Summer 2018 Magazine

HEALTH
MATTERS
Volume 5 Issue 1
Summer 2018

2 | Health Matters
THEHAPPENINGS
JULY
14 Fort Harker Days
Parade at 10 am.
28 Czech Festival Parade
Parade at 10
ACKNOWLEDGINGEXCELLENCE
Jess Oplinger
"Thanks so much for
saving lunch for the
videographer and myself.
How kind! Plus, you
always smile- I love your
attitude!!!"
--Employee Comment
Laura Bart a
"Thank you for cleaning
the admin. offices! You
guys did a wonderful
job!!"
-Employee Comment
St even Shinofield
"Thank you for taking the
late shift on such short
notice due to ill staff! You
rock! Thank you for your
great attitude and your
willingness to help out!"
-Director Comment
Tam i Birkholz
"Tami, thank you for
helping talk with a patient
while trying to get blood!!
Great Job!!"
-Employee Comment
AUGUST
6 ECMC Auxillary Meeting
10 am in Admin. Conference Room
20 Cowtown Days
Parade at 10 am.
Am y Ranker
"Amy and other staff were
kind and efficient."
-Patient Comment
Erick Sallm an
"Erick is a dang good
nurse."
-Patient Comment
Karla Choit z
"Thank you so much for
organizing the sample
closet. It is very
appreciated and looks
great."
-Employee Comment
Nikki Haas
"Thankful for the
Saturday clinic when my
daughter became sick
this weekend. Nikki took
great care of her at
Satcare and she is on the
mend." -Patient Comment
This Edition's
FEA TURED SERVICE
NEWPATIENTPORTAL
HealtheLife Patient Portal is a safe and easy
way for you to stay informed about your
healthcare. This service allows you to view
your most recent lab results, medication list,
immunizations, health issues, and visit
summary information. You can access the
portal through our website or the HealtheLife Mobile app
by clicking on the HealtheLife icon.
To begin using your HealtheLife Patient Portal, complete
the following steps:
St ep 1: Provide your email address to the Admissions
Clerk.
St ep 2: Watch your email. You will receive an invitation
from Ellsworth County Medical Center (ECMC) inviting you
to join the HealtheLife Patient Portal.
St ep 3: Select the Accept Invitation hyperlink to begin
setting up your account.
St ep 4: Verify your Identity.
St ep 5: Create an Account.
St ep 6: View your health information by clicking on the
"H" icon on www.ewmed.com to access your HealtheLife
Patient Portal.
REMEMBERINGTHECARE... ENABLINGITTOCONTINUE
ECMC is greatly humbled by the financial gifts received from the Ellsworth County Health Care Foundation, the
ECMC Auxiliary and from area constituents who know the importance of local, quality healthcare. Whether in
honor of a loved one, in memory of a friend or loved one, given in support of a project or an ECMC endeavor,
gifts to ECMC are always needed, carefully stewarded, and greatly appreciated.
2017 Year-end giving to ECMC and the Foundation was graciously provided through the generosity of the
following individuals: Don Kozisek, Frank & Judy Toman, Gary & Ellen Russell, Preston Sauers, Randall & Nancy
Peshka, Roger & Annice Masse, Roger & Janice McCaulley, Shamarie Farthing, Steve & Carmel Dlabal, and Terry
& Agnes Kepka,
Thus far in 2018, the ECMC Auxiliary has provided an Autoclave Sterilizer ($3,387) for Laboratory Services, the
Rural Health Clinics and Outpatient Services use. Additionally, educational scholarships were provided to two
area students enrolled in healthcare career pursuits: Mara Cunningham and McKenzie Thrasher.
During the last six months, the following memorials were made in memory of: Dale Soukup, Don Bircher,
Georgia Wilkinson, and Melva Jacobs. Thank you to those donors who have made a lasting tribute to these
individuals.

