February 2, 2023
Did you know that the first official Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania? The annual ritual has roots in pre-Christian traditions and was brought to the U.S. by German immigrants.

Join the CHCS Spirit Squad!
The CHCS Spirit Squad is looking for committee members representing all locations.

Would you enjoy planning systemwide activities to boost morale through the year as well as the Associate Recognition banquet? If so, this is the committee for you!

Meeting times will be determined by the group, and Zoom will be available. Anyone who likes to have fun is welcome to volunteer!

Contact Sarah Hancock at ext. 5133 or via email to volunteer by Friday, February 10.
American Heart Month: Know your risk factors
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. February is American Heart Month, so we are featuring weekly information about heart disease risk factors along with tips to help reduce your risk. Thank you to Meranda Schmitz, RN, for providing excellent information!

Many factors increase your risk of heart disease. Some factors are controllable, whereas others – such as family history – are not. Controllable risk factors for heart disease include high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, diabetes, being overweight, uncontrolled stress, depression, anger, smoking, and alcohol use.

The first risk factor we’ll discuss is physical inactivity. Many of us should be getting more exercise. It may not be as difficult as you think!
Delivering the WOW experience
A patient recently took the time to send the following note about a WOW experience.

"Recently, I had surgery at Community Healthcare System in Onaga, KS. I wanted to take a few minutes to complement the staff on the excellent care I received while at the hospital.

Julie [Rethman] in the clinic made sure I was able to get an appointment with Dr. Cancelada as soon as possible. Dr. Cancelada, all the nurses in his office, the Lab employees, Imaging, all the nurses that took care of me during my two-day stay, anesthesia (Sam [Jeffers]), and every single person there was exceptional.

A special thank you to Dr. Cancelada who is very personable and did an excellent job on my surgery.

Thanks for having such a professional and caring staff."
Julia Ingwerson, APRN from the St. Marys Clinic, also recently took time to share her husband's experience.

Bill had to visit Onaga for some tests, and he reported that everyone was so nice, and he thought the food was great!
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Have you seen a fellow associate deliver the WOW experience, or has a patient delivered a thank-you to your department? If so, email it to Sarah Hancock or call extension 5133 to share!
Welcome, January babies!
Our Birth center welcomed five babies in January, and we have three cute baby photos to share. Congratulations to their growing families! Learn more on our Nursery page.

Thank you to Lani Bresler for taking beautiful photos of these little ones!
Pictured above are (left to right): Antonia Rose M., William David K., and Ridge Lincoln L.
Happy in Healthcare
Congratulations to our amazing Onaga Lab team for winning FIRST PLACE in the Kansas Hospital Association Happy in Health Care TikTok contest! 
 
The goal was to promote a positive message in the growing field of healthcare among teens and young adults.

We recognized the team with our Todd Willert Traveling Trophy for morale and some goodies from the Coffee and Gift Shop.
Celebrating Activity Professionals
Redbud staff celebrated National Activity Professionals Week last week by showering Michelle Lippert with treats and a pizza party to convey their thanks for all she does for the residents and staff.

Well done, Michelle!
Cheryl Herrman, activities director at St. Marys Manor, recently worked with residents to make the adorable candy dispensers at left.

Thanks for all you do, Cheryl!
Transition time
Construction on the Community Home Care Equipment and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation area in Onaga is complete. The moving process has begun!

Cardiopulmonary Rehab plans to be functioning in its new space on February 7 as long as equipment is moved successfully. Look for more updates on Community Home Care Equipment's reopening and Fitness Center hours in next week's E-Connection!
New number
Need to call Frankfort Fitness Center? You can now reach Frankfort Rehab and Fitness at ONE number: 785-292-4615.

Internal extensions (4701 and 4711) also work, but the 785-292-4382 number has been discontinued.

An updated phone list will be provided soon!
Thank you
Michelle Blindt, RN from Holton clinic, and the family of David McClintock shared their heartfelt gratitude for CHCS and Onaga Community Hospital in the Holton newspaper, including a special thanks to the nursing staff, Dr. Weiser, Dr. Allen, and Elaine Rethman.
Community events and important reminders

  • The Onaga Historical Museum invites all to a Soup and Dessert Lunch on February 11 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Onaga Senior Center. Enjoy soups, hot dogs, rolls, pies, ice cream, and other desserts for a free will donation that supports the building fund.

  • Recent years have brought many challenges and changes. The CHCS Employee Assistance Program can help you cope! Read an article from VITAL WorkLife about available services and how to access them.
CHCS menus: Onaga and Eastridge

 
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
Coffee and Gift Shop Delights
Special:
February 6-10

French Vanilla Mocha
  • Chocolate & French vanilla
  • 16 oz., $4
  • Hot, cold, or frappe
Countdown to V-Day!
The Gift Shop is stocked with goodies for your Valentine! Find handmade cards, helium balloons, candy, jewelry, and much more.

  • We will also offer FLOWERS for Valentine's Day! View the flyer and order form below--click to expand.
  • Need something special? Call the shop to arrange it at extension 5059.
Model baby?

Bruce Liam, age 6 months, is doing a great job of modeling his CHCS onesie! Bruce is the grandson of Roger McAsey.

Thanks for sharing, Roger!
Popup Gift Shop

Redbud Plaza Assisted Living residents and associates enjoyed a Popup Gift Shop last week. They did some early Valentine's Day shopping!
Final funny
Did you miss your Connection?

Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!