Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider

and employer.SAFETY...EXCELLENCE...COMPASSION...INTEGRITY...DEVOTION...TEAMWORKSeptember 2018 Edition

BBGH PULSE BOX BUTTEGENERAL HOSPITAL

INSIDE: 2 PAIN SPECIALIST 3 PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT 4 GOLF CLASSIC 6 WELLNESS VISITS 7 LIFESTYLE

EVENTFOCUS

The Jane’s Closet Motorcycle Poker Run and Silent Auction are back thanks to the people in this photo.

At left is Dale Van Galder, President of Punishers Midwest Motorcycle Club. The Club, with its sister club Guardian Bells, has taken over as the sponsor

of the two events, with long time sponsor Williams Jewelers handing over the reins this year. Williams

Jewelers owners Sue and Brad Williams (second and fourth from left), with the help of long time employee

Erin Gorsuch, third from left, have raised over $28,000 for Janes Closet over the 10 years they hosted the Poker Run and Silent Auction. The motorcycle club

members want to build on that legacy.

AFTER A HIATUS last year, the major fund raising event for Jane’s Closet is back on track (see end of this story for details) thanks to the Punishers Midwest Motorcycle and Guardian Belles Motorcycle Clubs of Alliance. “Many of our Clubs’ members have taken part in the Motorcycle Poker Run in the past knowing how Jane’s Closet helps so many cancer patients both monetarily and materially,” said Punishers Midwest President Dale Van Galder. “And that help is available for ALL cancer patients no matter what type of cancer they are battling. When talking with Brad and Sue Williams about it not being held last year, we just knew we had to take this on.”

“We’re so happy Punishers Midwest and the Guardian Belles (the chapter’s women riding club) have stepped up to do all the leg work needed to put these events on,” said Brad and Sue. “Williams Jewelers was the sponsor since 2009. Last year, we had so much on our plate that we just couldn’t do it. It really takes a lot of time consuming effort to put these events on. As a matter of fact, the year before we had to drop the Silent Auction (see bold text below on how to donate cash or items) because of how much time it takes to contact and then gather all the items donated from area businesses. So it’s great that both events are back on track this year.”

During the years of Williams Jewelers sponsorship, over $28,000 has been raised for Jane’s Closet.

Both the Williams and Dale said cancer hitting someone they love is one reason they were and are involved in raising money for Jane’s Closet. Brad bluntly

said, “Who hasn’t been affected by this damn disease? I mean, Jane Wineteer was a high school classmate of mine. She lived

just a couple houses down from ours. Her kids and our kids played together when they were growing up.” After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Jane started Jane’s Closet with

help from Box Butte General Hospital, where she worked. The cancer ultimately took her life.

“Brad’s dad died from colon cancer,” Sue said. “My mom has survived two rounds of colon cancer.” Dale concurred when asked if that was one of the reasons he and his club took on hosting the events, saying, “My grandmother also died from colon cancer. My mom is a breast cancer and liver cancer survivor. I wish I’d known about Jane’s Closet back when she was battling her liver cancer in Omaha. Any type of monetary assistance to defray the costs of travel and lodging would have helped a lot.”

The kind of help Dale mentioned has been given to many other cancer patients and their families over the years … $58,000 worth when last tallied a year

ago.“That’s why we’re doing this,” Dale

said, “especially the Silent Auction. It’s that event that raises the most money for Jane’s Closet. Our club really didn’t get started on that part until about a month ago (the club has its own poker run for other charities), so we got started a bit late. We have 23 area businesses from Alliance and Hemingford contacted so far who have generously donated items. We also have eight businesses who have

donated a total of $475 to Jane’s Closet. We’re trying to visit as many businesses as we can, but time is getting short so we’re also asking businesses to contact either myself, our club’s Vice President Justin Grant or to bring their donations (cash or items) to Williams Jewelers during their store hours. My phone number is 308.629.7766. Justin’s is

308.760.4308. Either one of us or one of our club members will be happy to stop by and pick up the donation. I’d also like to stress that if individuals want to cut a check to help fund Jane’s Closet, they can drop it off at Williams Jewelers as well. Like Brad said, just about everyone knows of a friend or a family member who’s

