Women: Learn the basics of defending yourself at a free class scheduled for Feb. 13 at Jefferson Community Health & Life Burkley Fitness Center.

Clayton Brandt, who teaches Kakuto Jiu Jitsu at JCH&L Burkey Fitness Center, will teach self-defense techniques in this one-hour class designed especially for women, and give participants a chance to practice.

Two different sessions of the class will be offered, one at 4:30 p.m. and one at 6 p.m. The class is free and open to the public. You do not need to be a member of JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Burkley Fitness Center at 402-729-6139 by Friday, Feb. 9.

Lifestyle change program helps participants learn to live healthy

The sixth session of a successful lifestyle change program is being offered beginning in February 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, Jan. 30. 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 full year-long program begins on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Classes will meet 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 monthly.

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 $150 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 is encouraged to attend the free no-obligation introductory class. Class registration is needed by Feb. 13. Call Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT, at (402) 729-6846 or email lisa.edeal@jchealthandlife.org to register or for more information.

2017 was a busy and successful year

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2017 on Monday, Jan. 8.

Two board members were elected to serve second terms: Linda Bauer and Brian Blobaum. Both are from Fairbury. 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.

“We will continue to strive to achieve our mission by ‘Inspiring healthy living by providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time,’” Scheele said.

Chad Jurgens, CEO, sent a report to all members of the corporation highlighting major achievements of 2017. Highlights include a rebranding project and re-commitment to the community’s health; announcement of a future clinic in Plymouth; and development of community partnerships. JCH&L was recognized for several accomplishments during the year: In November of 2016 JCH&L was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health/iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of the State Office of Rural Health for overall excellence in financial strength and patient satisfaction. In 2017, JCH&L was name a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the United States. JCH&L Gardenside was recognized as a 2017 recipient of the Bronze-Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care. Gardenside continues to be recognized as a 5-Star facility.

Chance Klasek, CFO, reported that both revenues and expenses were up in fiscal 2017, with the year ending on an operating margin of 3.14 percent. Patient days were down slightly.

Anyone who has donated $100 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 2018. Officers are: Brian Scheele, chairman; Mary Glenn, vice chairman; and Brian Blobaum, secretary-treasurer.

Collaboration for online health tool featured as case study in rural health strategy

A partnership between Jefferson Community Health & Life, its software vendor and local organizations serving as early adopters of the hospital’s online health management tool is getting national exposure.

The collaborative partnership that gives consumers access to personalized health and wellness information is now featured in the 2017 Compendium of Best Practices in Rural Health Hospital-Community Partnerships, a publication of Bryan Health. It is one of 12 case studies that illustrate what is possible when hospitals and community organizations share resources, skills and services for a greater impact on population health.

Partnering with its software vendor, MEDHOST, Jefferson Community Health & Life introduced My Wellness Dashboard earlier this year. The free, web-based platform enables consumers to receive personalized health care content and track data from fitness and medical devices. Patients can access personal medical records through a connected patient portal.

As early adopter partners, Fairbury Public Library and Fairbury Public Schools helped raise awareness of the tool in the community by participating in a promotional contest. Within six months of launch, 194 people signed up for the dashboard, and 108 signed up for the patient portal.

“Thanks to My Wellness Dashboard, everyone in our community can have easy access to the information they need to manage their health and reach their wellness goals,” said Chad Jurgens, chief executive officer of Jefferson Community Health & Life.

The Compendium can be accessed at JCHealthandLife.org/about.

The JCH&L Gardenside Bell Choir will perform on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. The program will journey back to the stable on the first Christmas, as seen through the eyes of the animals.

The performances are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Gardenside at 402-729-5220.