Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Jan. 31

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FAIRBURY –The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, 825 22nd St.

All types are needed. Giving blood is giving a gift of life. Nebraska Community Bloodbank is Jefferson Community Health & Life’s blood supplier, and the two organizations partner for blood drives in Fairbury to save lives.

Masks are required on the bloodmobile. Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851, or visit NCBB.org/searchdrives and use sponsor code JCHC.

With iDonate you can save time by completing your health history on line ahead of your bloodmobile visit. To get started, visit mbc.org/iDonate

Some Medicare Plans Offer Assistance with Fitness Center Costs

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Those on Medicare might want to check on their eligibility for assistance with the cost of participating at a fitness center. JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is a partner with Renew Active, Silver and Fit and Silver Sneakers. All are fitness plans which are part of Medicare or Medicare Supplement plans.

Most of these programs pay the fitness center directly for the participant’s use of the facility. The participant must simply check in with they come to the facility, either to use equipment or take classes.

It is important to note that many of the plans which offer these programs are Medicare Advantage plans, which are different than original Medicare. But a few of the plans which offer these fitness programs are Medicare supplement plans.

If you are curious whether your plan covers any of these programs, you can talk to the staff at the Burkley Fitness Center. With your name, birthdate and insurance care, the staff can check whether you are eligible for the program.

“There are many factors in choosing an insurance plan which is right for your needs, and we don’t recommend choosing based on whether the plan provides fitness center membership. However, if the insurance plan that best suits your needs does cover fitness center membership, we encourage you to take advantage of that feature,” said Jen Johnson, JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center manager.

You can also ask your insurance provider if you qualify for fitness center benefits.
The fitness center offers annual and monthly rates, as well as punch cards for those who use the facility fewer times per month. All fees include group fitness classes. (Martial arts is a separate class which meets at the fitness center, so has its own fees. Burkley Fitness Center members receive a discount on martial arts classes.)

If you have questions about membership, fees or insurance coverage, please contact the Burkley Fitness Center at 402-729-6139.

Blood Drives Earn Donation for Fairbury Rural Fire Department

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The Fairbury Rural Fire Department was awarded $750 for the community’s participation in this year’s Nebraska Community Blood Bank Hometown Heroes blood drive campaign. With 61 units collected over the summer, the drives at JCH&L earned Hometown Heroes funds to support the departments rescue equipment.

The department averages about 30 rescue calls a year.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank is JCH&L’s blood supplier. A bloodmobile comes to JCH&L’s campus about every eight weeks. The next drive is set for Monday, Jan. 31.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank offers Hometown Heroes donation dollars to communities outside Lincoln and Omaha which host blood drives. Awards are allocated based on the total collections combined. Communities can direct up to $1,200 to a charity in their community.

Any community outside Lincoln and Omaha city limits is eligible to participate by hosting a blood drive in support of the Hometown Heroes campaign. There is no limit to the number of blood drives your community can hold. Awards will be allocated based on the total collections combined. • Based on the success of your community’s blood drive(s), you’ll have the opportunity to direct up to $1,200 toward funding a charity in your community. Awards may not be directed to the organization sponsoring the drive, nor used for a general fund. To get started, email us at blooddrives@ncbb.org or call 402-486-9414. Or visit NCBB.ORG/HEROES to learn more.

Learn more about our Hometown Heroes campaign at ncbb.org/heroes, email blooddrives@ncbb.org, or call 402-486-9414.

Cutline: Jami Kassebaum, assistant manager of donor recruitment with Nebraska Community Bloodbank presents a check for the Hometown Heroes program to the Fairbury Rural Fire Department. Receiving the donation are, from left, Jeff Bargar, rescue lieutenant; Barry Schwab, assistant chief personnel safety and equipment; and Judd Stewart, assistant chief operations. The funds will go to the rescue fund. The department averages about 30 rescue calls a year.

