'Basic training' for fathers-to-be

There may not be a manual that tells you how to be a father, but the CoxHealth Women’s Center offers the next best thing – “Fatherhood: Basic Training.”

For men only, and presented by a seasoned father and professional, this class will cover topics including what it means to become a father, birth and bonding, caring for mom and baby, and more. A question and answer session will also be included.

Nancy Bolduc, director of The Women’s Center, says, “This is an informal discussion between an experienced father, and fathers-to-be. Having a baby is a life-changing event, and we want fathers to be as prepared as possible, and to understand how important they are.”

The next “Fatherhood: Basic Training” class will be held 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Cafeteria Meeting Rooms A and B at Cox South, 3801 S. National. There is a $20 fee. Call 269-INFO to register.

Expert to explain links between genetics, cancer

Science has proven there is a link between our genetic make-up and our risk for disease – especially cancer. You can learn more about genetics in cancer treatment and the process of genetic testing by attending “Genetics and Cancer,” a part of the Hulston Cancer Center Educational Series.

During this program, CoxHealth genetic counselor Mary Owen will discuss how your genes play a role in cancer formation, hereditary breast cancer and colorectal cancer syndromes. She will also cover why hereditary cancer syndromes predispose you to different types of the disease.

“Genetics and Cancer” will be held 10-11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, in Suite 120 of Hulston Cancer Center, 3850 S. National. For more information or to register, call 269-5257.

Cox College now offering Master of Science in nursing

In 2008, nearly 50,000 qualified nursing school applicants were turned away from entry-level programs due to a shortage of nursing faculty and clinical sites. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing says faculty shortages at nursing schools across the country are limiting student capacity at a time when the need for nurses continues to grow.

To address the nursing faculty shortage, Cox College will admit its first Master of Science in nursing (MSN) class for the 2009 – 2010 academic year beginning this August. The MSN program at Cox College will have two tracks: Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Leader.

The Nurse Educator track is available for nurses with a baccalaureate degree (BSN) who want to take an educator role in college or university nursing programs or other health care settings. The Clinical Nurse Leader track prepares BSN nurses to seek advancement in clinical leadership roles within health care organizations.

Upon completion of the degree, the graduate is eligible to sit for the national certification exam as a Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Leader.

Cox College’s MSN program was designed for the working nurse and can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. Course work can be completed primarily online or through a blend of classroom and online work. Each course takes eight weeks to complete, and a total of 36 credits are required to complete the program.

For more information about Cox College and the MSN program go to the college website, www.coxcollege.edu, or contact the admissions office at 417-269-3083

Pain Management Clinic to host class for those with chronic pain

Individuals who have experienced pain for three months or more are encouraged to attend the class “Explain Pain,” an informative discussion on pain and pain management.

The next Explain Pain class will be held from 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, at the CoxHealth Center for Advanced Pain Management, 1011 E. Montclair.

Participants will learn how the brain interprets pain, how other systems in the body are involved in coping with pain and how to reduce pain through self-management techniques.

There is a $5 fee for this program. For more information or to register, call 269-INFO.

The Center for Advanced Pain Management offers evaluation, diagnosis and interventional treatment for the management of pain and related disorders.

The Clinic at Walmart opens in Ozark July 6

Today, Walmart and CoxHealth announced a third location of “The Clinic at Walmart” operated by CoxHealth, to be located in the Ozark Walmart supercenter, 2004 W. Marler Lane. This convenient care clinic will open Monday, July 6. The location will offer the same fast, affordable access to basic health care services available at the Springfield and Republic locations.

“Our existing clinics have seen a steady demand from patients who seem to appreciate the accessibility and affordability of ‘The Clinic at Walmart’ operated by CoxHealth,” says Tom Luthy, administrative director of CoxHealth Regional Services. “We’re excited to continue to bring this model of care into more of the communities surrounding Springfield.”

The clinics serve as an alternative for people at least 18 months old who are sick enough to need care, but aren’t sick enough to need the level of care available in an emergency department or urgent care clinic. The clinics are also an affordable option for patients who might otherwise postpone or avoid care because they lack insurance or have concerns about the cost.

The clinics offer upfront pricing and prompt access to acute and preventive care for common health ailments treatable without urgent or emergency care, including sore throats, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, earaches, bladder infections, insect bites and stings, cholesterol screening, blood sugar testing, vaccinations, drug screening and routine physicals. Clinics offer walk-in service seven days a week and evening hours.

Walmart has 32 in-store clinics in nine states. For further information about “The Clinic at Walmart”, please visit www.walmart.com/clinics. For more information about CoxHealth, please visit www.coxhealth.com.

