Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness 



Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with Tanya Bowsher, a Kirby Medical Group nurse practitioner who is currently battling breast cancer. Tanya's experience reminds us all of the importance of prevention and wellness screenings, including breast self-exams and mammograms.
Tanya describes her experience:
"My cancer was found by myself in the shower in March when I felt a lump. I went in to work that day and was examined and had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound that afternoon. My mammogram showed two suspicious masses that were later confirmed to be invasive ductal carcinoma.
This was a huge shock in my life. I had just turned 40 in January and hadn't even gotten a mammogram yet. I had no family history of breast cancer. After careful consideration, I opted to have a double mastectomy in April followed by chemo and radiation. At least that was the plan at that time.
In June, I started to have a lot of pain in my right shoulder blade and had a PET scan. That is when the game changed. Instead of having Stage II breast cancer, I now was diagnosed with Stage IV.
I am no longer a candidate for radiation as there is no benefit in metastatic disease. I am now finished with chemotherapy and am recovering from those side effects. I have started on anti-hormone therapy and will be monitored closely by my oncologist for any progression in the disease.
Prior to my diagnosis, I only knew basics about breast cancer. I have learned so much in the last seven months. The number one thing I did not realize was there is no cure for Stage IV breast cancer, but hopefully with research and trials we can change that very soon."

A benefit and several fundraisers are being held for her by her friends, coworkers and family to help with medical costs. The quilt raffle tickets can be purchased until Friday, December 9th.


To view Tanya's Kirby Medical Group provider bio video CLICK HERE.





Hilda's Get Fit Journey

Hilda's Get Fit Journey 



Hilda Crystal is feeling good thanks to CrossFit.
In June of this year, Kirby employee Hilda Crystal joined Get Fit, an exercise and wellness program run through CrossFit KMC and designed especially for those who have had lengthy absences from exercise or simply want to get in better shape.

Could you share a bit about your health journey?

I have struggled with my weight since I was a child, and moreso as an adult. I am a stress eater, especially comfort or sweet foods.
As an adult, my weight struggle continued, and as I got older, it was harder to lose weight. Ten years ago, I joined a hospital-based weight-loss program using meal replacement shakes and was successful in dropping 86 pounds.
Then after a disagreement with one of the coaches, I quit the program, thinking I could lose the weight on my own. I regained every bit of the 86 pounds plus 20 pounds more over the past 10 years.
Earlier this year, I was not feeling very good about myself and was determined to lose at least 100 pounds without surgical intervention such as LAP-BAND®. When hospital week came along this year, I felt it was an opportunity to regroup and get back to the business of weight loss, but in a healthier way. I spoke to my primary care provider, Jay Lamb, PA-C, and he encouraged me to make lifestyle changes for long-term success, reminding me I didn't get heavy overnight and would not lose weight overnight. He suggested I start by walking daily.
Hospital week was just starting, and Josh Newton was encouraging all hospital employees to join him on a daily walk at lunchtime using Kirby's Wellness Trail. While walking, Josh would engage in conversation with employees about the soon-to-open CrossFit box at Kirby. He invited anyone to email and meet with him privately to ask any questions about CrossFit and explained how everyone could benefit from exercise. I met with Josh in early June at CrossFit KMC with the primary goal of losing weight through participation in their Get Fit Program.
The word "CrossFit" was intimidating. I did not like going to a gym with other people who were already fit, feeling I couldn't keep up. Josh explained how Get Fit would work similar to CrossFit, but at a slower pace. The short session consisted of determining what my specific goals were, how I would obtain my goals, the relevance of my goals and the time frame in which I hoped to achieve them. There was a short physical test to see where I was in my core strength. Before I committed to the program, Josh reminded me that I will only get out of the program what I put into it.
June 14, 2016, was my first Get Fit class. There were approximately 10 people in the first class from various walks of life and a range of ages, weights and health issues. Josh explained to everyone that no one was there to judge anyone's capability, but every day you come to get fit is another day of success toward meeting your personal goals. We started out with simple core exercises and progressed from there. I have been exercising with the Get Fit group every Tuesday and Thursday since. The comradery shows with each class. At the end of the class, everyone gathers in a group with hands extended to the center, and something good is said. If someone misses a class, we tell them at the next class that they were missed and make sure everyone is OK. I never felt that at any previous exercise classes I've attended. Everyone encourages each other in every Get Fit class. Many of us in Get Fit like to walk the Wellness Trail following our Get Fit session as our "cooldown."
As of October 31, 2016, I have successfully lost 30 pounds without surgery. My goal is to be down 60-80 pounds by June 13, 2017. If I accomplish this, great. If not, I will continue to work toward my goals for not only myself, but my family.

