SUMMER 2025 Our summer safety guide Your path to safe fun in the sun Why do well‑child visits matter? Learn the benefits for your child and you Breathe easy Take steps to keep your lungs healthy and strong
2 VITALITY Summer 2025 Citizens Memorial Hospital Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation 1500 N. Oakland Ave. Bolivar, MO 65613 417-326-6000 CEO/Executive Director Michael Calhoun Marketing Director Tamera Heitz-Peek Marketing Department Tessa Arnold Jennifer Stegner Katie Duncan Aaron Tallant Charlotte Marsch Mission Providing compassionate care for all generations by leading physicians and an exceptional health care team. Vision Be the first choice for health care by delivering the safest, highest quality and best experience for the communities we serve. Values I am Safe, Engaged, Respectful, Valued and Empowered. Together, we make a difference by serving others. For permission to reprint any portion of this magazine, call 417-328-7245. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please email theitz@citizensmemorial.com or call 417-328-7245. VITALITY is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of CITIZENS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. Information in VITALITY 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. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Citizens Memorial Hospital complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. CMH has arranged for language assistance services free of charge. Call 417-326-6000. (Spanish) ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 417-326-6000. (Chinese) 417-326-6000. We’d love to hear from you on social media facebook.com/citizensmemorial x.com/cmhbolivar instagram.com/cmhbolivar linkedin.com/company/citizens-memorial-healthcare Michael Calhoun, CEO/Executive Director Citizens Memorial Hospital and the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation Leading with care and safety Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) works daily to build and strengthen a culture where safety for all of our patients and clinical staff members is our top priority. During a weeklong focus on patient safety this spring, we awarded the inaugural CMH Patient Safety Award to Rebecca Brown. Brown is a restorative certified nurse assistant at one of our long-term care facilities, Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, in Buffalo. She is one of CMH’s 50-plus safety champions—front-line staff in clinical areas who help their peers focus on safety. Learn more about her significant safety efforts on page 3. Another aspect of safe, quality care is recruiting the best physicians to provide new services to our patients. One of our newest physicians, nephrologist Russell Davis, D.O., with the CMH Nephrology Clinic, can monitor kidney function to provide early intervention in people at high risk of developing kidney disease. On page 10, learn more about how high blood pressure and diabetes— among the most common chronic health conditions in our service area—increase the risk of kidney disease. Pulmonologist Jason Bailey, D.O., joined CMH this spring. On pages 6 and 7, you’ll learn about the Ion robotic bronchoscopy procedure he uses to biopsy lung nodules. The ability to biopsy small nodules can help diagnose lung cancer at an early stage. In this issue, you’ll also read about summer safety, the importance of well-child visits, measles and easy exercises for older adults. Stay safe and make unforgettable memories this summer!
citizensmemorial.com 3 Citizens Memorial Hospital/Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation presented the inaugural Patient Safety Award to Rebecca Brown on March 10. Brown is a restorative certified nurse assistant (RCNA) at Colonial Springs Healthcare Center (CSHCC), a skilled nursing facility in Buffalo. A long history of caring “Rebecca has shown a tremendous amount of dedication to ensuring that we have a safe environment here at CSHCC,” Roy Pace, CSHCC administrator, wrote in his nomination. “She always attends the safety committee meetings and has always come to me with any concerns that she has found when working the floor to make sure we have a safe environment not only for the residents but for her co-workers.” Pace credits Brown for helping implement and monitor the door alarm system for the facility’s Memory Care Unit. The system ensures that staff members are aware when residents go out of the courtyard and exit doors. “She has truly shown me that she is committed to safety,” Pace wrote. “She has worked with the company for over 20 years and still comes in daily trying to make a difference.” Bereavement Support Group Call CMH Hospice at 417-326-3585 for dates. Breastfeeding Basics, The Big Picture and Baby Basics Call the CMH Birth Place at 417-328-6302 to RSVP. Buffalo Area Dementia Support Group Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, 750 Cooper St., Buffalo Fourth Tuesday of every month, 2 p.m. Cancer Survivors Gathering Support Group CMH Tremain Family Hospitality House, 1705 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar Last Friday of the month, 10 a.m. Miscarriage and Infant Loss Support Group Register online at cmhbolivar.info/InfantLoss or call 417-777-8131 to express interest and find out when the next group begins. Tobacco Cessation Call Stephens Pharmacy at 417-328‑2416 or send an email to bailey.sherry@ citizensmemorial.com for details. Women’s Support Group For women with cancer or blood disorders and their caregivers. CMH Tremain Family Hospitality House, 1705 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar Last Wednesday of the month, 2 to 3 p.m. CMH support groups As a service to our patients and community, CMH hosts support groups for different needs. For more details, visit cmhbolivar.info/supportgroups. Rebecca Brown receives CMH Patient Safety Award Champions for safety Brown is also the facility’s safety champion. CMH has more than 50 safety champions who are frontline staff in clinical areas, helping their peers focus on safety. They are advocates for their co-workers and assist in resolving concerns with employee or patient safety. Started in 2022, the safety champions are part of CMH’s focused efforts to improve patient safety.
