Wellness Trail Opens

Wellness Trail Opens

---

Take a stroll down the path to wellness at Kirby.

Kirby Medical Center’s Wellness Trail is a one-mile long, 10-foot wide paved path open to everyone in the community. The trail expands on Kirby’s wellness programs and encourages healthy lifestyles by offering opportunities to walk, run or bike. Four “Reflection Points” are located along the trail with benches for resting or relaxing. A bridge at the corner of the Forest Preserve Park tree line connects the trail to the Healing Garden and Apple a Day Café.
The first phase of the Wellness Trail opened to the public in September 2015, with the long-term goal of creating a network of trails throughout Kirby Medical Center’s campus. The trail is an embodiment of the collaborative effort between Kirby and the community and serves Kirby’s mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home.
Built upon the philanthropic leadership of the Kirby family, the Wellness Trail is funded by private, tax-deductible gifts. Contributions of all sizes support the maintenance of the trail and construction of new trails. Sponsors have the option to donate in memory or in honor of a loved one with an engraved bench, plaque or brick. Know that your generosity ensures that future generations of Piatt County residents will have the opportunity to utilize the Wellness Trail. Every gift makes a difference!

To find out more about the Wellness Trail, visit our website, call The Kirby Foundation at (217) 762-1509 or email Director of Development Sarah Ross at sross@kirbyhealth.org.

CrossFit Coming Soon

CrossFit Coming Soon

---

CEO Steve Tenhouse, second from left, enjoying his fit lifestyle

The push for wellness continues at Kirby Medical Center. Fresh off the opening of its one-mile long Wellness Trail, Kirby has announced plans to open a CrossFit gym (known as a “box” within the CrossFit community).
CrossFit workouts incorporate elements from high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, gymnastics and other exercises, all supporting the basic, fundamental movements that people need to do activities of daily living.
The CrossFit movement has inspired Kirby CEO Steve Tenhouse, who describes his fitness journey by saying, “I was one of those millions of people in the U.S. that had fallen prey to a sedentary lifestyle. Sometime in late May 2013, our Therapy Director Karin Sykes talked to me about CrossFit, and she put me in contact with the CrossFit manager at CrossFit Enhance in Decatur.
“The instructor’s primary focus wasn’t what I couldn’t do; it was on what I could do, by finding a good substitution for the regular movements, and then doing the substituted movement correctly. The first two or three months were really tough. What kept me coming back was the support of my CrossFit classmates, and it’s something that is organic within any good CrossFit gym.
“Fast forward two years to present day. The proof is tangible. First, my clothes fit better around the waist, I’ve built muscle tone, and my endurance, strength and agility have all made great strides. ‘Activity’, not ‘exercise’, is now a regular part of my day.”
Kirby has received approval from CrossFit, Inc. and plans to construct a 3,200-square-foot building that will house CrossFit. It will be located in a separate building next to the current ambulance garage.
CrossFit services will be open to the public as an extension of health and wellness services developed by Kirby Medical Center. CrossFit, Inc. has pledged $21,000 to outfit the gym with equipment traditionally used in CrossFit workouts, including weights, bars, rowers, pull-up rigs, medicine balls, dumbbells and kettle balls.

Information on classes and pricing is still being determined. Additional details on CrossFit, Inc. are available at www.crossfit.com, or by calling Kirby Medical Center at (217) 762-2115.

Women's Heart Health Expo

2013-2015 Kirby's Kitchen Series

For more information about the Nutrition & Wellness Program in DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties,

please contact Caitlin Huth, Extension Educator, at

chuth2@illinois.edu or by calling 217.762.2191

or visit our website at go.illinois.edu/dmp.

