At Cass Regional, our infusion therapy team works in the Mills Cancer and Rheumatology Center, conveniently located on the main floor of the hospital. Infusion therapy includes injections and/or intravenous (IV) medications that are used to treat a variety of conditions. Our infusion services include, but are not limited to: ● Chemotherapy/immunotherapy/biotherapy and supportive care given by chemotherapy/ immunotherapy-certified nurses. An oncology provider is onsite for all infusions. ● Rheumatology IV therapy, with a rheumatologist onsite for all infusions. ● IV therapy for treating gastroenterology, neurology, endocrinology, hematology, nephrology, cardiology, pulmonology and infectious disease patients. ● Injections, including osteoporosis treatments and hormone therapy. ● Infusions of iron, IV fluids, electrolytes, steroids, antibiotics and other medications, including those used to treat nausea and vomiting. ● Transfusions of blood and blood products. ● Therapeutic phlebotomy procedures for patients with blood disorders. ● Management of port-a-cath and central line devices, including maintenance flushing, dressing changes, lab draws and de-clotting. ● Placement and management of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines and midlines, including maintenance flushing, dressing charges, lab draws and de-clotting. What is infusion therapy? Our infusion therapy nursing team, from left: Christine Eastwood, RN; Kelly Wareham, RN; Kim Blankenship, RN, BSN, OCN; Casey Shultz, RN, OCN; Beth Burkhart, RN; and Vicki Feehan, RN, BSN. Our highly skilled and experienced nursing staff provides personalized care to our patients in an exceptional clinic setting. In addition to having chemotherapy/ immunotherapy certification, our nurses are certified in basic life support (BLS) and/or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and they are required to maintain skills specific to infusion therapy. Our infusion bays are spacious, and each has windows featuring views of the hospital’s Healing Garden. An order from your provider is required for infusion therapy. We accept orders from primary and specialty providers who practice within and outside of the Cass Regional system. Infusions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For appointments and questions, call 816-887-0331. Count on us wellness Here for Your Health Fall 2023
wellness matters Information in WELLNESS MATTERS 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. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Working to improve your care Construction is again underway at Cass Regional Medical Center! Crews began working in July on an expansion of the Dietary department, as well as renovations to accommodate new offices. This project will occur in four phases, which will allow for the kitchen to be fully operational during the construction process. The total project is scheduled to last 320 days. ● Phase 1 will include new Human Resources offices, an expanded dining area, new serving and cashier areas, and a new walk-in cooler and freezer. ● Phase 2 includes demolition of the current serving area to create a new dishwashing room, along with removing the existing walk-in cooler and freezer, turning that area into more dry storage and food preparation areas. ● Phase 3 includes removing the current dishwashing area and finishing the new serving area. ● Phase 4 includes moving the salad bar to the new serving area and finishing the passthrough to the serving area. Highlights of the project ● Larger walk-in cooler and freezer. ● Updated and upgraded food service equipment. ● More food preparation space and storage. ● The ability to offer more food options for staff and visitors. ● More grab-and-go options and space for vending for staff who work nights and weekends. ● Expanded dining room. ● Double-sided salad bar to improve serving line flow. ● Relocation of Human Resources offices to the first floor. The Mills Cancer and Rheumatology Center is open! On May 11, people from across the area gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting and open house for the Mills Cancer and Rheumatology Center at Cass Regional Medical Center. The event featured remarks by Chris Lang, CEO; rheumatologist Kevin Latinis, MD, PhD; and oncologist/hematologist Jaswinder Singh, MD. Lang also expressed appreciation to Bill Mills, whose generous gift to Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation helped fund the new center. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by ambassadors from the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce, guests were invited to tour the center and enjoy refreshments. From left: Kevin Latinis, MD, PhD, rheumatologist; Bill Mills, donor; Kim Blankenship, RN, BSN, OCN, Mills Center manager; Chris Lang, Cass Regional CEO; and Jaswinder Singh, MD, oncologist/ hematologist. Chris Lang, CEO, presenting plaque to Bill Mills, donor. Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting for the opening of the Mills Cancer and Rheumatology Center. 2 cassregional.org | 816-380-3474
Thompson named new chief financial officer Cass Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Ronnie Thompson as its new chief financial officer, effective Sept. 18. Thompson brings nearly 25 years of financial and business experience in health care to Cass Regional. He most recently served as the chief financial officer for Centerpoint Medical Center. Prior to that, Thompson was the CFO at Belton Regional Medical Center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from DeVry University. Cass Regional volunteer Kim Chulufas and her dog, Peter, make short, in-room visits to patients at Cass Regional as part of the Pets for Life program. The program’s mission is to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of people in need of comfort through interactive visits with their certified therapy team of pets and their human volunteers. Many clinical studies have proven the significant effect animals can have on adults and children alike, and pet-assisted therapy is recognized as a valuable tool in caring for those with physical and mental health conditions. Pet therapy has been shown to lower anxiety levels and agitation, lessen depression and feelings of isolation, stimulate communication, lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and simply provide a break in routine. Most importantly, it spreads smiles through interaction with our four-legged friends. Ronnie Thompson, chief financial officer Peter, pet therapy dog from Pets for Life, Inc., visits with a Cass Regional patient. (Photo used with permission.) Pet therapy increases well-being Pets for Life, Inc., is a local, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by community donations. For more information, visit kcpetsforlife.com/makeadonation. Wellness Matters | Fall 2023 3
