What You Need to Know

Viral vs. Bacterial Infections

Most upper respiratory tract infections are viral. Depending on the root of the cause, antibiotics may or may not help. The reason? Antibiotics are only designed to treat bacterial infections. Because many common respiratory infections are caused by a virus (influenza, the common cold, and COVID-19), they will not respond to antibiotics. In addition to not helping you heal quicker, taking unnecessary antibiotics can cause side effects and create discomfort. More, not all bacterial infections require antibiotics, as many can clear on their own. Examples include most cases of bronchitis and many sinus infections.

Prescription vs. Non-prescription Treatment

Take the guesswork out of treatment by calling your care provider when you or a loved one feel sick. Your provider can evaluate symptoms and determine the proper course of treatment.

Prescription:
If you have a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed an antibiotic. If you have a viral infection, you may receive an anti-viral.

Non-Prescription:
In many instances, the best remedies aren’t over-the-counter.

Dehydrated? An upset stomach, runny nose, and/or fever can leave you dehydrated. As such, it’s important to drink lots of fluids, including water, when you’re under the weather.

Sore throat?  *Soothe an agitated throat by sucking on ice chips, lozenges, or popsicles.

Congested? Using a saline nasal spray or a cool mist vaporizer may help. For more severe cases, consult a pharmacist or provider.

Bottom Line: Prevention is the best medicine. Stay healthy during cold and flu season by washing your hands with soap and water; avoiding others with known infections; and staying up-to-date on vaccines.

Contact a Provider

If you become sick, stay at home and rest. If symptoms do not improve, call or visit your doctor to determine the best treatment options. To find a provider, click here.

*Children younger than two years of age should not be given these food items as they pose a choking hazard.

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The Power of Subspecialty Care

Fellowship trained at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Wagner is a subspecialist exclusively dedicated to treating breast cancer patients and patients with breast disease. Having subspecialists trained in a specific specialty and disease site(s) is important because, in the area of breast surgical oncology, imaging and pathology, studies have shown better outcomes and survival rates for patients treated by subspecialists.

The Details

Joining the Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic

Since her first day in July, Dr. Wagner has played an active role in the Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic at m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger Cancer Center. Joined by Kelly L. Rhodes-Stark, MD, radiation oncologist, and Larry R. Corum, MD, medical oncologist, Dr. Wagner brings her subspecialty expertise in breast surgical oncology to the team’s evaluation of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases. Together, the team develops a comprehensive, coordinated care plan, getting patients the information they need when they need it most.

Growing the Breast Cancer Team

Dr. Wagner’s breast cancer team on the Olathe campus has expanded to include two physician assistants. Veronica Castellano, PA-C, works in the multidisciplinary breast clinic, and Holly Bachman, PA-C, assists Dr. Wagner in her on-campus breast surgeries. Patients also have access to a team of dedicated breast nurse navigators from The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Together, they assist patients and families throughout their breast cancer journey, coordinating care with all members of the healthcare team.

Now Performing On-Campus Surgery

On Wednesday, November 8, Dr. Wagner performed four surgeries at platincasino . Three of the four surgeries were made possible by the utilization of new technology and the Olathe campus’ expansion of specialized pathology services.

A Bright Future

While m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger Cancer Center and The University of Kansas Cancer Center providers previously collaborated to provide comprehensive cancer care, this surgery marks an important milestone in the ongoing integration efforts to bring cancer care from The University of Kansas Cancer Center, care previously provided outside of Olathe, to the Olathe campus.

The post Jamie Wagner, DO, Brings Breast Surgical Oncology Expertise to Olathe Campus appeared first on m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger .

See the list here.

Jumping to a Grade “A” 
platincasino earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization focused on patient safety. Based on an “A” to “F” grade scale, this ranking system is designed to help patients make informed healthcare decisions, helping consumers better protect themselves and their loved ones from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. OMC is one of approximately 3,000 general acute-care hospitals in the United States evaluated bi-annually on more than 30 national performance measures from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid and other data sources. 

OMC’s ranking has continued to increase due to a relentless focus on patient experience and outcomes. Now part of The m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger System, our system-wide commitment to routinely evaluating existing safety and quality data will continue to make a huge impact in the safety of our patients. 

Learn more about our grade here.

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Right. From the Start.

Although Anna has no memory of her first month in the hospital, Mike knew Anna was in the right place immediately after arriving at the ED.

“It was a blessing Dr. Long [Elizabeth K. Long, MD, FACS] was on call for surgery. Through her extraordinary talents, and the team of doctors she assembled, I was convinced the best possible care for Anna was right in front of me,” Mike recalled. “We’d never needed this level of support, and we were  overwhelmed by the care and expertise just miles away from home.”

