JCH&L Women’s Health Day Scheduled for Oct. 5

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Wellness Experience Offers Women a Convenient Way to Take Control of Their Health

In just about three hours women from Jefferson County and beyond can complete their annual health checks and receive a well-deserved indulgence at the same time. Women’s Health Day is a complete wellness experience designed to make women’s health easy. Jefferson Community Health & Life is now scheduling for the experience on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

The program is available at the Jefferson Community Health & Life Health Center and Fairbury Clinic on select days every month, and includes:

* Personalized guidance from an on-site Women’s Health Day navigator

* Important health screenings, including fasting lab tests, a screening mammogram and a routine annual exam to assess overall and gynecological health (lab test and mammogram results will be available before participants leave for the day, while Pap test results will be provided later by mail)

* Complimentary breakfast and a relaxing indulgence—such as an express manicure or hand massage, for example. Offerings may vary.

* Reserved parking

“It’s so important for women to make time for their own health, but we know life sometimes gets in the way,” said Erin Starr, Chief Nursing Officer. “That’s why we created Women’s Health Day—to provide a convenient way for women to get their essential health screenings all at once, while also taking time to unwind.”

All major insurance plans are accepted for screening and exams (coverage is subject to individual policy terms). JCH&L Fairbury Clinic accepts new patients.

Appointments for the Women’s Health Day experience start as early as 6:30 a.m. To schedule, call 402.729.6841.

Kline Honored as MGMA Extraordinary Leader

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JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE, has been named as one of the recipients of the Medical Group Management Association’s Extraordinary Leaders.

Dr. Kline and a number of other recipients are being recognized as the MGMA seeks to recognize those who have solved difficult problems, conquered challenging situations, inspired others in times of uncertainty, contributed to their communities and overcome circumstances with innovation and excellence.

The recipients, including Dr. Kline, will be recognized during the Medical Practice Excellence: Leaders Conference in San Diego in October.

JCH&L Adds Pediatric Physical Therapist

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Kasey Murphy, PT, DPT, joins staff of Sports Medicine and Rehab Services

Kasey Murphy, PT, DPT, a pediatric physical therapist, has joined the staff of JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services.  Murphy, who is a board certified pediatric clinical specialist, works with children and adolescents of all ages while collaborating with other therapists to treat each patient’s specific needs and diagnosis.

“We have seen the need for pediatric therapy grow substantially over the last four years,” said Amy Martin, MPT, director of JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services. “We continue to expand our pediatric services to better serve our community and meet those needs. We are excited that when the new addition at JCH&L is completed our pediatric therapy services will have a new larger location.”

As a pediatric physical therapist, Murphy can address all areas of physical therapy with children and adolescents. Murphy collaborates with the Occupational Therapist Lauren Cox and Speech Therapist Amanda Carlson.  She also provides therapy services to the schools and birth-three home based early intervention visits within the Fairbury school district through her work at JCH&L.

“Pediatric therapy services are tailored to each child’s specific needs and our goal is to help children reach their highest potential by working on developmental skills while allowing kids to have fun and play. Needs can vary greatly from patient to patient and we work as a team to meet those needs,” Murphy said.

Murphy is a native of the Diller-Odell area. She has been a physical therapist for 9 years. She has worked with all ages, but has focused much of her career on medical-based pediatrics. She is committed to making sure children in the rural setting have the same opportunities for therapy and growth as those in urban areas.

“Sometimes travel for treatment is especially difficult for families who have children with special needs,” Murphy said. “Making it easier for families to access appropriate treatment for their children is one of the reasons I’m so excited to be part of this team and this growing pediatric practice.”

Murphy and her husband, Trevor, have twins Tenlee and Cash, who are 5 ½; and Anni, 5 months. They live in the Diller/Odell area and Trevor works for Norris Public Power.

Outside of work, Murphy enjoys running, interior design and home projects, camping, raising Golden Doodles, and her children’s activities.

For additional information on pediatric occupational therapy, call JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at 402-729-6841.

Third Dose of Vaccine Available for Immunocompromised

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JCH&L Fairbury Clinic continues to offer the COVID vaccine for anyone 18 years and older.  This now includes a third dose of the vaccine for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

CDC currently recommends that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive a third dose. This includes those who have:

  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

The CDC does not currently recommend additional doses or booster shots for any other population at this time. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will continue to meet and discuss data on the evolution of the pandemic and the use of COVID-19 vaccines. ACIP will make further recommendations on the use of boosters for the public after a thorough review of the evidence.

People should talk to their healthcare provider if they have questions about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. If you have questions for your doctor, please call patient services at (402) 587-5181.

To make an appointment for a vaccine (first, second or third dose), please call 402-729-3361.

Back to School COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Available

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JCH&L will be offering a COVID vaccine clinic for anyone 12 years old or older on Friday, Aug. 27, and Friday, Sept. 24. This is a two-dose Pfizer vaccine.

A parent signature is required for anyone ages 18 and under.

Appointments must be made by 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20.

To make an appointment or for more information, call 402-729-3351.

New CT Scanner Improves Close-to-Home Care Options for Families in Rural Nebraska

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Jefferson Community Health & Life introduces a new CT scanner at its facility, offering patients the ability to receive standard CT procedures as well as cardiac imaging and other advanced examinations in Fairbury.

Jefferson Community Health & Life (JCH&L) is dedicated to providing local residents with unmatched quality and service. Recent evidence of this commitment comes from the new computed tomography (CT) system in the radiology department, replacing a previous system that was nearly 15 years old.