After a year hiatus the Motorcycle Poker Run & Silent Auction are back for Jane’s Closet!EVENTS WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, SEPT. 15 AT THE EAGLES CLUB IN ALLIANCE

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SPECIALIST FOCUS

2 BBGH PULSE www.bbgh.org

BBGH LEADERSBOX BUTTE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Mike McGinnis, ChairmanDoug HashmanSusan Lore

BOX BUTTE GENERAL HOSPITALBOARD OF TRUSTEES

Tom Furman, DVM, MS, ChairmanJohn Annen, Secretary/TreasurerLinda Schneider, RNRandy Langemeier, CPATom Cummings

BOX BUTTE GENERAL HOSPITALCHIEF EXECUTIVE TEAM

Lori Mazanec, CEOLuke Senden, Chief Financial OfficerJim Bargen, Chief Operations OfficerCarolyn Jones, Chief Nursing Officer Mary Mockerman, Chief Quality Officer

—from previous pagehad cancer. So if an individual wants to make a donation in their name, they’re certainly welcome to do so.”

The Poker Run and Silent Auction will be held Saturday, September 15. Poker Run registration runs from 8:30 to 9:45am, with “Kickstands Up” at 10:00 am. “We call this a motorcycle poker run,” Dale said, “but we’re stressing on our Facebook page that anyone with a car who might want to take the ride can do so as well. We really want as many people participate in the Poker Run as possible.” The poker run has stops in Hemingford, Crawford, Chadron, and then back to the Eagles Club in Alliance. Cost is $25 per rider, $15 second rider on same bike. First prize is $100, second prize $50. A 50/50 drawing will be held at the end of the run as well. The Silent Auction for the public (please do come) and riders will last through the day until the Poker Run concludes. “We’ll also have food available, thanks to donations by Williams Jewelers, Harris Sales, Grocery Cart, and Pepsi.”

Jane’s Closet provides material and monetary support to help area residents diagnosed with cancer cope with the disease. The monetary support for cancer patients and their families is designed to help them with expenses (e.g. travel and lodging). Box Butte County residents who know of a family in the midst of coping with cancer can contact Mary Goodell, 308.761.3423.

Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

♦ Poker Run & Silent Auction are back...

GNMSS adds pain medicine specialist, Dr. Matt Pouliot, DO, to staffANOTHER RURAL Partners in Medicine physician, Dr. Matt Pouliot, DO, is joining the staff at Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services. Dr. Pouliot specializes in pain medicine and will augment the patient experience for GNMSS Orthopedic Spine surgeon Dr. John Ray and Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine surgeon Dr. Bryan Bomberg. “The plan is for me to come one to two times a month to treat patients referred to me by Dr. Ray, Dr. Bomberg, or any other physician for that matter,” Dr. Pouliot said. “We’ll probably be one day a month at the beginning, expanding to two days a month once the practice builds up.”

Dr. Pouliot completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the State University of New York (SUNY Upstate) in Syracuse, NY, serving as Chief Resident his final year in 2008. He earned his Fellowship in Pain Medicine from SUNY Upstate in 2011. He is double board certified in the specialties of pain medicine and physiatry, also called physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).

“I’ll be bringing a wide array of interventional spine and interventional orthopedic treatments to treat chronic spinal or orthopedic pain that’s not amenable to surgery, or from previous failed surgery (or for patients who don’t want surgery), all of which can be done here at Box Butte General Hospital,” he said.

He briefly discussed some of the

treatments he’ll bring to the area. “For chronic spine pain, there are often a few main pain sources which can be targeted directly using x-ray guided injections,” Dr. Pouliot said. “This ranges from epidural injections, to facet injections, and radio frequency ablation for chronic spinal pain. For patients that have had either failed previous back surgery or they’re not surgical candidates, spinal cord stimulation may be performed. This involves a minimally invasive surgery to implant electrodes near the spinal cord and modulate the pain signals.” He is also able to treat acute painful vertebral compression fractures which are caused from osteoporosis.