After Dr. Long performed a robotically assisted epigastric hernia repair with mesh, Anna spent the next 60+ days at platincasino . As she was repeatedly examined, tested and bandaged, Mike was by her side. So much so, that he began to experience trouble eating and sleeping after the first month. Anna’s intense and escalating treatments took a toll, and the couple needed help.

Part of the Team

When the care team noticed Mike not leaving the room, sleeping or using the restroom, they encouraged him to drink water, eat meals and take breaks. When Mike developed a limp from shin pain, they got him in front of a provider who diagnosed and treated his cellulitis. During uncertain times, the care team explained Anna’s treatment plans and the information they sought to collect through testing.

With Anna spending birthdays, family events and holidays in the hospital, it wasn’t long before the couple became well acquainted with the care team. From the Progressive Care Unit (PCU), Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Wound Care staff to housekeeping, hospitality and gift shop employees, the couple felt everyone was there to support them.

“We were welcomed into a tight-knit community of caregivers and encouraged to be part of Anna’s recovery,” Mike said.

Each day, more and more people rallied around Anna – some coming in on their days off to provide care. Anna’s first walk down the hallway was met with a standing ovation from the entire PCU. Anna’s nine-month recovery was not all celebratory milestones, though – it had its low, sometimes scary, moments. But the respect staff showed Anna and the tenderness they had for Mike in the couple’s most vulnerable moments is what got them through this challenging time and compelled them to show their gratitude.

Giving Back

When Anna turned a corner in her recovery and prepared to transfer to a long-term hospital, the couple wanted to show their thanks but struggled to find a meaningful way.

“‘Good’ and ‘great’ aren’t fair ways to describe m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger ,” the couple said. “They didn’t just save Anna; they made us feel like she was the only patient in their care. No thank-you gift could match the level of care we received.”

After much contemplation, Anna and Mike got in touch with the OHCF to learn about giving options. Through their dedicated PCU donation, department directors were able to allocate the funds toward items that directly enhanced PCU staff’s work lives. More, the couple’s donation was furthered when Mike completed the necessary paperwork for his employer, Motorola Solutions, to match their donation.

“The matching process was easier than I ever imagined,” Mike said. “I have been eager to share the news with others so they can ask their employers to match donations.”

The couple encourages grateful patients to donate, following a key piece of advice.

“If you’re interested in making a donation, talk with the Foundation. Inquire about the organization’s or department’s needs, and learn how you can best put your donation to work.”

By working with OHCF staff and department leaders, the couple was able to ensure their donation was impactful and their intentions were realized.

Interested in making a donation? Visit olathehealth.org/giving to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of healthcare heroes.

The post Grateful Patient Spotlight: Anna and Mike Olson appeared first on m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger .

Going Beyond the Call of Duty

Divine was first introduced to m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger through the 2014-2015 Pharmacy Residency Program. After graduating, he worked as a cardiology pharmacist before rejoining the m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger team as an oncology pharmacist in 2017.

“When I was given the opportunity to return and lead pharmacy services at the Cancer Center, it was an easy choice,” Divine said. “As a resident at m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger , I had worked closely with key individuals across the health system and developed strong relationships.”

After joining the oncology team, Divine obtained board certification in oncology pharmacy (a non-job requirement) within two years. Since making the m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger Cancer Center his home base more than five years ago, Divine has:

• Volunteered to build all chemotherapy-related PowerPlans and computerized provider order entry (CPOE) orders, also providing CPOE training for new providers and serving as an in-house IT expert for Cancer Center providers.
• Worked closely with a team of clinicians and IT specialists to implement tagraxofusp-ezrs (Elzonris) for treating Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasms (BPDCN), making m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger Cancer Center the first community cancer center in the United States to successfully use this therapy for BPDCNs outside of clinical trials.
• Implemented and continued to manage most aspects of COVID-19 prophylaxis with tixagevimab-cilgavimab (Evusheld) at the Cancer Center.

Outside of these clinical achievements, Divine has taken on scheduler functions at the Cancer Center. His clinical expertise has been invaluable in this role. In one instance, Divine was able to help schedule weekend treatments of growth factors when the scheduler and RN were out sick from COVID-19. He is also able to streamline chemotherapy scheduling orders, reducing scheduling work for peers and providing a better patient experience.

“Divine is a tremendous resource to the Cancer Center and other m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger departments, and he takes initiative to further the mission of our system, ” Phil Schneider, director of pharmacy at m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger , said. “There are countless examples of how Divine has improved workflows and enhanced relationships with providers and non-clinical departments to improve patient care.”

Following His Calling

Growing up in a country that routinely had poor health outcomes, healthcare was a natural career choice for Divine.

“I chose healthcare attempting to make real, positive differences in the lives of others,” Divine said.

Divine’s desire to solve problems at their root cause has helped him excel in his role. Oftentimes this results in him going above and beyond the scope of his work to achieve the best outcomes.

