JCH&L Offers Next Session of Smart Moves

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Lifestyle change program helps participants learn to live healthy

FAIRBURY — The next session of a successful lifestyle change program will be offered beginning in May 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 at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4. 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 May 18. 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 Craig Bontrager, director 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 May 4 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.

Kline Earns Designation as Certified Healthcare Financial Professional

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Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE, has earned designation as a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP®) from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA.)

To be awarded the CHFP distinction, applicants must be an HFMA member and have completed HFMA’s Business of Health Cares® and HFMA’s Operational Excellence programs.

Dr. Kline earned this certification by demonstrating a high level of healthcare financial management knowledge and expertise.

“We recognize Dr. Kline as a healthcare leader who has demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge in healthcare financial management and business skills,” said HFMA President and CEO Joseph J. Fifer, FHFMA, CPA. “Earning this certification signifies a commitment to professional excellence.”

The CHFP program provides a broad range of business and financial skills essential for succeeding in today’s high-value healthcare environment. A wide variety of financial professionals enroll in the CHFP program, including clinical and nonclinical leaders, financial professionals, and health plan leaders, among others.

Dr. Kline has been chief executive officer of JCH&L since June 2020.

Kline Advances to Fellow in ACHE

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Burke Kline, DHA, FACHE, chief executive officer at Jefferson Community Health & Life, has advanced to become a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

An advance to the Fellow designation is a reflection of service to the healthcare industry, healthcare management experience, completion of at least 36 continuing education hours in healthcare management and administration in the past three years, doing civic and healthcare volunteer activities, and passing an exam covering a core body of knowledge in health care management. Before applying for Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives, a member of the ACHE must have a master’s degree or other post-baccalaureate degree, have a minimum of five years of health care management experience, and provide two references.

Dr. Kline will be recognized along with all new Fellows at the Convocation Ceremony at the next Congress on Healthcare Leadership.

Dr. Kline has been chief executive officer of JCH&L since June 2020.

Men’s Health Presentation Set for April 7

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Dr. Don Henslee, urologist, will present a Men’s Health seminar at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, on Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Facebook page (@JCHealthandLife).

During the presentation, you will learn more about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also often known as prostate gland enlargement. It is a common condition as men get older. It can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, as well as bladder and kidney problems. Dr. Henslee will discuss treatment options, including the UroLift System, that can help relieve symptoms and restore quality of life.

Dr. Henslee is a urologist with Urology PC. He provides monthly services at JCH&L Outpatient Services.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits April 19

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FAIRBURY –The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, April 19, 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.

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

JCH&L Women’s Health Day Scheduled for April 14

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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 Wednesday, April 14.

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.

JCH&L Christmas Project Reaches Goal, Receives Matching Funds

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From left, Aaron Schardt, Heartland Bank Senior Vice President/CFO; Dick Hoppe, Heartland Bank Vice President/Relationship Manager; Dr. Burke Kline, JCH&L CEO; Barry Schweer, Heartland Bank Branch President.

Jefferson Community Health & Life’s annual Christmas project has reached its goal of $50,000 in donations – and because of that, will receive $50,000 in matching funds donated from Heartland Bank. This year’s project is helping to fund the $8 million Fairbury Clinic construction project, which is anticipated to be finished by late this year.

“We are pleased with Heartland Bank’s generous matching grant,” said Burke Kline, DHA, JCH&L CEO. “The project will benefit healthcare in our community for generations to come, and we are grateful for our community’s support.”

The clinic addition project, which is well underway will provide the community a new, modern, handicapped accessible building equipped for today’s technology and allowing for additional infection prevention accommodations when needed. As an attached facility, it will provide easier access for clinic patients who need to seek hospital services, and easier access for staff who need to access both clinic and health center services.

The new location will feature wider hallways, larger exam rooms, and handicapped accessible restrooms. It will also allow for one-way traffic and treatment or testing in negative air flow areas, which are both infection prevention tools.

Donations are still being accepted, even though the Christmas project goal has been met. All contributions will be recognized in the fiscal 2021 annual report for Jefferson Community Health & Life and the Jefferson Health Care Fund. Contributions may be made in honor of someone living or in memory of someone who has passed away.  Memorial gifts are recognized each year in a newspaper ad prior to Memorial Day. All donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized with a plaque on the Wall of Honor, and contributions of any amount are counted toward cumulative recognition.

Those who would like more information should contact Lana Likens at 402-729-6855, or by emailing lana.likens@jchealthandlife.org.

Gardenside, Cedarwood Update Visiting Regulations

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As many have seen in the media, new guidelines for long-term care visitation were released this week by CMS and CDC. JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood assisted living will be phasing in these new regulations.

The biggest change in the regulations is that fully vaccinated residents can choose to have close-contact visits, including touch. Fully vaccinated means they are at least 2 weeks past their second dose of the vaccine. Family members must still schedule their visits through SignUp Genius (there is a link JCHealthandLife.org/Gardenside.) Family members must still call staff to let them know they have arrived, be screened to enter the facility and must mask for their entire visit. The family member and the resident must all hand sanitize before and after, and all must be wearing properly fitting masks.