What does wellness mean to you?

Increased flexibility and having an increased stamina to do activities with my nine-year-old granddaughter and any future grandchildren I may have. I am learning to make healthier food choices, which will benefit me with gradual and maintainable weight loss.

Have your ideas of health and wellness changed at all?

Definitely, with the encouragement of class participants and coaches (Josh, Casey and Steve), I feel I am getting stronger physically and healthier every day. I love that coworkers are very supportive of my weight loss goals, and several have commented that I look better and seem happier since beginning this journey to wellness.

How has Kirby helped you with your health goals?

During the 13-plus years that I have worked at Kirby, I have seen so many changes that I cannot recall all of them. Kirby's administration is setting the example for workplace wellness like no other. Before CrossFit KMC opened, I had every excuse not to work out: I didn't want to drive anywhere, if I got home I was not going back out to a class, the hours were not good for me, and so on and so forth. By Kirby providing CrossFit on campus, I don't have any excuse not to work out after leaving work. The Wellness Trail is great for me, as I come to work 30 minutes before my shift and walk the mile. It helps wake my body up for the day's activities.

What would you say to others who are interested in getting involved?

You'll never know if you like it unless you try it. We have had a few people start the Get Fit program who chose not to return after a class or two for whatever reason. Some of the Get Fit participants have also moved up to the full CrossFit program and love it. For me, Get Fit is just where I need to be at this time. Who knows, maybe I someday I will progress to CrossFit.

Any other words of wisdom for us?


I am very happy that we now have the opportunity for Saturday morning Get Fit and CrossFit classes. I felt awesome working out Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but didn't always continue that motivation at home on the weekends. Several of the nurses have verbalized they would love to do Get Fit, but the class hours are not always appropriate for those working 12-hour shifts and without a set schedule. Hopefully as Get Fit and CrossFit grow under the direction of Josh, there will be more open times for Get Fit workouts.

Thankful for Good Health


Thankful for Good Health 





It's the time of year for giving thanks. There are so many things to be thankful for - loving family and wonderful coworkers, the beautiful community we live in and, of course, good health.
As a local healthcare leader, I strive to set a good example for those around me and to remind my loved ones, my coworkers and our community that staying active and healthy is well worth the effort.
You may have heard about my fitness story. I was living a sedentary life until I discovered CrossFit®. Now, I'm active and feeling great. My endurance and strength have improved dramatically, and I am proof that no matter how busy you are, whatever your age or background, you can be healthier.
I'm incredibly proud of the wellness activities we now have available on our campus. From our Community Garden partnership with the City, County, and U of I Extension office, to our Wellness Trail, to CrossFit KMC. We now offer fantastic opportunities for anyone and everyone in the community to stay active. It's fun, affordable and life-changing!
As the holiday season approaches, I hope you'll take time to give yourself the gift of good health. I promise that if you do, you'll be giving thanks all year long.
Best wishes for a safe and healthy holiday season,

Steve Tenhouse, CEO

Finding the Time for Health

Finding the Time for Health 




Shagra Stone was like many of us - she understood the importance of maintaining good health but often found herself too busy to take time for herself and her health. Now, with help from CrossFit KMC, Shagra is feeling healthy, inside and out.

Could you share a bit about your health journey?

Having a degree in kinesiology, I know the benefits of exercise, not only physically but mentally and emotionally.
I have a full-time job outside the home, but I am also a mom to a soon-to-be 5-year-old. For a while, I struggled to carve time out of my day to work out, even with a gym in our basement. I got caught in a cycle of turning my alarm off in the morning because I was too tired and was too exhausted after work.
Luckily and thankfully, KMC CrossFit opened, where I can work out to become mentally and physically stronger.

Have your ideas of health and wellness changed at all?

No, but my feelings towards health and wellness have been reaffirmed.

How has Kirby helped you with your health goals?

For one, I am in the best physical shape since I don't know when. I love getting back to the gym - it is my second home. Since joining, it has not only helped me decrease my waist size and gain muscle but has also helped me emotionally and mentally.

What would you say to others who are interested in getting involved?

Do it. Kirby is an encouraging atmosphere, where we all are "in it" together. There is no judgement. We all try our best, and then we push ourselves to try harder. Not being a local to the area, let alone the state, I am grateful to be part of a community that treats me like family.

Any other words of wisdom for us?


Thank you for the support you have shown my family!

What is CrossFit All About?

What's CrossFit All About? 




After learning he had a heart muscle disease, Caleb Burton struggled to find a balance between managing his condition and maintaining his health. Joining CrossFit KMC has helped Caleb improve his overall health and wellness.