The radiology team is installing the SOMATOM go.Up CT system from Siemens Healthineers, bringing a new level of diagnostic confidence to CT exams. The CT scanner has a number of benefits that made it the ideal choice for JCH&L staff, who were looking to improve the quality of care and provide a comfortable, comprehensive radiology experience.

“The main thing we look at when evaluating our diagnostic tools is trust,” said Nikole Marschman, radiology director at JCH&L. “Our patients trust us with their health, and that means we have to be able to trust our imaging systems to provide not just an accurate image, but a great patient experience. The SOMATOM go.Up CT scanner from Siemens Healthineers checks off all the boxes, and we believe it’s the right choice for the overall wellbeing of families in our community.”

The CT system provides a number of benefits for physicians and patients.

  • Low-dose – Patients can count on a low radiation dose that emphasizes safety.
  • Clinical capabilities – In addition to standard CT procedures, the SOMATOM go.Up CT enables fast and efficient angiographic, abdominal and neurological imaging examinations in a relaxed environment comfortable for patients of multiple body types.
  • Image quality – The new system delivers up to 64 reconstructed slices allowing for fast scanning, short breath holds and few motion artifacts—which help to improve image quality, so doctors can make a more confident diagnosis.
  • Mobility – The new technology uses tablet & remote-based operation that can keep JCH&L team members at patients’ sides for longer periods of time than older-model CTs.

“This is a game-changer for Jefferson Community Health & Life,” said Nikole. “I can’t wait to start showing patients and our local physicians what we’re able to achieve right here in Fairbury with this new scanner. In so many ways, we’re providing those we serve with peace of mind when it comes to their health.”

In addition to CT services, JCH&L remains committed to providing an exceptional level of care for all other diagnostic exams, including:

  • Digital Mammography
  • Echocardiography
  • Fluoroscopy
  • MRI
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • PET-CT
  • Portable Electrocardiography
  • Routine X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • Vascular Ultrasound

Residents interested in scheduling their next CT or other radiologic test at Jefferson Community Health & Life can contact their physician for a referral. Physicians can call 402-729-6841 to set up referrals for their patients, and patients can call to learn more about the JCH&L team, new diagnostic offerings and anything else they have questions about.

The statements by Siemens Healthineers’ customers described herein are based on results that were achieved in the customer’s unique setting.  Since there is no “typical” hospital and many variables exist (e.g. hospital size, case mix, level of IT adoption) there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.

Golf Tournament to Benefit Jefferson Community Health & Life

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A charity golf tournament to benefit Jefferson Community Health & Life has been set for Friday, Aug. 13, at the Fairbury Country Club.

The three-person scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 8:45 a.m. The 18-hole tournament will feature cash prizes along with pin prizes.

The entry fee is $210 per team. The field is limited to a maximum of 32 teams. The entry fee includes rolls and coffee beginning at 7:30 a.m., lunch, gifts for all golfers, mulligans and chances at pin prizes.

Hole sponsorships are also available. Sponsorship is $475 and entitles the sponsor to recognition at the hole sponsored and on the tournament program, and one team entry.

A raffle will also be available for those who choose to donate.

Tournament proceeds are not designated to specific projects, and have been used for a variety of projects at Jefferson Community Health & Life over the years. One large project made possible by unrestricted funds was funding $200,000 (about half the cost) of a new X-ray machine which is safer, faster, more efficient and more comfortable for patients.

Jefferson Community Health & Life, name a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in 2021 and a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for quality in 2020, operates a 17-bed, acute-care Critical Access Hospital in Fairbury, Neb., offering inpatient and outpatient services, including surgery, therapy, screenings, and emergency services. Jefferson Community Health & Life offers additional health and life services, including Fairbury and Plymouth clinics (primary and family care), Burkley Fitness Center, Gardenside (long-term care), and Home Health services. In addition, Jefferson Community Health & Life supports numerous education programs and support groups.

Entry forms are available by contacting Lana Likens, director of public relations, at 402-729-6855, or email lana.likens@jchealthandlife.org.

Norden Honored for 40 Under 40 Nurse Leader Award

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JCH&L Fairbury Clinic Administrator Ashley Norden, LPN, has been selected for the Nebraska Action Coalition’s 40 under 40 emerging nurse leader award.

Last year, Norden became a Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional.

Norden, who has been clinic administrator since 2020, has been with JCH&L since 2009. She is committed to helping our rural family medicine clinic continue to grow and improve and provide excellent customer service.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Aug. 9

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

Everyone who gives blood has a chance to a $25 gas card from Casey’s.

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.

To make an appointment, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851, or visit NCBB.org 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 NCBB.org/iDonate

Therapist Engler Earns Manual Therapy Credentials

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JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services therapist Callie Engler, PT, DPT, CMPT, has been certified in manual physical therapy. She received her certification through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. A NAIOMT trained CMPT excels at obtaining an accurate functional diagnosis while employing an eclectic approach to management, through all types of manual therapy and exercise.

A Certified Manual Physical Therapist focuses on hands-on techniques used to mobilize muscles, joints, connective tissue and nerves to facilitate healing and restore function. Certification in manual therapy is a distinction for physical therapists who complete post-graduate education and specializing in a safe, effective, quadrant-integrated, hands-on treatment approach. It allows Engler to treat more complex patients with an integrative approach.

“It’s another tool allowing me to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based and patient-centered care,” Engler said.

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