Health Quarterly July 2020 Jacksonville Journal-Courier

Health Quarterly July 2020

Special Supplement to the

3 HEALTH QUARTERLY

July 2020

Summer Sleep Troubles? These Tips Can Help Article Submitted By: Passavant Area Hospital

Summertime gives us more daylight and longer days. Unfortunately, that can lead to sleep problems, says Stevi Surratt, RRT, supervisor of Cardiopulmonary, Cardiovascular and Sleep Lab programs at Passavant Area Hospital.

“A change in daylight can affect melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. In addition to hormonal changes, a change in routine affects sleep patterns,” said Surratt. “As a result, both children and adults can struggle with establishing regular sleep and wake times during seasonal changes.”

Signs that you or your family need more sleep include: · Irritability · Trouble concentrating and forgetfulness · Yawning · An increase in appetite · Depressed mood Here are some tips to help you get better sleep: · Create a routine. Set times to wake and sleep daily. Just as you set an alarm to wake, it’s a good idea to set a reminder to sleep as well. · Create an environment for sleep. Ensure your sleep environment meets your needs. For some, in summertime, this may mean a fan or a cool air conditioner setting, fewer blankets and darkening shades. Creating an environment for sleep also means turning off electronics. · Eat healthy, nutritious foods and avoid late-night snacks. Avoid eating within two hours of bedtime and limit or omit caffeine, alcohol and nicotine daily. · Avoid lengthy naps. Try to keep daytime naps short at around 30 minutes. · Stay active. Being active leads to

better sleep, but avoid exercise close to bedtime. · Address mental health. Often sleep struggles occur because of stress,

anxiety or worry. If your mental health is affecting your ability to sleep, speak with a counselor to help you address your mental wellness.

Struggling with sleep?

If you have sleep problems, speak with your doctor. A sleep study or other specialty referral may help you deter-

mine the root cause. Sleep studies are available at the Passavant Area Hospital Sleep Clinic.

July 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

Young People Are At Risk for COVID-19

Article & Photo Submitted By: Passavant Area Hospital

During the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, older people represented the majority of hospitalizations and deaths—leading some young adults to feel the virus couldn’t affect them.

But that’s a dangerous attitude, says Memorial Health System chief medical officer Raj Govindaiah, MD. “In the latest outbreaks across the south and west, young people are being hospitalized in increasing numbers,” he says. “One factor driving this trend may be that younger people are more likely to socialize in large groups or crowded public places.”

Data from states like Texas and Florida, where cases are surging, shows a rapidly

dropping median age for COVID-19 patients. At one large hospital in Houston, 60 percent of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are under the age of 50.

“Young people are not immune,” Dr. Govindaiah says. “Not only can they get the virus, they can also suffer devastating effects. While many people experience mild cases, there is a growing awareness that younger people can become very ill and even die from COVID-19.”

Doctors and researchers are working to understand why some young adults in seemingly good health experience severe cases of COVID-19. In the meantime, Dr. Govindaiah advises younger people to take action to protect their health and the health of everyone around them. Even young adults who

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have mild or asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 can spread the virus to others who may not be as lucky.

“As Illinois progresses through Phase 4 of the governor’s reopening plan, it’s important for everyone to remember that COVID-19 is still a serious threat to people of all ages,” he says. “While crowded public places like restaurants and bars pose a high risk, we should also be mindful of our safety in other places where people gather in close proximity: at family parties, sporting events or even at the pool.

“Your actions are the best way to minimize your risk,” he adds. “Wear a mask.

Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. Avoid large groups and crowds.

Most of all, exercise good judgment.”

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5 HEALTH QUARTERLY

July 2020

How To Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones From Covid-19

Article Submitted By: SIU Medicine April 27, 2020 | Vidhya Prakash, MD, FACP

Like many of you, the team at SIU Medicine is doing its part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe.

With so much uncertainty and daily developing news about the global pandemic, it can be hard to know what steps to take to protect yourself and your family.

Informed patients tend to be healthier patients. That’s why SIU Medicine physicians promote the use of research-based medicine and why we encourage people to stay educated about wellness topics that matter to them. With this in mind, we’d like to go over a few things about the COVID-19 disease we think are important to know: what its symptoms are and how to protect yourself (and your loved ones) from it.

