Apr12

FREE KidsQuest Summer Program for Kids

By Gayla Wichman - Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Pediatrics,The Center News

HAYS, Kan. (April 12, 2018) – The Center for Health Improvement and the HaysMed Foundation are sponsoring the sixth annual FREE KidsQuest this summer. Kids will be encouraged to log 40 miles of fitness by running, walking, biking or swimming on their own. As they achieve mileage they will earn prizes sponsored by various businesses. This year’s theme is based on traveling through the solar system with various stops along the way.

KidsQuest is recommended for children Pre K through 8^th grade.

KidsQuest will begin on Thursday, May 3 at the HaysMed Fitness Trail. Registration begins at 6:00 pm and will be followed by a 2 mile run/walk. The adventure will start at the shelter house located behind HaysMed. Participants are encouraged to park in parking lot I on the southeast side of the hospital. The finale will be held on Thursday, August 2 with another 2 mile run/walk and watermelon feed at 6:00 pm.

You can register your child at www.thecenter.haysmed.com/kidsquest or registrations will be taken at the kickoff on May 3. If you register by April 25 you will receive a free t-shirt.

Apr10

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May 6 All American Breakfast Benefits HaysMed Hospice

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

HAYS, Kan. (April 10, 2018) An All American Breakfast will be held Sunday, May 6 from 7:30 am – 12:00 noon at the VFW, 2106 Vine in Hays. Tickets must be purchased in advance in order to benefit Hospice.

The all you can eat menu includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuits, gravy, toast, coffee and juice.

Advance tickets are $8.50 for Adults. $3.50 for children 5-12 and children under 5 eat free. Tickets at the door are $9.00 for Adults, $4.00 for children 5-12 and children under 5 eat free.

Advance tickets are available from Hospice at 623-6200 or 1-800-248-0073. You can also email tonia.houghton@haysmed.com or myrna.jordan@haysmed.com for tickets or information.

HaysMed Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life when a cure is not possible, honoring the wishes of the person and their family. They provide services in Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties.

Apr5

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HaysMed Sports Medicine Announces Upcoming Athletic Testing Combine

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

HAYS, Kansas (April 5, 2018)— HaysMed Sports Medicine is hosting their 17th Annual Athletic Testing Combine on Saturday, April 28 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at The Center for Health Improvement, Hays, Kansas. Registration fee is $20 per person. This testing is for male or female, grades 6 through 12. A makeup combine session will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 3:00 pm at The Center for Health Improvement. During the 17 years the combine has performed over 5000 tests on area athletes.

Every athlete strives to do his or her best in whatever sport they participate in. In order to achieve that goal, it is important to know at what level you are performing and how that performance can be improved. The Athletic Testing Combine is designed to assess athlete’s individual strengths and weaknesses in order to help them reach their highest athletic potential.

Tests performed during this event include: Height, Weight, Seated Shot Put, Pro Agility, Vertical Jump, Standing Long Jump, Bench Press and 10 Yard and 40 yard dashes which are electronically timed. HaysMed Sports Medicine provides highly qualified staff and professional testing equipment including the use of electronic timing equipment accurate to the 1/100^th of a second. This ensures accurate and reliable results.

Each athlete in attendance will receive an individual athletic profile. This includes test results, percentile rankings, and an overall athletic rating allowing athletes to identify specific strengths and weaknesses. In addition coaches from each school will be provided similar reports. The results are also sent to Midwest colleges for their review of athletes interested in playing college sports. Participants also receive a tee shirt.

Registration can be mailed to Shawn Landers, PO BOX 8100, Hays, KS 67601, dropped off at The Center for Health Improvement, or participants can bring the registration the day of the event and pay the fee then. For more information contact Shawn Landers, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS at 785.623.6369, https://www.haysmed.com/the-center/athletic-testing-combine/ or email at shawn.landers@haysmed.com.

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Apr3

00

HaysMed Launches Walk with a Doc Program in Hays

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

Hays, Kansas (April 3, 2018) The Center for Health Improvement at HaysMed is encouraging Hays residents to take a step toward better health with Walk with a Doc, a national health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk. The first walk will be held Saturday, April 28 at 9am. Participants are asked to meet at 2500 Canterbury Drive on the Fitness Trail (at the shelter house behind HaysMed). If inclement weather, walk will be held indoors at The Center for Health Improvement.

Walk with a Doc is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of the country.

“This program has had tremendous participation and success in hundreds of cities around the country”, said Steph Howie, Director of The Center for Health Improvement. I’m very pleased to bring this exciting and simple program to Hays as it has shown such improved health results for countless people around the county.”

