CHCS clinics offer free books for kids |
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Parents of young children have a long list of worries and questions about keeping their babies and toddlers healthy, and they often ask their family doctor or provider questions about providing the right foods or keeping children safe. But one of the most important things parents can do to benefit their children’s health is to read to them. Our clinics can now help support parents in reading to children by providing a free book at well-child exams for kids from newborns through age 5.
CHCS was recently approved for the Turn a Page, Touch a Mind, or TAP-TAM, program through the Kansas Pediatric Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and it supports the program by providing free books to approved clinics.
“We are pleased to be able to offer free books to support families in their efforts to read to children. Research has shown that reading to young children has both immediate and long-term positive effects on health, from reaching early cognitive and developmental milestones to maintaining good health later in life,” said Merica Surdez, CHCS chief of provider and clinic operations and site coordinator for the program.
Dr. Kendra Reith serves as the CHCS physician champion for the program. Dr. Reith said that it’s difficult to overstate the importance of reading, even to very young children.
“Introducing books to babies and developing a reading routine with young children is so important. It helps parents bond with their babies and provides the social interaction that aids language development. It helps children reach cognitive milestones that ensure they are ready to go to school, and it sets them on a path to lifetime learning,” Dr. Reith said.
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Regina Gronewoller announces changes |
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Regina Gronewoller, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has announced her transition away from providing therapy services at CHCS at the end of July due to a change in family circumstances.
Regina has served CHCS communities for 12 years, and she notes that the decision wasn't easy. She is working with CHCS to ensure that we can find a replacement and smoothly transition the care of her clients, including those who see her through the Employee Assistance Program, or EAP. All clients have already been informed of the upcoming change.
Although Regina is looking forward to the next phase of life, "This was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make due to the wonderful people in these communities and the treasured relationships I have had the privilege to make," she said.
Please join us in wishing Regina well! CHCS will communicate updates to EAP arrangements soon.
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WorkWell Tip: Self-compassion |
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What is self-compassion?
If you search the term in an effort to define it, many sources pop up. A simple definition is provided by LightentheDark.com: “Self-compassion is opposite of self-criticism. It is choosing to respond to difficulty with understanding and love, rather than negativity and self-loathing”
Being kind and caring to yourself can be a difficult task. It involves a lot of self-acceptance for where you are today and being hopeful for what you do tomorrow.
What do you tell yourself on a daily basis?
Do you curse yourself for something that did not go as expected or describe yourself with the words Stupid, idiot, hopeless, unlovable, untalented, loser?” Those are powerful terms, and every time they are directed internally or spoken out loud, it reinforces criticism of self. We live in a world where it is far easier to be told what we are not doing right rather than leading with what you do right.
How do you move toward feeling better about yourself as a whole?
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First, be aware of what you tell yourself and how it makes you feel
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Avoid labeling a day’s work as a total disaster by finding ONE thing you did right. Try not to focus on doing well. It is OK to want to do well and strive for excellence, but for those perfectionists out there it can be a painful journey.
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Say one thing that went right each day. For example: “I helped someone work through a computer skill that I do with confidence.” Or outside of work, “I was able to get one load of laundry done.”
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Practice self compassion every day. A simple exercise can help: Place one hand on top of the other over your heart. It serves to give a healing hug and a reminder that YOU matter. Take a moment to do something for yourself, and you'll likely find that it will be easier to give something for others.
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Want to learn more about self-compassion?
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Rabies facts and tips
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Did you know that bats are the primary cause of rabies in people in the U.S.? Not all bats have rabies, but it's important to take precautions!
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The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva and/or brain and nervous system tissue. You can only get rabies by coming into contact with these specific bodily excretions and tissues.
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Safeguard your pets and valuable breeding livestock (cattle and sheep) by having your veterinarian vaccinate them. If your animal is bitten by a wild animal, contact your vet for advice.
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Do not handle or feed wild animals, and do not try to nurse sick wild animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
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Classroom to Career capstone
Onaga 4th graders visited the hospital on Wednesday, April 27 to cap off their experience learning about careers in healthcare. CHCS associates visited the school throughout this semester to talk about their jobs, then students were able to hear more and experience Rehab, Imaging, and the Lab in person during their visit.
Thanks to Jason McKinsey and company in Imaging; Meghan Vernon, Irene Gingoyon, Jaiden Thomas, and colleagues in Lab; Jill Nolte and Jenna Rethman in Rehab; and Alisa Skruch, Dom Freeman, and Jacklyn Keller for additional help screening and shepherding the students.
