CATCH SOME ZZZs See why sleep is so important for health Women: Speak up about bladder issues p.6 SPRING 2023 8 11 livingWell DIABETES AND DIET Learn how to eat well with diabetes
2 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services LIVING WELL is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES Faith Regional Health Services, 2700 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701 402-371-4880 frhs.org KELLY DRISCOLL President and Chief Executive Officer SHANTELL SKALBERG Executive Director of Foundation, Marketing and Public Relations KAITLYN KOZIOL Director, Marketing and Public Relations MACEY MARTINSON Communications & Event Specialist Faith Regional Affiliate Hospitals: Niobrara Valley Hospital, Lynch, NE Genoa Medical Facilities, Genoa, NE Faith Regional Health Services Board of Directors Brett Jackson, Board Chair John Robertson, Board Vice Chair Sue Fuchtman, Secretary Brad Dinkel, Treasurer Lane Handke, MD, Chief of Staff Robert Prince, MD, FRPS Medical Director Diane Becker Regina Busboom Jacque Collison Josh Gossman Steffan Lacey, MD Pastor Leon Rosenthal Travis Rutjens Tom Schueth Preston Sunderman Information in LIVING WELL comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA 12 BE HEART-SMART! The foods you eat can go a long way toward keeping your heart healthy. KNOW YOUR ABCDE’S Learn how to spot melanoma with these tips. 10 BE A ROLE MODEL When it comes to making healthy choices, your children rely on you to show them the way. 4 THE BENEFITS OF WALKING Walking is a safe, easy and effective way to get in some exercise. 13 14 BE A VOLUNTEER When you volunteer, you’re helping yourself and the community you serve. 7 GET SCREENED Do you know which screenings you need and when? Check out this chart.
FRHS.ORG 3 Kelly Driscoll, RN, MHA, FACHE President and CEO SIMPLE THINGS HELP MAKE HEALTHY AGING POSSIBLE An inevitable part of living is aging, or, as I prefer to call it—“seasoned.” It truly is a fact of life. Do you find yourself reaching for your readers because the words and numbers on—well, everything—seem to get smaller? And sure, it’s easy to get down on your knees to look under the bed, but getting back up? That’s another story. There is no question that age, or being seasoned, changes our lives. We’d like to avoid some changes, as they can be difficult to accept or endure. Physically, for example, stiffening joints can make it harder to get around. Emotionally, there are often personal changes, such as the death of a spouse, that can make these changes even more difficult. And as we age, many people find that their short-term memory isn’t what it used to be. Remember that blue fish from Disney’s Finding Nemo with short-term memory loss? She may not remember much, but she gave good advice: “Just keep swimming.” Harry Rollins said, “Change is hard, but change is good.” And as we age, we can realize some positive changes too! One survey found that many older people say they have less stress and more time for family, interests and hobbies than they used to. In fact, the vast majority of older people report that they are satisfied with their lives because experience gains us wisdom! To a great extent, what older age will look like for you depends on how you live now! It also depends on how you cope with the changes that come your way. We can’t turn back time, but we can take steps to ease into aging in a positive way that allows us to weather the expected and unexpected changes we experience. A few tips for choosing a healthy lifestyle that will benefit you now and in the future include: • Maintain a positive outlook. • Practice healthy ways to cope. • Eat well. • Exercise regularly. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Get plenty of sleep. • Socialize and stay connected. • Do things you enjoy and allow for downtime. • If you smoke, quit. • See your doctor regularly. The professionals at Faith Regional are committed to helping you feel your best. With over 30 service lines, our providers can help get to the root of issues you may be facing and create a care plan to help you be your best throughout the aging process. This Living Well issue includes articles that we hope will inspire you to live your best life. To your good health As spring settles in, I wish you a year full of happiness doing your favorite things, no matter your age!
