20 Nov 2015

Genesis Has The Scoop On Safe Shoveling

By Craig Cooper

The blanket of white may be attractive from the inside, but eventually the snow must be moved.  Heavy snowfall is not an invitation to suddenly start a strenuous exercise program.

An estimated 1,200 people in the United States die each year of coronary artery disease during and after major snowfalls.

Moving heavy snow can also place additional stress and strain on backs and joints.

Shoveling can be made even more physically strenuous by cold air, which makes it harder to work and breathe. "People need to recognize that snow shoveling is a strenuous cardiovascular workout and they need to be cautious," said David Dierks, D.O., Genesis emergency department physician.

To prevent injury while clearing show, Dr. Dierks suggests the following tips:

Warm up first -- Be sure your muscles are warm before you start shoveling. Warm up a little by walking, doing a few squats or walking stairs a few times. Cold, tight muscles are more likely to sprain or strain than warm, relaxed muscles.

Warmed up your muscles? Then stretch -- "Once your muscles are warmed up, you'll want to stretch your quadriceps, hamstrings and the muscles in your calves and lower back,'' Dr. Dierks said.

To stretch your quadriceps (the muscle in the front of the thigh), stand on one foot, holding onto something stable and bend the other leg behind you. Bring your heel toward your butt with your hand. Repeat with the other leg.

20 Nov 2015

Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds announce over 12,000 provider contracts have been signed since November 1st for Iowa's Medicaid Modernization Plan

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

576 long term services and support facility contracts, over 4,500 home and community based wavier provider contracts and 99% of pharmacies have signed contracts with a managed care organization

(DES MOINES) - Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announce over 12,000 provider contracts have been signed since November 1st with managed care organizations for Iowa's Medicaid Modernization plan.  Iowa's Medicaid Modernization plan will improve quality, access, and health care outcomes and create a more predictable and sustainable Medicaid program that begins January 1, 2016.

"I am encouraged that over 12,000 provider contracts have been signed since November 1st," said Branstad. "576 long term services and support facility contracts have been signed with a managed care organization (MCO) along with over 4,500 home and community based waiver provider contracts and 99% of pharmacies in the current Iowa Medicaid network have signed contracts with a managed care organization. We are proud of our progress and we will keep working to serve Medicaid patients."

"We have taken a common sense approach by working together to serve our most vulnerable Iowans and I look forward to delivering our patient-centered Medicaid plan beginning on January 1, 2016," Lt. Gov. Reynolds said. "Iowa has learned best practices from 30 other states who have taken steps to modernize Medicaid. Iowa's phased-in approach ensures a smooth transition starting on day one for all Medicaid patients. On January 1st, Iowa's Medicaid patients will have access to 100% of the current Medicaid network demonstrating 100% network adequacy."

For the first two years, Medicaid patients who receive long-term care services and supports (LTSS) can keep those same services even if their provider is out-of-network.  Those services include HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) waiver services, nursing facilities, and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Intellectually Disabled (ICF/ID).  Physical, behavioral, and mental health services can be kept for the first six months even if their provider is out-of-network.

The four managed care organizations have signed over 12,000 provider contracts since November 1st and will continue to build a robust provider network for Iowa's Medicaid Modernization program that begins January 1, 2016.

Key Provider Network Highlights:

  • 99% (740 out of the 747 in the existing Iowa Medicaid network) of pharmacies have signed contracts with a MCO.
  • 576 long term services and support facility (skilled facility, nursing facility, Intermediate Care Facilities for the Intellectually Disabled) provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
  • 2,805 behavioral health provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
  • 4,659 home and community based waiver provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
  • 2,571 MD and DO provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
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19 Nov 2015

The Great American Smokeout 2015

By Jen Schulte

Today is the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. For the last 40 years smokers across the country have set today as their day to quit or to make a plan to quit for good.

Few things are harder to do than quitting smoking, but planning makes it possible.

Check out some tips for quitting.

Of course it's not just smokers who need to worry about tobacco's harmful effects. It's also our state's casinos workers.

We need to make sure every worker in Iowa can celebrate next year's Great American Smokeout in a smoke-free workplace.

Here's to making a plan, sticking to it, and kicking the addiction. Share this story and help us #changethoddsIA for casino workers and smokers alike.
19 Nov 2015

Senior Star at Elmore Place Named Top Fundraiser in State of Iowa for Alzheimer's Association

By Rick Martin

Senior living community raises more than $36,000 for research, treatment and awareness

 

DAVENPORT, IA (November 18, 2015) - Senior Star at Elmore Place is proud to announce that the outstanding efforts of the residents and associates at the senior living community in addition to its many friends and supporters in the Quad Cities area have placed them as the number one fundraising organization in the State of Iowa for the Alzheimer's Association ... raising an impressive $36,000.

"We are proud of our residents and associates for working so diligently throughout the year to raise money for this important cause and are also very appreciative of the support and donations from our friends and neighbors in the Quad Cities community," said Marc Strohschein, executive director at Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "We hope that, through Senior Star's fundraising efforts and participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer's®, we are able to raise the level of Alzheimer's awareness."