Common Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness caused by a new type of coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2. An outbreak of this illness, initially thought to be pneumonia, began in late December in 2019 in China, and has since spread around the world.

The virus spreads from person-to-person.

People who are infected with the novel coronavirus have copies of the virus in the fluid inside their mouth and nose. Another person can become sick if they come in contact with this fluid either directly (such as by being coughed or sneezed on by an infected person) or indirectly (such as by touching an object that is contaminated with this fluid and then touching their face before washing their hands).

Once a person becomes infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, it usually takes about 2 to 14 days for signs and symptoms to start showing. Even during this time, the person can still spread the virus to other people. In fact, experts believe people may be the most contagious when they don’t have symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization, the most commonly reported COVID-19 signs and symptoms include: • Shortness of breath • Cough • Fever • Loss of taste or smell Some people with COVID-19 report other cold and flu-like symptoms, including chills, fatigue, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. Symptoms are usually mild and slow to develop, and most people get better without the need for professional medical treatment.

However, some people who get COVID-19 can get very sick and may require hospitalization or even die, especially if they are older than 65, have underlying health conditions, or smoke. That’s why it’s so important to avoid getting the virus yourself even if you’re healthy, because you could end up passing the virus on to someone else who may be more at risk for serious illness.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from COVID-19 SIU Medicine physicians stand with the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and recommend the following ways to keep your family and community safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19: • Keep your hands clean. Wash for at

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least 20 seconds with soap and water regularly and always before eating, after arriving home from essential business, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, after going to the bathroom, after caring for someone who is sick, and whenever your hands are visibly soiled. Soap and water is best, but you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you’re not near a sink.

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.

Avoid touching your face, particularly your nose, mouth and eyes.

Stay home when you are sick, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Take good care of your health to boost your immunity and reduce your chances of getting sick. You can do this by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, managing your stress, and staying in touch with your medical provider. Consider scheduling a virtual care appointment with your SIU Medicine doctor.

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If you are caring for a loved one in your home who is sick, try to give them their own room and bathroom, and do not share items with them (e.g., linens or dinnerware). Wear a mask when caring for them, and if possible have them wear a mask, too, especially if you need to take them somewhere for medical treatment.

If you believe you are showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, call your medical provider or local public health department. They will let you know what to do.

The CDC now advises everyone to wear homemade masks when they go out in public to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Please do not buy surgical masks or N95 respirators—we need to reserve the supply for medical providers who are caring for hospitalized patients.

Interested in learning more about COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global event. We know you may have questions—and we know those questions may change every day. SIU Medicine is sharing the latest information on social media on its Facebook and Instagram accounts.

July 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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Focus on Social Isolation Issues of seniors in Skilled Nursing Facilities Article & Photo Submitted By: White Hall Nursing & Rehabilitation

Quarantine in skilled nursing facilities and assisted livings continue to be difficult for seniors. Staff of these type of facilities have had many challenges over the last 4 months.

Ever changing CDC and Public Health guidelines, securing PPE and other equipment and staffing has been a focus for facilities. One of the biggest issues has been keeping a close eye on the residents’ mental health.

Ashley Hansen, Director of Nursing at White Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation, stated, “A large part of the care we provide is not just bathing and

other ADL’s. It’s keeping them happy, healthy and active.

That’s a large part of our focus.”

Since family and friends have not been allowed to visit, staff says the lack of social interaction has taken a toll on residents. Social isolation, changes in routine and decreased physical activity increases the risk of depression, cardiovascular issues and cognitive health problems, on top of pre-existing conditions. “Our seniors are more likely to have multiple chronic diseases….loneliness suppresses our immune system as does the normal aging process.” said Ashley “When you put the two together, we worry about our residents being able to fight off infection. The right

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Scott Phares, Director of Admissions and Marketing at White Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation say, “Our focus has been keeping families and residents connected. We have recently added a visiting booth which has personalized the visits by allowing the resident to physically see their loved ones and to actually look at them when visiting.

Although the face time calls were nice, nothing can replace seeing your family up close and personal. The booth will allow close contact visits while still preventing the possible spread of the virus.”