No Surprises Act Takes Effect Jan. 1

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The federal No Surprises Act takes effect Jan. 1, 2022, and seeks to protect consumers for surprise medical bills. Among its provisions, the No Surprises Act:

  • Protects patients from receiving surprise medical bills resulting from gaps in coverage for emergency services and certain services provided by out-of-network clinicians at in-network facilities, including by air ambulances.
  • Holds patients liable only for their in-network cost-sharing amount, while giving providers and insurers an opportunity to negotiate reimbursement.
  • Allows providers and insurers to access an independent dispute resolution process in the event disputes arise around reimbursement. The legislation does not set a benchmark reimbursement amount.
  • Requires both providers and health plans to assist patients in accessing health care cost information.

Jefferson Community Health & Life is putting into place the required policies and provisions to comply with the act. JCH&L’s information can be found on the website at JCHealthandLife.org, and then under I want to …. View Surprise Billing/Good Faith Estimate Information.

Under the act, when a patient receives emergency care or gets treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or surgical center, the patient is protected from surprise billing. Surprise billing may happen when a patient can’t control who is involved in his or her care – such as during an emergency or when a visit is scheduled at an in-network facility but is unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.

The new provisions also allow patients to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the cost of particular medical procedures from health care facilities. Health care providers must provide an estimate of the bill for upcoming medical items and services to patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance to pay for a service. The Good Faith Estimate would be given for the total expected cost of non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs, such as medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment and hospital fees. The Good Faith Estimate is given in writing at least one day before the medical service, or may be given before scheduling. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

If you have questions about these new rules, call JCH&L at 402-729-3351.

Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions?

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Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?

Jen Johnson, manager of JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center, said she’s a big fan of people setting goals to improve their health – but not necessarily a fan of New Year’s resolutions.

“When we think about New Year’s resolutions, we tend to think of huge, grand changes that are lofty and hard to achieve, even for the most disciplined people,” Johnson said. “I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions, because in making them we often seem to set ourselves up to give up before we can reach the goal.”

Johnson recommends is that people who set fitness goals start small and set realistic, achievable goals.

She suggests: “Instead of ‘I want to lose 30 pounds,’ start with ‘I want to find a type of fitness I enjoy doing.’ Instead of ‘I am starting a diet,’ take one or two menu items and replace them with something better.  One cup of coffee can be replaced with one glass of water.  One night a week that is usually a pizza night can be a ‘try a new veggie’ night. Instead of ‘I’m going to save up $1,000, start saving $10 per week.’ Smaller, more manageable goals are more fun because you will feel successful, and that snowballs into wanting to set more and more small achievable goals! These will add up and before you even realize it you have found fitness you loved, lost weight, felt better with your new favorite veggie meals and have a little bit more money in the bank.  Let’s start up some good foundational habits and feel better in 2022!”

And don’t feel goals can only be set at the start of a New Year. Goals can be set any time. The Burkley Fitness Center offers a wide variety of ways you can keep fit – cardio and weight equipment, a pool, and many types of classes.

“If you will share with us your fitness goals, we can help you learn the best ways to work toward the goals, and you can try out a wide variety of exercise to find one that you truly enjoy. For some, classes are excellent because they also provide time to socialize with others who are working toward their fitness goals,” Johnson said.

GI Specialties Provides Services at JCH&L

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Gastroenterologists from Gastroenterology Specialties PC in Lincoln have begun providing upper endoscopies and colonoscopies at Jefferson Community Health & Life on a monthly basis.

Dr. Matthew Hrnicek and Dr. Clark Antonson, FACG, will be doing procedures at JCH&L on a referral basis.

“Our goal is to compliment the already high level of care provided at Jefferson Community Health & Life while serving patients with compassion and excellence,” Dr. Hrnicek and Dr. Antonson said.

Gastroenterology Specialties PC focuses on the health of the digestive tract. A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. It can screen for colon cancer and help diagnose intestinal problems. Upper endoscopy is used to examine the upper digestive system. It can be used to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestine. This procedure is sometimes called an EGD.