4 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services As a parent, you want your children to have a long and healthy life. But it’s not always easy to know how to make that happen. One very important thing you can do is take a look in the mirror and consider what kind of a role model you are. Do you always buckle your seat belt? Do you stay in shape with regular exercise? Do you limit the amount of time you spend on your phone, computer or tablet or in front of the TV? If you’re a good role model, that may be half the battle. Your children look to you to see what’s important in life. If they see you eating a healthy diet and staying active and safe, they’re more likely to do the same. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), teaching your children how to live a healthy life should start when they’re young. That can help them avoid developing bad habits that may be hard to break. Here are some tips from the AAFP and Kayla Daniels, PA-C, for getting your children off to a healthy start. Offer them nutritious foods Begin by paying attention to the kind of food you bring into the PUT YOUR KIDS ON THE PATH — TO — GOOD HEALTH “Children are our future and legacy. It is my privilege to help give them the building blocks to a healthy life.” — Kayla Daniels, PA-C, pediatric provider
FRHS.ORG 5 house. Limit the amount of processed and sugary foods you buy. For snacks, encourage your kids to eat things like fresh fruit or vegetables with a healthy dip like hummus. Also: • Discourage overeating. Instead, serve your family food in proper portion sizes. • Eat meals as a family at the table, not in front of the TV. Eliminate other media from the table, too, so you can concentrate on each other and the food. • Give your children plenty of water and milk to drink. Limit, or avoid, sweetened beverages like soft drinks and energy drinks. If your kids don’t like the taste of water, add a bit of lemon or lime for flavor. • Invite your children to help pack their school lunches. Use the time to talk to them about the importance of eating balanced meals and nutritious foods. Encourage them to be active Kids six and older should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Active kids are more likely to have a healthy weight, better heart and brain health, and better school attendance and academic performance. To encourage your children to be physically active: • Find ways to be active as a family. An after-dinner family bicycle ride or brisk walk might be fun, for example. • Limit sedentary screen time. • Give your kids active toys and games, like bikes, skateboards, jump ropes and sports equipment. • If it’s safe, let them walk or bike places instead of always driving them in the car. • Use praise, rewards and encouragement to help kids stay active. Never use physical activity as a punishment. Discourage them from unhealthy habits Some children try tobacco, alcohol and other drugs as early as middle school. They’re less likely to use these substances if you talk to them when they’re young about the dangers of using them. To begin the conversation: • Make your expectations regarding tobacco, alcohol, drugs and vaping clear. • Explain why these substances are harmful. Give real-life examples of people who had bad things happen to them as a result of using alcohol, tobacco or drugs. • Talk to your kids about peer pressure and why it’s a bad way to make big decisions. • Get to know your children’s friends and their parents. Always ask your kids where they’re going, who they’ll be with and when they will return. Additional sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Heart Association Between birth and age 18, kids should receive a variety of vaccines, including those for: • Chickenpox. • COVID-19. • Diphtheria. • Hepatitis A and B. • Hib ( Haemophilus influenzae type b). • HPV (human papillomavirus). • Influenza (yearly flu shots). • Measles. • Meningococcal disease. • Mumps. • Pneumococcal disease. • Polio. • Rotavirus. • Rubella. • Tetanus. • Whooping cough. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention OUR KIDDOS It’s our job to protect them Teaching your children how to live a healthy life should start when they’re young. This can help them avoid developing bad habits that may be hard to break.
6 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Urinary incontinence is one of those health problems that happens mostly to women. The simple definition of urinary incontinence is the leaking of urine. It might happen when you cough or lift something heavy. Or it might happen when you get the urge to urinate but can’t make it to the bathroom in time. It can be difficult to admit it’s a problem or to talk about. But it’s important to let your obstetrician/ gynecologist (OB/GYN) know if it’s happening to you. Urinary incontinence can be treated. First, though, you have to ask for help. Different types of incontinence According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women can experience three types of urinary incontinence: Stress urinary incontinence. This can happen when physical pressure is put on your bladder, such as when you sneeze or exercise. Urgency urinary incontinence. This can happen when you feel a strong need to urinate and you leak urine on the way to the bathroom. Mixed incontinence. This is when you have both types of incontinence. Why do women have urinary incontinence more often than men? It may be because one of the causes of incontinence is urinary tract infections, which occur more frequently in women. Or it may be because incontinence can be Get the help you need. If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence, we can help. Take back control of your bladder caused by a weakening of a woman’s pelvic floor muscles. Childbirth and aging are two common reasons. Long-term constipation—also more common in older women—can be a factor too. You don’t have to live with leaks This can’t be stressed enough: It’s important to speak to your provider if you are experiencing urinary incontinence. Effective treatments are available. Your OB/GYN may talk with you about lifestyle changes that can help. Losing weight (if you’re overweight) is one of them. Avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine and spicy foods that can irritate your bladder also may help. In addition, your OB/GYN might teach you how to do Kegel exercises. These are exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Bladder training also can help. Other potential treatments include: Medications. Several medications are available to treat urgency incontinence. Surgery. Synthetic slings can be inserted to provide support for your urethra (the tube you urinate through). Another type of surgery involves stitching the bladder neck to nearby supporting structures to lift up the urethra and hold it in place. Urinary incontinence is more than a nusiance. It can lead to rashes, sores, skin infections and urinary tract infections. And fear of it happening can lead to social isolation. Talk to your OB/GYN about your questions and concerns to get the help you need. Additional source: American Academy of Family Physicians “Bladder leakage does not have to be a normal part of life,” says Lynnea Stines, DO, OB/GYN at Faith Regional. “Several treatment options are available with or without surgery.”