White Hall’s community has been very supportive throughout this pandemic.

The community responded to their idea and built them the booth. “Barrow Baptist Church, and others donated funds for the wood structure; Lacrosse Lumber of White Hall donated the Plexiglas; Lloyd and his son, Lloyd Lee built it.

“We have several team members that constantly brain storm ideas for things that will keep the residents active, entertained and busy. There’s no playbook for this situation so it’s the cumulative effort of all of us.” said Mr. Phares. “We’re

looking forward to setting up a McDonald’s drive-thru later this month in honor of National Drive-thru Day. McDonald’s from Jacksonville and Jerseyville have donated items to make it realistic for the

residents. We’re making those famous Golden Arches and the residents will be able to come through our drive-up and pick up their Happy Meal.”“We miss our family members also and look forward to a time when

things are safe and visiting can resume as normal. Until then we will do everything in our power to keep our resident’s physically and emotionally healthy” conveyed Ashley and Scott.

7 HEALTH QUARTERLY

Snacking Smart and Staying Active Ten tips for seniors from your friends at Cedarhurst Senior Living

Article & Photo Submitted By: Cedarhurst of Jacksonville

Snacking smartly and staying active are two simple ways to look and feel your best in the hot summer months. Stay healthy this summer with these tips from your friends at Cedarhurst Senior Living!

SNACKING SMART When it comes to unhealthy eating habits, snacks are one of the biggest culprits. Here are a few fun snack ideas that are delicious, easy to make and good for you, too!

GO NUTS! Go ahead - nuts are positively packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, and are a satisfying and portable snack. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association recommend eating a handful of nuts every day. That’s right- a handful! Choose unsalted nuts if you’re watching your sodium, and un-roasted “raw” nuts for extra antioxidants and vitamins.

FREEZE THAT FRUIT. A fresh fruit salad can be a warm-weather delight! It can also mean a lot of chopping, peeling and dicing.

For a bit of anytime sweetness with an extra cooling kick (and a lot less work), consider freezing grapes, berries, or peach slices.

They’re like mini natural popsicles, and they keep in the freezer for months, assuring your favorite fruit is always in season.

GET IN THE MIX. It’s fun and easy to create your own brain-boosting trail mix for anytime snacking.

Start with your favorite nuts (walnuts, peanuts and almonds have all been linked to improved memory) and combine with dried fruit like raisins or antioxidant-rich dried blueberries or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Coconut flakes, cereal, seeds, plain popcorn, and even the occasional dark chocolate chip can make every handful a deliciously different treat.

EXTRA YUM. Pop quiz: what’s the perfect accompaniment for all the above snacks? That’s right-

YOGURT! Yogurt is abundant in calcium, zinc, B vitamins, and probiotics, and it’s easy to enjoy.

Choose Greek yogurt for lower fat, and add your own fruit whenever possible- some fruity yogurt is high in sugar. Layer yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit and cereal or nuts in a tall glass for a scrumptious and healthy dessert parfait. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack or even as a treat- yogurt can do it all!

AN APPLE A DAY…You know the saying. It’s a wise saying, too!

Apples can help with maintaining blood sugar levels and can help lower high cholesterol. Dried apple chips sprinkled with cinnamon are a convenient way to get some healthful apple benefits anytime!

STAYING ACTIVE: Keeping your activity level up doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few little things you can do that together, can really add up!

FLEXIBILITY FIRST! Be sure to stretch and limber up before doing even the simplest type of exercise. Breathe deeply and go slowly. Start with your arms and work your way down. Stretching prevents injury, warms up your muscles and increases flexibility.

And a little additional flexibility can improve everything from your golf swing to your cha-cha!

SHOW OF HANDS! Arm and hand raises are great home exercises for seniors because they can be done whether you’re standing or sitting down. You just need light weights (or a couple soup cans, plastic

water bottles, etc.) to use. With your feet flat on the ground, hold the weights at shoulder height.

Raise your arms to lift the weights above your head, and repeat.

