Are we still doing temperature logs?
Yes! All departments need to complete paper temperature logs until further notice. This is being done to satisfy survey requirements.
In Onaga, we have been using a device, affectionately known as Rona Lisa, at the Associate Entrance to take temperatures, but we have determined this device doesn't meet our needs at this location.
We have identified another product, nicknamed Rona the Great, that we believe will be a big improvement. One advantage is that Rona the Great does not require associate photos; instead, associates will receive a unique QR code to place on their ID badges. This product also has enhanced reporting capabilities for managers.
Rona the Great soon will be deployed at St. Marys, where we hope it can help with patient and associate screening. If the trial is successful, we will purchase additional units for other locations, including Onaga. Stay tuned for updates.
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Mental health matters
Reminder: All CHCS associates are eligible for three confidential counseling sessions per fiscal year (April 1-March 31).
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New treatment option in Frankfort |
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The physical therapy team at the CHCS Frankfort Rehabilitation and Fitness Center is excited about a new treatment option for people with back or neck pain. A new traction unit recently arrived!
Many people suffer from back or neck pain that affects their ability to carry out activities in their daily life, and many of these patients could benefit from traction therapy. Traction is performed to improve spinal mobility and provide decompression by relaxing tense muscles and increasing joint spacing to provide pain relief.
This treatment is also available in St. Marys and Onaga.
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Delivering the WOW experience |
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Christine Merriman, Onaga Acute RN, sent the following note in appreciation of Bailey Tucker, RN and Onaga Acute charge nurse.
"Bailey Tucker shoveled snow on Sunday the 7th for the ER entrance and back employee entrance to make entering the building for patients and staff safer. It was about 3 degrees out at the time, but felt -10 degrees. Thank you, Bailey!"
Thank you to Bailey for delivering the WOW experience to patients and for helping your co-workers, and thanks to Christine for taking time to share.
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February is known as American Heart Month. What does that mean? It means you should pay attention to your lifestyle so that you can take care of your heart and your overall health.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. This week and next week, we'll go over some tips to keep your heart healthy.
A great place to start is with avoiding weight gain! Aim to burn at least as many calories as you consume. Do you know how many calories you should be eating and drinking to maintain your weight? Check out a simple tool from the Mayo Clinic that will quickly determine your estimated calorie needs.
Increasing your physical activity -- both the amount and the intensity -- can help burn calories. Everyone should aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate activity OR 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or an equal combination of both, each week. If that sounds like a lot, keep in mind that it's a little more than 20 minutes per day or 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
Need more motivation? Here are some things to consider.
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Regular physical activity can help you maintain your weight, keep off weight that you lost, and help you reach physical and cardiovascular fitness.
- Physical activity strengthens muscles and bones, lessens chronic pain associated with arthritis, keeps your heart healthy, boosts mood, and improves functional ability.
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If time is limited, you can add short bursts of activity into your daily routine. Park farther away, do chair exercises, exercise during commercials, make extra trips while unloading groceries, or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
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Add strength training exercises twice a week, and try to work major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). This builds lean muscle mass and enhances cardiovascular health.
- Spread your activity through the week!
Next week, we'll review some tips for eating a heart-healthy diet.
-- Holly Schmitz, registered dietitian
Source: American Heart Association
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Apply for healthcare scholarships |
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Kansans planning to attend college to pursue a healthcare degree or seeking a healthcare license may apply for a Kansas Hospital Education and Research Foundation scholarship.
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Individual scholarships of up to $1,200 will be given in undergraduate healthcare, undergraduate nursing, advanced clinical practice, healthcare administration, and human resources categories.
- Priority is given to hospital employees who work in facilities licensed for 25 or fewer acute beds.
- The deadline to apply is February 28.
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Super Bowl prediction winners
The game didn't turn out as we had hoped, but the CHCS Spirit Squad is guessing that everyone had a good time celebrating Super Bowl LV anyway. (The snacks were good, right?!)
Prediction Game stats:
- 126 entries
- 4 people chose Tampa Bay to win
- 7 people guessed 31 points for the Buccaneers
- 0 people guessed 9 points for the Chiefs (so sad ...)
Thank you to Jill Greene and Kelsey Edwards for scoring the game sheets for us!
And the winners are:
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Holton: Brandy Watkins, RN and Clinic Lead Nurse
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St. Marys: Linda Christen, Physical Therapy Assistant
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Centralia: Irene Kiefer, Dietary Cook
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Westmoreland: TIE between Brooke Gerstner, RN and Kayla Suther, RN
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Frankfort: Jeremy Brandt, PA
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Onaga: Chelsea Shupe, Social Worker Assistant
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Jeans on February Fridays
The CHCS Spirit Squad invites everyone to be comfortable (and warm) in jeans on Fridays through February. Make sure your jeans don't have holes or rips, because we don't want to see your long johns! (Also, you'd be cold. Brrr!)
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Reminder: Play "Match the Manager"
Find details in last week's edition of the E-Connection. Answers are due to news@chcsks.org by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. (Hard copies can be sent via interoffice mail to Sarah Hancock in Onaga, but they must arrive by this deadline.)
Winners will be announced in the February 18 edition of the
E-Connection. Prizes (and bragging rights) will be awarded by the CHCS Spirit Squad!
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Calendar notes: Sign up to give blood, join Mental Health First Aid
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The next Community Blood Center Blood Drive at CHCS is TOMORROW in the Walsh Conference Room/Teleconference Room. Book your appointment now at savealifenow.org/group and enter group code TPJR. Contact Marlene Wolfe at ext. 5002 or marlenewolfe@chcsks.org for help.
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A Mental Health First Aid course is available for associates on March 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Walsh Room in Onaga. This special blended course requires two hours of self-paced online instruction and a five-hour in-person, instructor-led class. The course is limited to 8 associates to allow for social distancing. Deadline to register is February 16; email Marlene at marlenewolfe@chcsks.org or call extension 5002.
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Community Home Care Equipment can help!
Community Home Care Equipment (formerly DME), has an array of items to meet special needs and make life easier, including breast pumps and associated supplies to help breastfeeding moms. A selection of pillows is currently on liquidation sale, too, and associates receive a 20% discount on all purchases.
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Coffee Shop special
February 15-19
Milky Way Latte
- Chocolate, caramel, and vanilla
- 16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
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Sweets for your sweetie
All Abdallah candy is 25% off at the CHCS Gift Shop today and tomorrow. What a deal!
Don't forget a card or helium balloon bouquet to go along with some chocolate treats for Valentine's Day!
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CHCS menus: Onaga and Eastridge |
Note: St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle
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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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