4 VITALITY Summer 2025 Colonial Springs Healthcare Center remodels kitchen Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, a skilled nursing facility in Buffalo, has a newly remodeled kitchen. The $65,000 renovation includes updating plumbing, electrical systems, walls and flooring to modern standards. For more information about CMH’s senior living options, including Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, go to cmhbolivar.info/SeniorLiving. Topping Out Ceremony A Topping Out Ceremony in February marked a major milestone in the hospital expansion project. The ceremony celebrated the placement of the highest beam—a tradition dating back over 1,000 years, symbolizing progress and good fortune for the future of the building. CMH employees and community members signed the beam. Follow along with construction updates at cmhbolivar.info/construction. Citizens Memorial Hospital awarded $194,147 in grants to 10 community partners to address social needs in Polk County. The grants are part of CMH’s participation in a pilot project with Missouri HealthNet, which runs Missouri’s Medicaid program. CMH is one of six rural Missouri hospitals participating in a five-year pilot project called the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH). “Research shows that many factors influence a person’s health,” says Jenna Hicks, director of quality and population health at CMH. “Housing, transportation and food insecurity are just a few. We know that improving these health factors will improve health and wellness in our community. Ultimately, we can reduce avoidable emergency room visits and improve population health for Medicaid patients, which is the ToRCH program’s goal.” Grant recipients Organizations applying for and receiving the grants are: ● Bolivar R-1 School District. ● Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation. ● Community Outreach Ministries. ● Polk County Community Connections. ● Empower: Abilities. ● Polk County. ● Polk County Health Center. ● Polk County Cares. ● Refuge Apostolic Church. ● Sling N Stones Ministries. For more information about the ToRCH program, please contact Hicks at 417-328-7953. CMH awards $194,147 in ToRCH grants to community partners
citizensmemorial.com 5 Babies in Bloom The 2025 CMH “Babies in Bloom” Baby Fair showcased a variety of resources for families. Over 20 vendors shared valuable information with more than 200 attendees. The event also included presentations from several speakers and a guided tour of the CMH Birth Place. To make sure you know about upcoming events at CMH, sign up for the twice-monthly CMH Health News email at cmhbolivar.info/ CMHNews. Calling all retired CMH employees Retired CMH employees recently gathered for an update on what’s happening at CMH and a time of fellowship. If you are a retired CMH employee and want to be notified about the next gathering, call Tara Akins, director of community relations and development, at 417-328-6318 or email tara.akins@citizensmemorial.com. Earn up to $20,000 to help pay for college Citizens Memorial Hospital and the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation support current and future employees’ educational needs through Step Up for Success. Students and employees can receive up to $20,000 to help pay tuition for certain degrees related to health care. Step Up for Success options include: ● Medical Excellence High School Scholarship. ● Medical Excellence College Program. ● Employee Tuition Assistance. ● Employee Loan Forgiveness. Learn more at cmhbolivar. info/success.