GO HEEL-TOE! Heel-toe movements can help keep your feet strong and flexible, reduce foot and ankle pain and they’re great for balance too. Simply place one hand on a wall, counter or chair for balance, stand on your toes, then rock back to your heels and repeat. Voila- you’re getting a workout!

TALKIN’ TURKEY! Here’s a fun one you can do almost any time!

Sit on a chair and hold on to anything that keeps both hands occupied, like a book or a cushion.

Then, as you stand up, stretch out your arms as if you’re serving a turkey to guests. Repeat as much as you’re comfortable with. You can increase the weight of your “turkey” over time as your core gets stronger.

JOG YOUR MEMORY! As you know, not all exercise is physical.

Staying mentally limber is es-

sential, and can be plenty of fun.

Keep your noggin in tip-top shape with crosswords, word jumbles, sudoku, or a classic jigsaw puzzle.

Plus, nothing keeps the mind fit and youthful quite like a chat with the young! (It’s never a bad time to call the grandkids and catch up.)

WE’RE HERE TO HELP Rest assured, the health and happiness of our residents is always our top priority at Cedarhurst of Jacksonville. With exceptional staff, amenities, comfort and care in a convenient location,

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July 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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9 HEALTH QUARTERLY

July 2020

SIU WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER - JACKSONVILLE At SIU Medicine, we are moving women’s health care forward.

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July 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

Women’s Health 101: Ob-Gyn, Mfm, Rei Are Acronyms You Need To Know

Article Submitted By: SIU Medicine

What is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?

As a woman, you may experience many unique health related issues and/or miracles throughout your life. And as you research various topics, you may see that women’s health has a jargon specific to the field. The following guide outlines three common terms linked to women’s health.

MFM is an acronym for maternal-fetal medicine. This sub-specialty of an OB-GYN is focused on managing health concerns of a highrisk mom and her unborn baby before, during and immediately after pregnancy. A doctor specializing in maternal-fetal medicine helps take care of women with high-risk or complex pregnancies.

You might be high-risk if you have one or more of the following issues before you conceived: • High blood pressure • Heart disease • Diabetes • A blood clotting disorder • An infection such as HIV If you are pregnant with multiples or have had pregnancy problems in the past, you may also be high-risk. While pregnant, your OBGYN may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if you: • Need special tests

What is OB-GYN? OB-GYN refers to the two fields of obstetrics and gynecology, so most people use the abbreviation OB-GYN to refer to their obstetrician and gynecologist. Gynecologists specialize in women’s reproductive health, or anything to do with your female parts. Obstetricians care for you during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth and immediately after delivery. An OB-GYN does all these things. This doctor prescribes birth control and sees you through childbirth and menopause. This person also screens for cancer, treats infections and does some surgeries.

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An ultrasound reveals your baby has a birth defect or some other issue • You or your unborn child develops problems Working with an maternal-fetal medicine doctor while pregnant can ease worries. It can also help you feel confident that you and your baby are getting the best care you can.

On the other end of the spectrum, an option for women with lowrisk pregnancies is to see a midwife, which is a person trained to assist women in childbirth. Their goal is to coach and educate you through a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

What is REI? REI stands for reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Doctors who work in REI train in the medical and surgical treatment of issues dealing with a woman’s reproductive tract and delivering babies. While maternal-fetal medicine doctors work with women with high-risk pregnancies, REI specialists are skilled in helping women who are struggling to get pregnant on their own. REI specialists work with genetic counselors and dietitians to help couples achieve their dream of having a child.

REI doctors work with those coping with things such as: • Endometriosis • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) • Male factor infertility • Tubal factor infertility Your OB-GYN might send you to an REI specialist if you’ve been trying to conceive for 6 to 12 months without success or if you have a history of miscarriages.

Some women are treated by all three types of physicians: OB-GYN, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and an REI doctor. Having all of your doctors under one roof has benefits. Recently, SIU Medicine along with HSHS St. John’s Hospital, and HSHS Medical Group unveiled a new women and children’s clinic, which also connects to the NICU at St. John’s Children’s Hospital. At the new large outpatient center, you can see highly trained doctors and get diagnostic and follow-up services with quick access to St. John’s Hospital and St. John’s Children’s Hospital.