American Heart Month

American Heart Month

---

February is American Heart Month - a time to reflect on the sobering fact that heart disease remains the number one killer of both women and men in the United States The good news is you have the power to protect and improve your heart health.
Certain risk factors - like getting older or having a family history of heart disease - can’t be changed. But you do have control over some important risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, excess weight and physical inactivity. Many people have more than one risk factor. To safeguard your heart, it’s best to lower or eliminate as many risk factors as you can because they tend to “gang up” and worsen each other’s effects.
To tackle your heart risk factors, it helps to know your numbers. Ask your physician to measure your cholesterol and blood pressure. The higher your cholesterol, the greater your risk for heart disease or heart attack. High cholesterol itself doesn’t cause symptoms, so you can’t know if your cholesterol is too high unless you have it tested.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is another major risk factor for heart disease, as well as for stroke. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because, like high cholesterol, it usually has no symptoms. Blood pressure is always reported as two numbers, and any numbers above 120/80 mmHg raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Your weight is another important number to know. To find out if you need to lose weight to reduce your risk of heart disease, calculate your body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to height). A BMI between 25 and 29.9 means that you’re overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher signifies obesity.
If you find you’re at a high risk of developing heart disease, improved diet and exercise can make a significant impact for the better. A heart-healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as lean meats, poultry, fish and beans. Make physical activity a pleasure rather than a chore by choosing activities you enjoy. Take a brisk walk, play ball, lift light weights, dance or garden. Even taking the stairs instead of an elevator can make a difference.

Cardiac Rehabilitation at Kirby

Kirby offers a two-part outpatient rehabilitation program, Phase II and Phase III Cardiac Rehab, for those living with heart disease. The program offers a combination of physical exercise, education and counseling tailored specifically to each patient’s needs.
Phase II Cardiac Rehab is an individualized outpatient exercise program for those who have had a cardiac event. Participants wear a heart monitor while they exercise three times a week. The program lasts from 6-12 weeks and includes education on heart disease, risk factor modification, dietary consultation and lifestyle change.
Phase III Cardiac Rehab is a maintenance program for those who have completed Phase II Cardiac Rehab or who have appropriate risk factor modification needs. Participants monitor their progress under the supervision of the rehabilitation staff.

If you think you would benefit from Kirby’s Cardiac Rehab program or would like more information, please call (217) 762-1830.

Triple Crown

Triple Crown

---

Allerton Race runners

Whether you’re an avid runner, enjoy a long walk or are a complete fitness novice, the Triple Crown in Monticello will give you a lasting goal for the new year. Running and walking lower stress levels, increase bone and muscle density and strengthen your immune system. So get ready to earn your Triple Crown prize!

What is it?

The Triple Crown is an honor bestowed on those motivated individuals who complete a series of three races held in Monticello each year. The Kirby Derby is one leg of the Triple Crown, and while the Allerton Races and The Allerton Park Trail Run make up the remaining two legs.
Those runners/walkers who complete all three races are awarded a special prize - a premium garment with the Triple Crown crest - sponsored by Kelly's Accounting Service. To earn your Monticello Triple Crown prize, sign up and participate for the Allerton Trails Half Marathon or 10K on April 9, 2016 (OR the Trail-Glo 5K on April 8), The Kirby Derby 5K or 10K in May, and the Allerton Park Trail Run (5.7-mile run or two-mile walk) on October 30, 2016.

What can you expect?

Dean Hixson organizes the first Triple Crown event, the Allerton Races, and says, “The Allerton Races are comprised of the Trail-Glo 5K run on Friday night and a 10K and Half Marathon on Saturday morning. The Trail-Glo 5K is a night run on roads and trails in Allerton. It features music, lighting effects, glow sticks everywhere, chili, hot chocolate and good times all around! The 10K and Half Marathon take runners and walkers all over Allerton’s 1,500 acres of beautiful upland and riverfront woods and through gardens and statuaries. We also feature music and fun surprises along the way.
“Last year we had about 700 people participate. It was a great group. The Trail-Glo was a beautiful thing to watch, and we got nothing but enthusiastic feedback from all the runners and walkers as they finished up their events in the Fu-Dog Garden on Saturday. Everyone enjoyed the music, food and awards afterward. As part of our awards ceremony, we present a giant check of funds raised to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year it was more than $14,000!”

The 50-yard road stretch from frontage trail to Centaur trailhead. Water ahead, ladies!

Ben Newell organizes the last event in the Triple Crown, the Allerton Park Trail Run, and says, “The Allerton Park Trail Run is Second Wind Running Club's signature race and consists of a 5.7-mile trail run or an untimed two-mile fun walk. October 30, 2016, will be the 29th running of the race.
“Participants should expect beautiful fall scenery in a very unique setting as the course takes you through the grounds of the former Robert Allerton Estate. Along the way you will see wonderful sculptures, so it is a great way to see the park for those that haven't been there before. Being so close to Halloween, we encourage runners and spectators to come in costume to compete for the costume awards. After the race there is a DJ and a potluck style brunch for all participants and their families, which is always a big hit.
“Last year we had a very good turnout of over 400 participants with about a quarter of those completing the Monticello Triple Crown.”