FRHS.ORG 7 Need a family medicine provider? Search online. Age Tests for MEN 18 BLOOD PRESSURE. Be screened every 3 to 5 years. Those at increased risk for high blood pressure should be screened yearly. 35 DIABETES. Start screening based on risk factors. 40 BLOOD PRESSURE. Be screened yearly. CHOLESTEROL. Start screening based on risk factors. 45 COLORECTAL CANCER. Talk with your doctor about screening options. 50 LUNG CANCER. Be screened yearly based on your history of smoking. 55 PROSTATE CANCER. Ask your doctor about screening. 65 ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM. Be screened once between ages 65 and 75 if you’ve ever smoked. When to start key screenings The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the following guidelines for most women and men. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. Age Tests for WOMEN CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA. Be screened through age 24 if sexually active. 18 BLOOD PRESSURE. Be screened every 3 to 5 years. Those at increased risk for high blood pressure should be screened yearly. 21 CERVICAL CANCER. Have a Pap test every 3 years. 25 CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA. Continue screening if at increased risk for infection. 30 CERVICAL CANCER. Have a Pap test every 3 years, a high-risk HPV test every 5 years, or a Pap test plus a high- risk HPV test every 5 years.* 35 DIABETES. Start screening based on risk factors. 40 BLOOD PRESSURE. Be screened yearly. BREAST CANCER. Be screened every 2 years (or start earlier based on risk factors). CHOLESTEROL. Start screening based on risk factors. 45 COLORECTAL CANCER. Talk with your doctor about screening options. 50 LUNG CANCER. Be screened yearly based on your history of smoking. 65 OSTEOPOROSIS. Start screening (or start earlier based on risk factors). *Women older than 65 may safely stop testing if they meet certain criteria.
8 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Now what can I eat? It’s a question many people ask after learning they have type 2 diabetes or its precursor, prediabetes. To be sure, healthy eating is important when it comes to managing your blood sugar levels. But doing so is easier than you might think. Despite what you may have heard, you don’t have to follow a strict diet of diabetes foods. You can still eat delicious fare, including a lot of your favorites. Start with a plan You will need to choose from all the major food groups. Your meal plan, which your health team will create for you, will tell you what types and amounts to include. One method of meal planning is the plate method. It’s pretty simple. You start by filling half your plate Eating well with diabetes IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK! with nonstarchy vegetables (such as leafy green ones). Next, you put a lean protein (such as skinless chicken) on one-fourth of the plate. A whole grain (such as whole-grain bread or pasta) or starchy vegetables (such as potatoes, corn or peas) fills the other onefourth. A small serving of fruit and a glass of milk can go on the side. Another method of meal planning is to track how many carbohydrates, or carbs, you eat. Why carbs? Of all the foods you may eat, carbs affect blood sugar the most. Carbs include bread, pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables and sweets. Speaking of sweets: Yes, you can still enjoy small portions now and then. With a little planning, you can fit them in. Sources: American Association of Diabetes Educators; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases “Optimize your health and well-being by practicing balanced eating and including a variety of food groups and colors. Don’t forget to have fun with nourishment by trying a variety of preparation methods, cultural foods and flavors for long-term satisfaction while striving toward your wellness goals.” — Melinda Heller, registered dietitian at Faith Regional
FRHS.ORG 9 Don’t let mental health myths hold you back Millions of people are affected by a mental illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. If you’re among them, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. In fact, more than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime. Yet, as common as mental disorders are, misinformation continues to spread that might prevent you or a loved one from seeking the treatment needed to feel better. Do any of these common misconceptions sound familiar? Myth: Symptoms must be extreme to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Fact: Symptoms of a mental health disorder don’t have to be life-threatening. They can just be something you notice on a regular basis, such as having changes in your sleeping habits, feeling tired or having low energy, feeling excessively sad or low, experiencing excessive worrying or fear, avoiding friends and social activities, and having trouble concentrating or learning. Mental health disorders can affect your everyday activities by zapping your energy and keeping you from doing the things you enjoy. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Alliance on Mental Illness Myth: Mental health disorders just affect how you feel. They don’t impact your overall health. Fact: Mental health disorders can affect your physical health. People with depression, for example, have a 40% higher risk of developing heart disease than people without depression. Depression also increases your risk of diabetes and stroke. Preventing physical illness is another reason to seek mental health help. Myth: A mental health disorder isn’t like a regular illness. You could just snap out of it if you tried. Fact: Like a physical illness, such as diabetes or heart disease, a mental health disorder requires treatment. It’s important to see your doctor. Mental health treatment can include taking medication, talking with a mental health professional, and getting support—whether from friends, family or others with the same condition. Each can be an important tool in the recovery process. Don’t go it alone. Call 402-644-7329 to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional or learn more about our providers by scanning the QR code.
