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Health briefs for July 5, 2014: The Memorial Hospital offers child-friendly feature

Amanda Vossler
070514_HealthBriefsMUG

The Memorial Hospital has a few new friends to help younger patients who may be having a tough time.

According to a hospital press release, TMH nurse Amanda Vossler recently finalized the implementation of a toy closet for pediatric patients who are admitted to the hospital for treatment or a procedure with an array of stuffed animals, board games and more available.

“Playing is essential when a child is undergoing a difficult treatment or procedure due to illness,” Vossler said. “Providing a new game or toy and watching a smile light up a child’s face is a special moment for families, staff and volunteers.”



Dr. Kelly Follett, a TMH pediatrician, expressed her appreciation for the addition.

“Being in the hospital can be a very scary time for a child,” she said. “By making them feel special and giving them a new toy, we can help make the whole experience seem less scary. A new toy can also serve as a great distraction so these kids are focusing on their new toy and not everything else going on in this foreign setting.”



Bonfils to host local blood drive

Representatives from Bonfils Blood Center will be in Craig from 12:30 to 6 p.m. July 8 at the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 640 E. Victory Way. Those interested in donating can visit Bonfils.org, call to make an appointment or drop in the day of the event.

For more information, call 303-341-4000.

Visiting Nurse Association offering vaccine clinic

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association will host a drop-in immunization clinic on from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 17 at its Craig location at 745 Russell Street.

All recommended vaccines will be available at a low cost for all ages preparing to attend school in the fall. Please bring your insurance card and your immunization records. Those 17 and under will need a parent present.

For more information call 970-824-8233.

Hospital foundation given state grant

According to a press release, The Memorial Hospital Foundation recently received a $45,000 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provider grant award for the Emergency Department Electronic Medical Record system. The grant award included a 50 percent local match from The Memorial Hospital and The Memorial Hospital Foundation to enhance Colorado’s emergency medical and trauma services system.

The total cost of the allergy and medication interface was $90,150. The CDPHE grant was for $45,050. TMH and the TMH Foundation will both fund $22,550 each for the 50 percent match.

Peabody Twentymile Mining Company and Trapper Mine, Inc. also provided funding for the initial purchase of the Emergency Department’s electronic health record, said Eva Peroulis, TMH Foundation Director.

The funding received will assist with the purchase of software interfaces needed for seamless communication between the Emergency Department’s electronic health record and other systems in the hospital.

“This grant has allowed TMH to improve the health care delivery system for the residents of Moffat County,” said TMH Foundation Board Chair Sue Lyster.

Pregnancy Center hosting walking fundraiser

The Yampa Valley Pregnancy Center FUNdraiser Summer Walk-a-thon is still seeking registration.

Participants of all ages will receive a t-shirt and pedometer for the event, which runs through July 26, as walkers collect money based on the amount of walking they do for the following weeks. People can convene at the Moffat County High School track July 26 to distribute their funds and receive a tally. Those who bring in the most funds or walk the greatest recorded steps will also receive prizes.

The cost is $20 per person or for a family of four or more, $20 for the first family member and $10 for all other members.

Those planning to register can do so from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the YVPC office, 25 W. Victory Way.

For more information call 824-5204.

Life-change events can impact insurance eligibility

Colorado residents who have had a life-change event in the past month may qualify for health insurance coverage through Connect for Health Colorado outside of the open enrollment period.

Among the possible conditions:

• Marriage, birth, adoption and placement for foster care

• Your previous insurance plan or Medicaid coverage was canceled or ended

• You changed jobs and lost your employer-sponsored insurance

• You gained citizenship or immigration status

• You experienced a change in incarceration status

• You moved to Colorado

For more information or to meet with a health coverage guide, call 970-871-7664 in Moffat County or 970-871-7638 in Routt County.

Visiting Nurse Association offers incentive for new mothers

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association is offering the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program.

The free program offers prenatal smoking cessations sessions. Expectant moms that quit smoking, stay quit during their pregnancy and stay smoke-free after their baby is born will receive a monthly voucher for free diapers, for up to 12 months.

For more information, call Hope Cook at 970-871-7622.

Hantavirus, rabies can affect rural areas

With warmer weather comes a greater chance for contact with wildlife, which can also mean greater exposure to diseases animals may carry.

Hantavirus is a serious respiratory disease carried by deer mice, which are brown on top and white underneath with large ears. Be careful when doing spring cleaning and before opening up cabins, buildings, sheds and barns.

You can become infected when you inhale dirt and dust contaminated with deer mice droppings. Air out rodent-infested buildings or areas at least 30 minutes before cleaning. Use a solution of household bleach — one cup bleach per gallon of water — to spray materials you have used for cleaning mouse droppings.

For more information visit cdc.gov/hantavirus.

Bats, foxes, porcupines and other small rodents can have rabies, meaning you should never touch these animals. Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually from bites.

Most human cases of rabies in the United States are caused by bats. Bites leave a small wound but require urgent medical attention. If bitten, wash the wound with soap and water and call your doctor.

For more information visit cdc.gov/rabies.


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