Make plans for Frisco Runaway Triathlon

The first annual Frisco Runaway Triathlon will be held on Saturday, June 20, in Willard.

The race starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Willard Community Building, located at 222 Jackson St.

The triathlon includes a 300-yard swim, a 12 mile bike ride and a 5K run.

Triathlon Information:

Pre-Registration Fee: $40 Day of Registration Fee: $45

USAT Insurance Fee: $10 (required) or $30 for the yr.

Race Day Registration/Sign In: 6:30am – 7:15 a.m.

Pre-Race Meeting with participants: 7:15 a.m.

Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up: Friday June 19^th from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Community Building

Fee includes a shirt for everyone who pre-registers.Medical personnel will be on hand to assist with any emergencies. Participants must be at least 15 years old. Helmets are required and all bikes must pass a safety inspection.

Food and drinks will be provided for participants.

Proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. For more information, call 417-742-2262.

Hulston Cancer Center celebrates survivors

Hulston Cancer Center at CoxHealth invites cancer survivors, their families and caregivers to a special event celebrating cancer survivorship.

Survivors’ Sundae will be held 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 7, at Hulston Cancer Center, 3850 S. National. This is a free event but registration is requested by June 3.

This is the fifth year Hulston Cancer Center has honored cancer survivors and those who care for them during their treatment at the center. Autum Bragg, community oncology educator, says the first year about 13 people attended, but the event has steadily grown so that last year more than 100 people came.

“We started holding these events so that our patients could truly celebrate being survivors,” says Autumn Bragg, community oncology educator at Hulston Cancer Center. “Since most of the time the patient’s caregivers are with them through the treatments, appointments and the emotions, we want to celebrate with the families as well,” says Bragg.

Guests will enjoy ice cream sundaes donated by Andy’s Frozen Custard, coffee and tea from Starbucks and iced tea from Chick-Fil-A. Participants will enjoy games, activities and door prizes, plus entertainment provided by Hulston Cancer Center’s volunteer piano players.

Participants can register by June 3 for Survivors’ Sundae by calling 269-INFO.

Open house planned to unveil new ambulance in Republic

CoxHealth has added an additional ambulance to the Republic ambulance station.

“This additional ambulance will provide advanced life support service for the communities of Republic, Billings and Clever for an additional 12 hours a day, seven days a week,” says Mike Dawson, CoxHealth EMS operations manager.

The existing ambulance will continue to provide 24/7 coverage for the area. In addition, the station maintains a back-up ambulance to provide uninterrupted coverage should a frontline ambulance need maintenance or repairs.

Stop by the open house on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., to see the new ambulance, meet the crew and enjoy burgers, hot dogs and all the trimmings. The Republic ambulance station is on Illinois Ave, behind Burger King.

ED groundbreaking begins new era in emergency medicine

Today, CoxHealth broke ground for the health system’s new 78,000 square-foot Emergency Department, and announced a major donor gift that’s helping to make the expansion possible.

The donation, generously given by Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Tracy Lipscomb and Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Cathryn Cox Lipscomb (above), creates the Lipscomb Family Wing of Cox South, which will be built south of the existing outpatient center and will house the new ED.
The new ED will have 62 beds – a significant improvement over the 23 that are available in the existing facility – and is designed in five “pods” that can be opened or closed throughout the day as needed.

“We are excited to usher in this new era in emergency medicine for Southwest Missouri,” said Robert Bezanson, CoxHealth president and CEO. “This Emergency Department was designed with staff input to create a better work environment for them, and to enhance our patients’ experiences. It truly is a great thing for Cox, and for our community.”

Not only will the new ED provide for a better patient and family experience, it includes a number of “green” initiatives designed to help the environment. Among these are a construction site waste management and recycling program, the use of regionally produced renewable building materials, abundant use of natural light, water use reduction appliances, and more.

The total project cost is $52.5 million, financed by a Sept. 2008 bond issuance. Construction is expected to be complete in August 2010.

CoxHealth also announced a new fundraising campaign, designed to drive resources to patient needs to compliment the new facility. Donor options are available at a variety of levels, and correspond with name recognition on a room within the center. People interested in giving to the campaign should contact the CoxHealth Foundation at 269-7150.

Class offers answers on surgical weight loss

Have you ever considered surgical weight loss? Are you curious about the different surgical techniques? Would you like to know if surgical weight loss is right for you?

If so, attend CoxHealth’s Surgical Weight Loss Program Thursday, , May 14, from 5:30-7 p.m., in Foster Auditorium at Cox South, 3801 S. National. Attendees can learn about the Lap-Band System for surgical weight loss, the physical and mental requirements that make you a good candidate for weight loss surgery, and more.

For more information, call 875-3593.