6 VITALITY Summer 2025 Your lungs move fresh oxygen into every cell of your body. Most of the time, you probably don’t even think about breathing. But when lung disease happens, it can bring pain and make breathing a struggle. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid serious illness or even death. Some common types of lung disease are: ● Asthma. ● Emphysema. ● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ● Lung cancer. Don’t ignore the signs The symptoms of lung disease can be hard to notice at first. For instance, you might think a cough (or another symptom) is just something that happens when you get older. “If you’ve had a cough that won’t go away, feel short of breath doing things that used to be easy, or notice wheezing or a tightness in your chest, don’t brush it off,” says Jason Bailey, D.O., with the CMH Pulmonology Clinic. “These could be early signs of lung disease, and catching them early will make a difference.” Stay alert for these common symptoms: ● Chronic cough. If you’ve had a cough for eight weeks or longer, get it checked out, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal. ● Chronic mucus production. Everyone produces mucus, but if it feels like you have more than usual and it’s been going on for a month or more, it could be lung disease. ● Chronic chest pain. Don’t ignore chronic pain in your chest, especially if it hurts worse when you breathe or cough. ● Shortness of breath. If you get out of breath even when you aren’t exercising, this is a red flag. Any time you feel that inhaling or exhaling is hard for no reason, it could signal lung problems. ● Coughing up blood. This is a clear sign there’s some kind of health problem. The blood could Know the signs of LUNG DISEASE
citizensmemorial.com 7 Meet our pulmonology team The board certified pulmonologists at the CMH Pulmonology Clinic can help with everything from asthma to lung cancer. CMH Pulmonology Clinic and Jason Bailey, D.O., recently added the Ion endoluminal system. This technology is a robotic-assisted platform for minimally invasive lung biopsies. Ion helps address a challenging aspect of lung biopsy by enabling physicians to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung. Its ability to reach the entire lung and biopsy small nodules can help identify lung cancer in its earliest stages. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. However, when diagnosed at the earliest stage, the average five-year survival rate is 92%. Here’s how it works: ● During robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with Ion, the physician guides an ultra-thin catheter through the airway to the area of the lung for biopsy. ● The small, flexible catheter can reach all segments of the lung—even far into the outer lung. ● Once at the location of the nodule for biopsy, the catheter locks in place. The physician inserts biopsy tools through the catheter to take a sample of the lung tissue. For more information on minimally invasive lung biopsy at CMH, call the CMH Pulmonology Clinic at 417-328-6055. CMH now offers robotic-assisted lung biopsy be coming from your lungs or respiratory tract. ● Wheezing. When you hear a wheezing sound as you breathe, it means something is blocking the airways in your lungs or making them too narrow. Any of these symptoms could be signs of lung disease—if you experience them, see a health care provider to rule out something serious. An ounce of prevention Thankfully, there are things you can do to help prevent lung Talk to an expert. For more information about lung health or to schedule an appointment, ask your primary care physician for a referral or call CMH Pulmonology Clinic at 417-328-6055. Jason Bailey, D.O. Michael Loggan, M.D., FCCP Brian Kim, M.D. Call 417-328-6055 for more information. Learn about our services Scan the QR code to watch a video where Jason Bailey, D.O., explains new pulmonology procedures at CMH. disease. Here are some of the most important: ● Don’t smoke. Smoking causes chronic inflammation and destroys lung tissue. It can lead to lung cancer as well as COPD. ● Get regular checkups. Lung disease can go unnoticed for a long time. Checkups can help spot a problem when it’s most treatable. ● Exercise. Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your lungs healthy. Exercise strengthens your lungs. ● Do breathing exercises. Exercises like taking deep breaths into your diaphragm (also known as “belly breathing”) can help keep your lungs in good shape. Source: American Lung Association