If you are at risk for heart failure, you might be overwhelmed with information. Here are five simple facts to help you understand the basics. Should you get a cardiac scoring test? A cardiac scoring test, also called a heart scan, is a computed tomography (CT) of your heart that takes detailed images of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The images show calcium deposits you may have in your coronary arteries. Higher amounts of calcium are associated with more severe heart disease. The goal of a cardiac CT scan for calcium scoring is to determine if coronary artery disease (CAD) is present and to what extent. Your provider may recommend this screening if you have CAD risk factors but no clinical symptoms. Major CAD risk factors ● High cholesterol levels ● Family history of heart attacks ● Diabetes ● High blood pressure ● Cigarette smoking ● Overweight or obese ● Physical inactivity CT technologists perform cardiac scoring tests at Cass Regional Medical Center and Pleasant Hill Imaging Center. An order from your provider is required, and scoring isn’t covered by insurance. We offer it at both locations for $75. To schedule a cardiac scoring test, please call 816-887-0788. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; MedlinePlus; National Institutes of Health 1 Heart failure is common. About 6.2 million adults in the United States have heart failure. By 2030, that number is expected to be 8 million adults. If you have experienced heart failure, you are not alone. 2 Blood tests can diagnose and monitor heart failure. Your primary care provider (PCP) may ask about your medical and family health history during your physical exam. If heart failure is suspected, a brain natriuretic peptide test may be ordered. This blood test measures the hormone levels released in your blood if the heart is damaged. You may then be referred to a cardiologist for further testing, depending on the results. 3 Heart failure symptoms change over time. These are some of the common symptoms, which may not be noticeable at first but worsen over time: ● Shortness of breath while active, at rest or lying down. ● Weight gain with swelling in the legs and stomach. ● Feeling tired and weak. ● Coughing or wheezing that persists. ● Heart failure can also slowly develop from chronic medical conditions, such as: X Irregular heartbeat. X Coronary artery disease. X High blood pressure. X Diabetes. X Severe lung diseases. XObesity. Heart failure can also occur suddenly, following a heart attack or other event. 4 Treatments for heart failure are effective. Lifestyle changes, including reducing sodium and liquid intake and getting daily exercise, can help manage symptoms. A treatment plan can include medication, medical devices and surgeries. 5 Healthy choices can prevent or delay heart failure. Keep your heart healthy by: ● Eating healthy foods. ● Exercising daily. ● Reducing your daily stress. ● Avoiding nicotine and alcohol. Work with your PCP to manage health conditions if you are at risk for heart failure. 5 facts to know about heart failure 4 cassregional.org | 816-380-3474
Our new pulmonary function testing lab has arrived! Lung disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects nearly 13 million Americans. The good news is that rehabilitation for people with pulmonary disease reduces the need for hospitalization and improves survival rates, and the pulmonary care team at Cass Regional is here to help. Our dedicated professionals support you in making changes to decrease the impact of pulmonary disease. Our goal is to help you feel better in both mind and body. How does pulmonary rehabilitation help? Most people with pulmonary disease can maintain their usual level of activity if they follow appropriate health care measures. Our pulmonary rehabilitation program, directed by a doctor who specializes in internal medicine, helps patients do that. Our highly trained team, which may include respiratory therapists, physical therapists and nutritionists, designs a care plan that meets your individual needs. Pulmonary rehabilitation therapists provide supervised exercise training, respiratory care instruction, smoking cessation assistance, nutrition counseling, oxygen therapy and education. This structured treatment plan can extend your life, reduce disability and enable you to enjoy everyday activities. Pulmonary rehabilitation can also help people who develop a condition called post-COVID fibrosis. This is scar tissue in the lungs, which makes them less flexible, causing lower oxygen levels. Symptoms of lung fibrosis include shortness of breath and a cough. With rehab, most patients improve significantly over time. Patients will need an order from their provider to start pulmonary rehabilitation. To learn more, please call 816-380-3474, ext. 7110. What to know about pulmonary rehabilitation COPD Support Group Tuesday, Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cass Regional Medical Center Conference Rooms 1, 2 and 3 2800 E. Rock Haven Road, Harrisonville, MO 64701 This support group is for people diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their caregivers. Participants provide support to one another and learn methods to manage their condition while taking part in everyday activities. To RSVP for the luncheon, please contact Respiratory Services Director Tonya Lichte at 816-380-3474, ext. 4160, or email tlichte@cassregional.org. The new pulmonary function testing lab is here, proudly displayed by Tonya Lichte, RRT, director of respiratory services! Proceeds from Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation’s spring fundraising dinner and auction, Boots & Bar-B-Que, were used to fund the lab, which replaced one that had been in service since 2009. The lab is used to help diagnose more than 750 patients per year. Cass Regional’s respiratory therapists administer lung function tests, and doctors use their findings to diagnose and treat people living with lung disease and/or infection. Many thanks again to our donors—your support ensures that we continue to have the best available equipment for our therapists; doctors; and, most important, our patients! Wellness Matters | Fall 2023 5