The post Divine Chi Is Named 2022 Frank H. Devocelle Legacy Award Winner appeared first on m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger .

A Call for Help
In 2018, Wilma had a total knee replacement performed on her right knee. Just a few years later, she felt the familiar discomfort and pain, this time in her left knee. She contacted m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger Johnson County Orthopedics and Sports Medicine – Olathe, where she had gone for her first procedure.

“Some families have bad feet and others have bad knees – mine fit into the latter,” Wilma said. “When that’s the card you’ve been dealt, you need to ask for help.” Wilma needed surgery again; however, this time, she had a different option – a new method using advanced robotic technology to perform the knee replacement.

A New Surgical Option
Neel Jiwanlal, MD, thought Wilma would be a great candidate for this new, innovative treatment. After explaining he would use a hand-held robotic tool to plan and perform the knee replacement surgery, Wilma agreed to the recommended treatment plan.

“In addition to providing a greater degree of accuracy, enhanced surgical planning with robotic knee surgery eliminates CT scans and pre-surgical MRIs,” Dr. Jiwanlal said. “Robotics is an excellent tool to optimize outcomes in total knees.”

When the familiar discomfort set in, Wilma Schwermer knew it was time for a knee replacement. After walking the halls of Paola Middle School, where she works as a paraprofessional, Wilma would return home depleted and tired. Eventually, the pain was so bad she could not sleep through the night or tend to her chickens on her own. Wilma needed surgery.

Patience Makes Perfect
When surgery day arrived, Wilma was ready. She knew her recovery would take time, but eager to regain her independence, Wilma began walking the day of surgery and was able to go home the next morning. Once discharged, she began physical therapy (PT) at home. From there, she continued PT down the street at m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger Rehabilitation Services – Paola.

“I worked with three therapists, all of whom were supportive and knowledgeable,” Wilma recalled. “You have to push yourself during the first few months, and they helped make that possible.”

After rehab, Wilma discovered the power of low-impact movement on a swing overlooking her chicken coop. The activity, which has become an afternoon ritual before bird chores, helped loosen her knee when it became tight and achy. Before heading back to Paola Middle School, Wilma and her husband, Mike, went to Disneyland with their daughter and granddaughters. Today, she enjoys strolling the school hallways free of pain and discomfort.

“I can sleep through the night again,” Wilma said. “Nobody should be in pain every day – if you’re in pain, you need to explore your treatment options.”

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Stress-Fighting Tips

1.Take stock of your (stress) pantry.

If you have ever mentally checked your pantry or cupboard for dinner ingredients on the commute home from work, this is the same principle. When you start to get that tight feeling in your chest, stop your current train of thought and check your stress pantry. What is stressing you out? Next, prioritize your immediate needs. Now compare the two. What is more important: your family eating dinner or dealing with that pile of unfolded laundry? With this in mind, reframe your thinking and focus only on the most important task.

2. Clear your mind.

Sometimes we walk into the stress pantry and get stuck. In these instances, it is time to call for backup. When in doubt, a quick walk around the block or 10 minutes of some relaxing music usually does the trick. You don’t always need a whole workout or hour-long podcast to get you out of your funk.

3. Take Five.

You checked your pantry, cleared your mind and that long list of to-do’s is still irking you. Ask yourself if there is something on that list you can knock out in five minutes or less. If there is, do it. Whether it is taking out trash or starting a load or dishes, sometimes the best relief comes from getting something done.

4. Include your family.

Do your kids want to get out more toys or switch activities? Have them help clean up a room first. Are you worried about getting dinner on the table AND entertaining your kids? Have them set the table, unload the dishes or help with some meal prep. When you are stressed in the moment, every bit of help makes a difference.

5. Check in with your electronics.

Is someone else’s social media making you feel less than? Are you aimlessly scrolling and still not getting anything done? Feeling overwhelmed by your email inbox or text thread? Take a digital detox for an hour or even just 10 minutes. When you have a lot going on, it’s important to be cognizant of your time, and use your digital tools for good (to play a relaxing game of solitaire or listen to a chapter of your audiobook).

Get Extra Support

Making daily changes and still struggling? Your primary care provider is a great resource for exploring additional stress management tools. From medication to therapy, your provider can help you make informed decisions. To connect with a primary care provider, visit olathehealth.org.

The post Five Ways to Manage Stress in the Moment: Quick and Easy Stress-Management Tips for Parents appeared first on m.pg-nmga.com fortune tiger .

Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VACCINATION AND IMMUNIZATION?
A. While vaccination and immunization work together to keep children and others safe, there is a difference between the two. Vaccination is the administration of a disease-specific vaccine, whereas immunization is the protection the body develops from preventable but otherwise serious diseases. Protection comes from the immune response the body creates when it becomes fully vaccinated.