10 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Melanoma has a well-deserved reputation as the most serious form of skin cancer. It can be hard to treat and potentially lethal if it isn’t caught early. In fact, the five-year survival rate for melanoma can plummet from 99% to 25% once it spreads to distant organs, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports. That’s why it’s a good idea to watch your skin regularly for potential signs of melanoma. By doing that, if you do get the disease, you stand a better chance of finding it as early as possible, which can boost your chances of a cure. What to look for Melanomas can appear anywhere on your skin. At first, some melanomas can look like moles— with some differences. Others may resemble new or changing growths or freckles or unusual age spots. Still other melanomas itch or bleed, like sores. Melanomas can also appear in places you might not expect, like under your nails (beneath the nails, melanoma can look like a dark line). And they can develop on the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands—even though these places don’t get a lot of sunshine (a major cause of skin cancer). So be sure to check your entire body from time to time. Be on the lookout for melanoma When evaluating any skin changes you happen to find, use the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry. Unlike a regular, oval or round mole, one half of a melanoma lesion doesn’t look like the other half. Borders. Most melanomas have jagged or other uneven borders. Color. Melanomas may be more than one color, such as brown, tan, white, pink or red. Diameter. Most melanomas are about the size of a pencil eraser, though they can be smaller. Evolving. This is when a mole or spot changes in size, shape or color. Any skin changes that look unusual or concern you in any way should be brought to your doctor’s attention as soon as possible. Don’t wonder—be sure. Do you have a questionable mole or spot? Schedule a free skin cancer screening by calling 402-844-8167. Additional source: American Academy of Dermatology
FRHS.ORG 11 Are you getting enough sleep every night? Chances are the answer is no. Many of us don’t get the sleep that we need, and that is a problem. Sleep is essential to our health, and a lack of sleep can hurt us. The average adult should sleep seven to eight hours per night. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. Research suggests improving the amount and quality of our sleep can help decrease our risk for these and other serious health problems. Two common sleep disorders Two sleep disorders—insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—keep many people from getting enough sleep. Insomnia is defined as having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or waking up too early in the morning. It can cause problems such as: • Fatigue or daytime sleepiness. • Concentration or memory problems. • Poor work or school performance. • Moodiness, irritability or aggression. • Impaired decision making. You may have OSA If you’ve ever been told that your snoring sounds like a freight train or that you make choking or gasping sounds while you sleep. Both are common symptoms of this sleep disorder. OSA causes your airway to become repeatedly blocked during sleep, and you stop breathing. As a result, your brain and body don’t get the oxygen they need, and you may wake up several or more times a night— often without realizing it. That can trigger things like morning headaches, or it can make you feel tired during the day. Tips anyone can use for a better night’s rest Even if you don’t have a sleep disorder, you can still benefit from healthy sleep habits like these: • Establish a relaxing bedtime routine with a set sleep schedule. Your bedtime should allow for at least seven hours of sleep. • Make your bedroom quiet, comfortable and cool. • Turn off any electronic devices at least 30 minutes before heading to bed. • Exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. If you have problems sleeping, talk to your primary care provider. Keeping a sleep diary for two weeks may help your provider diagnose and correct the problem. Sources: American Academy of Sleep Medicine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Need a sleep consultation? Talk to your primary care provider for a referral to our sleep medicine specialist. The importance of sleep Treating sleep disorders Treatments for insomnia vary, but can include: • Changing habits to improve your sleep. • Strategies to relax, reduce stress and establish a sleep schedule. • Medications. Treatment for OSA includes: • Devices to maintain an open airway and that allow you to breathe, such as a continuous positive airway pressure machine, commonly called a CPAP. • Weight management. Many people with OSA are overweight.