The new clinic boasts a lab. It also has a pharmacy. While at the outpatient center, you’ll have access to mammography and other imaging tests. You can also see your OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine in that building. Regardless of whether you are having a first child or enjoying your golden years, the new clinic will provide you with specialized care based on the latest medical research.

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July 2020

Ready Safe Go: Going the Distance to Create Safe Spaces

Article Submitted By: Passavant Area Hospital

Experts say that practicing social distancing and wearing a mask are the best ways to prevent COVID-19. Memorial Health System has taken important steps to make sure both of these practices are easy to follow within their facilities.

At Memorial Physician Services, social distanc-

ing has been taken a step further by limiting the amount of contact that patients have with others while they wait for their appointments to begin.

“The biggest change patients will notice in our clinics is that we’re not using our waiting rooms,” said Danielle Bone, director, regional clinics. “Patients can now check in from their cars and wait there until their provider is ready

to see them.”

Patients and staff are required to practice social distancing wherever possible within MHS hospitals and clinics. In seating areas, signs direct patients to seats that are six feet apart.

Everyone who enters an MHS facility, including hospitals and clinics, is required to wear a mask.

All staff wear masks as well. It’s advised to bring a mask from home, although masks will be pro-

vided for anyone who does not have one. Upon entry, patients also undergo a quick screening, including a temperature check. Anyone who registers a high temperature, or who displays respiratory symptoms, will be provided with instructions on how to access medical treatment without entering the building.

“Our South Sixth Street clinic in Springfield continues to serve as a dedicated clinic for patients with respiratory illnesses, including suspected COVID-19,” said Robin Murphy, director, ExpressCare. “The respiratory clinic model has been very successful in helping patients with these symptoms get diagnosis and treatment.”

Drive-thru or drive-up laboratory services are available at some locations, including preoperative COVID-19 testing for patients who are scheduled for surgical procedures. Visit ChooseMemorial.org/COVID19 for more information on these services.

So why are masks and social distancing so important?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 is transmitted most easily through droplets in the air emitted by people infected with the virus. A mask keeps those droplets from spreading.

“Masks are especially important since so many people have COVID-19 without experiencing symptoms,” Murphy said. “Even if you feel well, you should wear a mask to avoid potentially spreading the virus to people who are at high risk.”

Social distancing is also an important tool in preventing the spread. Keeping six feet of distance between yourself and others reduces the risk of infection.

“When you’re in public, it’s helpful to remind yourself what six feet looks like,” Bone said.

“For most people, that’s roughly two arms’ lengths apart. It’s best to avoid crowded places whenever you can.”

July 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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Coping with Covid-19 with hearing loss Article Submitted By: Central Illinois Hearing

Communication is extremely difficult with a hearing impairment and with masks being required to combat the spread of the Coronavirus, the hearing impaired have been dealt a double blow by not being able to read lips and facial expressions necessary to enhance communication. In addition, wearing a mask prevents persons with normal hearing from hearing the weak consonant sounds, a problem experienced by persons with a hearing loss and only made worse wearing a mask.

55% percent of communication is visual. Traditional masks block faces and prevent our ability to see facial expressions and emotions, catch visual cues and communication. Miscommunication is a leading cause of medical errors and can be prevented. With traditional masks are worn, miscommunication may increase with people

who rely heavily on visual communication, such as deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

For many, missing critical visual cues can be the difference between complete understanding and a preventable misdiagnosis.

There are several manufacturers who make transparent “clear masks” which provides adequate protection and the ability to maximize effective communication. Just do a google search for masks for the hearing impaired and you find many quality masks.

Lastly, we are demanding of lot from our ears these days with glasses, hearing aids and now MASK’s. Be very cautious when removing your mask because it can cause your hearing aid to fly off your ear. We are beginning to see an uptick in lost hearing aids. Together we will get through this. Stay safe and communicate better.

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13 HEALTH QUARTERLY

July 2020

Local Medical Leaders Remind Public That It’s Safe to Seek Care Article Submitted By: Passavant Area Hospital

Central Illinois residents should feel safe and secure in seeking health care at local hospitals and clinics as normal operations continue to resume across the region after the COVID-19 pandemic, local health-care leaders say.