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Family fun at
Science Fest
Looking for family fun this Saturday, April 30? Head to downtown Manhattan for the Kansas Science Festival street fair. You'll find more than 20 hands-on, family-friendly, FREE activities from 1 to 5 p.m. Learn more.
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Sexual assault and domestic violence resources
Sexual assault or domestic violence can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know needs help, use the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 1-888-363-2287.
The hotline is administered by The Crisis Center Inc. in Manhattan, which serves Clay, Geary, Marshall, Pottawatomie and Riley counties, plus the Fort Riley military installation. The Crisis Center was founded in 1979 and incorporated in 1981 with a mission to provide free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Crisis Center's mission is centered around helping community members who are in need find safety, security, and a life free from violence. Trauma-informed services are available 24/7, 365 days a year. A safe shelter is available.
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Here's to our associates with May birthdays. Join us in wishing them all the best as they celebrate!
Darla Merriman, Haley Marshall, Lisa McGowan, Liz Murphy, Julia Ingwerson, Cole Child, Teri Secrest, Stephani Rumbo, Shelby Bird, Marsha Isaman, Jason McKinsey, Nicholas Cahoj, Jenna VanDonge, Emma Monteleone, Amanda Rempe, Roger McAsey, Annette Engell, Brenda Rosine, Elaine Rethman, Nancy Bosse, Wilma Piazza, JoAnn Mott, Breanna Schmitz, Charolene McMullen, Geneva Taylor, Crystal Jeanneret, Shannon Heim, Kimberly Streeter, Edson Jaca, Emmy Jones, Lavon Sanford, Merica Surdez, Alyssa McCoy
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Important reminders
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We will celebrate Hospital Week May 9-13. A list of activities is available in last week's E-Connection. Be sure to RSVP for our Associate Recognition banquet on Wednesday, May 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.! RSVPs are due Wednesday, May 4 at 8:30 a.m. See below for a link and a QR code to scan. Can't do either? Email or call Sarah Hancock (ext. 5133). Need a vegetarian meal? Let Sarah know directly.
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The first WorkWell quarterly activity is a game of Bingo, but you play only for yourself! The "Bingo card" contains a number of research-based activities that can help participants embrace compassion and kindness (one of our Core Values!) for themselves and others, both at work and in life. The card includes instructions on how to participate. Already finished? Turn your card in to the following: Holton-Kim Lovvorn; Centralia-Jennifer Traxler or Jes Hipp; Onaga-Alisa Skruch or Marlene Wolfe in Admin; St. Marys-Annette Engell or Christy McDaris; Frankfort-Stacy Vermetten; Westmoreland-Kayla Suther.
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Employee Assistance Program: All CHCS associates are eligible for three confidential counseling sessions per year. Our EAP program is in transition, and we will announce information and details soon.
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RSVP for the Associate Recognition banquet on May 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.! Click the green button or scan the QR code to access the survey. RSVPs close at 8:30 a.m. on May 4.
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Coffee Shop Special
May 2-6
Blackberry Crumble Latte
- Blackberry and almond
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16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
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Need a wardrobe refresh? A new crop of CHCS T-shirts has arrived! We are also expecting a limited number of jackets. Call the Gift Shop for help at ext. 5059 or email Leah at leahchamley@chcsks.org. Payroll deduct is available!
Custom orders from the Blue Chip Athletic store should arrive any minute, and we will distribute ASAP!
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Flowers for Mom
Order flowers for your mom (or the mother of your children, or the woman who has been like a mother to you) by May 4.
- Pick up your arrangement on May 6.
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Flowers not her thing? We have many other options!
- Try gourmet treats, "Your Journey" heart or cross necklaces and bracelets from DEMDACO, Natural Inspirations bath and body care, or fun notepads and sticky notes!
- Round Top Collection decor is 20% off through May 6
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Many items are marked down for our Spring Sale!
Need help? Stop in or call us at ext. 5059
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CHCS menu: Onaga and Eastridge |
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
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Mic-O-Say display
The Seneca Boy Scouts visited Eastridge and performed the Mic-O-Say dance on April 24. We also enjoyed a ice cream floats from Trevor Shuler, RN, and Michelle Lewis, CNA. It was a great afternoon! (See photos below.) Thank you to everyone!
--Charolene McMullen
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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.
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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!
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