The senior living community is part of the Senior Star family, which nationwide collectively raised more than $556,000 for the Alzheimer's Association through the 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer's®.  The funds donated to the Alzheimer's Association will contribute to the organization's mission-related initiatives of care, support and research for the disease.

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, call 563.359.0100 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.

About Senior Star at Elmore Place

Senior Star at Elmore Place, a Senior Star community, features 236 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents three distinctive living experiences:  independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com.

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19 Nov 2015

Loebsack, Iowa Senate Leaders: "It's Time to Pump the Brakes" on Iowa's Medicaid Proposal

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Iowa Senate President Pam Jochum, Senator Liz Mathis and Senator Amanda Ragan released the following statement today after the four met in Washington, D.C. to discuss Governor Branstad's plan to implement a move to privatized management of Iowa's Medicaid program, which is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2016. Loebsack and Senators Jochum, Mathis and Ragan have been leading the fight to ensure those who rely on Medicaid are not negatively affected by these changes. Approximately 560,000 Iowans rely on Medicaid, which often serves the state's most vulnerable populations, including low-income families, children, seniors and individuals with disabilities.

"We remain concerned that Governor Branstad's plan is moving too quickly and both those who provide Medicaid services and those who rely on Medicaid to receive medical care will face uncertainty. It is time to pump the brakes and slow down the process so Iowans have a chance to fully understand the possible changes. We cannot allow Iowa's most vulnerable patients to fall through the cracks."

Recently, Loebsack wrote to the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) expressing his concern with the plan and has called on him to protect the wellbeing of Iowans. He has also spoken directly with Sylvia Burwell, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, which oversees CMS, to express his concerns with her. Senators Jochum, Mathis and Ragan have also been fighting in Iowa and earlier today met with CMS officials in Washington to express their concerns.

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18 Nov 2015

Illicit drug use; Administration policies undermine reduction goals

By Grassley Press

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today made the following comment on the 2015 National Drug Control Strategy released today by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

"The Administration has had some successes in reducing youth alcohol and tobacco use.  But fighting illicit drug use is another story.  The Administration's own policies toward marijuana enforcement are likely interfering with its ability to reach key goals on marijuana abuse and maybe drugged driving incidents. If the Administration truly wants to reach its drug control goals, it needs to reconsider its policies that undermine those goals."

The report is available here.


18 Nov 2015

Genesis Medical Centers Top Performers On Key Quality Measures

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Nov. 17, 2015 - Genesis Medical Center, Silvis and Genesis Medical Center, Davenport are being recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.®

The achievement demonstrates that the Genesis Medical Centers have a commitment to provide evidence-based care the right way and at the right time.

As Top Performers in The Joint Commission's 2015 annual report, Genesis Medical Centers will be recognized in "America's Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety" annual report. The hospitals will also be recognized on The Joint Commission website and, and on The Joint Commission's Quality Check website.

Of the more than 3,300 eligible hospitals in the United States, only 1,043 achieved the 2014 Top Performer distinction and Genesis has two of them.

"Genesis Health System has made it the top priority of the organization to improve patient outcomes using evidence-based care measures,'' said Doug Cropper, president and CEO, Genesis Health System. "To have two Genesis hospital campuses earn this recognition is a tribute to the knowledge, skills, team concept and dedication of our staff who provide high quality patient care every day.''

Genesis Medical Center, Silvis was recognized as a Top Performer in the care of heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care and care of venous thromboembolism. Genesis Medical Center, Silvis was the only Rock Island County hospital earning Top Performer recognition.

Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was recognized as a Top Performer in the care of heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical patients and perinatal care.

The Top Performer program recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the changes of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions.

To be a Top Performer, hospitals had to meet three performance criteria based on 2014 accountability measure data, including:

Achieve cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures;

Achieve performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure with at least 30 cases;

And, have at least one core measure set that had a composite rate of 95 percent or above and within that measure set, achieve a performance rate of 95 percent or above on all applicable individual accountability measures.

For more information about the Top Performer program, visit www.jointcommission.org/accreditation/top_performers.aspx.

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17 Nov 2015

Red Cross blood donation opportunities Dec. 1-15, 2015

By Theresa Kuhlmann

Give something that means something -  Give blood or host a blood drive


Nov. 16, 2015 - The American Red Cross encourages individuals and organizations to give something that means something this winter by making a lifesaving blood donation or hosting a blood drive.


Blood donations often decline from now to New Year's Day when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. Seasonal illnesses, such as colds and the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations


In addition, there are fewer blood drives during the winter months when many hosting organizations postpone drives while people are traveling for the holidays. Severe winter weather may also cause scheduled blood drives to be canceled.


Despite the busy holiday season and threat of extreme freezing weather, the need for blood remains steady. Organizations can help by hosting a blood drive during the winter months, and eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood.


Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more about hosting a blood drive. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations.


Upcoming blood donation opportunities:


Clinton County, Iowa

Clinton

12/12/2015: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prince of Peace Catholic School, 312 S. 4th St.


Henry County, Illinois

Kewanee

12/9/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St.