CEOCONNECTION WRITTENBY:
ROGERMASSE, FACHE
CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER2009-2018
Perspectives change, don?t they? Sometimes our experience gives an important historical view of an issue
while at other times, the lack of experience gives a new viewpoint never before conceived. At times, it is simply
our standpoint that either clears the path or provides a sharper image to be considered. My perspective has
recently changed as I?m preparing to leave a full-time permanent job and enter a new era called, retirement.
Amid the packing, boxes, and endless decisions has come a clear perspective: needs and trends come and go
and occasionally some return. For instance, record albums phased out in the 80?s for CD?s and now direct
streaming (ironically, vinyl is still a chosen option for many). The core of whatever medium has remained...the
music. The important aspects of healthcare have also stayed the same, albeit during eras of continuous
development:
- People matter and deserve the best care we can provide.
- Qualified compassionate staff members are always needed.
- Income is essential to cover expenses and save for the unexpected.
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, ?...the only thing that we are certain of is death and taxes.? I would
differ with Ben and add change as a constant. I have discussed many times, that change seem s a
?cert ain? in healt hcare. The more we learn and apply new methodologies, new procedures and new
technologies to healthcare, the more change is required. The more the environment reacts with these
changes, the more important is the core of what we do. Dr. H.Z. Hissem, a co-founder of the hospital,
remarked back in 1924, ?We have the distinction of...working in harmony...all working to make the hospital
a success? ? Pulling t oget her, w orking for t he good of ot hers - such a perspect ive is a classic one and
should never be alt ered. During this transition in ECMC leadership, know that I appreciate the
commitment of staff to our patients, to each other and to the continued success of ECMC. From my
perspective, ECMC has a successful future ahead and I?m glad that, for the past nine years, I could serve
for and assist in its well-being.
SPORTSPHYSICALREMINDER:
?School physicals are very important for a child or teen to have. A lot can
change in a child?s or teen?s health within a year?s time. By scheduling an
annual physical, you are able to monitor the growth, health and development
of your child in addition to safeguarding against potential physical problems
that could arise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, your child?s yearly exam also ensures that he or she is up-to-date
on vaccines to protect against serious diseases. Safeguarding your
child's health as well as the health of classmates, friends and others in your
community is top priority for health providers and school administrators.?
?Shaw n McGow an, PA-C
Health Matters | 3

IMMUNIZATIONS
AWARENESSMONTH
Immunizations are essential to children in protecting them
from sixteen potentially harmful diseases. Immunizations
prevent millions of deaths per year. Immunizations work by
injecting a vaccine to prepare the body for a potential illness
without exposing it to disease symptoms. Your body will then
recognize the disease if it comes into contact with it and fight
against it quickly so you do not experience symptoms.
For a schedule of immunizations, please click the following
link.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/child/
0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there
are five im port ant reasons t o im m unize your child:
1. Im m unizat ions can save your child?s life. Causing death and paralysis across
the country, polio was once one of the most-feared diseases in the United States.
With extreme advances in medical science and technology, children have the
opportunity to be protected against life-threatening diseases more than ever
before. Now with effective vaccinations, there have been no recent reports of polio
in the United States.
2. Vaccinat ion is safe and effect ive. Vaccinations may cause some discomfort
such as pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but these symptoms are
minimal compared to the trauma of the diseases these vaccines are used to
prevent. Although it has been mentioned that vaccinations may have a connection
to autism, the most comprehensive scientific studies and articles have yet to find a
link between the two. For more information, visit the pages of the American
Academy of Pediatrics, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), or the National Institute of
Health (NIH).
3. Im m unizat ion prot ect s ot hers you care about . Some people may not have the
ability to receive vaccinations due to a weakened immune system or illness so it is
very important to obtain a vaccination if you have the option. By controlling and
having those who are able to have a vaccination have them, it protects other
people?s immunities who are unable to do so. Young babies are also unable to
receive vaccinations and illnesses become more vigorous in young children.
4. Im m unizat ions can save your fam ily t im e and m oney. Vaccinations are
created for severe diseases and illnesses. Without a vaccination, the infection of one
of these diseases can keep your child or yourself out of school, daycare, or work for
months. It can also take a financial toll on your family with the various amounts of
lost time at work, medical bills, or even long-term care in a facility. Vaccinations can
prevent these life-threatening illnesses and are covered by the majority of insurance
companies.
-Em ily Lindsley, APRN - C
4 | Health Matters
5. Im m unizat ion prot ect s fut ure generat ions. A few generations ago, diseases,
such as small box, killed or severely disabled many people. With vaccinations,
smallpox began to be eradicated worldwide and now children do not need the
smallpox vaccinations because the disease no longer exists. If we continue
vaccinating children and adults, future generations may not have to be vaccinated
because it can help eliminate these diseases completely.

