New Rooms in Use for Sleep Studies

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New rooms are now in use for sleep studies at Jefferson Community Health & Life. By using patient rooms, JCH&L is able to offer those participating in sleep studies more space, an in-room bathroom, and a quieter atmosphere.

Sleep studies, also known as polysomnogram, is a non-invasive overnight exam that allows trained technicians to monitor the patient during sleep to see what is happening with their brain and body. During a study, sensors measure sleep stages, heart and breathing rates, blood oxygen, snoring, body movements and eye movements. A report is then prepared by a trained physician and results are shared with the ordering physician.

Sleep studies can be ordered by family medicine providers or specialists, and will be coordinated at JCH&L by Respiratory Therapist Stacy Shumard. Technicians from Rural Sleep Solutions do the studies at JCH&L.

A physician might recommend a sleep study if a patient has symptoms of disorders such as sleep apnea: loud snoring, waking up with a choking or gasping sensation, sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, sleepiness while driving, morning headaches, restless sleep, forgetfulness and/or mood changes. Treatments are available which can help alleviate the problems associated with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Jefferson Community Health & Life has been offering sleep studies locally since 2003, and in 2018 was accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. The Medicare and Medicaid programs began requiring ACHC accreditation in 2017.

Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance companies will cover sleep studies.

If you have symptoms of sleep disorders, make an appointment with a family medicine provider at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic or JCH&L Plymouth Clinic. For more information on sleep studies, contact Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-3351.

New Outpatient Experience Feedback Program at Jefferson Community Health and Life

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Jefferson Community Health & Life has partnered with Real-time Feedback by NRC Health starting April 1 for health center outpatient services.

Real-time Feedback is a patient experience program that allows JCH&L to work to improve the patient experience. A day or two after their visit, the patient will receive a telephone call between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. using Interactive Voice Response (IVR). The phone call will take about two minutes to complete. If the patient does not answer, the system will leave a voice mail message inviting the patient to call back. If they return the call, they will access the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) survey.

If the patient doesn’t answer or return the call, about a day later an email will be sent (if the patient has an email address included in their record.) The email has a link to a web-based assessment, which will take about 2 minutes to complete. If the patient does not have an email address in their record, they will receive a second phone call.

The system will make a third attempt to contact the patient another day later with a phone call, and if they don’t answer a voice mail will be left. The patient can return the call at their convenience and complete the Interactive Voice Response survey.

The surveys allow Jefferson Community Health & Life to improve the patient experience through addressing any concerns patients have. This partnership with NRC Health is an example of our continued dedication toward ensuring our patients have an excellent care experience, and transition back home safely into our community, using best practices established within the healthcare industry.

Parkinson’s Support Group to Meet April 8

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The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Monday, April 8, at 10 a.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be a webinar – Seeing Clearly With Vision Changes  –by Dan Gold, DO Assistant Professor of Neurology, Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Parkinson’s Support Group generally meets on the second Monday of each month.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cost for participants.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at (402)-729-6855.

Salad Festival Set for May 16

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Annual Fund-raiser for JCH&L Auxiliary

FAIRBURY — The Spring Salad Festival of the Jefferson Community Health & Life Auxiliary will be held on Thursday, May 16, at the Fairbury Elks Lodge. The Salad Festival is a fund-raiser for the JCH&L Auxiliary which has been a community event since 1965.

“The Salad Festival has a long history in our community, and has been a wonderful fund-raiser for the JCH&L Auxiliary,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations at Jefferson Community Health & Life. “It is also something that has provided wonderful food and fellowship, and our community has enjoyed.”

The salad festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets will be $6 in advance, and $6.50 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Fairbury Chamber, Jefferson County Extension, Heartland Bank, American National Bank, Union Bank and Jefferson Community Health & Life.

The Spring Salad Festival is the main fund-raising event of the auxiliary. The auxiliary provides scholarships to students entering medical fields, provides Christmas gifts for residents of the Gardenside long-term care at Jefferson Community Health & Life, and provides volunteer help at JCH&L in a variety of projects.

Anyone interested in more information about the auxiliary or the salad festival should contact Lana Likens at (402) 729-6855.

Masking Requirements Lifted

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Because Jefferson County is no longer in what is defined as “high incidence” flu season, as of Monday, March 11, the masking requirement for Gardenside and Cedarwood was lifted.

Community groups, entertainers and other volunteers are once again being allowed without restrictions. Please note, however, that if flu incidence rises again we might again implement restrictions to protect our residents. We will continue to monitor influenza in Jefferson County. If there is another spike of activity, we may once again require masking this season.

Because Influenza is still out there, we ask that everyone refrain from visiting if they aren’t feeling well or have been exposed to influenza.

Gardenside and Cedarwood would like to thank everyone very much for your diligence in protecting our residents!

Blood Profiles to be Offered at JCH&L

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Know Your Numbers by Getting a Complete Blood Profile for a Discounted Rate

Complete blood profiles will be offered by Jefferson Community Health & Life at a discounted rate weekday mornings April 29-May 3.

Blood profiles appointments will be offered each morning at the outpatient clinic area at Jefferson Community Health Center, 2200 H St. The screening will be available by appointment only. A limited number of appointments will be available. Please make your appointment early! Fasting is required prior to the blood screening. Confidential reports will be mailed to participants.