Visiting family members must still distance from other residents and staff.

Outdoor visits are still preferred, and visits will be scheduled for outside if weather permits. Indoor visits will continue to be held in designated areas, not in the resident’s room.

Family members will not be allowed to visit if they have any current COVID-19 symptoms, or any recent exposure to a COVID-19 case (within 2 weeks.) Even vaccinated family members will not be allowed to visit if they have had an exposure.

Anyone with questions about the new regulations should contact Gardenside at 402-729-5220 or Cedarwood at 402-729-6100.

JCH&L Continues Scheduling Vaccines for Those 65 and Older

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Jefferson Community Health & Life continues scheduling COVID vaccination clinics for those 65 and older, and encourages anyone 65 and older who is interested in a vaccine to call our COVID vaccine line at 402-587-5188.

If you are 65 or older live, work or have your primary health care in Jefferson County, please call JCH&L at 402-587-5188 to let us know you would like to receive the COVID vaccine. Please leave us a message with your name, birthdate and telephone number. JCH&L will call as vaccine is available.

When calling for scheduling, each patient will be asked questions about their health status and will be given vaccine clinic information. The scheduler will schedule first and second doses of the vaccine, which are 28 days apart. JCH&L receives a limited number of vaccinations each week, and vaccinations will be given by appointment only. When an appointment is made for a first dose, the appointment is also made for the second dose. JCH&L is following the guidelines from Public Health Solutions and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Vaccine clinics are being held every Friday at the Fairbury Presbyterian Church. Those who are receiving vaccines are usually at the site for about 30 minutes, including a 15-minute time of monitoring for vaccine side effects.

There is no charge for the vaccine. If participants have health insurance, insurance will be billed for an administration fee. Insurance is not a requirement to receive the vaccine.

Fairbury Clinic physicians support vaccination of their patients. They have instructed schedulers to ask health questions, and if any concerns arise they will provide further instructions.

Some vaccine information:
*This will be the Moderna vaccine. It requires 2 doses 28 days apart.

*The most commonly reported side effects are pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. More people experience these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose.

*A full fact sheet on the vaccine is available at https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/recipients/

 *You should not get this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine, or to a previous dose of this vaccine

*You may not have had any other vaccination of any type for the 14 days prior to receiving this vaccine.

Public Health Solutions will offer community clinics at a later date.

Gardenside, Cedarwood Beginning Essential Caregiver Program

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JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood assisted living are excited to implement a new program called the Essential Caregiver Program.

“This is a first step toward providing our residents and tenants the additional family support they need,” said Deb Sutton RN, BSN, Gardenside and Cedarwood administrator. “Now that most of our residents, tenants and staff are vaccinated, we can begin to look forward to our next steps toward normalcy.”

The Department of Health and Human Services in Nebraska have approved an optional program for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to help high-risk residents and tenants receive individualized, person-centered care from family members that previously actively engaged with the resident. The individuals designated as Essential Caregivers would provide companionship and assistance with basic activities of daily living.

Gardenside and Cedarwood have established policies to allow for Essential Caregivers at the facilities. Criteria to participate in the program are:

  • An Essential Caregiver (EC) must be the individual who previously regularly actively engaged with the resident or who was previously committed to providing psychosocial health support and/or assistance with activities of daily living. Family members who did not provide consistent support or assistance prior to the pandemic would not be eligible for this program.
  • To participate in the EC Program, both the resident and family member must be 2 weeks past completion of their second COVID-19 vaccine. If the resident or family member do not receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they are not eligible for the program.
  • Family members designated as an EC must consent to routine COVID-19 testing at the same frequency as staff. Testing frequency is based on county positivity rate.
  • Family members designated as an EC will be required to complete facility training and must agree to comply with all policies and procedures regarding Infection Control measures while visiting Gardenside or Cedarwood. Failure to comply with Gardenside or Cedarwood policies and procedures will result in suspension and/or revocation of EC program.

The Essential Caregiver program will allow for the following:

  • Prescheduled visits for up to 3 hours/day
  • EC will be required to wear a procedure mask while in the facility but will be allowed to be closer to their own loved one than the 6 foot social distancing required with standard visits. They will not be able to visit or be within 6 feet of other Gardenside residents.
  • Enable the EC to provide assistance to the resident with personal needs in the resident’s room
  • Enable the EC to accompany their family member to medical appointments.

The Essential Caregiver program will not allow the EC to take the resident out into the community or for visits in the EC’s home.

Anyone interested in learning more about the EC program or eligibility should call Deb Sutton at 402-729-6843 (Gardenside or Cedarwood), Laura DeBoer at 402-587-5228 (Gardenside), or Becky Bruce at 402-729-6100 (Cedarwood.)

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