FUEL UP
The car sitting outside a hom e r uns best when
tuned up, m aintenance check s ar e per for m ed
r outinely, and good quality fuel is in the gas
tank . W e can expect to go gr eat places with
that car. Our bodies also per for m best with
r outine car e and with the r ight am ount of
ener gy. W e fuel our bodies with the foods we
choose to eat.
Foods ar e divided into sim ple categor ies of
pr oteins, car bohydr ates, and fats. Pr oteins
k eep your m uscles str ong. Com m on sour ces
of pr otein ar e m eat, cheese, eggs, and nuts.
Car bohydr ates pr ovide ener gy. These include
vegetables, fr uit, br eads, pastas, beans, and
?sweet desser ts?. Fats help absor ption of
vitam ins. Fats ar e often in the for m of oils, butter s, and anim al fats. A balanced m eal pr ovides
selections fr om all types of food but too m uch of any of these can cause pr oblem s for your health
Fill your 9 inch plate with lean pr otein choices, m ono-unsatur ated fats high in om ega fatty acids,
and vitam in and m iner al r ich car bohydr ates. Sum m er is a gr eat tim e to find nutr ient r ich,
color ful foods in the gar den or at a local far m er ?s m ar k et. Low car bohydr ate foods ar e often
color ful and cr unchy. Be on the watch for new ways to fit low car b selections into your diet. The
r ecipe to follow just m ight fit into your sum m er m eal planning.
SUMMERSHRIMPSALAD
In gr ed i en ts:
1lbs. M edium or Lar ge Shr im p (peeled and deveined)
2 cups Cher r y Tom atoes (halved)
2 Avocado (Peeled and cubed)
2 Cor n Ear s (Ker nels slice off (no need to cook if it is
fr esh sweet cor n. If not, steam for 3 m inutes))
3 oz. Feta Cheese
1/ 4 cup Fr esh Basil
1 tbsp. Balsam ic Vinegar
1 tbsp. Extr a Vir gin Olive Oil
Salt and 1/ 4 tsp. Pepper
BY: PATALLEN, MSN
"W ant to lear n to eat a lot? H er e it is:
eat a little. That way, you will be ar ound
long enough to eat a lot."
In str u cti on s:
1. DO AH EAD OR DELEGATE: Cook and r efr iger ate the shr im p, halve the tom atoes, r em ove the cor n k er nels fr om
the cobs, or fully pr epar e and r efr iger ate the salad (wait to chop and add the avocado until just befor e ser ving.
2.Pan-fr y, steam , or gr ill the shr im p until they ar e pink , 3-4 m inutes. (M eanwhile, war m the r olls, if you ar e ser ving
them ). Com bine all ingr edients except the shr im p into a lar ge bowl. Ser ve the shr im p on top of the salad.
3. FLAVOR BOOST: Add 1/ 4 teaspoon celer y seeds or cum in and 1 tablespoon fr esh lem on or lim e juice to the
salad.
Health Matters | 5

SUMMER
SURVIVAL
GUIDE
6 | Health Matters

BUG BITES
- Prevention:
- Use a product containing DEET, such as OFF, when going outdoors.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in wooded and grassy areas.
- Treatment (dependent on reaction):
- Remove visible stinger with tweezers.
- Wash area of bite with soap.
- Apply ice to the area.
- Use calamine lotion to stop itchiness.
- When to Seek Medical Help:
- Any difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, or faintness.
- Area of bite appears to be infected. (Pus coming from area, redness, warmth, etc.)
- If there is a noticeable area of black tissue in the center of the bite.
POISON IVY
- Treatment at Home:
- Cool compresses.
- Calamine lotion.
- Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl.
- When to Seek Medical Help:
- Difficulty breathing, throat swelling, chest tightness or wheezing.
- Large areas of rash causing significant discomfort.
- Rash on mouth, genitals, or around eyes.
- Rash appears infected and is draining pus.
SUNBURNS
- Prevention:
- Use sunscreen with SPF of at least 30% and reapply often.
- Wear a wide brim hat to keep the sun off your face, neck and ears.
- Move inside or under shade frequently.
- Avoid working or playing outside during the hottest time of the day (3-5 pm).
* * * Remember: the sun's rays are powerful, so you can still burn on cloudy days.* * *
- Treatment:
- Cool Compresses (use a wet washcloth, replace frequently).
- Apply aloe-based lotion.
- Cool (not cold) baths may help.
- Avoid scrubbing or shaving over area.
- Take single dose of medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil), Aspirin or Naproxen (Aleve).
SWIMMING
- Common Safety Tips:
- Swim in designated Areas that are supervised by lifeguards at all times.
- Always swim with a friend.
- Put a life jacket on weak swimmers and children.
- Lace barriers around your home pool or hot tub.
- Actively supervise children whenever they are around or in the water.
- Always stay within arm's reach of young children.
- Do not dive unless the water is at least six feet deep.
HEAT STROKE
- Causes:
- Working or playing in a hot environment.
- Fluid lost through sweat and evaporation is not replaced causing electrolyte imbalances.
- Who's at Risk:
- Elderly.
- Infants and small children.
- People taking antihistamines and certain types of medication for high blood pressure and/or
depression.
- Treatment:
- Move to a cooler location, either air-conditioned or shaded area.
- Give fluids that can replace the electrolytes/salt that have been lost, such as Gatorade.
- Loosen and/or remove clothing.
- Prevention:
- Avoid working or playing outside during the hottest time of the day (3-5 pm).
- Take frequent breaks to get out of the sun.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water or Gatorade) to replace the fluids being lost.
* * * Avoid fluids that cause dehydration such as sodas and alcohol.* * *
Health Matters | 7