8 VITALITY Summer 2025 Refresh your summer safety knowhow. These tips should help you prevent mishaps so you can focus on fun. Grill with caution. Set up your grill outdoors, far away from anything else that could catch fire (like your house). Use longhandled tools specifically for grilling. Don’t walk away from your hot grill, and never let kids or pets near it. Swim smart. Swim safely by choosing lifeguard-protected areas. Before any swimming trip, talk to kids about water safety. And if you have kiddie pools, make sure you drain them and flip them over after each use. Take shelter from storms. If you can hear thunder, that means lightning can strike. Get inside a sturdy building or hop in a car, and stay out of the storm for at least 30 minutes after the thunder stops. If you can’t get inside, avoid water, elevated areas, trees and anything that conducts electricity. Check your first aid kit. Whether you buy one or put it together yourself, check your first aid kit for missing or expired items. Keep one in the car and one at home so you’ll always be prepared. Handle fireworks with care. Store any fireworks in a cool, dry place that kids can’t reach. Always wear eye protection, and light one firework at a time. If you get one that doesn’t go off, let it go—never relight a dud. Stay safe in the sun. Protect yourself from sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cover up with clothing, and always use sunscreen—SPF 15 or higher. Don’t forget to protect your eyes with sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Summer is a time to get active. Talk to your health care provider before jumping into new, intense exercises or activities. To make an appointment with one of our providers, visit us at citizensmemorial.com or call 417-328-6010. summer Essential safety tips for Mohs surgery: The gold standard for skin cancer When skin cancer requires surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. The
citizensmemorial.com 9 Is it skin cancer? Watch for the warning signs Checking your body for suspicious moles may save your life. Here’s what to look for and when to call the doctor. Know your ABCDEs Spotting the signs of melanoma, a form of skin cancer, is as easy as ABCDE. Here’s what those letters stand for: Asymmetrical. Check for irregularly shaped spots or moles. Border. Look for jagged edges or poorly defined borders around spots. Color. Take note if a growth’s color is darker or lighter in some areas. Diameter. Look for moles and spots larger than a pea. Evolving. Be alert to any changes, like a sore that doesn’t heal. “The key things to watch for are lesions that are new or changing in size, shape or color; things that hurt, itch or bleed; or wounds that don’t heal,” says Murphy Mastin, M.D., a board certified dermatologist at the CMH Dermatology Clinic. “Anything that you’re concerned about would be something to bring up to your primary care provider.” Practice sun safety Being alert to signs of cancer is one part of taking care of your skin. The other is daily sun safety. Don’t forget to: Wear protective gear. Longsleeved shirts and long pants, hats, and sunglasses can keep the sun off your skin and eyes. Use sunscreen. Slather broadspectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) over any skin that sees the sun. Seek shade. Trees, awnings and umbrellas are your friends when you want to protect your skin. “UV radiation from the sun is the primary culprit,” Dr. Mastin says. “Around 90% of skin cancers are related to sun exposure and lack of adequate sun protection.” Call 417-328-4500 to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at the CMH Dermatology Clinic. Do a skin check in 4 steps Check all over Skin cancer can appear anywhere, from head to toe. Have your partner check areas you can’t see. Or use a mirror. Map your moles Draw a simple outline of the front and back of your body, as well as the sides of your face and the bottoms of your feet. Recording spots on this map may help you track any skin changes. Look for changes These include new or suspicious spots or spots that change, itch or bleed. Tell a doctor See a doctor if you find any changes that concern you. Call 417-328-4500 for more information or to schedule an appointment. ● Leaving the smallest possible scar. Ajdin Kobic, M.D., and Murphy Mastin, M.D., at the CMH Dermatology Clinic, are board certified in dermatology and micrographic surgery. surgeon cuts away thin layers of skin, looking closely for signs of cancer. Benefits of the procedure compared to a traditional incision include: ● Removal of all cancerous cells. ● A higher cure rate. ● Preserving more healthy skin tissue. Ajdin Kobic, M.D. Murphy Mastin, M.D.