Q. ARE VACCINES SAFE?
A. Yes, vaccines are extensively tested for safety and efficacy before they are administered to the masses. Once approved for licensing by the various regulatory bodies, vaccines continue to be monitored. While mild vaccine-related side effects aren’t unusual, they are typically limited to a sore throat, fatigue and low-grade fever. Serious reactions are extremely rare and are not believed to outweigh the protection otherwise provided by immunization. In some instances, existing health conditions prevent individuals from being vaccinated. To discuss concerns, talk with a provider.

Q. WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN
GET IMMUNIZED?
A. Immunization is so important that it typically begins during the third trimester, when a mother gets the Tdap vaccine to protect against whooping cough, which can be deadly to newborn babies. After birth, parents can follow the standard immunization schedules developed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Designed to provide children with protection against serious illnesses that can cause life-long complications and even death, these schedules start to provide protection in the first few months of life, at a time when many of these infections can strike. Bottom line: Delaying or refusing immunizations can put a child’s health at preventable risk. Fall behind schedule? Just contact a doctor’s office or the local health department to get back on track. Have an under-the-weather child? In most instances, children with mild symptoms can still be vaccinated. Just contact a care provider before the scheduled appointment.

Q. IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE PART OF THE CDC AND AAP’S ROUTINE VACCINE SCHEDULE?
A. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends all children over the age of 6 months get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Q. WHY IS IMMUNIZATION IMPORTANT?
A. With more than 20 vaccinations for once-fatal and/or life-altering illnesses, immunization is one of the most important aspects of a child’s healthcare. From influenza and measles to pertussis and COVID-19, the World Health Organization estimates immunization to prevent 3.5 to 5 million deaths annually. While people could gain immunity through infection in the pre-vaccination era, it often came at the cost of life-long complications and infecting others. Today, immunization reduces the risk of community spread and disease-related complications and death. It has been more than two years since the outbreak of COVID-19, and the medical community is still talking about the importance of vaccination. The reason? Immunization, which uses vaccines to trigger a protective immune response in the body, is still the best defense against potentially life-threatening diseases, especially in children.

To find a Family Medicine provider, please visit olathehealth.org. 

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Happy birthday! I saw that The Birth Place’s NICU is turning five this month, and I wanted to express my family’s gratitude for your services. We are forever grateful for this NICU and the wonderful people who work there. In recognition of this milestone, I shared some highlights from our NICU experience below.

A Jump Start

Wesley’s due date was April 11, 2019, but he made his grand entrance seven weeks early (at 33 weeks) on Friday, February 22, 2019. The Sunday before his arrival, we had his baby shower with plans to get his nursery together the following weekend. On Wednesday, February 20, I began having back pain. Although the pain worsened throughout the day, I didn’t think much of it – our due date was still so far out! The pain came and went over the next couple days, but by Friday morning (February 22), the pain was constant.

With my husband, Charlie, already at work (30 minutes into town), we decided to meet at the hospital. After arriving at The Birth Place around 8:30 a.m., the care team promptly began monitoring me and Wesley.  At this point, we learned the “back pain” was actually contractions and I was dilated to 9 centimeters. Talk about shocked! Because Wesley was still breech, which posed a higher-risk delivery, I was scheduled for an emergency C-section. Shortly after, Wesley Cole Brulez was born at 10:19 a.m.

Extra T.L.C.

Weighing just 4 pounds, 4 ounces, Wesley was taken to spend some time in the NICU. While this was scary at first, staff reassured us he was in good hands and just needed some extra care. Once we were reunited with Wesley in the NICU, it was love at first sight. He was so tiny and seemed extra tiny with a breathing mask and all the cords hooked up to him. Told he would most likely be in the NICU until his due date, or until he was doing what a normal full-term baby was doing, we prepared ourselves for a 7-week stay.

In the weeks ahead, we spent time with Wesley in his private NICU room, which was the absolute BEST! Here, I was able to room with him as much as possible. From security and associates who brought us meals to the nurses and doctors, everyone was so kind – it felt like we had one big care team.

I can honestly say the nurses on the NICU floor helped shape me into the mom I am today. As a first-time mom with a preemie baby, I had no idea what I was doing. They helped us every step of the way, though. Together, the amazing NICU staff helped us breast-feed, bottle-feed and bathe Wesley. And on March 23, after 29 days in the hospital, Wesley was discharged home. It was bittersweet; as excited as we were to finally bring home our son, we were sad to leave our “new” family.

Today, our family of four (Evelyn – born at The Birth Place on 8/31/21 at 38 weeks’ gestation) cannot thank the staff at The Birth Place NICU enough for being there as we started this exciting journey!

Warm Regards,

Jordyn, Charlie, Wesley, and Evelyn

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