Could you share a bit about your health journey?

At age 14, I was diagnosed with and hospitalized for cardiomyopathy. Thank God the doctors found it in time to save my life. It wasn't until years later I realized how blessed I am.
That diagnosis kept me from exercise for several years as I was restricted by doctors. That led to a bit of depression because at that time I was very active in full-contact kung fu.
After high school, I started working construction and eating a lot of unhealthy fast food for convenience and living an unhealthy lifestyle. I didn't really notice my unhealthy weight gain until my oldest daughter was born. (She's now 8, and I got married nine months after her birth.)
While looking at wedding pictures, I could see that I had gained weight, and I wasn't happy with what I saw. It was at that point I decided to clean up my eating and start exercising so that I could be healthy for my family. I got the go-ahead from my doctors and went back to kung fu as a means of exercise.
After eight years, I earned my second-degree black belt. Then, as my daughters got older, life started to get too busy for that full-time commitment, so I transitioned from that to basic weight training and Beachbody® programs to stay active and fit.

What does "wellness" mean to you?

Wellness to me means overall health, inside and out, both spiritually and physically.

Have your ideas of health and wellness changed at all?

I used to think wellness was simply being bigger, faster and stronger. Now I realize how important diet and training is for overall health.

How has Kirby helped you with your health goals?

KMC has been a great experience from the start. The non-competitive and non-intimidating classes and people are great to work out with. I feel like we all share the same goals. The classes are challenging but scalable to your ability, so you get out of it what you put into it. The 5am class is perfect, as for years I have preferred early morning workouts so I have no excuse to miss it. The group setting pushes me to push myself harder and have no excuses. The coaches are all great. Casey is typically my coach, and he does an awesome job with coaching everyone in class. He inspires me to be a better athlete.

What would you say to others who are interested in getting involved?

Get started and quit making excuses. KMC offers convenient class times every day of the week. I assure you, once you start, you will have no regrets.

Any other words of wisdom for us?


Eat clean, train hard, don't make excuses and thank God for your blessings.

Congratulations to Kelly Rooney from Washington School in Monticello, as being selected as the winner for the eighth annual Kirby Holiday Card Contest!




Kelly received an art kit, large poster board with her design, as well as holiday cards to pass out to family and friends. Kelly's art teacher, Miss Mabbs', received $100 for Washington School's Art Program.



http://kirbyhealth.org/files/Kirby_Kelly_Rooney_2016_winner.pdf

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Sara Wells named Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network’s 2016 ‘Outstanding Young Leader'

Sara Wells, Kirby Medical Group Clinic Director, and Emmy Combs, Patient Access Manager for Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center, were named the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network’s 2016 ‘Outstanding Young Leaders’ during ceremonies held November 9th at the Crowne Plaza, Springfield.

“ICAHN’s ‘Outstanding Young Leader and Rising Star’ awards are granted to those role models, agents of change, and health innovators who not only shape policy but engage others in successful teamwork,” said Pat Schou, ICAHN Executive Director. “Sara and Emmy were so exceptional we couldn’t select just one winner this year. They show great promise, as do all our ‘Rising Stars,’ and we are honored to bestow all these awards.”

Sara Wells stepped into the clinic director role in the midst of accommodating new providers and staff members, EMR updates, Accountable Care Organization transmissions, quality measures, and clinic education surrounding Patient Centered Medical Home. At this time, planning was also underway for construction of an additional rural health clinic for the Monticello-based hospital.

“She made it a priority to educate herself on rural health clinics, worked toward certification, and successfully completed a rural health clinic survey with the Illinois Department of Public Health while also studying for, and earning, her second Master’s degree in Business Administration and raising a family,” said Steve Tenhouse, CEO, Kirby Medical Center. “She has been a terrific addition to Kirby’s leadership team by making meaningful contributions on a regular basis to our events, strategic planning discussions, and by being a reliable representative of this organization in general. She is a forward thinker, a self-starter, and is not only very positive but has been blessed with tremendous critical thinking skills. Patients and fellow staff at Kirby believe her heart for nursing and the community’s health outcomes are what directs her leadership in all the areas in which she’s involved.”

Since starting her role as Kirby Medical Group Clinic Director, the clinic has opened “Quick Care,” expanded its Saturday and evening hours, and is currently in the process of building and opening another rural health clinic in Cerro Gordo, Illinois.  



Sara Wells, Kirby Medical Group Clinic Director, Monticello, is shown here receiving the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network’s 2016 “Outstanding Young Leader” award from Mark Rossi, ICAHN Board President.