10 VITALITY Summer 2025 Kidney conditions and disorders At the CMH Nephrology Clinic in Bolivar, Russell Davis, D.O., treats these kidney conditions and disorders: ● Acute kidney injury. ● Chronic kidney disease. ● Cystic kidney disease. ● Diabetic nephropathy. ● Electrolyte disorders. ● End-stage renal disease. ● Glomerulonephritis. ● Glomerulopathy. ● Hypertension. ● Kidney infections. ● Kidney stones. ● Microscopic hematuria. ● Nephrotic syndrome. ● Proteinuria/ albuminuria. ● Urinary tract infection. Did you know that 35.5 million Americans have kidney disease? In fact, 9 out of 10 people with kidney disease don’t even know they have it. Some kidney diseases run in families. However, diabetes and high blood pressure are the two main causes of kidney disease. “Diabetes and hypertension are often associated with kidney disease,” says Russell Davis, D.O., a board certified nephrologist at the CMH Nephrology Clinic. “These disease states, combined with proteinuria, can be a warning sign of advancing kidney disease, and early intervention may slow or stabilize disease.” Lifestyle changes While kidney disease is not reversible, lifestyle changes can prevent it or slow its progression. The changes include: ● Eating a healthy diet. ● Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise. ● Quitting smoking. ● Limiting alcohol intake. ● Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your kidneys remove toxins. ● Treating urinary tract infections right away. ● Monitoring your blood pressure and kidney function. Early diagnosis It’s crucial to watch your kidney health if you have risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease. A few symptoms to watch for include swollen feet, fatigue and changes in urination, but you might not see any signs of early kidney disease. However, easy blood and urine tests can reveal how your kidneys are functioning. “If you have high blood pressure and diabetes, talk to a nephrologist,” Dr. Davis says. “Your kidneys may be working fine now, but we can use simple tests to catch kidney disease early and slow its progression.” High blood pressure and diabetes: A dangerous duo for your kidneys Make the call Dr. Davis is accepting new patients at the CMH Nephrology Clinic. Ask your primary care provider for a referral or call 417-328-7300 to schedule an appointment. Russell Davis, D.O.
citizensmemorial.com 11 If you have children, it’s important to take them to regular well-child visits. These visits, also called physical exams or checkups, help you understand your child’s growth and development. They also help keep your child healthy and safe. When it comes to choosing a doctor for your child, you have options. Pediatricians are doctors who have specialized training in caring for children. A family doctor can also provide quality well-child visits. These doctors care for patients at all stages of life, from childhood through old age. Why does my child need well-child visits? These checkups offer many advantages. Growth and development. At each visit, the doctor will give your child a physical exam. They will measure your child’s height and weight, listen to their heartbeat and lungs, and perform simple tests to understand how your child is growing and if their development is within a normal range for their age. The doctor will talk about your child’s stages of physical and social development, which are called developmental milestones. Prevention. Your child needs immunizations to protect them against serious illnesses. In addition, you and your doctor will discuss ways to make sure your child is safe at home and at school. Answers to your questions. Well-child visits are an ideal time for you to bring up questions or concerns. Jot down your top questions and bring them with you. Make notes during the visit and review them when you get home. If your child has had major changes in their life, such as a new sibling or a new school, be sure to mention them during the checkup. If your student plans to compete in middle school or high school sports, cheerleading/ spirit squad or marching band next school year, they will need a sports physical before the first practice. Get ahead of the game by asking your provider for a sports physical at their well-child visit. Most insurance plans cover wellness examinations once per calendar year. All sports physical paperwork can be completed during the wellness appointment. Access sports physical resources, including the requirements and evaluation form, from the Missouri State High School Athletics Association at mshsaa.org/sportsmedicine. The importance of well-child visits How often will my child need well-child visits? During the first few years of life, your child grows rapidly and will need frequent checkups. Here are the ages at which your child needs to see their doctor: > To schedule an appointment for your child, call 417-328-6010 or visit citizensmemorial.com. 1 week. 1 month. 2 months. 4 months. 6 months. 9 months. 12 months. 15 months. 18 months. 2 years. 2½ years. Between ages 3 and 21, your child may need an annual wellchild visit. Ask your doctor when they want to see your child next. A winning combo: Well-child visits + sports physicals