Dr. Pouliot has a special interest in Regenerative Medicine, having been involved in that field since 2011. That interest includes participation in clinical research involving the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat degenerative disk disease of the spine and joints. “I’m currently involved in two clinical research studies, pending approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB),” he said. Dr. Pouliot has also given multiple presentations on regenerative medicine techniques at various

conferences, including presentations at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute/International Society for Stem Cell Research, Yale Medical School, and is on faculty at the Boston Biolife Regenerative Medicine Conferences. He has also taught at The

Ortho-biologics Institute Conference. He has been privileged to treat many former and current professional athletes using regenerative medicine from the NFL, NHL, and MLB.

Dr. Pouliot is the latest physician recruited through Rural Partners in Medicine (RPM) of Steamboat Springs, CO. RPM brings dedicated physicians and surgeons directly to patients in the hospitals serving their rural communities. The practice has been instrumental over the past several years in recruiting highly qualified specialists to the GNMSS Specialty Clinics at BBGH.

Away from his practice in Colorado, Dr. Pouliot enjoys spending time with his wife and eight children, as well as various outdoor activities including mountain biking, snowboarding, and technical rock climbing.

Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Above is Dr. Matt Pouliot (right) visiting with BBGH’s Chief Nursing Officer Carolyn Jones during his first day at GNMSS. He started seeing referred patients August 28.

www.bbgh.org BBGH PULSE 3

TRUSTEESREPORT

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BBGH Trustees given update on physician recruitment effortsBOX BUTTE General Hospital (BBGH) CEO Lori Mazanec, ACHE, gave the hospital’s Board of Trustees an update Monday evening, August 27, on recent activity pertaining to physician recruitment. She said the hospital has retained the services of Goldfish Partners of Plano, TX to help in those efforts. In comparing them to other recruitment services across the nation, their offerings were above the rest. “They guarantee retention of a candidate for 365 days or placement fee is refunded,” Ms. Mazanec said. “There is no retainer fee; no profile fee; no monthly fee and no per hour billings. What stands out is 88 percent of interviewing candidates receive offers from their clients. So that’s a 1:1.47 placement interview ratio. Our emphasis with them will be recruitment of two family physicians with a focus on OB to come to Alliance to complement Dr. Tim Narjes.” As far as the BBGH’s efforts to obtain a Hospitalist (a dedicated in-patient physician who works exclusively in a hospital), she said BBGH is partnering with Sidney Regional Medical Center, who has two Hospitalists they are entertaining, one of which is interested in BBGH. “Essentially what they would do is work the same shift, with one working here and the other working in Sidney,” Ms. Mazanec reported. A site visit is planned here August 30, and at Sidney August 31. She said the hospital is also looking at physician locum tenens coverage to facilitate Dr. Terri Myers transition out of OB, with the locum tenens being here to cover newly pregnant mothers needing that service. She finished her report by mentioning that she, medical staff at both GNMSS and Alliance Family Medicine (AFM), executive staff, Dr. Tom Furman and BBHF Trustees hosted a dinner for a physician who recently completed his residency rotation with AFM. She and others who were at the dinner felt it went very well. The physician will finish his residency in 2019.

The Trustees also conducted the following business.The board congratulated Amy Nielson, Accounts

Payable Clerk, for being named the August 2018 Employee of the Month. They also welcomed new employees Sara Gramberg, radiology tech; Alicia King, Nursing Assistant, and John Bergquist, Senior Maintenance Tech/Biomedical Equipment Tech.

After unanimously approving the consent calendar, Chief Quality Officer Mary Mockerman presented her quality management and safety report, focusing on highlights from the 2018 second quarter meeting summary of the Nebraska Coalition for Patient Safety. The highlights included self-assessment questions for hospitals to review to make sure they are meeting patient safety goals. A few of the topics included questions on cognitive impairment relative to patient falls; retained foreign object questions on policies for when to take equipment out of service, potential equipment malfunction reporting, standard procedures for surgical equipment maintenance, x-ray follow-up procedures, and teaching patients to follow up on medical/lab results; medication errors relating to staff having access to pharmacist on administering unfamiliar medications; Electronic Health Records (EHR) procedures for EHR downtime and downtime notifications; patient positioning (safe patient handling management) for the safety of both patients and staff;

patient handoff procedures using standardized tools; emergency response protocols; unique considerations of sepsis in older adult patients; and healthcare support for staff who are involved in an adverse event, experiencing compassion fatigue, and burnout. Ms. Mockerman commented on BBGH competencies levels on the areas she highlighted, with most already having policy and best practices established.