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that found that emergency room visits for chest pain and heart attacks fell sharply, while the number of heart-attack deaths increased.

Officials from Memorial Health System, HSHS Illinois, Springfield Clinic and SIU Medicine emphasized that extensive safety precautions have been implemented at all medical facilities to detect and isolate anyone who might have

the virus from others.

Local medical leaders also echoed the CDC’s concern that some people may be postponing care out of fear or anxiety. They urged people to realize that delaying care could worsen a chronic condition or even endanger lives during a medical crisis.

“We want to assure the public that it’s critical to seek care without delay to ensure their continued good health,” said Dr. Raj Govindaiah, Memorial Health System chief medical officer.

“Our hospitals and clinics are ready to treat you safely.”

“Medical emergencies can occur at any time, in any place and to anyone – even in the midst of a pandemic,” said Dr. Gurpreet Mander, chief physician executive for HSHS Illinois. “If you

experience symptoms or have an incident that is out of the ordinary, call your doctor, visit the emergency department or call 911 depending on the severity of your symptoms.”

The four health-care providers are following infection prevention guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Among those precautionary measures are: · COVID-19 testing for anyone undergoing an invasive procedure or surgery at least 72 hours beforehand. · Social distancing measures to keep people appropriately spaced, including limiting the number of those who may enter at one time. · Masks are required for all, and at some locations, those entering may have their temperatures screened.

· Services such as drive-up labs and video or telephone visits to limit in-person contact.

“We appreciate the understanding and compassion of our patients and communities during this public-health crisis,” said Dr. Harald Lausen, chief medical officer at SIU Medicine.

“We are open, safe, and ready to provide medical care and assist with your healing and recovery.”

“Delaying needed care is the greatest risk our patients face right now,” said Dr. Kenneth Sagins, chief medical officer for Springfield Clinic. “Our goal from day one has been to create a safe environment for our patients, because their need for our care never disappeared, even in the face of a pandemic.”

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July 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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Ready Safe Go: Environmental Services Keeps You Clean Article & Photo Submitted By: Passavant Area Hospital

Cleaning a hospital room, clinic exam room or operating room isn’t as simple as wiping down surfaces and emptying the trash. It takes extensive expertise, as well as some innovative technology, to make sure medical facilities are free of harmful viruses and bacteria.

At Memorial Health System, those crucial services are performed by members of the Environmental Services (EVS) team, who undergo complex, comprehensive training and continuing education.

“Some people might think of Environmental Services as janitors,” said Gabe Ceperich, director, Environmental Services. “But we’re so much more than that. We’re on the front lines of protecting our patients, our colleagues and our community from illnesses like COVID-19 here in the healthcare setting.”

In 2018, the EVS team at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield was named the top Environmental Services department in 500-plus-bed hospitals nationwide by the Association for the Health Care Environment of the American Hospital Association. That honor recognized their

high performance, rigorous training and commitment to environmental sustainability. EVS departments at the other MHS affiliate hospitals have also received top honors, including a Hero for Zero award honoring the Taylorville Memorial Hospital EVS team for contributing to zero C. diff infections at the hospital in 2018.

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, that team—alongside their colleagues at all MHS affiliates—came together to ensure that patients and colleagues were safe throughout the health system. That included using some state-of-the-art technology.

In March, EVS at MMC and TMH began using the Clorox 360 Electrostatic Sprayer. MHS is the first health system in the state to use these devices, and MMC EVS staff even had the opportunity to demo them and provide feedback for the manufacturer last year before they reached the market. An electrostatic sprayer uses electric charges to spread germicidal cleaning solution 100 percent evenly and much more quickly than typical devices. It can cover 18,000 square feet in a single hour.

EVS teams at MMC, Passavant Area Hospital and Decatur Memorial Hospital also use ultraviolet technology to disinfect high-risk areas like

operating rooms or patient rooms that have been occupied by someone with a highly infectious illness like C.diff.

“It’s basically a big ultraviolet light bulb on wheels,” Ceperich said of MMC’s Tru-D UV Light Disinfection device, which has been in use for more than 10 years. “It will not shut off until it’s eradicated all pathogens in that room.”