EARACHESAFTERSWIMMING?
Otitis externa, most commonly referred to as swimmer's ear, is an ear infection that
takes root in the outer ear canal. It is typically due to excess amounts of water staying
in the ear canal for long periods of time, causing germs and bacteria to grow and infect
the skin around it. Swimmer's ear is often noticed because of itchiness inside of the
ear, redness or swelling of the external ear, pain when the ear is tugged on or when
pressure is placed externally, or pus is draining from the ear that is affected. It can
spread easily by other children or adults affected by swimmer's ear swimming in the
same location as another child or adult. When someone affected by swimmer's ear
enters a pool or public swimming area, the germs growing in their ear will then release
into the water. Swimming areas, such as public pools, lakes and ponds are one of the
most common causes of swimmer's ear.
Swimmer's ear is different than typical childhood ear infections. Typically, childhood
ear infections take place in the middle of the ear, compared swimmer's ear which takes
place in the outer ear. With swimmer's ear, you will feel pain and discomfort to the
touch of the outer ear as opposed to a middle ear infection when you can feel pain at
all times but not because of touch.
For more information, visit www.cdc.org.
8 | Health Matters
LEFTBRAINCREATIONS
Supplies Needed:
- Jumbo Popsicle Sticks
- Small Cup
- Rubber Band
- Whatever You Choose to Decorate With!
Inst ruct ions:
- Boil jumbo popsicle sticks for approximately 15 minutes.
- Add a few more than you need, a few may break while
boiling.
- Remove sticks one at a time and slowly bend them to form
around the inside of a small cup.
- BE GENTLE. This will help avoid breaking them.
- When the popsicle stick bracelets are completely dry, remove
them from the cup. Use your decorating supplies to add decor
to your bracelet.
- HINTS: Mod Podge, Paint, Glitter, Rub-on-Sayings, and
Scrapbook Paper.

THETRUTHABOUT
SWIMMER'SEAR
Health Matters | 9

BLAST FROM THEPAST
In Celebration of ECMC's 120th Anniversary
Effective leaders do not try to go it alone, but rather work within their
communities to bring about needed change. Developing effective
partnerships were some of the first actions Doctors Harry O?Donnell and
H. Z. Hissem engaged in when in 1897 they established the first public
hospital in Ellsworth. The doctors not only served as surgeons,
continued their own private practices, but started,
maintained, and were administrators for the new
hospital. These were courageous actions that
required partnership every step of the way. The
partnerships established and their commitment to provide healthcare, resulted in a
hospital being founded 120 years ago. Their actions were a blessing then and
continue to have a profound impact today on Ellsworth County Medical Center.
Dr. Hissem, a graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City, was
well-known for his surgical skills. He immersed himself in the Ellsworth community
and at one point was even elected as mayor.
Dr. Harry O?Donnell also a graduate of Bellevue, hailed from a long line of doctors and
eventually was succeeded by his own son, Dr. Clair O?Donnell. Ellsworth Hospital grew under the
leadership of these fine doctors. Seven years after the hospital was started, the Ellsworth Hospital School
of Nursing was developed. By establishing the school, the doctors ?grew their own staff,? thereby enabling
the hospital to expand.
The partnerships for developing and maintaining the hospital and school of nursing were numerous;
many of these partners found within the Ellsworth County community. From the original four ?hospital?
rooms provided at the now, Good Samaritan Retirement Village, the original stockholders that included
pharmacists from Ellsworth, to the donations of land, equipment, and finances to the present day
ownership by Ellsworth County - there has been and are partners dedicated to improving the health of our
community. Four name changes and four building sites later, we continue to have leaders taking steps to
make sure ECMC is a viable medical center that continues to partner for a healthy community. The past
year of celebration has centered on the theme, ECMC...Partnering for a Healthy Community. While names of
partners have changed throughout our history, this constant has remained, our medical center is
dedicated to Improving Lives and will do so as long as we have partners committed to the same mission.
10 | Health Matters
Ellsworth County Medical Center
1604 Aylward Ave.
Ellsworth, KS 67439
Main Phone Line
785-472-3111
Direct Clinic Phone Line
785-810-1177
www.ewmed.com
The Summer edition of Health Matters has been provided through ECMC. Questions regarding our ECMC publication can be directed to Beth Vallier at
785-472-3111 ext. 328, or bvallier@ewmed.com. This publication does not constitute legal, professional or medical advice. Although it is intended to be
accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have medical questions
or concerns, consult your medical professional. Photographs provided by Shutterstock and JR Photography.