12 VITALITY Summer 2025 Exercise is something you should keep on doing as you get older—for its many rewards. Among them: Exercising helps prevent some chronic diseases and cancers while helping you stay active and independent longer. And while it’s great to exercise outdoors, there may be days when the weather’s gloomy or you prefer to stay indoors. That’s when you might want to give these ideas a try: If you are 55 or older and live in the CMH service area, you can join the CMH Senior Fitness Center for free. Formerly the CMH Senior Health Center, the workout facility has a variety of exercise equipment and group exercise classes. The best part is the supportive community. “Lots of friendships develop here,” says Coordinator Jody Pool. “It’s a great way to make Exercise for free at the CMH Senior Fitness Center Take some laps indoors. Walking is aerobic exercise, the type that improves stamina, heart health and more. If you have access to a treadmill, take a walk while watching TV. Shopping malls are also great for walking briskly indoors. Pro tip: Many malls open early for walkers, before shoppers arrive. ● Senior-friendly outdoor walking trail just south of the building. ● Vending area. ● Men’s and women’s changing rooms with showers and provided towels. ● Blood pressure monitoring. ● Exercise log sheets to track progress. ● Library containing leisure and educational books, a computer with internet access and free Wi-Fi. ● Health education programs, as needed. Workouts you can do indoors new friends and socialize while exercising. We have people who continue exercising here into their 90s. They really inspire the younger members to keep exercising because they want to be that active in their 90s too.” Free services provided to members include: ● Open pool time and hot tub. ● Various chair and floor fitness classes that focus on flexibility, balance and strength. ● Tai chi. Easy exercises for older adults
citizensmemorial.com 13 EXERCISE STAY-WITH-IT TIPS Set goals. Small, doable goals can inspire you to continue your journey. Go outside. Try biking, hiking or other outdoor activities to add variety. Listen to music. Turn on your exercise playlist and see how far you go! Find an exercise partner. A workout buddy or group can help keep you accountable. Put it on your calendar. Treat exercise sessions like other vital appointments. Boost your balance. Balance training may help you avoid falls. A simple exercise is to stand and lift each leg for 10 seconds at a time. Pro tip: If you feel unsteady, hold on to the back of a sturdy chair or the edge of a counter. Strike a pose. Age and diseases, like arthritis, can make joints and muscles less limber. Stretching exercises, like yoga, can improve flexibility. Pro tip: Try in-person yoga classes or online videos. Join the resistance. Resistance bands are stretchy, elastic bands you can use for strength training instead of free weights. Pro tip: Resistance bands come in different resistance levels. Having several of different levels allows you to build strength over time. Lift your own body weight. Body-weight exercises use your own body weight as resistance, building strength that helps you perform everyday tasks. Think pushups, planks or squats. If you’re just starting out, you may want to try chair squats. While standing with your back to a chair, bend your knees and lower your body into the chair. Now push your body back up to a standing position. Pro tip: Do strength exercises— like body-weight exercises or lifting weights—at least twice per week. Pull up a chair If you have limited mobility, consider doing different types of exercises in a chair. For example, you might try stretches, chair yoga or tai chi, and lifting hand weights. We can help you get moving If you are 55 or older, you can join the CMH Senior Fitness Center for free. The center offers a variety of exercise equipment and a supportive community that can help keep you motivated. Learn more at cmhbolivar.info/SeniorFitness or, to schedule a tour, call 417-777-7171. The CMH Senior Fitness Center is at 1840 W. Broadway St., Bolivar.