Why get involved?

Kelly Finet of Kelly’s Accounting Service says, “I sponsor the Triple Crown because being fit is such an important aspect of my life. The Triple Crown is a unique opportunity because the three races are spread throughout the year, which encourages fitness as a lifestyle instead of a short term 'fad'. We understand that not everyone is going to be able to run a 10K or half marathon, so we've structured the prize to require participation in any one of the races offered during the event weekend, which hopefully will allow and encourage more people to accomplish the Triple Crown.”

Visit www.allertonraces.com and www.kirbyderby.org for more information

Kirby Derby 2016

Join us for the Kirby Derby 2016:

Each spring, Kirby Medical Center sponsors the Kirby Derby – a 5K walk/run and 10K run for community members who want to get out and get active! Kirby Medical Center also hosts a training program and runner/walker forum to help runners prepare for the big day. The Kirby Derby is the second leg of the Triple Crown, a series of three races held in Monticello each year.
Last year’s event was the biggest yet with 1,242 participants, including hundreds of local children who joined in for a special Kids’ Race. Friends and family members cheered on the athletes for two good causes. This year’s Kirby Derby raised money for the Wellness Trail and for The Chris Streigel Fund.
Many volunteers and sponsors helped make the event possible, and we are grateful for their continued support. Every year the Kirby Derby grows and evolves, and we look forward to another successful event in the coming year.
For more Kirby Derby related information, visit www.kirbyderby.org.

• 5K run/walk and 10K run
• Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 8:00am
• Online registration is now open at www.kirbyderby.org
• Early bird registration pricing ends Friday, March 25!
• Training program beings Tuesday, March 22, at 5:30pm (and continues every Tuesday at 5:30pm until race day)
• FREE Kids’ Race
• Option to commit to training year-round by participating in three local events for the Triple Crown

On Saturday, May 14th 2016, Kirby Medical Center will host the 9th annual Kirby Derby at Forest Preserve Park in Monticello, IL. This 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, and Kids’ Race is a family-friendly event and a great experience for all ages.


The race originated in 2008 with just over 100 participants. Continually growing, 2015 marked the highest level of participation with numbers over 1,150! Race organizers are expecting an impressive increase in 2016! There are a variety of sponsorship levels that we offer. If you have any questions, or are interested in sponsorship or other promotional opportunities, email happerson@kirbyhealth.org or call 762-1513. We would love the opportunity to partner with you for this community event that promotes healthy and active lifestyles.


For more information about Kirby Derby visit www.KirbyDerby.org.

Girls on the Run East Central Illinois kicks off tenth season

Girls on the Run East Central Illinois kicks off tenth season

Registration Opens January 5, 2016!!

East Central Illinois –Girls on the Run East Central Illinois and the Mattoon Area Family YMCA are kicking off the tenth Girls on the Run season in Coles, Moultrie, Shelby, Effingham, Piatt, and Douglas Counties beginning the week of February 1, 2016. 

Over the course of a 10-week Girls on the Run season, volunteer coaches teach life skills such as responding to bullies, dealing with body image and the media, making healthy decisions and contributing to the community. This character-building program focuses on bolstering self-esteem, confidence and improving physical and emotional health. Registration will open on January 5^th, 2016 and teams will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Full and partial scholarships are available.

Comments from some of our fall 2015 Girls on the Run participants said “I love Girls on the Run because I learned that you really don’t have to be perfect!” “I love GOTR East Central Illinois because I learned to always be kind no matter what!”  “I love GOTR East Central Illinois because I learned that you should be thankful for what you have.” What a gift to be able to give the girls in our communities the tools to navigate peer pressure and social expectations, and to create strong confident girls empowered to make healthy life decisions in high school and beyond.

During the course of the program, the girls train together to complete a 5k (3.1 mile) run – the culminating event of Girls on the Run. The Girls on the Run 5k, is scheduled for April 9, 2016 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and will begin at 9 a.m.. This event is open to anyone who is willing to run, walk or skip to the finish line. 