12 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Keep your kitchen heart-healthy How’s your heart? If you have concerns, discuss your heart health with an expert. You can find a physician at frhs.org. Nontropical vegetable oils (like olive, corn or canola). Use these for cooking meals or making salads. Compared to solid fats— like butter, shortening and hard margarine—these vegetable oils are lower in artery-clogging saturated fat. Lean proteins, including fish. If you eat meat, choose leaner, healthier cuts. Every kitchen should have veggie proteins, too, so you can go meatless at least some of the time. For instance, when shopping for proteins, consider choosing: • Chicken, especially skinless chicken breasts. • Beans, peas, lentils or tofu. • Peanut butter. • Salmon—with its omega-3 oils, it may help protect your heart. • Lean cuts of red meats, like round, loin or sirloin. Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables. Sure, fresh produce tastes best. But frozen or canned versions are easy to use, usually cheaper and longer-lasting (that’s less waste!). Best of all, they can be just as nutritious as fresh. Just be sure to buy canned veggies or beans with the least amounts of sodium or salt, canned fruits packed in water or 100% juice, and frozen veggies without sauces. Whole-grain versions of bread, pasta, tortillas and other foods. Don’t be fooled by the word multigrain. Make sure a whole grain is listed as the first ingredient. Fat-free or low-fat dairy products. These versions of milk, yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream also have less cholesterol and fewer calories than whole milk and other full-fat dairy products. Source: American Heart Association What is one of your best weapons against heart disease? It’s a kitchen stocked with heart-smart foods. That’s because healthy eating is right up there with exercising, watching your weight and not smoking when it comes to lowering your risk for heart problems. And eating foods that are good for your heart is a lot easier when you regularly have them on hand. Meal planning can be helpful with this too. “Meal planning can help you make better food choices,” says Eric Rome, DO, cardiologist at Faith Regional. “When a plan is in place, you’ll be less likely to eat out or make less nutritious foods.” Stock your kitchen with these:
FRHS.ORG 13 WALKING FOR EXERCISE Step up to the benefits What makes walking such a great fitness move? All you need are shoes that fit well and cushion your feet. Then just follow your own two feet. Also, walking is generally safe. It’s less likely to hurt your joints than running, for instance. For reasons like these, walking has a low dropout rate. So you’re likely to keep doing it. Best of all, walking is great for your body and your well-being. Walking is a type of aerobic exercise (the kind that elevates your heart rate and breathing). Among other things, aerobic exercise can: • Help you burn more calories for better weight control. • Improve the health of your heart and blood vessels, which may help lower your risk of heart disease. • Help you maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. • Help you prevent or manage type 2 diabetes. • Improve your fitness level, giving you the stamina to do everyday activities with greater ease. • Help you maintain strong bones, since walking is also a weightbearing activity. • Lower stress and elevate your mood. • Help you live longer. Getting started is easy Most people don’t need to see a doctor to begin a walking program. But you may want to do that if you have a chronic health condition or you haven’t been active in a while. Once you get the green light to start a walking program, follow these tips for a successful and safe time: Set small, doable goals. Experts say an adult exercise routine should include about 150 minutes per week of moderately intense aerobic exercise such as brisk walking. (When you walk at a brisk pace, you can carry on a conversation and breathe without much effort.) But you may want to start with a more doable goal. Even a 10-minute walk, a few times a week, is a good start. Gradually work your way up to longer walks at a brisk pace. That’s when many of the health benefits of walking start to kick in. Meeting your goals will put more wind at your back. Be aware of your surroundings. If you wear earphones, keep the volume low enough so you can hear traffic and other sounds. Wear bright colors when walking in low light. Enlist a walking buddy. Active fun with a walking partner can increase your motivation. Have a bad-weather plan. Consider walking in an indoor mall in rain or cold weather. Or plot a walking path in your home. Change up your walking route from time to time. Variety keeps exercise interesting. Walk a different route, for instance. Or go for a shorter walk one day and a longer one the next. Track your progress. Monitor how far you can walk with a step counter, a phone app or a journal. You’ll feel great when you see how far you’ve come. Sources: American Heart Association; Arthritis Foundation While it may not have the glamour of other fitness trends, a move you mastered in toddlerhood is still hard to beat. We’re talking about walking.