After unanimously approving the preliminary June Financial Report and Ms. Mazanec’s update on physician recruitment, the Trustees were informed that BBGH has retained the services of internationally known motivational speaker and author Pete Smith to give three presentations to BBGH employees, medical staff, BBGH Trustees and BBHF Board members; two on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 10:00am and 4:00pm and one Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 8:00am. The presentations will be held at the AHS Performing Arts Center. Ms. Mazanec added that APS Superintendent Dr. Troy Unzicker plans to invite the district’s teachers to attend as well.

The importance of the Nebraska Hospital Association’s (NHA) Political Action Committee (PAC) was discussed, with

PLEASE WELCOME THESE NEW EMPLOYEES AND TRAVELERS TO OUR BBGH FAMILY!

Kevin Nuttbrock, ASCP_T, Lab

Sara Gramberg, ARRT(R), Diag. Imaging

Evelyn Roberts, MLT_T, Lab

Jonathan Swenson, RN_T, PCU

Jennifer Ferguson, Registration Clerk

Christina Hutton,Lab Tech_T, Lab

John Bergquist, Main./BioMed Equip. Tech

Jalloul Azzouz, RN, PCU

Brooke Galles,Reg. Clerk, GNMSS

Erin Bunnell, Nurse Assistant, PCU

Alicia King, Nurse Aide, Ward Clerk PCU

4 BBGH PULSE www.bbgh.org

—from previous page

Ms. Mazanec providing a PowerPoint on the NHA PAC mission of supporting political candidates and elected officials whose actions and voting records reflect an understanding and concern for hospital and health care issues. The presentation she provided is the annual NHA PAC’s appeal of Trustee/board members, executive, administrative and managerial personal of NHA members who are salaried (frontline employees who have no supervisory power cannot be solicited). Her report included the fact that the NHA’s PAC gave just $26,125 in candidate support during the last election cycle, compared to $499,453 by the Nebraska State Education PAC.

After unanimously approving all credentialing requests, the board adjourned at 7:31pm. The next board meeting will be held Monday, September 24 at 6:30pm in the BBGH Alliance Room. The public is invited to attend.

Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

♦ BBGH Trustees given update...

BBHF Inaugural Golf Classic Lit Up SkyviewSATURDAY, AUGUST 11 at noon, if you were anywhere near Skyview Golf Course you could hear a resounding “BOOM” (promptly followed by a car alarm). This sound, created by a firework, signaled the shotgun start of the Inaugural Golf Classic hosted by the Box Butte Health Foundation (BBHF).

The tournament received over $8,000 in proceeds, which will be used to cover expenses of The Rehab & Wellness Center of Box Butte General Hospital.

BBHF Director Brooke Shelmadine stated, “We are genuinely humbled by the turnout and generosity of staff, board members, volunteers, and participants. While we are thrilled with the dollars earned, the greatest victory though was the spirit and camaraderie of the people. It served as a reminder of how important it is that we gather and celebrate our great health care facility, and our community.”

Tournament participants enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the day. Participants were able to place ‘bets’ on numerous holes, and use the poker chips they won to ‘buy’ items from the Chip Store. A beverage cooler loaded with ‘treasure’ was also raffled off. Participants also enjoyed registration gifts, an evening meal, conversation, and drinks throughout the day.

Box Butte General Hospital CEO Lori Mazanec said, “This event was such a great representation of the support we have across Nebraska and surrounding states. Seeing different vendors, medical providers, fellow employees, and community members take part makes me very proud to be part of such a great event. We are truly blessed to have the investment of those that participated and understand our mission to provide continuity and strength of service to the Rehab and Wellness Center.”