Girls on the Run (3^rd-5^th Grades)

Arcola Elementary: Mon/Wed 310-440p

Arthur Elementary: Mon/Thur 4-530p

Atwood-Hammond Grade School: Tues/Thur 330-5pm 

Bement Elementary: Tues/Wed 325-455p

Broadway Christian Church: Mon/Thur 4-530pm

Carl Sandburg Elementary: Tues/Thur 3-430p

Effingham High School: Mon/Wed 330-5p

Jefferson Elementary: Mon/Wed 315-445p

Main Street Elementary: Tues/Thur 320-450p

Mattoon Area Family YMCA: Tues/Thur 4-530pm

Riddle Elementary: Mon/Wed 315-445p

St. Paul’s in Stew Stras: Wed/Fri  345-515 (market to Windsor)

Washington Elementary (Monticello): Tues/Thur 310-440pm

Wesley Methodist Church: Tues/Thur 315-5p

White Heath Elementary (Monticello): Tues/Thur 310-440p

Williams Elementary School: Tues/Thur 315-445p

For more information or to register for the Girls on the Run program, or the 5k on April 9, please visit www.girlsontheruneci.org or call Sarah Dowell at the Mattoon Area Family YMCA at (217) 234-9494. 

Patient Satisfaction Surveys Now Available Online

For over five years now, Kirby Medical Center has been sending patient satisfaction surveys to randomly selected patients. Those surveys have been administered on paper through the mail and filled out by hand.

However, in addition to the paper surveys, Kirby Medical Center began administering patient satisfaction surveys electronically via email in August. Randomly selected patients will receive a survey in either paper format or email format, but not both. Kirby Medical Center hopes that the availability of the survey in email form will add an additional convenience to patients as part of the hospital’s continued efforts to make it easier for them to submit feedback about patient experiences.

Both surveys contain the exact questions - regardless of the survey delivery method. And, as with the paper ones, the e-surveys are completely confidential.

Share Kirby's History With Us!

In 2016 Kirby will celebrate its 75th anniversary of providing the community with compassionate care.

We are looking for photos and various memorable stories involving Kirby over the last 75 years to share with the community.

If you would like to share some of Kirby’s history with us, please email Heidi Apperson at happerson@kirbyhealth.org.

Kirby wins Guardian of Excellence award

Kirby Medical Center has been named a 2015 Guardian of Excellence Award winner by Press Ganey Associates, Inc for Outpatient Surgical Services.

The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a nationally-recognized symbol of achievement in health care. Presented annually, the award honors clients who consistently sustained performance in the top 5 percent of all Press Ganey clients for each reporting period during the course of one year.

Ann Collins, RN, Kirby Medical Center’s Director of Surgical Services said, “Kirby is able to achieve such high performance through highly experienced nurses and technicians in the surgery department, who have been the key for working with patients. Employees in the surgery department at Kirby possess a skill for making patients and their family members feel at ease about the experience from pre-operative to post-operative care. Kirby’s Surgery department staff are very engaged in the commitment to provide excellent patient care and patient experience to patients. They live Kirby’s Core Values and Behavior Standards to the fullest degree.”

“We are thankful on a daily basis for our Surgery Staff and are very proud of their dedication to the service we provide to our patients,” says Kirby’s Chief Clinical Officer, Jennifer Moss.

According to Moss, the award represents an important recognition from the industry’s leader in measuring, understanding and improving the patient experience.

“We are proud to partner with Kirby Medical Center,” said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO of Press Ganey. “This award is a testament to the organization’s leadership in delivering of patient-centered care. By achieving and sustaining this level of excellence, Kirby demonstrates their commitment to reducing patient suffering and advancing the overall quality of health care.”

About Kirby
Kirby Medical Center is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation located in Monticello, Illinois. Since 1941, Kirby has been serving the healthcare needs of families in Piatt County and is committed and proud to provide quality and compassionate healthcare services to all people in need, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.kirbyhealth.org.

About Press Ganey
Press Ganey Holdings (NYSE: PGND) is a leading provider of patient experience measurement, performance analytics and strategic advisory solutions for health care organizations across the continuum of care. Celebrating 30 years of experience, Press Ganey is recognized as a pioneer and thought leader in patient experience measurement and performance improvement solutions. Our mission is to help health care organizations reduce patient suffering and improve clinical quality, safety and the patient experience. As of January 1, 2015, we served more than 22,000 health care facilities. For more information, visit www.pressganey.com.

Kirby Medical Center Lab Services

If you are in need of lab testing, our board-certified medical technologists and technicians are dedicated to providing rapid access to precise laboratory data for evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of our patients. Kirby Medical Center's Joint Commission accredited laboratory is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and offers:

•Hematology
•Chemistry
•Immunohematology
•Urinalysis
•Serology
•Microbiology
•Phlebotomy
•Urine Drug Screening

For those in need of outpatient lab services, you will find us conveniently located in the promenade just inside the main entrance of Kirby Medical Center. The laboratory not only serves patients at Kirby, but also provides comprehensive services to the Kirby Medical Group providers both in Monticello and Atwood, Piatt County Nursing and Group Homes in Monticello and offers blood collection services to Kirby Medical Group Monday-Friday.

http://www.kirbyhealth.org/our_services/laboratory.php

Kirby's Smoking Cessation Program

Kirby’s Smoking Cessation Program

We all know smoking is bad for your health, but quitting can be a real struggle. Our Smoking Cessation program addresses the tremendous effort it takes to drop the habit.
We work in conjunction with the American Academy of Family Practice’s Ask & Act Program, the Illinois Department of Public Health Quitline and the American Lung Association to offer our patients educational materials and counseling support to get them through the cessation process and on track to a healthy life!
Kirby Medical Group will not only help you quit smoking, but will also provide support and healthcare during the withdrawal process. No matter how long you’ve been smoking, your health will benefit from quitting:

1. 20 minutes after quitting your heart rate drops to a normal level.
2. 12 hours after quitting the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
3. 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting your risk of having a heart attack begins to decrease.
4. 1 to 9 months after quitting your coughing and shortness of breath decreases.
5. 1 year after quitting your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
6. 5 to 15 years after quitting your risk of having a stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s and your risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat or esophagus is half that of a smoker’s.
7. 10 years after quitting your risk of dying from lung cancer is approximately half that of a smoker’s, your risk of developing bladder cancer is half that of a smoker’s and your chance of developing cervical cancer or cancer of the larynx, kidney or pancreas also decreases.
8. 15 years after quitting your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a nonsmoker.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources

To learn more about our Smoking Cessation program, call (217) 762-2115 or visit us online.

Fresh Start Weight Loss Program

Fresh Start Weight Loss Program

---

Anita Boone is looking and feeling good thanks to the Fresh Start program.

With more than two-thirds of adults considered overweight or obese, weight loss has become a common topic for anyone concerned with health and wellness. Many of us have seen results from a new diet, only to pile the weight back on when the diet rules prove unsustainable, and we revert back to our old lifestyles and habits.
If you find yourself needing more support than your average diet guidelines give you, Fresh Start can help you make the healthy changes you need. Fresh Start is a proven clinical weight loss program that provides education, health assessments and nutritional counseling, as well as screenings for and treatments of obesity-related conditions. Fresh Start follows the Ideal Protein^® nutritional plan and provides exercise and physical activity resources, support groups, psychological counseling, recipes and reading material – all of which help you stay on track with your personal weight loss goals.
There are no quick fixes when it comes to weight loss, and weight loss is a very personal experience, but together we can determine goals, provide tools and offer support as you begin a new journey toward a healthier you.
We spoke with Fresh Start participant Anita Boone about her experience with the program and what weight loss means to her.

Why did you decide to enroll in the program?

I had tried so many different types of diets and exercise routines with no weight loss results. I was so frustrated. I thought I could never lose weight again, due to the fact that I was getting older and thought my metabolism was slowing down. I knew people who were quite successful doing the Fresh Start Weight Loss program, so I thought I had nothing to lose.

How was Fresh Start different from other diet methods for you?

This weight loss program is super easy to follow and you get wonderful support from Weight Loss Program Coordinator Terri Rupkey! It is not only great to have support while you are on your weight loss journey but also when you have achieved your weight loss goal. When dieting, your goal is not only to lose weight but to learn to eat healthy for life. I have tried so many other diets that have been so complicated to follow and so expensive that my grocery and supplement list was a mile long.

Would you care to share your results with us?

I lost a total of 30.2 pounds in 2015.

What has been the most impactful lifestyle or diet change for you?

Now I am in control of what I eat. Finally food isn't controlling me. This is a major accomplishment for me, because I felt that I had no control when it came to chocolate and popcorn! I even got through the holidays successfully. Also, I’m not afraid to go clothes shopping now because clothes actually fit when I try them on. Another major impact from losing weight is that I have so much more energy! Before the weight loss, I had hardly any energy to get me through the day.

What would you say to others considering Fresh Start?

If your 2016 New Year’s resolution is to actually lose weight this year and keep it off, give Fresh Start a try! What do you have to lose except weight?!