MHS EVS teams have also recently begun using a new “safe bleach” that eliminates pathogens without harming surfaces, as well as disposable mops and towels that reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Early in the year, before the pandemic began to seriously affect the United States, Ceperich and other leaders acted quickly to ensure MHS had enough cleaning and disinfecting supplies on hand should COVID-19 outbreaks occur in central Illinois. That foresight paid off, as Memorial has not suffered from the severe shortages affecting some other healthcare organizations.

“We still have a lot to learn about COVID-19,” Ceperich said. “But our past experience with other pathogens has prepared us to fight it.”

15 HEALTH QUARTERLY

July 2020

How To Help A Friend Or Family Member Heal After A Miscarriage Article Submitted By: SIU Medicine October 20, 2019 | Tabatha Wells, MD

According to the Association for Reproductive Health Professionals, approximately one in four pregnancies before 20 weeks will end in miscarriage. Although the cause of most early pregnancy losses is unknown, health care providers, including SIU Medicine family medicine physician Tabatha Wells, MD, says oftentimes, women blame themselves.

“When I counsel a woman who has miscarried, I reassure her there is nothing she could have done to prevent it.

But most women have trouble accepting this and remain convinced that they must have done something wrong,” explains Dr. Wells.

It’s that line of thinking that Dr. Wells warns can have a long-lasting emotional toll on women who have miscarried.

That’s why she emphasizes the need for supportive friends and family following a miscarriage.

“Women often feel a mix of emotions, ranging from sadness and grief to devastation or even relief,” says Dr. Wells. “I try to help her realize that feeling sad or relief or other mixed emotions are perfectly normal responses.”

When comforting a friend or family member following a miscarriage, Dr. Wells says it’s about giving her whatever she needs. “Treat it as a death in the family, and know that everyone grieves differently. Some women will want to talk about it; some women won’t. If she wants to be distracted, distract her. Most importantly, be supportive and offer encouragement.”

Kaylie Caswell, a certified nurse practitioner, offers the following suggestions for family and friends: • Listen to her: Get a sense of wha­­­t the pregnancy means to her. Listening does not mean you need to say anything, sometimes sitting and being present with her is the best way to show empathy. Allow her

• • •

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to be quiet, cry, be angry, or be happy and celebrate a life. Withhold your own feelings and thoughts.

Acknowledge the loss and offer empathy: “This is such a difficult time for you, please tell me how I can help.”

Don’t deny her feelings: Avoid using “at least” statements, such as, “Well at least you got pregnant.”

Help her realize it wasn’t her fault: The reality is that nearly a quarter of pregnancies fail and, oftentimes, the reason goes unknown. A miscarriage isn’t necessarily a sign of infertility. However, be mindful this couple may be struggling with infertility and this loss may have represented the loss of future parenthood as well.

Give her time to heal: Whether she needs two weeks or two years, simply give her time. Don’t allow her to suffer in silence.

II wake up every day“ knowing mom is not just safe, but also really happy.

”

“My mom moved into Cedarhurst of Jacksonville with my dad. He needed special care and they wanted to be together. Moving into Cedarhurst kept my parents close, and after dad was gone, mom wasn’t alone when she had a life-threatening emergency. I’m so happy that today she is safe and has a new life with friends, laughter, and her dog Sophie at her side.”

— Janet When your loved ones live at Cedarhurst, you can rest assured they’re in the embrace of a safe, warm community that’s responsive to what’s most important in life. Our first priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our residents, and we welcome the chance to share more about our compassionate staff and person-directed care. Call for more information or to schedule a virtual tour. We’re here to help!

Cedarhurst of Jacksonville • Assisted Living & Memory Care • 2225 W. Morton Avenue • Jacksonville, IL 62650 • 217-387-8685 • CedarhurstJacksonville.com

From routine tests to life-saving treatments.

Your health is essential, and at Passavant, we’ve launched several system-wide initiatives to keep you protected while you get the care you need. With more cleaning, more screening and reduced contact, you don’t need to put off visiting your provider or seeing a specialist.

Passavant is ready and safe. It’s time to GO.

Learn more about our safety initiatives: 217-588-6200 • SafeWithMemorial.com