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Mar30

00

Member of the Month April 2018

By Gayla Wichman - The Center News

Name: Jessica Acosta
Member Since: February 2017

What are your fitness goals for 2018?
To get in better shape and more fit.
I would like to become a better runner!

What is your weekly workout routine?
HIIT Class – Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Power Hours – Tuesday and Thursday
I also use the machines upstairs and run/walk on the track.

What keeps you motivated?
I love seeing the improvements in my muscles and the changes to my body. Going to JoDee and Alaina’s classes keep me going because they push you to get better.

Do you have a success story to share?
The biggest success to date would be seeing how hard work and dedication to the gym can change your body and your life!

Feb15

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Dinner and A Workout Offered at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

Hays, KS (Feb 15, 2018) – HaysMed, part of the University of Kansas Health System, is offering their second Date Night of the year. The Center for Health Improvement will offer Dinner and A Workout on Monday, March 5. The HIIT partner workout begins at 6:00 pm followed by dinner at 7:00 pm and will be held at The Center for Health Improvement. The dinner menu included Mediterranean garlic chicken with fresh herbs and vegetable, rice or couscous, honey-pistachio roasted pears and beverages.

Bring your spouse, friend or anyone and enjoy a great partner workout with our group fitness instructors. The workout is designed to be fun, regardless of your fitness level.

Fee is $20 per couple that includes the special meal. Reservations are due by March 1. You can register at www.haysmed.com/date-night or call 785-623-5900.

Feb7

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HaysMed Implements Visitor Restrictions

By Gayla Wichman - Community Health,HaysMed News,The Center News

Hays, Kansas (Feb 7, 2018) –Effective today visitors at HaysMed will be restricted due to an increase in influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Visitors who have symptoms of Influenza (fever, body aches, headache, severe weakness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose) or are 12 years of age or younger will not be allowed on patient floors.

This year’s flu season is one of the worst on recent records and HaysMed is taking these precautions in order to limit the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Signs noting the restrictions are posted at the main entrances to alert visitors not to visit if they have symptoms of Influenza, respiratory illness, or are 12 years of age or younger.

The flu can cause serious complications and even death, especially in the very young, the elderly, and those with existing medical conditions. These measures are being taken in an effort to protect patients, families, and hospital staff. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.

It is not too late to receive a flu vaccination. CDC recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October if possible. However, getting a vaccine later in the season is still beneficial. HaysMed offers flu vaccines through the end of March to anyone 6 months of age and older.

Feb7

00

Flu season increasing local physician visits, not hospitalizations

By Gayla Wichman - Community Health,HaysMed News,The Center News

By Kaley Conner – Hays Daily News
February 6, 2018

January often is considered a peak month for seasonal influenza illness, and while national reports indicate continued widespread flu activity in most states — including Kansas — local officials say the situation in Hays has not been as severe.

A Hays Medical Center official confirmed last week local physicians are seeing increased flu activity, though most patients seeing their doctor for illness are testing negative for influenza. There also has not been a significant increase in the number of residents hospitalized for flu, said Kimberly Koerner, infection prevention officer at HaysMed.

“This may in part be due to the free influenza vaccines HaysMed has offered the community for the past 16 years, which is sponsored by the HaysMed Foundation,” Koerner said. “Associates at HaysMed are also provided with a free influenza vaccination on an annual basis.”

The hospital was recognized by the Immunization Action Coalition in 2016 for its vaccination practices.

Health officials are saying it is not too late to get a flu shot, as the seasonal illness sometimes can linger until late March.

HaysMed’s Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic also has seen increased traffic from patients presenting with flu-like symptoms, though the majority of them are not testing positive for influenza, Koerner said.

Confirmed local cases of influenza have been mostly strains of Influenza A, with just a few cases of Influenza B reported, she said.

This year’s flu vaccine is not an exact match for a prevalent strain of virus, with effectiveness estimated at approximately 30 percent, Koerner said, noting a vaccine still is encouraged as it could help prevent potential complications.

Other prevention measures include frequent hand washing with soap or an alcohol-based hand rub and avoiding contact with people who are sick. Koerner also said it’s helpful to sanitize frequently used household objects, such as cellphones, television remotes and door knobs.

“Most people who get influenza will recover within a few days up to two weeks without medical care or antiviral medications,” Koerner said. “If you are sick, it is important to stay at home unless you need to seek medical attention. Wash your hands frequently, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.”