JCH&L continues add specialty clinics to serve the needs of area residents.

“We are committed to inspire a lifetime of health. We want to provide the resources and services our area residents need take the best care of their health,” said Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE. “Adding specialty clinics with services such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy is important in maintaining and improving our community residents’ health.”

Ask your primary care provider whether a referral for a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy is right for you.

Antonson

Hrnicek

Gardenside, Cedarwood Update Visitation Guidelines

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Gardenside and Cedarwood have updated visitation guidelines to reflect current CMS guidelines, which have lightened restrictions for visitors. Please note that visitation guidelines and instructions are different for Gardenside and Cedarwood, because of their different licensures.

Guidelines for Visitation at Gardenside:

  • Gardenside will no longer limit the frequency or length of visits for residents.
  • Because of Gardenside’s space limitations and the continuing need to distance for infection prevention, we recommend no more than 3 visitors at a time. Please visit with Social Services or the Director of Nursing about larger groups if needed.
  • Appointments continue to be recommended to help Gardenside staff accommodate visits and space and maintain the core principals of infection prevention for COVID-19. Appointments can be made through SignUp Genius on the webpage, JCHealthandLife.org, locations, Gardenside; OR may be made by calling the facility at 402-729-5220. Appointments are NOT required.
  • When visitors arrive on campus they are asked to call the Gardenside nurses desk at 402-729-5220 and come to door 31 (located between Gardenside and Cedarwood.)
  • All visitors must screen at the kiosk before entering Gardenside.
  • All visitors must perform hand hygiene before entering, during the visit and prior to leaving, and any time they touch their face mask.
  • Proper face covering or mask is required for the entire visit.
  • Physical distancing of at least 6 feet is required between visitor and residents and/or staff.
  • Visitors should enter and go directly to their visit. Please don’t wander the halls, stand at the nurses station or go to the day room or dining room. Please don’t get closer than 6 feet to any residents who are in the halls.
  • Visits may be held in the resident’s room if they have a private room or a semi private room with no roommate. Otherwise, visits will be scheduled in visitation rooms.
  • Do NOT enter the facility if you are ill, have a recent positive COVID-19 test, or have been asked to quarantine or isolate.
  • Residents are allowed to go out of the facility for outings with family at any time. We encourage them to avoid large gatherings. Staff appreciates a 24-hour notice to ensure proper paperwork is completed. Please contact social services at 402-729-6849 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to schedule outings.
  • Visitors who do not adhere to the core principals of COVID-19 infection prevention (including screening, masking, hand sanitizer, distancing, etc.) they will be asked to leave the facility and prohibited from visiting.
  • Gardenside is currently working on some additional enhancements to make it more convenient for visitors to screen and enter the facility. Please watch the website for updates.

Guidelines for visitation at Cedarwood:

  • Cedarwood will no longer limit the frequency or length of visits for tenants.
  • No appointments are required.
  • Cedarwood visitors are asked to use the main entrance.
  • All visitors must screen at the kiosk before entering Cedarwood.
  • Once the visitor passes the screening, they will receive a code to press on the door entry system.
  • All visitors must perform hand hygiene before entering, during the visit and prior to leaving, and any time they touch their face mask.
  • Proper face covering or mask is required at any time the visitor is in shared spaces (such as hallways.)
  • Visitors should enter and go directly to their visit. Please don’t wander the halls. Please don’t get closer than 6 feet to any tenants or staff who are in the halls.
  • Visits are recommended to be held in the tenant’s living units.
  • Do NOT enter the facility if you are ill, have a recent positive COVID-19 test, or have been asked to quarantine or isolate.
  • Tenants are allowed to go out of the facility for outings with family at any time. We encourage them to avoid large gatherings.
  • Visitors who do not adhere to the core principals of COVID-19 infection prevention (including screening, masking, hand sanitizer, distancing, etc.) they will be asked to leave the facility and prohibited from visiting.
  • Cedarwood is currently working on some additional enhancements to make it more convenient for visitors to screen and enter the facility. Please watch the website for updates.