BBHF hopes to host a bigger and better tournament next year. Shelmadine said, “We are already brainstorming ideas to build on this year’s event. The hope is to grow this tournament into a special event that earns major dollars for foundation causes and gives us an opportunity to bring our staff and community

together to celebrate on an annual basis.”Photos and videos from the tournament can be found on Box

Butte General Hospital’s Facebook page, as well as on pages 10-11 of this Pulse edition.

Box Butte General Hospital is anequal opportunity provider and employer.

It is refreshing to work with Amy Nielson. Amy is one of the most positive, genuine and devoted team members I have ever worked with. When you see her in the halls, she always have something positive to say. Amy works diligently at her job and it never involves negativity. Amy is an inspiration to all who know her. You find yourself cheering Amy on just because you know she would do the same for you no matter what department you are in. Amy is an asset to BBGH and we are lucky to have her. Being EOM would mean so much to Amy and it couldn’t be awarded to more deserving employee.

Also, congratulations to nominees Brittany Stull and Madison Smith!

www.bbgh.org BBGH PULSE 5

Weight Management Lessons

My 4-month old pup, Belle, is learning about life. Patience…stay. Discipline…no. Pride in accomplishment…good girl! And I’m learning from her. Be playful. Listen to instructions. And always be happy when you get pats on the head.

We came home from her recent veterinarian visit with clear instructions. Give her extra calcium and vitamin D for her fast-growing puppy bones. And a capsule of omega-3-rich fish oil. (Just checked the label. Yep, it’s got a healthful dose of EPA and DHA—the active forms of omega 3 fats—to keep her coat bright and shiny.

Give her plenty of water. Set out her food at regular times. And don’t feed her too much, Dr. Tom stresses. (Obesity and type 2 diabetes are major problems for dogs, he says.)

Gee, why does this sound familiar? Turns out some of these strategies work well for the long term health of we humans, too.

A recent study that involved almost 60,000 men and women with type 2 diabetes looked at their responses about eating habits to see how eating styles might impact their risk for obesity. There is a high probability, say these researchers, that the following habits

help us control our waistlines.

Eat slowly. Over a five year period, people in

this study who reported being “slow” eaters were less likely to be overweight compared to those who reported eating “fast” or “normal.” And those who reported eating “fast” were more likely to be overweight than those who ate “slow” or “normal.”

We kind of know this already. When we take time to chew our food well (at least 20 minutes to eat a meal) we give our stomachs time to feel the sensation of “I’m not hungry anymore. You can stop eating now.”

What’s interesting about this study is that—over five years—about half the people did begin to eat slower. And this change correlated highly to a drop in waistline measurements and body mass index (BMI), meaning these folks lost weight. More specifically, these researchers reported that fast eaters who adopted a normal eating speed decreased their risk for obesity by 29 percent. Becoming slow eaters reduced the risk for obesity by 42 percent. (Perhaps not surprising, in this study, women were more likely to be slow eaters than men.)

Eat dinner at least 2 hours before you go to bed. This isn’t the only study to suggest that late night eating tends to expand our waistlines. Other research suggests that closing the kitchen earlier can lower our risk for many health

issues—spare tire around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure—that can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Say no to snacks after dinner. If we want to keep our puppy figures, this one’s important, too, say researchers.

Barbara Quinn is a registered dietitian nutritionist at Box Butte General Hospital. She is the author of Quinn-Essential Nutrition: The Uncomplicated Science of Eating. Email her at bquinn@bbgh.org

Quinn-Essential Nutritionby Barbara Quinn, MS, RDN, CDE,Box Butte General Hospital Dietitian

• Ann Weishaar• Brittany King• Britten Dominguez• Chelsey Heredia• Courtney Schnell• Dolly Brothers• Donna Reeh• Emily Stull• Gail Burke• Ina Hofmann• Jaeann Bradt• Janelle Trickler• Janet Loomis• Jennifer Dentler• Jennifer Foster• Julie Sheldon

• Kendra Elford• Kerriann Jensen• Kortney Hulshizer• Leslie Hulquist• Lisa Hillyer• Marti Schleicher• Mary Craig• Mary Mockerman• Pamela Lawrence• Rachel Nerud• Shae Brennan• Sonja Crowe• Steve Boyer• Tara Watt• Tim Aanenson

After a year off, the main fund raiser for Jane’s Closet is back on again! The billboard up in September thanks all who take part, the sponsors and partcipants (see story in this Pulse for details).