Do you have a foot ulcer? Our Wound Center might be able to help. Talk to your doctor and see if a referral is right for you. Have diabetes? Give your feet some TLC When you have diabetes, it’s important to know how to properly care for your feet. That’s because diabetes can increase your risk for poor blood flow and nerve damage, which can cause deep wounds (ulcers) that may become infected. In extreme cases, foot ulcers might lead to gangrene and amputation. To help take good care of your feet: Check them daily. Look for problems such as cuts, sores, red spots, blisters, corns, calluses or an area of your foot that feels warmer than others. Ask your primary care provider which foot problems you should report right away. Protect your feet. Wear well-fitting shoes. There should be enough room for your toes. It’s best not to go barefoot or wear socks without shoes, even indoors. If your feet are numb from nerve damage, you might step on something and get a sore you can’t feel. Maintain circulation. Stay as active as possible. Have a few minutes? Take a walk around the block. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles when sitting. Avoid tight socks; they can cut off blood flow. Ask how to care for calluses or corns. Your provider may tell you to smooth them with a pumice stone after bathing. Trim your toenails straight across. You’re less likely to cut your skin and cause an infection. Don’t put lotions or creams in between your toes. The moisture may promote infections. Get regular foot exams. Your provider can check your feet at every visit. Ask for a more thorough exam at least yearly. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 6 cassregional.org | 816-380-3474
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, food isn’t just food. It’s a delicious experience loaded with temptation and tradition. Managing the blitz of festive favorites, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles and desserts, can be tricky for anyone. But if you’re among the 30 million Americans with diabetes, this season can be especially challenging. Party smart. These party pointers can help you keep your blood sugar on track while still enjoying yourself: More holiday food for thought Contact your primary care provider with any concerns as the holidays approach. Sources: Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes and healthy holidays Wellness Matters | Fall 2023 7 Use delay tactics. At parties, grab a glass of seltzer and mingle. Focus on your family and friends instead of making a beeline for the buffet table. Plan your splurges. Assess the food array before serving yourself. Reserve one fourth of your plate for starchy holiday favorites. Round out your plate with foods that will help keep your blood sugar in check, such as salads and nonstarchy vegetables, like broccoli and baby carrots. Bring a healthy main dish that fits into your meal plan. That way, you’ll know there will be at least one healthy option. Don’t be a people pleaser. If others pressure you to eat, be ready to politely decline. Make time for exercise. Physical activity helps lower blood sugar and provides a feeling of well-being that can fuel your resolve to eat healthy. Monitor your blood sugar. To know how holiday foods affect your blood sugar, check it throughout the day every day to make sure it’s within your target ranges. Go easy on sweets. Have only a small serving of treats high in sugar and fat, such as holiday cookies and cakes, or skip them altogether. Get back on track. If you overindulge, don’t convince yourself you might as well keep going. Instead, go right back to your regular, diabetes-friendly lifestyle.
Please check our website, cassregional.org, or our Facebook page for up-todate information on events. 2800 E. Rock Haven Road Harrisonville, MO 64701 816-380-3474 DATE: 9/30/2014 Standard CLIENT: Cass Regional Medical Center U.S. Postage PAID CCI JOB NO.: CMM30770 Cass Regional Medical Center COPY IN: 9/25/2014 INDICIA Makes 12 servings. Ingredients Canola oil spray 1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup unbleached allpurpose flour 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/4 cup canola oil 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup 100% apple juice 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup dried cranberries Directions ● Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat 8-x-4-inch loaf pan with canola oil spray and set aside. ● In large bowl, combine whole-wheat pastry flour, allpurpose flour, flaxseed, sugar, baking soda and salt and set aside. In a medium bowl, lightly beat eggs. Whisk in pumpkin, canola oil, applesauce, apple juice, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Stir in dried cranberries. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until all dry ingredients are incorporated into batter. Do not beat or overmix. Pour batter into prepared pan. ● Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until wooden toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan and continue cooling on rack. Cranberry flax pumpkin bread Nutrition information Serving size: 1 slice. Amount per serving: 200 calories, 7g total fat (0.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 30mg cholesterol, 32g carbohydrates, 3g protein, 3g dietary fiber, 220mg sodium. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research
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