• Genesis Health System has launched a web page www.genesishealth.com/enroll to provide answers to some questions, including the big one, "what's in it for me?'' Guaranteed preventive services and guaranteed benefits are two answers to "What's In It For Me?", even for the bronze plans. And, check out the video at the site.

• There is also an enrollment service line now available.  The number is (563) 421-3675 (ENRL).  If you have questions or want to invite Genesis health insurance navigators to your church, community organization, library, neighborhood block party, call for information.

• Our email address for information, or to set up community enrollment events, is enrollment@genesishealth.com

• Genesis has hired three health insurance navigators funded by grants  from the federal government. The navigators are now going through mandatory federal and state training.  Once they are licensed, they will go out into the community to assist individuals and small businesses in the enrollment process. They will provide unbiased, objective assistance to help individuals find a plan that is right for their health needs and for their financial needs. We hope the navigators will be licensed by the second week of October. We won't be able to have them licensed by Oct. 1.

• We will be working closely with community organizations, some of which have also received grant funding to assist with enrollment.  We are planning a media event with these partners for Tuesday, Oct. 1, the first day of the enrollment period. Put it on your calendar for Tuesday at 2 p.m.

• This is a big project with big goals.  Our No. 1 Genesis goal is to improve the health of the region by providing access to primary care physicians to individuals and families who now do not have that access. Especially for individuals with a chronic condition, a relationship with a primary care physician can help prevent serious complications of the condition requiring hospitalization.

1 in 5 High School Students Crosses the Street While Distracted by Technology

New study finds 39 percent of distracted teens are texting while crossing

August 29, 2013 - Quad Cities -- One in five high school students and one in eight middle school students crosses the street while distracted, according to a new research report released today by Safe Kids Worldwide.

The report, "Teens and Distraction: An In-Depth Look at Teens' Walking Behaviors," made possible with support from FedEx®, presents an observational study that recorded more than 34,000 middle and high school students crossing the street in a school zone. Conducted in 17 states and 68 schools, the study looked at whether teens are crossing the street while distracted, and if so, what devices they are using.

According to the research, 39 percent of the students who are crossing the street while distracted are typing on a cell phone and 39 percent are listening to headphones. The remaining students are talking on the phone (20 percent) or using another electronic device, such as a tablet or game (2 percent).

The study was developed to explore findings from a 2012 Safe Kids report that found pedestrian injuries among 16-19 year olds increased 25 percent over the previous five years. Teens now account for half of all pedestrian deaths among children 19 and under.

"We suspected that the increase was due to distraction by mobile devices, but there was not much data to support that conclusion," said Keene Hart Safe Kids Quad Cities. To understand the scope of the problem, we activated our network to observe 34,000 students crossing in school zones. The findings were alarming."

In addition to the observational survey, the study also describes findings from discussions with more than 2,400 students. Almost half of the students (49 percent) say they use a cell phone while walking to school. Four out of 10 say they listen to music while walking. Interestingly, while teens are at the greatest risk for pedestrian crashes, only 22 percent of students say it is kids their own age who are most likely to be hit by a car while walking.

The report includes public policy measures that would protect walkers, like investments by government in making roads around schools safer.

"Distraction is a big problem, both while driving and walking," said Keene Hart

"Parents, talk to your kids to make sure they are paying full attention when crossing the street. And we adults need to follow our own advice. If we put our devices down, our kids are more likely to do the same."

Safe Kids Quad Cities and FedEx are launching a national effort calling on parents and teens to join the Moment of Silence Campaign and stay safe while walking.

Moment of Silence Campaign

In 2012 Christina Morris-Ward was killed while crossing the street. She was wearing headphones and carrying a cell phone. While mobile devices are part of everyday life, we should remember that putting them down when crossing the street can be the difference between life and death. In memory of Christina and all those who have been killed or injured while crossing the street, Safe Kids is launching the Moment of Silence campaign. It's easy to participate: simply commit to putting your device down and paying attention when crossing the street. Watch the video and learn more about the Moment of Silence campaign at safekids.org.

Tips for Parents

• From the first conversation you have with young children about crossing the street safely, talk about the dangers of distraction.

• Talk to teens about putting down mobile devices while walking and remind them of the importance of looking up, listening and making eye contact when crossing the street.

• Set a good example by putting devices down when you are driving or walking around cars.

Tips for Teens

• Put devices down, look up, listen, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.

• Remember to watch out for cars that are turning or backing up. Walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners with traffic signals and crosswalks when possible.

• Be aware of others who may be distracted–and speak up when you see someone who is distracted.

• If you need to use a cell phone, stop on the sidewalk and find a safe area to talk.

• If you are wearing headphones, pull them down before you cross the street or turn the volume off.

• Driveways and parking lots can be especially dangerous because we are walking close to moving cars. Turn off devices in places where cars are going in unexpected directions, like backing out of a parking spot or turning out of a driveway.

Tips for Drivers

• When driving, look both ways for bikers, walkers or runners who may not be immediately visible or may step into the street unexpectedly.

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones.

• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

About Safe Kids Quad Cities

Safe Kids Quad Cities works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Safe Kids Quad Cities is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Quad Cities is led by Genesis-Illini Hospital. For more information, visit safekids.org or Quad Cities Safe Kids on facebook.

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DAVENPORT, Iowa - June 18, 2013 - Genesis will offer three CarFit events this summer for older drivers.

CarFit is a national educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to evaluate how well their personal vehicles "fit" them.  Health professionals work with older drivers and review 12 key areas to ensure
they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum safety.  A CarFit check takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

The three Genesis CarFit events coming up are scheduled for:

Wednesday, July 10 - Event will be held from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street, Davenport.

Thursday, August 8 - Event will be held from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus.

Saturday, September 14 - Event will be held from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street, Davenport.

Older drivers are often the safest drivers because they're more likely to wear their seatbelts and less likely to speed or drink and drive, statistics show.  However, they are also more likely to be seriously injured in a crash because their bodies are more fragile.

"Older drivers can improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them," said Gretchen Cluff, an Occupational Therapist at Genesis and a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist.  "A proper fit in their car can greatly increase not only the driver's safety but also the safety of others.

"Once seniors arrive for their check, they will asked basic information and then we will evaluate how they fit in their car. For example, are they sitting too close to the airbag?  Are their mirrors adjusted appropriately to maximize their view?  Is their seat in the best position to reach the brake and gas pedals?

"We can only make recommendations and can't touch or change anything for liability reasons.  We can, however, provide the senior drivers with important information that could increase their driving safety."

Three examples underscore the importance of road safety to the CarFit program:

• Knowing how to properly adjust one's mirrors can greatly minimize blind spots for drivers when changing lanes.

• Good foot positioning on the gas and brake pedals is important. Drivers who reach with their toes to press on the pedals can cause fatigue in their legs and slow reaction time.

• Drivers run a risk of serious injury if they are sitting closer than 10 inches from the steering wheel.

Other CarFit events have shown that more than one-third of seniors had at least one critical safety issue.  One in 10 sat too close to the steering wheel, and 20 percent did not have a line of sight at least 3 inches over the steering wheel.

Genesis offers the only hospital-based driver's evaluation program in eastern Iowa with a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist.

To reserve a time for an evaluation at either upcoming CarFit event, call (563) 421-1480.

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