TO OUR SEPTEMBER EMPLOYEES!

6 BBGH PULSE www.bbgh.org

NOT ALL people enrolled in Medicare Part B know about an important benefit provided by Part B medical insurance plans: fully paid annual

Wellness Visits.According to Greater Nebraska Medical

& Surgical Services clinic manager Joni Sautter, RN, CRHCP, “People enrolled

in Medicare Part B pay nothing for their yearly ‘wellness visits’ if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. The Part B deductible doesn’t apply, meaning Medicare pays 100 percent of the wellness visit.” However, the patient may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if their doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit and these additional tests or services aren’t covered under the preventive benefits.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the annual Wellness Visit, or Wellness Physical if you prefer, includes the following:

• A review of your medical and family history

• Immunization history• Developing or updating a list of current

providers and prescriptions/medication/vitamins/supplements being taken

• Height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine vital sign measurements

• Detection of any cognitive impairment• Personalized health advice• A list of risk factors and treatment

options for you• A screening schedule (like a checklist)

for appropriate preventive services • Advance care planning

The process of how Wellness Visits completed at clinics overseen by hospital mandates versus those privately owned may vary from practice to practice. However, Ms. Sautter said she could provide information on what to expect during a Wellness Visit at GNMSS . “Most Wellness Visits at GNMSS take around 60 minutes to complete due to the comprehensive collection of medical and family history,” she said. “One of our nurses will conduct the review of your medical and family history. The nurse will also ask who your provider is and gather information on what prescriptions, medications and supplements you are currently taking. At GNMSS, we urge you to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottles). That way the nurse can get accurate information on what the medication is, the dose, and frequency taken. The nurse will also take your vital signs and screen for any cognitive impairment. Some of the screenings may indicate referrals for other testing. The provider of your choice will review the data gathered by

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Seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B should take advantage of fully paid annual Wellness Visits

Did you know that all of our Primary Care Providers (PCPs) at Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services at the Family Medicine Clinic in Alliance, Hemingford Clinic, and the Hyannis Clinic are accepting new patients? Well, now you do!. Our six practitioners are ready to be YOUR primary care provider.

I’d also like to stress that if you are young, in good health, and don’t think you need to

establish with a PCP, think again. Put simply, having a PCP will keep you healthier as you age. How is it that a primary care physician could have such a big impact on your health? The key is what’s known in the medical community as “continuity of care.” Continuity of care means establishing a relationship with a health care provider and enhancing that relationship year after year. The provider gets to know you and your health goals, and helps you manage your overall progress. Continuity provides tangible benefits that have been proven to add up to better health.

My column in April focused on how important it is to establish a long term relationship with your PCP. A brief recap: People who have an established PCP develop a special relationship of trust. That trust builds as time goes on. For the provider, having a patient he or she sees on a regular basis gives the provider valuable historical and personal information that enhances diagnosis and positive treatment outcomes. It’s a win, win relationship for both the patient and provider. Primary care promotes effective communication with patients and encourages the role of the patient as a partner in health care.

Here is some advice for new patients establishing care with our GNMSS providers:• Before your first visit with any of our providers, gather your medical records from

your previous practitioner and bring them to your new provider.To help your new partner in health get up to speed quickly, bring a folder

containing accurate and complete lists of:• Prior immunizations and dates• Results of health screenings from the past several years• Previous abnormal test results, surgeries and medical procedures you’ve undergone• Current medications and supplements you take, including dosages and frequency

(at GNMSS, we urge patients to bring their prescription/vitamin/supplement bottles with them so that medication, dosage and frequency is accurately recorded)

Also know that the first visit is just the first step on a long journey together. GNMSS wants new patients to come in with a list of questions and concerns. We may not have time to cover them all in one visit, but we can prioritize together and make follow-up appointments if necessary to be sure we cover everything.