“Gardenside and Cedarwood are among a very small group of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the state of Nebraska who have had no cases of COVID-19 diagnosed among residents or tenants,” said Laura DeBoer, Gardenside Director Nursing Services. “We have worked very hard throughout the pandemic to keep our residents and tenants safe, and we will continue to follow the guidelines that have made this possible.”

Those with questions about the guidelines may contact:

  • Laura DeBoer RN – Gardenside Director of Nursing Services — 402-587-5228
  • Raven Gerths – Gardenside Social Services Coordinator — 402-729-6849
  • Becky Bruce, LPN, Cedarwood Director of Nursing – 402-729-6883

Neurosurgery Added to Specialty Clinics at JCH&L

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Neurosurgery is the next specialty service being added to the Outpatient Specialty Clinics at Jefferson Community Health & Life. Dr. Jeremy Hosein, of Neurological and Spinal Surgery LLC, will begin doing consultations and surgeries at JCH&L beginning Dec. 7. He will visit on the first Tuesday of each month.

Neurological and Spinal Surgery L.L.C. is devoted exclusively to the diagnosis, surgical and non-surgical treatment of, and consultation concerning diseases and disorders of the central nervous system, spine and peripheral nerves and their blood vessels.

Dr. Hosein completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Colorado with experience in degenerative spine and peripheral nerve disease, brain and spine cancers, pituitary tumors, and traumatic brain and spine injury. Dr. Hosein also has extensive policy experience in health care, which has lead him to believe that care for patients begins before they step into his office.

JCH&L continues to add specialty clinics to better serve the needs of area residents.

“As we continue our commitment to being our community’s most trusted partner for a lifetime of health, we seek to provide additional services which can help our area residents reach the best health outcomes and live their healthiest lives,” said Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE. “We are pleased to be the only Critical Access Hospital in our area to provide neurological surgery.”

Ask your primary care provider whether a referral to a neurological surgeon would be right for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Neurological and Spinal Surgery LLC at 402-488-3002.

COVID Vaccine Booster Available at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic

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JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is now offering the COVID vaccine booster weekly on designated days. Patients can choose which booster vaccine they would like to receive – Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson and Johnson.

The booster is available for anyone 18 and older who has had a complete series of one of the COVID vaccines. The person must have had their second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months before the booster date, and the Johnson and Johnson dose at least 2 months prior to the booster date. The person receiving the booster may choose which brand of vaccine they would like to have for their booster. They are not required to have the same brand they had for their initial series.

If someone has not yet had their initial doses of the vaccine, JCH&L Fairbury Clinic continues to offer the COVID vaccine for anyone 18 years and older.

To make an appointment for a vaccine booster, please call the Vaccine Line at 402-587-5188. The line is answered by a voice mail. Please leave your name, date of birth, brand of vaccine you prefer for booster, and phone number to be contacted. JCH&L staff will contact you to schedule your booster appointment.

There is no out of pocket cost for the booster. You will be asked for insurance information for an administration fee. If you do not have insurance, you will not be billed this fee.

If you have additional questions on the vaccine, please leave your questions on the Vaccine Line and you will be contacted.

Reindeer Fun Walk to be Held Dec. 3

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A Reindeer Fun Walk will be held Dec. 3 by Jefferson Community Health & Life Burkley Fitness Center during the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce Miracle on the Square.

The Reindeer Fun Walk is for all ages, and gives individuals and families a chance to get into the holiday spirit with a walk around the courthouse square.

Registration free is $5 per person. Each participant received a set of blinking reindeer antlers.

Pre-registration is encouraged at the Burkley Fitness Center. Walk-ins are welcome, but there is no guarantee of antlers.

Check in begins at the corner of Fifth and E streets at 5 p.m. The walk begins at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the Burkley Fitness Center at 402-729-6129.

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