14 VITALITY Summer 2025 Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications, but the good news is that it’s preventable. With cases on the rise in some areas, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your community. Vaccination—your best defense Measles vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing measles. Doctors recommend two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine (or the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine for children that also protects against chickenpox). “The risk for widespread measles in the United States remains low but should not be ignored,” says Eric Fulnecky, M.D., an infectious disease physician at the CMH Infectious Disease Clinic. “When you protect yourself through vaccination, you also protect those around you who cannot be vaccinated. Measles is preventable, and together, we can stop its spread.” Measles is more common in certain countries. Before traveling, ensure that everyone in your household is fully vaccinated. Symptoms and risks Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and can include: ● High fever (up to 104 degrees). ● Cough, runny nose, red eyes. ● White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots). ● Rash that spreads from the face downward. What to do after a measles exposure If you have measles immunity: You have a very low risk of becoming symptomatic and an even lower risk of having serious complications or being hospitalized. If you don’t have measles immunity: Call your provider without delay. If you get the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure, you may get some protection or have a milder illness. In other cases, you may be given a medicine called immunoglobulin (Ig) within six days of your measles exposure. How to protect yourself and others against measles 1957-1962 1963-1967 1968-1989 MAYBE. The measles vaccine was not widely available during this time. Check with your doctor. YES. The measles vaccine you received was considered ineffective and you will need a booster. MAYBE. The measles vaccine transitioned from a single-dose to a two-dose recommendation. Check with your doctor. DO YOU NEED A MEASLES BOOSTER? BEFORE 1957 NO. You were probably already exposed to measles. AFTER 1989 NO. If you received two doses, your vaccines are considered effective. For more information about measles prevention, contact your primary care provider.
citizensmemorial.com 15 Sure, you know that a heart attack is a medical emergency. But would you recognize the warning signs and seek treatment early enough? A heart attack usually happens when a blood vessel that supplies the heart becomes blocked with plaque. Unless the heart’s oxygen-rich blood supply is restored quickly at a hospital, part of the heart’s muscle tissue will begin to die. Heart attack signs and symptoms vary from person to person, but most involve: Chest discomfort. Most people experience pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest. The discomfort may last for more than a few minutes or come and go—and it may be only mild. Upper body discomfort. This can feel like pain or other discomfort in one or both arms or in the back, neck or jaw. Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain. Other possible heart attack warning signs include breaking out in cold sweats and feeling dizzy or sick to your stomach. No time to spare It’s vital to get treatment right away for a heart attack. Here’s why: Specialists at the hospital can perform treatments to open blocked arteries and limit heart damage. You have a better chance of receiving this lifesaving care and making a full recovery if you get help quickly. So if you even think you might be having a heart attack: What to do when you think it’s a heart attack Call 911. Remember: Every minute that goes by while you decide what to do could affect your chances of surviving a heart attack with minimal heart damage and a better quality of life. Don’t try to drive yourself or someone else to the hospital. An ambulance is usually faster. And emergency responders can begin lifesaving treatments on the way. Don’t delay because of denial or embarrassment. You shouldn’t wait to see if your symptoms get better or turn out to be indigestion. That’s a risk you shouldn’t take with your one-andonly heart. Prioritize your heart’s health A healthy lifestyle may help you prevent a heart attack. If you want to schedule a checkup with a cardiologist, call the CMH Heart Institute at 417-328-6040.
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Citizens Memorial Hospital District 1500 N. Oakland Ave. Bolivar, MO 65613 ANNA ALESHIRE, PA-C, is a physician assistant at the CMH OB-GYN Clinic. She has a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. To make an appointment, call 417-777-8131. JASON BAILEY, D.O., is a pulmonologist at the CMH Pulmonology Clinic. He earned his medical degree from Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa. He completed an internal medicine internship and residency at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where he also completed a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine. He is certified in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. To make an appointment, call 417-328-6055. THOMAS BLANSETT, PH.D., is a clinical psychologist at the Humansville Family Medical Center. He has a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno, California. To make an appointment, call 417-754-2223. JUSTIN JOHNS, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in the CMH Addiction Recovery Program. He has a Master of Social Work from Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri. For more information about the Addiction Recovery Program or to make an appointment, call 417-328-4201. On the move KURT BRAVATA, M.D., FASAM, is now seeing patients at the Pleasant Hope Family Medical Center. He previously was at the Dallas County Family Medical Center and Walk-In Clinic in Buffalo. Dr. Bravata is medical director of the Pleasant Hope clinic and continues as the medical director of the CMH Addiction Recovery Program in Bolivar. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Preventive Medicine in the subspecialty of Addiction Medicine. He is also a fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. To make an appointment, call 417-267-2001. Meet our new providers Simple steps to stay fit Check out our easy exercises you can do indoors—or out! See page 12.
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