Two-way communication is critical. To help make sure you’ve heard and understood your medical provider’s advice, you should repeat back what they’ve said and make notes on important points. Some patients may bring along a family member, friend or caregiver to help make sure everything is understood. Others may opt for a notebook or journal to jot down some notes during the appointment.

To start this partnership in meeting your health care needs, schedule an appointment at GNMSS Family Medicine in Alliance and at the GNMSS Hyannis Clinic, call 308.762.7244. For an appointment at the GNMSS Hemingford Clinic, call 308.487.3322.

Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Ph: 308.762.4357 ext. 3152

HAPPENINGSGNMSS

By Joni Sautter, BSN, RN, CRHCPGNMSS Clinic Manager

AT BOX BUTTEGENERAL HOSPITAL

www.bbgh.org BBGH PULSE 7

The skills you learn in our local healthy lifestyle support program will help you better manage your weight and empower you to make a change for life.

Making modest lifestyle changes now — like eating healthier, being more physically active, and managing stress — improve your health, and may help you avoid having to manage type 2 diabetes for the rest of your life. The best part is that this program is available in the Panhandle at no cost, and you don’t have to make these changes alone. You will have the support of a lifestyle coach and a group of people facing the same challenges and trying to make the same changes.

The program meets for one year, meeting weekly for the

first 16 weeks, then every other week for the remainder of the year to help maintain your healthy lifestyle. The goal of the program is to lose 5 to 7 percent of your weight — that’s 10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds — by eating healthier and being more physically active.

To learn more about the program or join today contact Tabi Prochazka, Health Promotions Coordinator with Panhandle Public Health District. Tabi will connect you with a class in your community; an online option is also available. Email: tprochazka@pphd.org, call: 308-760-1120; or enroll online at https://bit.ly/2wxn5k2.

Classes are starting across the Panhandle this fall:• Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesday, September 4 at

5:15 pm• Kimball Health Services: Thursday, September 6 at 7 pm• Chadron, Western Community Health Resources:

Wednesday, September 26 time TBD• Bridgeport, Morrill County Community Hospital: Tuesday,

October 2 at 4 pm• Hemingford, Panhandle Public Health District: Tuesday,

October 9 at 5 pm• Alliance, Rehab and Wellness Center: October

“NDDP provided the framework I needed to succeed in losing 50+ pounds and keep it off for over three years. My coach was respectful, confidential, supportive, and knowledgeable. She encouraged us to be kinder to ourselves and I recognized I needed to change my mental outlook about food. I ate more than before I was in the program! Logging my food, activity, and water was essential, as was weighing in. Setting small goals made them more attainable, which prompted me to keep going.”

Paula, Panhandle NDPP ParticipantThis evidence-based program is proven to work — cutting

the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half. The program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program, visit the CDC’s website www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/index.html. Panhandle Public Health Districts website www.pphd.org or contact Tabi Prochazka at tprochazka@pphd.org or 308-487-3600 ext 107.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve health, safety, and quality of life.

Healthy Lifestyle Support Program Offered Across the Panhandle

the nurse and provide you personalized health advice based on that information. He or she will also go over any risk factors and treatment options, and provide a screening schedule for appropriate preventive services indicated.”

Ms. Sautter stressed Medicare Part B participants who make a Wellness Visit appointment at a new clinic for the first time should have their medical records with them. “It is extremely helpful if you have already obtained your medical records from your current provider/clinic when visiting a new clinic,” she said. “I would also suggest you learn as much as you can about your family’s health history before your appointment.”

Wellness Visits are a team effort; with the nurse, provider, and patient working together to make sure the medical care provided is comprehensive and safe. “If a nurse is gathering all the information about medical and family history, it’s important the patient be as honest with the nurse as they would be if giving that information to the provider,” she said. “The nurse is your partner in health, just as much as your provider is.”

Ms. Sautter concluded, “Any kind of acute care (mentioning you have a cold, or have any other illness or physical concerns), has to be treated as a separate visit, with deductibles applied, as required by CMS.

