JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

/by

2019 was a busy and successful year

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2019 on Monday, Jan. 13.

Two board members were elected to serve on the board: Ross Boeckner and Dr. Jeff Johnson. Boeckner is a Fairbury native who farms and is a credit analyst at Heartland Bank. Johnson is an optometrist who has owned and operated Johnson Family Vision Care in Fairbury since 1997, and worked with Dr. Bruce Ackerman for a year prior to his retirement. Boeckner and Johnson take the seats of Loren Duerkson, who served one four-year term, and Mary Glenn, who served two four-year terms. Board members are elected from among members of the corporation and may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.

Brian Scheele, board chairman, thanked the administration, medical staff, board members and staff for their efforts and excellent care. He thanked Dr. Richard Blatny Sr., who has served our community for more than 46 years, for his service. He said that the board is working with Bryan Health for a search for a new full-time CEO. Victor Lee is serving as interim CEO, after former CEO Chad Jurgens left for a position elsewhere.

“We are in a good position financially and operationally for new leadership, and look forward to continuing to grow, add services and be a trusted partner in health,’” Scheele said.

Lee sent a report to all members of the corporation highlighting major achievements of 2019. Highlights included JCH&L being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for the fifth time in six years; being recognized for a Performance Leadership award; having Sports Medicine and Rehab Services named a Site of Clinical Excellence by Creighton University; earning a Spirit Award for safety accomplishments; and having Gardenside recognized as a 5-Star facility. New services included the addition of 3D Mammography, a wound clinic, and Sports Medicine and Rehab staff becoming certified in women’s health.

Chance Klasek, CFO, reported that both revenues and expenses were up in fiscal 2019, with the year ending on an operating margin of 3.9 percent. It was one of JCH&L’s best years financially.

Anyone who has donated $100 or more to Jefferson Community Health & Life is a member of the private not-for-profit corporation.

At the regular monthly board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers were elected for 2020. Officers are: Linda Bauer, chairman; Brian Blobaum, vice chairman; and Sheri Schultis, secretary-treasurer. Past-chairman Brian Scheele will also serve on the executive committee.

JCH&L’s Next Women’s Health Day is Jan. 21

/by

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

Three hours – that’s all it takes for women from Jefferson County and beyond to 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 women for the experience on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

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 express pedicure, 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 Quality 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.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group to Meet Jan. 27

/by

The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group will meet on Monday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be videos exploring “Feelings of People who Live with the Disease” and “Coping with the Disease,” from VideoCaregiving.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group is a program of the Alzheimer’s Association which typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson Community Health & Life. It is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease. There is no cost, and no pre-registration.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.

Parkinson’s Support Group to Meet Jan. 13

/by

The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Monday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be a video “The Parkinson’s You Don’t See: Cognitive and Motor Symptoms,” by Joanne Hamilton, PhD, ABPP-CN, Advanced Neurobehavior Health of Southern California, Poway, CA.

For easiest access, park in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Parkinson’s Support Group generally meets on the second Monday of each month.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cost. For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at (402)-729-6855.

January Health Today: Starting Off the New Year Right

/by

The January Health Today Program will be “Starting Off the New Year Right” by Bekah Kimberlin, PharmD, Diabetes Educator, Lifestyle Change Coach. The session will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, in the Conference Rooms at Jefferson Community Health & Life.

There are changes we all know we SHOULD make in our lives. How do we motivate ourselves to make those changes and stick to them? How do we stop the “resolution” cycle and start a lifetime of positive change? Bekah will help us put together the right ingredients to set SMART goals that are maintainable – so we can be successful not only for 2020, but the rest of our lives.

Health Today is a free monthly health education session offered by Jefferson Community Health & Life in a lunch-time session. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch, or are welcome to purchase lunch in the JCH&L cafeteria, which is located near the Conference Rooms.

JCH&L works with a wide variety of professionals who bring educational programs on health-related topics each month.

Reservations are not required. The program is FREE. The only cost for participants would be lunch, if they choose to purchase it. Participants are also welcome to carry in their lunch. Anyone who would like to be on a mailing list to directly receive notices about the monthly sessions or anyone with questions about the program should contact Likens at (402) 729-6855.

Additional Restriction Because of Influenza

/by

Jefferson Community Health & Life and Cedarwood have added a restriction of school-age children visiting because influenza rates are currently highest in our area in this age group. This is in addition to requiring visitors, volunteers and staff who have not been immunized to wear masks when in the facilities. JCH&L reminds the public that anyone who has been exposed to influenza or has symptoms should not visit. This includes the hospital, Gardenside and Cedarwood assisted living.

“The thing about influenza season is that it is very unpredictable from week to week. Because of this, precautions may change at any time,” said Amber Brunow, infection preventionist. “Our number one goal is to keep our residents, tenants and patients healthy. Influenza can be deadly; especially for those with weakened immune systems.”

Gardenside and Cedarwood do not have any active cases of influenza at this time. These precautions are being taken to keep residents and tenants healthy and prevent an outbreak.

Influenza Rates Mandate Caution, Masking

/by

Because of increased influenza activity in our area, Jefferson Community Health & Life and Cedarwood are requiring visitors, volunteers and staff who have not been immunized to wear masks when in the facilities. In addition, JCH&L reminds the public that anyone who has been exposed to influenza or has symptoms should not visit. This includes the hospital, Gardenside and Cedarwood assisted living, and includes all events, including holiday parties.

“We are taking this step in order to protect our patients and residents,” said Amber Brunow, infection preventionist.

Gardenside and Cedarwood do not have any active cases of influenza at this time. These precautions are being taken to keep residents and tenants healthy and prevent an outbreak.

Public health influenza surveillance systems are showing a marked increase in influenza activity throughout the state in the past week, including in and around Jefferson County.

Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that anyone with influenza symptoms stay home and avoid contact with others except to receive medical care. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at high risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms.  People at high risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

The CDC lists these steps to prevent influenza:
*Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
*While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

*Stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without medication).

*Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.

*Wash your hands often with soap and water.

*Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

*Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

Another Session of Kids Cooking Set at JHC&L

/by

Children will have an opportunity to learn about healthy eating and the importance of working together to plan and prepare health meals during a Cooking Class for Kids to be offered Monday, Dec. 30, and Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at Jefferson Community Health & Life. The program is open to kids in grades 3-6 and their adult partners. During each class, participants will prepare a simple healthy meal together and then enjoy the meal as a group. The class is sponsored by Jefferson Community Health & Life and Nebraska Extension – Jefferson County. This is the same class being offered on two dates.

The Monday, Dec. 30, class will be offered from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Friday, Jan. 3, class will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The registration fee is $15 per team. Pre-registration with payment is required by Monday, Dec. 23.

Aprons will be available for the children to wear during the class, and available for them to purchase after the class if they choose for an additional $5.

For more information or a registration form, call Lisa Edeal, RDN, LMNT, at 402-729-6846.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Will Not Meet in December

/by

The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group will not meet in December because of holiday schedules. Watch for details in early January about the January meeting!

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson Community Health & Life.  It is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease. There is no cost, and no pre-registration.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.

Parkinson’s Support Group will not meet in December

/by

The Parkinson’s Support Group will not meet in December.

The group will meet again in January 2020.

The Parkinson’s Support Group generally meets on the second Monday of each month.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cost. For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at (402)-729-6855.

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