14 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services What it means to be a volunteer At Faith Regional Health Services, volunteers play an important part in supporting the services that put the word care in health care. Many of our volunteers find their work to be a great learning experience and intensely rewarding. Volunteering increases your own worth and happiness to know others are benefiting from your actions. In a broader sense, the volunteers represent an important link between the hospital and the larger community. They act as ambassadors of goodwill and promote Faith Regional Health Services through informal conversation with friends and family, as well as participating in special projects. There are no special requirements to be a volunteer, except that you must be 14 years of age or older. A good volunteer simply has an interest in helping, a positive attitude, exercises discretion and is dependable. Volunteer opportunities are available to assist in a variety of ways, including direct patient contact areas, guest service desks, the gift shop, and other areas across our campuses. If you are considering volunteering at Faith Regional Health Services, we will work with you to arrange a position that utilizes your skills and interests, and fits into your schedule. Benefits More than just helping others, volunteering also has many health and personal benefits: • Make new friends. • Receive a meal allotment before or after each shift. • Decrease your risk of depression. • Enjoy a sense of purpose and fulfillment. • Reduce stress. • Increase brain functioning, making you move and think at the same time. If you are ready to start making a difference in the lives of others, call 402-644-7529.
FRHS.ORG 15 Palliative care: Support for a serious illness When you’re coping with a serious illness like cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease, you need many things to make your life better—like expert treatment for symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath or fatigue. You might also need emotional or spiritual support to ease the stress of your illness. There is a specialized area of medicine that can give you all of those things and more: It’s called palliative care. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for those who are sick with a life-threatening or serious illness. It does that by preventing or treating the symptoms and side effects of a disease and its treatment as early as possible. Palliative care also provides support for the care- givers of those who are ill. It is different from hospice Palliative care is not the same as hospice, which is a type of care that is generally only given at the end of life. Hospice patients receive palliative care to help make their final months more comfortable. But palliative care is for people who are trying to cure, slow or manage their disease—regardless of their life expectancy or prognosis. It’s a team effort Palliative care specialists work in collaboration with the medical professionals—such as primary care providers—who are helping someone recover from or manage an illness or injury. A palliative care team may include physicians; nurses; social workers; spiritual care coordinators; physical, speech or massage therapists; pharmacists; and dietitians. Palliative care may be provided in any number of settings, including in a person’s home, in a skillednursing facility, in an assisted-living facility, in a clinic or in a hospital. Who pays? Palliative care is covered under Medicare Part B. Most private insurance plans also offer coverage, but it’s important to check the details of your individual insurance policy. If you are interested in receiving palliative care or want to learn more about what’s involved, speak with your primary care provider. Sources: National Cancer Institute; National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; World Health Organization Meet our palliative care providers Kate Kracl, APRN, and Roni Ruppert, APRN, are focused on providing compassionate and individualized care for patients and their families. Scan the QR code to learn more about palliative care.
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES 2700 W. Norfolk Ave. Norfolk, NE 68701 Make a difference at Faith. Scan the QR code to apply. We invite you to join the Faith Regional team and become a part of our long history and tradition of providing exemplary care for our region. We have openings in: • Nursing. • Nutrition. • Housekeeping. • Social Services. • Registration. • Respiratory Therapy. Break the stigma! What's true (and what's not) when it comes to mental health? The facts might surprise you. Read more on page 9. Join our TEAM!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=