12/10/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Wethersfield High School Key Club, 439 Willard St.

12/12/2015: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kewanee Armory, 111 N. East St.


Lee County, Illinois

Ashton

12/1/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Mills & Petrie Building, 704 N. First St.


Dixon

12/1/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 506 W. Third

12/10/2015: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Illinois Department of Transportation, 819 Depot

12/15/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St.

12/15/2015: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St.


Mercer County, Illinois

Aledo

12/15/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave.


New Windsor

12/10/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., New Windsor Presbyterian Church, 4TH and Walnut


Rock Island County, Illinois

Moline

12/2/2015: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., American Red Cross of Quad Cities, 1100 River Dr.


Whiteside County, Illinois

Fulton

12/8/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St.

12/9/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Fulton High School, 1207 12th St.


Prophetstown

12/14/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St.


Rock Falls

12/2/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

12/9/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.


Sterling

12/3/2015: 9:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Rd.


How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
17 Nov 2015

Scott County Kids Nest Program Earns Iowa Family Support Credential

By Craig Cooper

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS PROGRAM RE-CREDENTIALED

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Nov. 13, 2015 -- The Iowa Department of Management and Public Health is pleased to announce that the Scott County Kids Nest of Scott County has earned the Iowa Family Support Credential.  The Scott County Kids Nest program is the 70th Iowa program to earn this important distinction.

Also, the Bright Beginnings program of Scott County has been re-credentialed by earning the Iowa Family Support Credential.  The program is only the third in Iowa to be re-credentialed.

The Iowa Family Support Credential is awarded to family support and parent education programs that are validated through an external evaluation to be in substantial adherence to the Iowa Family Support Standards.

The Iowa Family Support Standards are based on the most up-to-date, evidence- based practice in the family support field.  Adherence to the standards indicates that the program is providing high quality services that will result in positive outcomes for young children and their families.

Bright Beginnings and the Scott County Kids Nest diligently worked toward meeting all of the 138 standards over the course of more than two years with the assistance of a program specialist.  A peer review was conducted by trained peers from central Iowa to validate the program's adherence to the standards.  The Iowa Family Support Credential is valid for five years.

The two programs will celebrate the accreditations on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Genesis VNA and Hospice, 2894 AAA Court, Suite 202, Bettendorf.

For additional information concerning the Scott County Kids Nest program, Genesis VNA and Hospice, Scott County contact Tera Weets, Scott County Kids Nest, 563-421-5070 or send email to weetst@genesishealth.com.

About Bright Beginnings Home Visitation Program:

Genesis VNA Bright Beginnings  Home Visitation Program provides family support and education services to pregnant and parenting families with children through age 5 years residing in Scott, Clinton or Jackson counties.  Goals include helping families establish a relationship with a primary physician, encouraging immunizations for children, preventing abuse of children; and, helping families achieve self reliance.

About Scott County Kids Nest Group Education Program:

Genesis VNA Scott County Kids' Nest Group Education Program provides family support and education services to pregnant and parenting families with children in first 13 months in Scott County.  Goals include increased numbers of healthy births by increasing the number of at-risk pregnant women who receive adequate care and services during pregnancy; increase confidence and competence in parenting abilities; and, increase healthy informal support systems of families.

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16 Nov 2015

Genesis Offers Pulmonary Function Screenings In Conjunction With Great American Smokeout

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Nov. 12, 2015 -- Genesis will provide visitors with an interactive, educational experience about the respiratory system to raise awareness about smoking on Thursday, Nov. 19 for the annual Great American Smokeout.

From 8 a.m.-3 p.m. visitors will be able to step inside the inflatable human lung model, learn about the various structures and normal lung functions, observe examples of lung trauma and disease, and view displays explaining some of the latest respiratory medical treatments.The MEGA Lung is approximately 12 feet high by 15 feet wide by 10 feet long.

The MEGA Lung showcases common defects, current respiratory treatment options, and healthy and diseased lung tissue related to Asthma, Bronchitis, Lung cancer, Pulmonary embolism, Pneumonia, and Emphysema.

From 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Genesis will also be providing free lung function screenings. There will also be information about low-dose CT scans for smokers who qualify, and information about smoking cessation available from Genesis.

There will be a prize wheel for visitors who have the correct answer to a question about cancer prevention and screening.

The event will be held in the atrium of Pavilion I, Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, in Davenport.

Wendy Ballou RN, Cancer Nurse Navigator for the Genesis Cancer Care Institute, said the free pulmonary function screening will provide patients with an important baseline of their breathing function.  Individuals being screened will be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece that measures function.

"The test is not only for smokers, but it is especially important for smokers or former smokers to have a baseline like this,'' Ballou said. "This type of test is a way to determine whether there is an abnormal breathing function.  Quite often, it is a cigarette smoker who suffers loss of lung function, and cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor in developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.''

The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of effective methods for quitting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five Americans, or 17.8%, smoke. By gender, 20.5 percent of American males and 15.3 percent of females smoke.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, accounting for more than 440,000 deaths, or one of every five deaths, in the United States each year.

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