Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2019

2 VITALITY Winter 2019 Saying goodbye is hard to do You may have heard that I will be retiring from Citizens Memorial Hospital/Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation in January 2020. I’ve loved every minute of the past 39 years. It was the best decision of my life moving my family to Bolivar, Missouri, and building CMH, even though other rural hospitals in Missouri were closing. The history of CMH will not be forgotten. A new book, The CMH Story: From Dreams to Reality and Beyond , was recently published by authors Kerry D. Douglas and James C. Sterling. Douglas was a member of the founding board of directors and served 28 years as the chairman. Sterling was the publisher of the Bolivar Herald-Free Press and together, along with other community leaders, helped to start CMH. More information about purchasing a copy of the book can be found on page 3. Also on page 3 are highlights from the 16th annual Burgundy Ball held Oct. 12 in Springfield. Lorrie Morgan, a wonderful country music singer, was our guest entertainer, and I presented seven CMH supporters with the Donald J. Babb awards. This issue of Vitality is one you will want to read cover to cover. Although I will not be the CEO/executive director of CMH after January, you will be in great hands with Gary Fulbright, my chief financial officer for the past 38 years and the next CEO/executive director of CMH. Fulbright was the third employee I hired at CMH, and I am confident that he will continue our vision and be an exceptional leader for CMH. Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and most of all your loyalty to Citizens Memorial. I’m thankful to have been a part of this amazing journey. Blessings to you! Donald J. Babb CEO/Executive Director WELCOME FEATURES UPDATES 8 Time for change Colorectal cancer screening guidelines have been updated. Here’s why. 10 Oh, baby! Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy after 35. 7 Keep your child safe at school Parents, this homework’s for you— learn about chronic illness action plans. 13 Fancy fish? Catch the facts about fish and how it can help protect your heart. Facebook “f”Logo CMYK / .ai facebook.com/citizensmemorial We’d love to hear from you ON FACEBOOK WE’RE ALSO ON twitter.com/cmhbolivar. Citizens Memorial Hospital • Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation 1500 N. Oakland Ave. Bolivar, MO 65613 417-326-6000 CEO/Executive Director Donald J. Babb Marketing Director Tamera Heitz-Peek Marketing Department Tessa Arnold AaronTallant Wren Hall Stephen Grainger Mission Caring for every generation through exceptional services by leading physicians and a compassionate health care team. Vision Be the first choice for customer-focused health care to every generation. CoreValues I am…positive, respectful, innovative, dedicated, empowered. Together, we are CMH PRIDE. 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 inVITALITY 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. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Donald J. Babb, CEO/Executive Director