The complete blood profile will cost $45 and includes:

  • Comprehensive Metabolic Profile and Lipid Profile – This group of tests tells about heart, liver, kidney and sugar levels in the blood. The cholesterol is fractionated into low- and high-density levels, and gives the person’s coronary heart disease risk.
  • T4 — Basic screen for thyroid function.
  • Hemagram – This is a blood count telling the number of white blood cells and red blood cells. It also tells the hemoglobin level.

The PSA screening is not available with this screening.

The profile report includes explanations of each factor which may be considered higher or lower than normal. Anyone with concerns about their screening results is encouraged to schedule an appointment with their personal family physician to discuss the results.

Since this is not a physician-ordered exam, it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance, and results are not sent to a physician. Payment will be collected at time of service. Cash and checks will be accepted for payment.

This screening is private pay only. If you want a complete blood profile which would be covered under an insurance preventative care option, you must have a physician-ordered screening, separate from this event.

The $45 rate is a considerable savings to patients compared to the regular costs of this type of complete blood profile, said Lab Manager Dan Reikofski.

To make an appointment for the blood profile, call Jefferson Community Health & Life Outpatient Services at (402) 729-6851.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits March 25

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FAIRBURY – Nebraska Community Bloodbank invites donors to “buddy up to save lives.” Bring a new donor with you to donate blood in March and you will both receive a free t-shirt. The next blood drive will be held on Monday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nebraska Community Bloodbank bloodmobile in the JCH&L parking lot (on the H street side of the building.) All types are needed.

Giving blood is giving a gift of life. Nebraska Community Bloodbank is Jefferson Community Health & Life’s bloodbank, and the two organizations partner for blood drives in Fairbury to save lives.

To make an appointment, call Jean Smith at JCH&L at 402-729-6851, the Nebraska Community Bloodbank at 1-877-486-9414 or visit NCBB.org and use sponsor code JCHC.

Measles Vaccine Recommended

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Measles – a disease previously declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 – is back, and on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, during the month of January, 79 cases of measles were confirmed in 10 states. These include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. While there are currently no cases in Nebraska, the CDC still recommends that anyone not vaccinated get vaccinated as soon as possible.

According to the CDC, measles spreads when a person that is infected breathes, coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious, and can be spread just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, and up to 2 hours after they leave. Almost anyone who has not had the MMR vaccination will get measles if they are exposed, and once an unimmunized person gets measles, it is easily spread.

Measles can be serious in all age groups. However the CDC states, children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from measles complications such as ear infections leading to permanent hearing loss, pneumonia (infection of the lungs,) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain.)

Children typically receive their first MMR (which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella) dose between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose between the ages of 4 and 6. The CDC states that the MMR vaccine is very safe and about 97% effective at preventing measles.

The CDC recommends that teens and adults make sure they are up to date on their MMR vaccination, and if you do not have evidence of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella (such as vaccination records,) you should talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.

More information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html

Brush Up Driving Skills: AARP Smart Driver Course

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AARP Smart Driver Course Set for April 24

Jefferson Community Health & Life Sterling Connection will offer the AARP Smart Driver Course on Wednesday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the JCH&L conference room. Participants may bring a sack lunch or purchase lunch in the JCH&L cafeteria.

Traffic statistics show that older adults overall are safe drivers with good driving records. However, medical conditions, certain medications and age-related changes in physical and mental function can increase the risk of crashes and injury among older drivers. It is critically important that older drivers make driving safely a personal priority. By completing this course, participants will learn research-based driving safety strategies that can reduce the likelihood of having an accident, understand the links between the driver, the vehicle and the road environment, and how this awareness encourages safer driving. Learn how aging, medications, alcohol and health-related issues affect driving ability and ways to allow for these changes. Increase confidence. Learn how to share the road safely with other drivers and learn the newest safety features in vehicles. AARP Driver Safety is committed to helping Americans 50 and older sustain mobility and safety as they age.

The four-hour research-based AARP Smart Driver Course is offered by JCH&L Sterling Connection. Membership is not required in Sterling Connection or AARP. AARP members get a discount and must bring their AARP card to class. All participants must bring their driver’s license to class. No tests, driving or examinations are involved. Course completion certificates are provided, and auto insurance discounts may apply (contact your auto insurance company for information.)

The cost of the class is $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-AARP members. Pre-registration is required by April 17. To register please call Lana Likens at 402-729-6855.

Pharmacy Service Now Available in Plymouth

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Thanks to cooperation between Jefferson Community Health & Life, Globe Rexall Pharmacy in Fairbury, and the Country Store in Plymouth, patients of JCH&L Plymouth Clinic can pick up prescriptions at the Country Store in Plymouth.

JCH&L Plymouth Clinic opened in September, and offers family medical services on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Plymouth. If a patient is prescribed a medication, they will be asked if they would like to use Globe Rexall Pharmacy and have the prescription delivered to the Country Store later in the day. Prescriptions are typically delivered in the early evening.

“It is always the patient’s option to have a prescription filled at their pharmacy of choice. For many Plymouth area patients this is a convenient option and saves them travel time,” said Chad Jurgens, JCH&L CEO. “We are pleased at the cooperation between JHC&L, Globe Rexall and the Country Store which makes this possible.”

Appointments at JCH&L Plymouth Clinic can be made Monday through Friday by calling 402-729-6888. Appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE