tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60776849284353878392024-03-04T22:52:45.727-08:00CoxHealth ConnectionWelcome to the online home of CoxHealth Connection, featuring news for CoxHealth employees, friends and fans. For all the latest, visit our home page at CoxHealth.com and join us on Facebook and Twitter.eBurlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11607359802351759833noreply@blogger.comBlogger760125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-6720780286281914942016-11-23T09:49:00.000-08:002016-11-23T09:49:27.538-08:00Tips to skip food poisoning this holiday season
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
holiday season, a time for family, friends and festivity, is here. But there’s
something not so cheery that can come along with it: Foodborne illness, which
makes a spike during the winter months and especially around the holidays.
Thankfully, there are things people can do to keep the illness-causing
organisms from ruining the most wonderful time of the year – and the first way
is especially close at hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Hand
hygiene is the number-one thing that we want to see and remind people to do,”
says Dana Edwards, an infection prevention coordinator at CoxHealth. She notes
that it’s especially important because not all germs are killed with alcohol
sanitizers. “Norovirus – known as the “cruise-ship bug” – is very difficult to
kill with alcohol. You want to make sure that you’re mechanically washing with
friction, making a lot of bubbles and rinsing them away down the sink.
Theoretically that’s removing the organisms from your hands and decreasing the
likelihood of getting infected.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But
that’s not all people can do to keep from getting sick. Below, find some more
tips from Edwards on how to keep this season a happy – and healthy – one. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Keep raw foods away from cooked ones</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. It’s easy for
bacteria to unintentionally get from one food to another. For example, before
using a fork to sprinkle onions on the green bean casserole, ensure it didn’t
touch the raw turkey. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be sure to clean surfaces often.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> According to Edwards,
this is more than simply wiping counters down with a wet paper towel. “Preferably
clean it first with soap and water, and follow it up with bleach,” she says,
noting that you can’t simply start with a an alcohol wipe, either. “We can’t
disinfect dirt, so we have to make sure that the counter is clean.” She also
notes that when disinfecting, be sure to find wipes that have a bleach base,
since some versions use other cleaners that don’t kill organisms the same as
bleach does. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Promptly refrigerate and freeze foods.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Ideally, this is
within two hours of purchasing or preparing. Another tip: Contrary to longtime
tradition, don’t defrost that turkey (or other frozen foods) on the kitchen
counter. “Really, the safer way to do it is placing it in the refrigerator,”
says Edwards. “That keeps things at a low enough temp that organisms can’t grow
as easily.” </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Respect use-by dates.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Yes, it might be tempting to go ahead
and use that slightly outdated jar of mayonnaise, but is food poisoning really
something you want to give your family as an early Christmas gift? “It’s a
cliché, but it’s really important to respect those dates,” says Edwards. “After
extended periods of time, organisms can begin to grow and cause harm if
ingested.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unfortunately,
it’s easy to spread the illness-causing organisms, which can cause issues
within a very short period of time. “A lot of times the outbreak has happened
before people realize it,” says Edwards, who also notes that the most common
symptoms of foodborne illness are diarrhea, cramping, nausea and vomiting.
There are several risk groups – including children, pregnant women and the
elderly – who should take those conditions especially seriously. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“But
as with any illness, if symptoms persist it is a good idea to call your
provider,” reminds Edwards. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-50086429505866933462016-11-14T13:51:00.000-08:002016-11-14T13:53:59.779-08:00Cox Heart Center Branson expands to greater serve patients <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
an effort to greater serve patients, Cox Heart Center Branson (CHCB) has
expanded – and has a new look! Now, there’s a total of 18 exam rooms in the
center, which has a beautifully remodeled lobby. The public is invited to see
these improvements – and meet the cardiologists – at an open house on Friday,
Nov. 18 from 2 – 4 p.m. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“These
improvements mean that the center can offer more support to the community than
ever before,” says Sherry Schutz, clinic manager at CHCB. “We want to
offer patients the best care possible, and these improvements help accomplish
that mission.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
addition to the center’s new look and increased space, the number of cardiologists
at the center has also gone up. Dr. Robbie Mangalasseril and Dr. David Lemons
have recently come to CHCB, and bring a wealth of knowledge and a desire to
help local patients. Both physicians specialize in treatment of cardiology
conditions, including valvular heart disease, adult congenital heart disease,
coronary artery disease, as well as advanced cardiac imaging and heart failure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">CHCB
provides a variety of cardiovascular services including the evaluation and
treatment of a variety of cardiovascular conditions, an anticoagulation clinic,
a pacemaker/ICD clinic, as well as ultrasounds, cardiac stress testing, and
cardiac event monitoring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
center is located at 1150 Hwy 248, Suite 200, Branson. For more information or
to make an appointment at the center, please call 417-336-4112.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-81910283167394549972016-11-11T09:09:00.001-08:002016-11-11T09:09:15.905-08:00Cox Learning Center Branson to hold open house
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
a growing and thriving community, the Tri Lakes Area needs proven child care to
ensure that all community needs are met. With that in mind, Cox Medical Center
Branson is excited to offer the Cox Learning Center Branson as a new option to
the community. Families are invited to come see the beautiful new center,
located at 1192 Bird Road, Branson, on Monday, Nov. 21 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s
a great benefit for our employees, who will be able to go to work and give the
best possible care to our patients because they know their children are
receiving great care as well,” says Simon Wajnblom, vice president of
Performance Management at Cox Medical Center Branson. “However, we also want to
extend this great service to our community. Having the availability of a
credentialed learning center, with a tested and proven curriculum, aides in the
development of the children while attracting and retaining an engaged labor
force.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
learning center, which is currently taking names on its waiting list, will
accept children six weeks old up to 12 years of age. It will employ
approximately 15 full-time employees and another 10 part-time employees when at
capacity. The center will use nationally approved Creative Curriculum by
Teaching Strategies, which is developmentally and age-appropriate and promotes
child-initiated learning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“As
children grow and learn, we’ll make every effort to promote self-esteem and
independence in the child and help the child grow emotionally, physically,
intellectually and socially,” says Karrie Ridder, CoxHealth learning centers
system director of more than 30 years. “The goal is to make learning fun and to
spur creativity. Classrooms will be organized into learning centers, giving children
a variety of activities to choose from each day.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
center will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday. Breakfast, lunch, dinner
and afternoon snacks will be served daily. Formula, diapers and wipes will also
be included at no additional cost for children in the applicable age
categories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To
learn more or to place your child on the waiting list, call 417-269-6775. For
more information about employment at the learning center, please visit <a href="http://www.coxhealth.com/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.coxhealth.com</span></a>
and visit the Career Center.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-88114936418451864022016-11-07T09:17:00.001-08:002016-11-07T09:17:39.935-08:00Mom leads fundraiser to buy books for NICU babies <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Before
becoming a mom, April Gensler didn’t know how much of an impact books would
have on her life. But when her daughter, Amelia, was born at only 24 weeks old,
reading books to her was the only way she could connect with her baby. “<span style="color: black;">When I came back to the NICU, the nurse presented me with a
book with my daughter's footprints inside,” says April. “She told me I could
read softly to her.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amelia’s book was presented as part of the Books for Babies
program, which has been operated from CoxHealth’s NICU for more than 20 years.
Each baby is presented with a book, stamped with the baby’s footprints, and the
baby’s parents are encouraged to read it to their child. Reading allows bonding
to occur – because for some parents like April, even touching their baby isn’t
an option. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I wasn't even allowed to caress her because it could
overstimulate,” says April, since Amelia’s skin wasn’t fully developed.
“Reading was all I had. The only thing I could do.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So that’s what she did. With no other children at home, April
would spend hours upon hours at the NICU, reading to Amelia from the NICU’s
library. “She got stronger and stronger, but it was three months before I could
hold my baby girl against my chest,” recalls April. “By that point though,
reading was our ‘thing’ and it continued."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tragically, Amelia was just born
too early: On Feb. 28, 2011, she passed away 155 days after her birth. But
today, her mother is raising money to support the program that brought so many
good memories to her time with Amelia. And although she’d love to see the funds
to purchase as many books as possible, her goal is to get at least 155 – one
for each day of her daughter’s life. “I just want to honor her life,” says
April. “She fought every day to live. She was so strong. I want to carry that
on. I want to give back to the programs that gave so much to us.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">April is asking the community to
help: Monetary donations may be made until Nov. 20 via <a href="https://www.youcaring.com/cox-south-nicu-books-for-babies-program-671756"><span style="color: #0563c1;">You
Caring</span></a>, a crowdsourcing site, which will allow books to be purchased at
wholesale prices and given to babies in the NICU.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I think it is the most beneficial program for a parent/baby in
the NICU because you aren't able to care for your child like everyone else
does,” says April. “All you have is your voice to give them, but so many
people, including me, have a hard time finding the words especially considering
the extremely emotional and stressful setting. But books gave us words when we
had none.”</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-73102547487457788742016-11-02T05:09:00.001-07:002016-11-02T05:09:46.339-07:00CoxHealth invites community to participate in healthy food drive
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Increasing
numbers of people across the Ozarks are relying on food pantries to meet their
daily needs. However, when it comes to people with health-restricted diets,
sometimes there are few options for food. That’s why CoxHealth’s employees are
working to pack local pantries with foods that are low in sugar, salt and fat –
and the community is invited to take part! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“We
know that obesity, heart disease and diabetes are leading health issues in our
community,” says Glenda Miller, CoxHealth collaborative care coordinator and
food drive organizer. “By donating healthy foods to our local pantries, we are
helping not only provide much needed food for our friends and neighbors, but
also support those who wish to eat a heart-healthy diet.” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Springfield’s
donations will benefit Crosslines, a local food pantry that serves an average
of 3,600 Ozarkers every month. “As a client-choice food pantry, it is important
to Crosslines to provide a selection of healthy, nutritious food for families
and seniors,” says Crosslines director Tom Faulkner. “Through CoxHealth’s
healthy food drive, Crosslines will be able to help meet a special need for
those with dietary health conditions, especially those that may have high blood
pressure, diabetes, or even chronic heart disease issues.”</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
food drive begins on Nov. 2, which coincides with National Eating Healthy Day,
and runs through Nov. 18. In Springfield, donation bins will be placed at Cox
South (near the north entrance, West Pavilion entrance and West Tower
entrance), Meyer Fitness Center (inside the front entrance), Meyer Orthopedic
& Rehabilitation Hospital (near the cafeteria), CoxHealth Surgery Center
(inside the south entrance) and Cox North (outpatient entrance and near the
FMCC entrance). </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some
suggested items include no-sugar-added applesauce, 100-percent-fruit cups,
low-sodium or “no salt added” canned vegetables, reduced sodium spaghetti
sauce, tomato paste, brown rice, whole wheat noodles, canned chicken and dried
beans. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Food donated in Springfield will be provided to Crosslines, Branson’s food
donations will be sent to pantries operated by Christian Action Ministries, and
Monett’s goes to Monett Community Kitchen.</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-60954210915612318482016-10-25T06:48:00.000-07:002016-10-25T06:48:29.865-07:00Keep trick-or-treating safe this Halloween
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-PeyQutMFP6-k6F7t1uOLBBw7KG5nGNXPm4-7m_qODeCYk7295EXfwoq1MkXXW5u-rS6VkKuHK7Q5pUecrcXig8olXJ2LafIujahbGWSSeoptsPa6lUzwxL-eCI6NLD0d18jpyRUJ08/s1600/Halloween+kids.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-PeyQutMFP6-k6F7t1uOLBBw7KG5nGNXPm4-7m_qODeCYk7295EXfwoq1MkXXW5u-rS6VkKuHK7Q5pUecrcXig8olXJ2LafIujahbGWSSeoptsPa6lUzwxL-eCI6NLD0d18jpyRUJ08/s320/Halloween+kids.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Halloween
will soon be here, which offers a great opportunity to have fun – as long as
everyone stays safe. One option is to attend CoxHealth’s free Trunk or Treat on
Oct. 31, which will be held at the West Pavilion at Cox South. Departments will
distribute candy from kid-friendly booths from 5 – 8 p.m. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">However,
for those trick-or-treating door-to-door this year, check out a few tips from
CoxHealth’s Public Safety department:</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted
adult. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If your child will be trick-or-treating without you, establish a
route with your child and don’t allow your child to go door-to-door in an
unfamiliar neighborhood. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be sure to walk on the sidewalks and driveways. When crossing a
street, make sure you are crossing at the corner, or in a crosswalk. Remind
your child to look carefully for traffic before crossing. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If possible, carry a cellphone. Teach them how to call home or
dial 911 if they need to. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Make sure your child carries a flashlight. Attach a glow stick,
small battery operated light or reflective tape on their costume. This will help
keep them visible. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Remind your child of the dangers of getting into a stranger’s car.
If someone stops them and asks them for help or offers them candy to get in
their car, tell them to scream as loud as they can and run. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To help keep kids from being tempted to dig into their candy
before they get home, feed them a meal or snack beforehand. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If your child has a food allergy, be sure to carry their emergency
medicines with you, or display an allergy medical bracelet. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Examine all treats before they eat them. Only allow them to eat
factory-wrapped treats, avoiding homemade treats from strangers. </span></div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Children should wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to
avoid blocked vision, trips and falls. Better yet: Choose face paint and makeup
whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-74090115048636396832016-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:002016-10-12T16:35:48.863-07:00Cox South room refresh builds in-house pride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiAjGbDm-yO2_hZAavDJMvorW0R7UryekfCVogICXfhwNkhv9QikITms-kbbF4i-kZsY8wlQgVlUTyjProJZnirkP-K54QpYtxPuCj5cpyfBDpIEai455CVGYrwqhZlOv8afj4dVtYsz7/s1600/RoomRefreshArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiAjGbDm-yO2_hZAavDJMvorW0R7UryekfCVogICXfhwNkhv9QikITms-kbbF4i-kZsY8wlQgVlUTyjProJZnirkP-K54QpYtxPuCj5cpyfBDpIEai455CVGYrwqhZlOv8afj4dVtYsz7/s400/RoomRefreshArt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Our ‘refresh construction’ team brings innovative problem-solving to the task of making original Cox South rooms new again.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take a look inside one of the renovated rooms on 500 West or 200 West at Cox South and you might easily mistake it for one of the rooms in the newly built West Tower.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Engineering’s “refresh construction” teams are currently working their way through the original hospital, giving the rooms a new look and new functionality that puts the original tower on the same level as the new construction. But the teams working on the refresh are building more than new rooms: They’re building pride and dedication that shows through in every step of the work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Rather than completing the renovation through contractors, CoxHealth leaders decided early on to bring the work in-house. Supervisor Tony Hein says that decision has been a major win for Engineering, as teams put their expertise to work making an investment in CoxHealth’s future.<br /> <br />“This is not just a job, people take pride and ownership of what they’re doing for the hospital,” Hein says. “Everyone took this job because they wanted to make a difference and everyone works good together.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The 10 members of the refresh construction team have all had input into the design of the rooms. They’ve brought their individual skill sets to the task of finding innovative solutions that bring the latest features to the renovated space.<br /> <br />For an obvious example of the team’s problem-solving prowess, look no further than the wood headwalls behind the bed in each patient room. Since the original tower’s rooms are a different size than those in the West Tower, the headwalls were going to have to be custom made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Designing them to work around the placement of medical gasses in the original tower’s walls presented another challenge, as well as a variety of additional costs.<br /> <br />The team devised a solution: Purchase the raw materials and build the walls themselves. They gave it a try with formaldehyde-free medium-density fibreboard (MDF) that they’re cutting in the refresh construction shop and layering with Inpro, a high quality laminate that matches the walls in the West Tower. The entire process is a fraction of the cost of using custom-ordered walls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Hein says the headwalls are just one of the ways a little ingenuity can produce a better result, all while building pride among the team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />“Contractors are fine, but I’m old school, from Cox North, where we used to do all this ourselves. It was your job and you felt good,” Hein says. “A person doing a job in-house, they take pride in what they’re doing. We’re getting a lot of that in-house pride back and people would be surprised how much we’re saving.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Examples of the team’s innovations are everywhere in the new construction. In the restrooms, for example, the new design features a smooth floor that eliminates the “curb” that used to serve as the edge of the shower. Now, the floors simply slope into a drain. Even as they were installing the first of the shower floors, the team saw ways of perfecting the process.<br /> <br />“One guy said, ‘I can make just as good a floor with a different material,’” Hein says. “I said, ‘Let’s prove it and see.’”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Rather than their first approach, they tried a different concrete subfloor product, which was about one-tenth the cost of the initial material. It worked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The team also looked at replacing the doors, before finding a way to simply re-skin them with the same Inpro laminate used for the headwalls. When all new windows and updated window shades are in place, the original tower’s rooms will be virtually indistinguishable from those in the West Tower.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />“Customers, families and friends will be impressed,” Hein says. “This is about good customer service – when we get a happy customer, word of mouth goes a long way.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Hein says the team loves the challenge and they like being able to make a lasting difference, for the hospital and the community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />“When employees take ownership, things will go better, our customers are more satisfied and you’ll see employees with smiles on their faces,” he says. “It keeps it positive and builds on the ‘Cox family’ feel. I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the team in this direction.”</span>Randy Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953305779834032778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-86711468274185401752016-10-12T16:17:00.001-07:002016-10-12T16:17:32.069-07:00DirectConnect now available statewide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhXct5GsUta9i85BjxKDyDPpJGU3VvYV-UdGQ_jJIrLYH8xM-wN9DOp06lOEvI80ADrN6JR2XdCrDRHRN0Q-3bxE-YKz8nzMwbsmrl0dy_2WVIH6wD9HWKWcWpjyoLsmQxP0EosNP_x_j/s1600/PopulationHealth-grouping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhXct5GsUta9i85BjxKDyDPpJGU3VvYV-UdGQ_jJIrLYH8xM-wN9DOp06lOEvI80ADrN6JR2XdCrDRHRN0Q-3bxE-YKz8nzMwbsmrl0dy_2WVIH6wD9HWKWcWpjyoLsmQxP0EosNP_x_j/s200/PopulationHealth-grouping.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Years ago, seeing a doctor from the comfort of one’s own home was the norm – just as it soon will be again. DirectConnect, CoxHealth’s telemedicine program, will allow most people in the state of Missouri to receive health care for common ailments remotely in the very near future.<br /> <br />Yes, that’s right: Instead of making an appointment, patients can be seen from their couch for things like coughs, colds, upper respiratory infections, allergies, bug bites and sore throats.<br /> <br />“We’re so excited about this initiative because it means that not only is health care easier to access, but it’s available to almost everyone,” says Heather Swearengin, CoxHealth’s system director of Business Development. “This opportunity is being offered directly in response to the need we saw for more accessibility in our region.”<br /> <br />Here’s how it works: Anyone wishing to be seen by a health care professional will simply go to our website at coxhealth.com/directconnect. After filling out some initial information, a CoxHealth patient navigator will be sent the request for care. The navigator will determine the type of care required and will then contact the provider. A few minutes later, a provider will log on and see a patient via webcam before making a diagnosis. If a prescription is needed, it is sent to the pharmacy and the patient is able to use his or her health insurance just like they would when they obtain a prescription in the traditional office setting.<br /> <br />This service is available at the low cost of $49 for everyone, even those without insurance. Some are even able to pay a lower copay if the service is covered by their insurance plan. However, due to licensing requirements, all patients must currently be located within the state of Missouri to receive treatment. All info will be contained in a HIPAA-compliant connection, ensuring that health care information stays private.<br /><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This new technology doesn’t completely replace traditional doctor visits, because some things can only be diagnosed in person. However, with a thorough medical history review, a visual exam and interview of the patient, it is often possible to triage and treat patients without physically being in the same room with them.<br /><br />This isn’t the first time that CoxHealth has ventured into telemedicine. We launched DirectConnect in 2015 by partnering with local businesses to bring virtual health care to employees. Its popularity grew quickly: Within just six months of DirectConnect’s launch, more than 50,000 lives were connected with the program.</span><br />
Randy Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953305779834032778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-15207027389565258292016-10-12T10:22:00.000-07:002016-10-12T10:22:26.179-07:00CoxHealth invites local kids to Trunk or Treat on October 31
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s
not a trick, but it is a treat: The community’s kids (and their parents) are
invited to CoxHealth’s Trunk or Treat on October 31.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“We’re
hosting this Trunk or Treat because we really wanted to help families in our
community,” says Lana Martin, pediatric trauma coordinator at CoxHealth. “This
event will be a truly safe place for kids to have a fun Halloween.” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Instead
of visiting unknown neighborhoods and high-traffic areas, this event offers a
safe alternative to trick-or-treating. The event will be held at Cox South’s
West Pavilion (3801 S. National Ave., Springfield), where employees will set up
Halloween-themed, kid-friendly booths and distribute treats from 5 to 8 p.m.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
more information about the event, call (417) 269-0920. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-48266760004507491132016-10-11T12:58:00.001-07:002016-10-11T12:58:58.812-07:00Springfield Center for Dyslexia & Learning to celebrate first birthday
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Springfield Center for Dyslexia &
Learning (SCDL) celebrates its first birthday in October, and the public is
invited to help celebrate. From 5 – 7 p.m. on October 13, the center will be
open for tours, visits, and refreshments. SCDL, which is housed in The Turner
Center on CoxHealth’s campus, is a resource for local students with dyslexia.
The organization works with students to provide specialized help in reading
through small groups and one-on-one instruction.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s been a great year, but we’re always
looking for ways to help even more local kids succeed,” says Noel Leif,
executive director of the center. “One in five kids has dyslexia, so we feel
that this cause is one that must be addressed. It’s something that affects a
large percentage of our population, and we want to help those individuals live
up to their full potential.” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">SCDL’s
classes are open to all students, and are held at a variety of times. Through
sponsorship from CoxHealth, the program’s teachers have been trained in the
“Take Flight” program, a method of instruction developed at the Texas Scottish
Rite Hospital in Dallas. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
For more information about the center or its programs, call 417-269-0259. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-74402570880406296002016-10-10T10:11:00.000-07:002016-10-10T10:11:11.226-07:00Orthopedic surgeon to discuss osteoarthritis during free lunch and learn
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaFWjD1vhVWHt-VJ-QgpM3NhG42R5tJVQfyPw0hfJEWGGqOhzmmv1-OEaEDVe-Z0RWmx4uScJ4U0QruNUGr_MwNTuIyAldMlpeceWkaBS2uxSAsocbi0H7lCkaH0i953jPXWouvblY5E/s1600/Efird%252C+Chad+MD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggaFWjD1vhVWHt-VJ-QgpM3NhG42R5tJVQfyPw0hfJEWGGqOhzmmv1-OEaEDVe-Z0RWmx4uScJ4U0QruNUGr_MwNTuIyAldMlpeceWkaBS2uxSAsocbi0H7lCkaH0i953jPXWouvblY5E/s200/Efird%252C+Chad+MD.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Community invited to tour mobile learning center as part of
event</span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Orthopedic
surgeon Dr. Chad Efird will be discussing osteoarthritis, the most common form
of arthritis, during an Orthopedic Lunch and Learn on Thursday, Oct. 20, at Cox
Medical Center Branson. As part of the event, the public is invited to tour the
Zimmer Mobile Learning Center and learn about treatment options for joint pain
and joint replacement surgery. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“This event
will be a great opportunity for people to see how using technology, we can help
restore mobility, alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for people
suffering from joint pain,” says Dr. Efird. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. that day, the Zimmer Mobile Learning Center will open for tours
outside the main hospital entrance at Cox Medical Center Branson. The free
lunch and learn will begin at noon in the Magnolia and Dogwood conference
rooms. Following Dr. Efird’s presentation, there will be an opportunity for
questions and answers. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Zimmer Mobile
Learning Center is a traveling educational vehicle that provides training to
orthopedic surgeons, nurses and other health care professionals as well as
community members on a wide range of orthopedic topics and treatment options. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Space is
limited for the Orthopedic Lunch and Learn. Registration is required. Please
RSVP by Oct. 17. To reserve your seat, call 335-7350 or email </span><a href="mailto:Joann.Adrian@CoxHealth.com"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Joann.Adrian@CoxHealth.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-47952747410495098612016-10-04T16:45:00.000-07:002016-10-04T16:45:37.988-07:00Population health transforms ED mission<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">CoxHealth EDs help patients access the right level of care to reduce overcrowding and improve health.</span><br /><br />The model of care at CoxHealth’s emergency departments is evolving, with the goal of helping patients get the best care in the most appropriate setting.<br /><br />Nationally, emergency departments are plagued with overcrowding. Several factors are driving the increase, but a trend has emerged in the past decade that presents a new challenge for ERs: More patients are turning to emergency rooms for treatment of chronic health conditions.<br /><br />Reducing inappropriate ED utilization is the million dollar question facing Emergency De</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06cWHh3gGnLCR8wpqUGwPKL6aJ3hWdE6MEcTPetkZgI1Npb7bhEp-HG6jl1UiFtJTUDAckvJ1CuPKR1d-908GPIX4TpBIEhouT9y1ikJRf4DzRKjrleggkydMB73poccE-Bv7zPC08q0-/s1600/ArcherTag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06cWHh3gGnLCR8wpqUGwPKL6aJ3hWdE6MEcTPetkZgI1Npb7bhEp-HG6jl1UiFtJTUDAckvJ1CuPKR1d-908GPIX4TpBIEhouT9y1ikJRf4DzRKjrleggkydMB73poccE-Bv7zPC08q0-/s200/ArcherTag.jpg" width="177" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">partments. Recently, we realized we needed to change our model to one that will lead to better overall health of our communities.<br /><br />In the emergency department, we are episodic care experts. If you have an acute exacerbation of an illness or an acute emergency, that’s what we do best. Likewise, the care of chronic conditions is best delivered in a primary care setting, or perhaps, even in the patient’s home.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Nurses Association have partnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to get involved in population health – managing the health of every individual in the population. That can be as simple as updating immunizations to more complex issues of trying to get patients into the right and most efficient level of care.<br /><br />Patients come to the ED for treatment of their chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure or COPD, for any number of reasons, including not being able to get into primary care or not having access to the resources available.<br /><br />Patients try to deal with their illness at home – they might get progressively sicker until their illness becomes an emergency and we address that need in the ER. But what happens when they leave the ER? How do we ensure that patients in high-risk populations transition to the right level of care for the ongoing treatment of their chronic disease?<br /><br />Generally, if patients are not seen within 3-5 days after discharge from the ER or hospital, they are at risk for readmission. Hospitals are evaluated by CMS on 30-day readmission rates and ERs are measured on 72-hour patient returns. Any effort we can make for better care management after discharge will be better for our patients – and for our bottom lines.<br /><br />CoxHealth has been a leader in getting patients into the best level of care. In Springfield, moving our urgent cares to the Cox South campus allows for lower acuity patients to have access to quicker, less expensive care. Also, the development of specialized trauma and disease-specific clinics allows for trauma patients and those with high-risk chronic illnesses to be seen within 3-5 days after discharge from the ED or the hospital if they aren’t able to get in to see their primary care provider.<br /><br />Now, new processes and new external partnerships are helping us expand our population health efforts even further.<br /><br />First, we identified gaps in service to our patient populations, such as dental care for those who come to the ED with tooth pain and have no insurance; outpatient management of mental health conditions for people who are stabilized in the ED but don’t have a mental health provider for follow up; and social health support for patients who are well physically but lack social support.<br /><br />We developed a multidisciplinary team across the region involving internal and external partners. We identified and worked to close the gaps either within CoxHealth or by partnering with other agencies in the community such as Jordan Valley and Burrell Behavioral Health.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jointly, we have worked to obtain grant funding that ultimately will reduce overall cost and reduce state and federal Medicaid spending while improving the health of our region.<br /><br />You will be hearing more about some of those partnerships here in Connection in the coming months. Population Health coverage will also include efforts in Branson and Monett and through the work of the new Population Health team.<br /><br />Thinking about serving our patients in different ways is exciting. Making a difference in the community – that’s what I love doing and I’m glad we work in an organization that allows us to reach out of our areas of expertise to find new ways to be the best for those who need us</span><br />
Randy Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953305779834032778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-63950577297098955892016-10-03T12:26:00.000-07:002016-10-03T12:26:08.019-07:00Nurses honored for extraordinary clinical skill and compassion with DAISY Awards
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Each
quarter, CoxHealth recognizes nominated nurses with DAISY Awards. The DAISY
Award for Extraordinary Nurses is presented in medical facilities throughout
the United States to recognize the education, training, skill and compassionate
care nurses provide. Patients, their friends and families, co-workers,
physicians and volunteers may nominate a nurse for the award.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jamie
Dudley</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
700 East – Jamie was recognized for the compassion she showed a patient who
spent her final days on the unit. The patient had been diagnosed with brain
tumors and she was without family or friends. Jamie treated the patient like
family, caring for her daily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jamie
spent the patient’s final day with her, documenting in her room and only
leaving to check on other patients and pass medication. She prayed with the
patient and was by her side as she took her last breath. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lana
Garcia</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
Cox North ED – Lana was called in to work with a patient who had been the
victim of domestic violence. Lana is a trained sexual assault nurse examiner
and even though sexual assault wasn’t part of this case, her forensic expertise
and ability to provide compassionate care was key for the patient. Lana
provided emotional support throughout the patient’s ED visit and
hospitalization. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Some
superheroes don’t wear capes. Lana was a superhero for that patient that
night,” her colleagues wrote in the DAISY nomination. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Emily
Stark</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,
400 MICU/CCU – Emily cared for a 97-year-old patient who, despite his declining
health condition, wanted nothing more than to go outside. As his condition
worsened, Emily thought he would benefit from being outdoors one last time. She
worked with unit leadership to see if that was possible. With leadership
approval, she stayed after her shift and took the patient outdoors for fresh
air. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“This
type of above and beyond care can do as much for our patients as any care we
offer,” her colleagues wrote in the DAISY nomination.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-79214807545419257072016-10-03T10:25:00.000-07:002016-10-03T10:25:32.938-07:00Psychiatrist joins Cox Medical Center Branson
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBK5vEXFDOYpHhX64vn7keH-xfwdSKHBXs6WcS4HR8cowiCMfNbETg3L23EBBdUOnai9hAColavY5-QASXYzGuOCp8W_E9VqgiXnxWJZolCJ-nPm59HwQuTRDg9f1ENZRw8dc0jLvE5c/s1600/Dr+Lisa+Lemons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBK5vEXFDOYpHhX64vn7keH-xfwdSKHBXs6WcS4HR8cowiCMfNbETg3L23EBBdUOnai9hAColavY5-QASXYzGuOCp8W_E9VqgiXnxWJZolCJ-nPm59HwQuTRDg9f1ENZRw8dc0jLvE5c/s200/Dr+Lisa+Lemons.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Lisa Lemons</td></tr>
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Cox Medical Center Branson is pleased to announce that Lisa Lemons, DO, is now seeing patients at the CoxHealth Family Medicine and Obstetrics clinic in Branson. Dr. Lemons specializes in psychiatry.<br /><br />Dr. Lemons grew up in California and received her medical education at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, Calif. She completed her psychiatry residency at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Ore.<br /><br />“To say we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisa Lemons to our team would be an understatement,” says Cox Medical Center Branson President William Mahoney. “For years, our community has had a lack of mental health providers and so we are thrilled to have someone as outstanding as Dr. Lisa Lemons join our Branson team. Dr. Lemons has a passion for providing quality, compassionate mental health care. She is a great asset to not only our team, but to our entire community.”<br /><br />Dr. Lemons said she’s always known she wanted to work in the medical field, however, it wasn’t until her fourth year of medical school she decided to specialize in psychiatry.<br /><br />“I really enjoyed that it wasn’t all just black and white. There is a lot of gray areas in psychiatry,” she explains. “Each diagnosis is so specific to that person and you really have to think of a treatment plan for each individual that focuses on their symptoms rather than looking for a general treatment plan. Depression, anxiety, bipolar - it looks completely different on each individual. It’s challenging yet incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to help people in this way.”<br /><br />Dr. Lisa Lemons’ husband, Dr. David Lemons, an interventional cardiologist, joined Cox Heart Center Branson in August.<br /><br /> “He was blown away when he came here for his interview and I trusted his decision that this was the right place for us,” she said. <br /><br />When not working, Dr. Lisa Lemons enjoys running and hiking with her husband and spending time with their 6-month-old son Charlie.<br /><br />She is currently accepting patients on a referral basis. For more information about Dr. Lisa Lemons or to speak to a representative in her clinic, call 417-348-8012.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-40835614014564709772016-09-30T09:35:00.001-07:002016-09-30T09:35:47.915-07:00CoxHealth’s Pink Ribbon Rally and Luncheon scheduled for October 8
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">CoxHealth
has been uniting and inspiring breast cancer survivors, as well as their
friends and family, at its annual Pink Ribbon Rally and Luncheon for 24 years.
Scheduled for October 8, this year’s rally is sure to be another wonderful time
of support for lives affected by the disease – and encouragement for early
detection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“This
event is a great opportunity to come together with other people affected by
breast cancer,” says Autumn Bragg, community oncology educator at CoxHealth.
“People have a strong connection to breast cancer. If they haven’t experienced
it personally, it’s likely they know someone who has.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Because
of that connection, the event is open to the general public. Activities include
a photo booth, group painting, pampering, door prizes and more. Additionally,
the lunch discussion will focus on healing emotionally and physically from
breast cancer. Lunch will be provided by Chick-fil-A. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
event is free to attend, and will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at
Hulston Cancer Center (<span style="background: white; color: #262626;">3850 S.
National Ave.<span>, Springfield)</span></span>.
Doors open at 10:15 a.m. Space is limited, and registration by Oct. 5 is
required. Call 417-269-INFO for more information. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-39311503635513811762016-09-28T12:26:00.000-07:002016-09-28T12:26:57.584-07:00CoxHealth brings new mammography technology to Branson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">There’s
new technology in the Ozarks: CoxHealth is now the first health system in Southwest
Missouri to offer Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY exams, allowing tissue to be examined
in far greater detail than ever before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“This
technology is revolutionary because it allows professionals to examine breast
tissue layer by layer as opposed to a flat image,” explains Rachel Morgan,
mammography technologist. “That means we have a much better chance at catching
breast cancer early, beating it and possibly less aggressive treatment needed
to do so.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Powered
by Hologic, this technology detects 41% more invasive breast cancers, and
decreases recall rate by 25%. Additionally, it’s the only clinically superior
breast tomosynthesis exam approved by the FDA.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
procedure takes place during the breast compression and only adds seconds to
the exam.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To
schedule a 3D mammogram in Branson, contact the Women’s Center at Cox Medical
Center Branson at 417-348-8313. The exams are also available at CoxHealth’s
Breast Care Clinic in Springfield. Call 417-269-6170 for an appointment.</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-6849575521399330502016-09-21T08:59:00.000-07:002016-09-21T08:59:22.908-07:00Pulmonologist joins Cox Medical Center Branson’s growing team of experts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cesar Artiles, MD</td></tr>
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Cox Medical Center Branson is pleased to announce that Cesar Artiles, MD, has joined CoxHealth Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine clinic.<br /> <br />Dr. Artiles, who specializes in pulmonary and critical care medicine, has received extensive education, training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect breathing and the lungs, including asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, pneumonia and lung cancer.<br /> <br />He received his medical education at Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and completed his internal medicine residency at Danbury Hospital, in Danbury, Conn. He was honored as the Internal Medicine Residency Program Resident of the Year for 2011-2012 and served as the chief resident of internal medicine from 2012-2013. Dr. Artiles continued his training at Cleveland Clinic - Respiratory Institute where he completed a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care.<br /><br /> “Dr. Artiles is a great asset to our community,” said Cox Medical Center Branson President William Mahoney. “He’s received excellent training at one of the world’s elite medical facilities – Cleveland Clinic. We are truly grateful that he chose to join our team in Branson where he’ll provide top-notch care to Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine patients as well as to some of our most critically ill patients in the hospital.”<br /><br />Dr. Artiles was inspired by his father, a diabetic, to pursue a career in medicine. It was during his time in medical school however that he decided to focus on pulmonology and critical care.<br /> <br />“I was just starting to work in the critical care unit when I realized pulmonology and intensive care were so intertwined,” he explained. “I like to think of critical care as the best in medicine. You really have to think about all of the systems of the body, how they interact and how they work together when determining the best treatment plan for each patient.”<br /><br />While completing his fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Artiles participated in a lung cancer and advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy track where he learned about a relatively new procedure - endobronchial ultrasounds (EBUS). EBUS is a minimally invasive yet highly effective procedure used to diagnose lung cancer, infections and other diseases. Dr. Artiles is now providing this service in Branson.<br /><br />“Being able to offer this procedure here means patients do not have to travel outside of our community for this test, they’ll receive a diagnosis faster and begin treatment sooner,” Mahoney said.<br /><br />Dr. Artiles chose to join the Cox Medical Center Branson team because he saw the opportunity to make a difference in the community.<br /><br />“In the Branson area, we see a lot of diseases related to smoking,” he said. “I saw a lot of opportunities where I could make a difference in the health of the community. Since arriving, I have really enjoyed how friendly the people are as well as the beautiful landscape and lakes.”</div>
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When not working, Dr. Artiles enjoys running, playing basketball and spending time with his wife Carmen and their daughters, 1-year-old Amelia and newborn Deanna.<br /> <br />For more information, call 335-7559.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-85399254236125217192016-09-21T08:46:00.000-07:002016-09-21T08:46:20.465-07:00Allergist anticipates another tough season for allergy suffers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sneezing, coughing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes are common for many allergy sufferers this time of year. CoxHealth physician Brett Hronek, MD, who specializes in allergy and immunology, anticipates those who are allergic to weeds might want to pick up an extra box of tissues though this season.<br /><br />“We’ve had a lot of rain again this summer which is a good indicator that we will have a lot of weeds during the late summer and early fall months,” Dr. Hronek said.<br /><br /> September and October is when weed pollen typically peaks, especially ragweed, which means allergy suffers could be in for a long couple of months.<br /><br /> “It is hard to predict what type of allergy season we will have, but the quantity of rain we receive can impact the amount of weed pollen that is in the air,” Dr. Hronek said. “Weeds are also in the air until the first freeze, so if we have a long fall, we can also have a long allergy season.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal steroids may help with sneezing and mild cases of runny nose. If allergies are severe or interfere with day-to-day activities, it’s best to seek help from an allergist.<br /><br /> “An allergist can help identify which specific allergens are causing symptoms,” Hronek said. “An allergist can design a treatment plan to significantly improve the patient’s symptoms and quality of life.”<br /><br />To schedule an appointment with a CoxHealth allergist in Branson or Springfield, call 417-875-3742.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-4815822680948290122016-09-15T14:24:00.000-07:002016-09-15T14:24:56.353-07:00Skaggs Bash: Hollywood Comes to Branson set for Oct. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBGA5KiIRdeDl5XH-9XGOlIVA1VlhbZgOZQ1Kt_Ye8zGHSesE5EJYn0xgevoBQJePJQV874-wAjx5kBSniYPkHRIwwTTWIqrboCgJn-0UEEFWhIq8xyeptIkAO_SAbrMSetwm254kIIs/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBGA5KiIRdeDl5XH-9XGOlIVA1VlhbZgOZQ1Kt_Ye8zGHSesE5EJYn0xgevoBQJePJQV874-wAjx5kBSniYPkHRIwwTTWIqrboCgJn-0UEEFWhIq8xyeptIkAO_SAbrMSetwm254kIIs/s200/logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Exclusive event offers cocktail hour, fun prizes, entertainment and more</em></span><br /><br />Every year, Skaggs Foundation invests thousands of dollars into the Tri-Lakes Area to support health and wellness.<br /><br />The community is invited to be a part of this important effort by supporting Skaggs Foundation. On Oct. 1, Skaggs Foundation will present its largest annual fundraiser, Skaggs Bash, at Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex. Themed Hollywood Comes to Branson, the event includes a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, moonshine tasting, an IMAX film, great prizes, giveaways and even “paparazzi.” Every guest will also take home a souvenir refillable popcorn container, entitling them to free popcorn refills for a year at the IMAX.<br /><br />Funds raised through the bash make it possible for Skaggs Foundation to continue its mission of supporting community initiatives that improve health and wellness in Taney and Stone counties.<br /><br />“In 2016, Skaggs Foundation will put more than $1 million into programs right here in Taney and Stone counties,” says Skaggs Foundation President Meghan Connell. “In this year alone, we are helping to improve the lives of literally thousands of people in our community. Through programs we support, we are helping at-risk pregnant moms and newborns, we are making it possible for children to see a dentist for the first time in their lives, and we are helping the uninsured and underinsured in our area receive the health care they need.”<br /><br /> To learn more about the Skaggs Bash or to reserve your seat, call 348-8002 or email Meghan.Connell@skaggs.net. RSVP by Sept. 23 for reserved seating.</span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-48899451577379418452016-09-15T08:10:00.001-07:002016-09-15T08:10:42.000-07:00CoxHealth brings new mammography technology to the Ozarks
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There’s
new technology in town: CoxHealth is now the first health system in Southwest
Missouri to offer Genius 3D MAMMOGRAPHY exams to high-risk women, allowing
tissue to be examined in far greater detail than ever before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“This
technology is revolutionary because it allows professionals to examine breast
tissue layer by layer in both breasts, as opposed to a flat image,” says Susan
Smith, director of CoxHealth’s Breast Care Clinic. “This way, fine details are
much more visible.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Powered
by Hologic, this technology detects 41% more invasive breast cancers, and
decreases recall rate by 25%. Additionally, it’s the only clinically superior
breast tomosynthesis exam approved by the FDA.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
exam is currently available to CoxHealth’s highest-risk patients. However, the
health system has plans of gradually rolling it out to all patients. To
schedule an exam, contact the Breast Care Clinic at 417-269-6170 (Springfield)
and 417-348-8313 (Branson).</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-1265633163239668122016-09-14T13:07:00.000-07:002016-09-14T13:07:28.368-07:00Miracle Ride 2016 to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Riding
a motorcycle can be fun – but it’s even better when it’s for a good cause. On
Saturday, Oct. 1, riders will have the chance to make a difference for local
kids at Miracle Ride 2016, from which all gifts and proceeds benefit Children’s
Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth. The 50-mile scenic ride begins in
Springfield and travels through the Ozarks, is escorted by local law
enforcement, and also includes the chance to win a 2014 Harley-Davidson XL
1200T Sportster, a 50/50 raffle, a bike show and bike wash. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
ride begins at 10:30 a.m., and starts from the American Legion Post 639 (2660
S. Scenic Ave., Springfield). Registration is $20 in advance or $25 the day of
the ride. For more information or to register, call 417-551-4823 or visit <a href="http://www.miracleridecmn.com/">www.miracleridecmn.com</a>. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-48816227898550659232016-09-14T08:37:00.000-07:002016-09-14T08:37:27.916-07:00Prostate health info night scheduled for Sept. 15
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">September
is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a great opportunity for men to
learn about prostate health – especially since, aside from skin cancer,
prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. That’s why, on
Sept. 15, CoxHealth will hold “Prostate Cancer Treatment: Your Options,” a
panel presentation led by CoxHealth physicians. All men (and spouses/friends)
are invited to come and learn more about options for dealing with prostate
cancer should it arise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“One
in seven men will get diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime,” says Dr.
Ibrahim “Abe” Abdalla, Oncology medical director at CoxHealth.
“Thankfully, there are many treatment options available and this program is to
help men learn about the options and weigh the pros and cons of the different
treatments. We want men to know that there are treatment options that will
retain quality of life – but that prostate cancer must be addressed in a timely
fashion for them to be most effective.” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
evening will be led by Dr. Abdalla and urologist Dr. Andrew Schultz. After the
presentation is over, there will be time for questions from the audience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
event will be held at Cox South (3801 S. National Ave., Springfield) in Foster
Auditorium at 6 p.m. Heavy appetizers will be served. It is free to attend. For more information or to register, please
call 417-269-5224.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11692032617260494967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-38382971531180272222016-09-13T10:44:00.000-07:002016-09-13T10:44:27.418-07:00Interventional cardiologist joins Cox Heart Center BransonCox Medical Center Branson is pleased to announce that David Lemons, DO, has joined Cox Heart <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Center Branson. Dr. Lemons specializes in interventional cardiology.<br /><br />“As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. David Lemons has received extensive training, education and experience in minimally invasive procedures performed on the heart and arteries,” says Cox Medical Center Branson President William Mahoney. “We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Dr. Lemons’ caliber joining our expert team of cardiologists here in Branson.”<br /> <br />Dr. Lemons took what some might consider a non-traditional route on his journey to the medical field. He grew up in Jefferson City and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri – Columbia, majoring in farm management. He’s worked for the National Guard’s environmental section, conducted fisheries research and worked in a veterinary clinic. While Dr. Lemons said he loves working outdoors and with cattle, he always dreamed about being in the medical field.<br /> <br />In 2009, Dr. Lemons received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency as well as his cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowships at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.<br /><br /> “From the time I started med school, I was drawn to cardiology,” Dr. Lemons explains. “It’s an exciting field that is always evolving and has a lot of good research behind it. As I see it, it’s a field where I can truly impact the lives of my patients, from improving quality of life to life saving measures.”<br /><br /> Dr. Lemons is joined in Branson by his wife, Dr. Lisa Lemons, a psychiatrist who has also joined the Cox Medical Center Branson team. The couple has a 5-month old son, Charlie.<br /><br /> "Growing up, I vacationed here several times and I really liked the area,” Dr. David Lemons said. “Branson is a good town and I’ve heard a lot of great things about the quality of care at Cox Medical Center Branson. As physicians, those things were important to my wife and I when we were making our decision.”<br /><br />When not working, Dr. David Lemons enjoys fishing, hiking and running.<br /><br /> Dr. Lemons is seeing patients at Cox Heart Center Branson. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 336-4112.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-40820463125314335452016-09-13T08:10:00.000-07:002016-09-13T08:10:04.032-07:00Free lunch and learn focuses on women’s health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxTBUQDI-tndHXLtU2N31tEXOTUwl_pTEuBOFzzjCOTFrizq7TZSJyzna9TXlXU_pw4IQq99nTazveXV6C3it93BdYlJgbqVlw5BLTU_rDvK-pfMQVNLFrJiC7ExBwRbMUQpqAktZkgY/s1600/Kelli+Gosch+WHCNP+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxTBUQDI-tndHXLtU2N31tEXOTUwl_pTEuBOFzzjCOTFrizq7TZSJyzna9TXlXU_pw4IQq99nTazveXV6C3it93BdYlJgbqVlw5BLTU_rDvK-pfMQVNLFrJiC7ExBwRbMUQpqAktZkgY/s200/Kelli+Gosch+WHCNP+photo.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<br /><em>‘It’s Time for You’ features Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner Kelli Gosch</em><br />
<br />Whether it’s caring for kids, grandkids or parents, women spend much of their time caring for others.<br /><br /> "As women, it is easy to put our own health on the back burner when we are so busy caring for others, but really, that is the last thing women should do,” says Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner Kelli Gosch, MSN, who sees patients at the Cox Medical Center Branson Women’s Center. <br /><br />On Thursday, Sept. 29, Gosch will be the featured speaker during It’s Time for You, a free lunch and learn event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Tree Rooms at Cox Medical Center Branson, 525 Branson Landing Boulevard. <br /><br />The lunch and learn is part of the 2016 Skaggs Foundation Speaker Series and is presented by Susan G. Komen Ozark and Skaggs Foundation. Gosch will present It’s Time for You again on Thursday, Oct. 20, at Bistro 58, located inside Vino Cellars at the Lake, 15038 Business Hwy. 13, in Branson West. <br /><br /> “During these free lunch and learns, I’ll be sharing important information about women’s health, from breast self-awareness, and what you need to know, to pelvic health, and why women no longer have to live with embarrassing issues,” says Gosch. “I want to empower women to change their attitudes about their health and show them the power of prevention.”<br /><br />While the lunch and learns are free, reservations are required. RSVP by Sept. 23 for the event at Cox Medical Center Branson on Sept. 29 or RSVP by Oct. 13 for the event at Bistro 58 on Oct. 20. Call 348-8998 or email Ruby.Comer@Skaggs.net. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6077684928435387839.post-25321042482470932292016-09-12T12:51:00.000-07:002016-09-12T12:51:12.035-07:00Pink Door Thrift Store celebrating new location with open house Sept. 19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Free gifts for first 50 guests during event</em><br /><br />Pink Door Thrift Store will celebrate its new location in Hollister with an open house on Monday, Sept.19. Activities get underway at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony courtesy of Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce. The first 50 guests (18 and over) will receive a free gift from Cox Medical Center Branson volunteers. <br /><br />The open house, which runs until 4 p.m. that day, offers guests an opportunity to visit the Pink Door’s new location, enjoy some bargain hunting, meet Cox Medical Center Branson volunteers and take home a treat. The Pink Door is now located at 180 Mall Road in Hollister.<br /><br /> “Our new location in Hollister is absolutely wonderful,” says Christine Guise, president of Cox Medical Center Branson volunteers. “The Pink Door, now conveniently located between Lowes and Country Mart, features a beautiful open space inside and ample, level parking outside. While the space is new to us, we will continue to offer the same level of quality, gently used merchandise at great prices shoppers came to know at our former location.”<br /><br />Guise said shoppers will also continue to find the same friendly service at the new location.<br /><br />“The Pink Door is operated solely by volunteers – volunteers who love helping people and love supporting the hospital,” she said. “Proceeds from the Pink Door help fund important purchases and projects for Cox Medical Center Branson as well as help us provide seven $1,000 scholarships every year to local students pursuing careers in health care.”<br /><br />Thanks to funds raised at the Pink Door as well as at a volunteer-run gift shop, Cox Medical Center Branson volunteers have purchased wheelchairs for the hospital, equipment for the fitness center and cancer center and much more. In addition to the purchases, Cox Medical Center Branson’s dedicated group of volunteers have committed $250,000 over the next five years to help fund the emergency department and critical care unit expansion.<br /><br /> The Pink Door has a double mission: support local health care and provide a place where people can find great prices on items they want and need.<br /> <br />Normal business hours at the Pink Door are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12446374550877413523noreply@blogger.com