In rare cases, the flu can cause secondary complications such as bacterial infection. Patients should contact a doctor immediately if an illness seems to be getting worse instead of better or causes symptoms such as confusion, shortness of breath, fast heart rate, fever or extreme pain.

Feb5

00

HaysMed to Launch 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment Update

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

Hays, Kansas (February 5, 2018) –

For Immediate Release: Feb 5, 2018

Over the next three months, HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System will be working with other community providers to update the 2015 Ellis County KS Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). ACA legislation requires all tax-exempt hospitals to submit a CHNA to the IRS every three years, regardless of hospital affiliation. Each hospital, even those that serve overlapping populations, must submit a separate CHNA. Note: ACA legislation requires all tax-exempt hospitals to submit a CHNA to the IRS every three years, regardless of hospital affiliation. Each hospital, even those that serve overlapping populations, must submit a separate CHNA.><Note: ACA legislation requires all tax-exempt hospitals to submit a CHNA to the IRS every three years, regardless of hospital affiliation. Each hospital, even those that serve overlapping populations, must submit a separate CHNA.

VVV Consultants LLC, an independent research firm from Olathe, Kansas has been retained again to conduct this countywide research. The goal of this assessment update is to understand progress in addressing community health needs cited in the 2015 CHNA report and to collect up-to-date community health perceptions. To accomplish this work, a short online survey has been developed.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EllisCoCHNA3 OR

text key word EllisCoCHNA to 48421 to receive the link on smart phone.

All community residents are encouraged to complete the 2018 CHNA Wave #3 online survey by Friday, February 23, 2018. Note: you can also find CHNA 2018 feedback link on HaysMed website & Facebook page.

“This work is vital to determine the health direction for our county,” commented Shae Veach, Vice President of Regional Operations and Marketing at HaysMed.

If you have any questions about the CHNA survey, please call 785-623-2300

Jan23

00

HaysMed Center for Health Improvement Earns Medical Fitness Facility Re-Certification

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

HaysMed – Center for Health Improvement has achieved its second re-certification by the Medical Fitness Association, the country’s leading organization dedicated solely to medically integrated wellness and fitness facilities. This certification represents a significant step forward in improving the health of the entire community and to individuals seeking to take responsibility for their personal health.

“The re-certification truly sets us apart from the rest and defines who we are as a medical fitness facility”, says Stephanie Howie, Fitness Director. “The medical fitness model is unique in the fact that we integrate many services, work closely with the healthcare providers, hire qualified staff and have established ourselves as a part of the hospital’s continuum of care. We are privileged to be one of the few nationally certified facilities in the state of Kansas.”

The Medical Fitness Association Facility Certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the health and wellness industry. Based on the Medical Fitness Association’s internationally recognized Standards and Guidelines for Medical Fitness Facilities, the certification process involves an in-depth, on-site review of a facility’s adherence to a set of prescribed standards and guidelines. The certification process is an integral part of ensuring that facilities provide a high level of quality and safety in the programs and services they deliver in order for them to become fully integrated into the local continuum of health care.

“With the implementation of the Accountable Care Act and its impact on healthcare systems beginning to be realized, the industry is looking for better ways to provide coordinated services for the communities they serve. As the incidence of chronic disease continues to rise, the need for more medically supervised outcomes and accountability based Exercise as Medicine programs have never been more relevant in our industry than today. It is clear that moving towards a population health prevention model of care with all its necessary components and guidelines is a herculean task. HaysMed – Center for Health Improvement has taken an important step towards filling a gap in the current care delivery model. The Time is Now to implement these accountable models of health that reduce the severity of chronic disease and improve the quality of life for those who participate!” – Robert D Boone, FACHE, FMFA, President and CEO, Medical Fitness Association

About Hays Med- Center for Health Improvement:

The Center for Health Improvement opened its doors 16 years ago to the community with the mission “To Help People Get Well Sooner and Stay Well Longer.” This approximately 92,000 square foot facility houses two floors of fitness, aquatic facility, gymnasium, juice bar, play center and several outpatient services including Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Southwind Surgical, and the Orthopedic clinic. “These departments as well as many others help us complete the medical fitness model and has enabled us over the past years to transform passive patients into empowered individuals, Howie says.”

The Center will be celebrating its re-certification on Thursday, January 25^th– Saturday, January 27^th. The Center welcomes those in the community to work out FREE of charge on those 3 days. On Saturday, January 27th the public is invited to join the newest group fitness class CIZE in the gymnasium at 8am, followed by a bootcamp style class at 9am, or the water aerobics at 9:30am in the lap pool. All fitness levels welcome. For more information call 623-5900.