District Health Department.

For the first part of the program, participants meet in a small-group setting weekly for one-hour presentations. For the second portion of the program, participants will meet twice a month.

The program provides lifestyle coaching and group support, promotes healthier eating and weight loss, explores ways to be physically active, creates strategies to overcome barriers, and teaches participants how to apply coping skills to stay successful.

The cost of the program is $225 for the full year. This fee includes not only the program, but also a six-month membership to the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center (a $200 value.) Financial assistance is available for those who meet certain financial eligibility criteria.

Anyone interested in Smart Moves or the March 22 free introductory session is encouraged to contact Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT, at (402) 729-6846 or email lisa.edeal@jchealthandlife.org to register or for more information.

Jefferson Community Health & Life has joined the annual statewide effort organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition and Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force to heighten awareness of lifesaving colon cancer screening during Colon Cancer Awareness month and Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 4.

On Friday, March 4, JCH&L staff members will have the opportunity to wear denim for a $5 donation to the Nebraska Cancer Coalition. All staff are encouraged to wear blue that day to raise awareness for colon cancer screening.

Colon cancer is the second deadliest cancer. Incidences of colon cancer diagnosis and death remain higher in Nebraska compared to overall U.S. rates. Additionally, rates of colon cancer have increased in recent decades among individuals younger than 50. So much so that the official recommended age for colon cancer screening was recently reduced from 50 to 45.

“Colon cancer screening is critical, as symptoms often only become prevalent in later stages of the disease when it’s much more difficult to fight back. It’s important for Nebraskans ages 45 and older speak with their health care provider about screening as soon as possible, especially those who have postponed appointments because of the pandemic,” said NC2 President Dr. Alan Thorson. “Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable, but you don’t know if you don’t go.”

There are multiple safe, affordable options available for screening, including at-home test kits. Individuals are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to start a conversation about screening. Various screening opportunities are available, including colonoscopy, which is made available at JCH&L by Gastroenterology Specialties, PC, on a monthly basis.

Additionally, anyone wanting to support the statewide awareness effort is invited to wear blue on Friday, March 4 and share on social media platforms using the hashtags #DressInBlueNE and #FightBackNE.

Nebraska residents aged 45-75 years old who meet specific income guidelines may be eligible for free or low-cost colon cancer screening. For more information, visit the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program website or call (800) 532-2227.