Remember, Wellness Visits are available once every 12 months, and are 100% paid for by Medicare Part B. It’s a great way to keep on top of your overall health profile.”

Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

—from previous page ♦ Medicare Part B Wellness Visits...

Pharmacy receives Pay It Forward trophyThe GNMSS Clinics chose the BBGH Pharmacy as the August Pay It Forward trophy winners, because, “Being a clinic, we don’t stock as many medications as the PCU or the ER. There are times that we need a medication or vaccine fairly quickly, whether it is because we don’t stock it or we ran out and possibly overlooked ordering it from pharmacy. When this happens, any member of the pharmacy is at our door with said medication in a matter of minutes, no questions asked. When one of us call looking for a pharmacist, Mona and Kris are very good about letting us know their whereabouts and when they may return and communicating messages. Matt has worked

very closely with staff on policies and procedures relating to Joint Commission standards, as well as Temp Genius Monitoring. Matt, Rachel and Rebekah make themselves available for questions from nursing staff and providers. Rachel has worked with GNMSS staff and other hospital department members on Transitions of Care Cohort in conjunction with Heartland Health Alliance, a Division of Bryan Health. Rachel shows huge compass for medication education to patients.” Congratulations to our Pharmacy staff!

8 BBGH PULSE www.bbgh.org

PULSE IN PICS Total Reflections & Dave’s Pharmacy raise $2,455 for Jane’s Closet

A joint effort by Total Reflections and Dave’s Pharmacy raised at total of $2,455 for Jane’s Closet

last month. Total Reflections hosted a “Cut Out Cancer Cut-A-Thon” Friday, Aug. 3, from 9am to 3pm, asking customers who made an appointment to give a free will donation to Jane’s

Closet. Dave’s Pharmacy chipped in by promising to match the donations up to $1,000. Now

that’s Teamwork! At right are (l-r): Dave’s Pharmacy’s Blanche

Randolph, Total Reflections’ Jane Davis, Lisa Thomas, Kristi Sanders,

Sharon Wisnall, and Box Butte General Hospital CEO/Jane’s Closet

representative Lori Mazanec.

Interns cap off summer with Capstone

Two of BBGH’s summer interns share their experiences at the hospital during a Capstone presentation in August. They presented to BBGH Admin. team members and others.

City of Alliance installs underground power line to BBGH

For over 40 years, Box Butte General Hospital’s main power line has been via power poles running from Sweetwater to the original building. That changed Thursday when City of Alliance crews arrived to install an underground power line. Power was cut

around 8:30am with the hospital backup generators providing power during the planned outage. The whole hospital was under backup power, excluding the Medical Arts Plaza, during the four hour installation, just half the time planned! Great job City crews!

Lunch & Learn Jeopardy!

There have been a number of Lunch & Learns in August. Above is one of the sessions: “Know Your Nutrition Jeopardy.”Team One above sure seemed to get a kick out of the program.

www.bbgh.org BBGH PULSE 9

We had some awesome providers filling in the 24hr Tuesday shift in ER last month ( VanNoy, Ray, Chu, Ferguson, Bauer, Ott). That was

awesome! – Lori Mazanec

I’d like to give a huge kudo to our PCU staff who received great reviews from the summer interns. One

intern has also decided to go into nursing instead of vet school because of her experience here!

– Jennifer Johnson

I’d like to say IT and the other departments who helped with my department were all awesome. I appreciate the

help.—Kailee Kelly

I’d like to tip my hat to our maintenance and IT staff for helping bring in the Analyzer. – Angie Valdez

It may be mundane to some, but a radiologist thanked the staff for the CAT scans we sent. That’s always nice to hear! – Carolyn Anglesey

Donna

I’d like to give a shout out to Donna Reeh for

sitting with a patient while the nursing staff

was attending others. –Yvonne Robertson

Pat Behn and Summer Gonzales went out of their way today to find a voucher for fuel and food for a patient and his two

family members who needed to get to the ER in Scottsbluff for a wound related issue. They not only graciously assisted this patient in accessing the care he needs immediately but

saved him the discomfort and expense of an ambulance ride. They were thoughtful about how they used hospital and community resources, and they were smiling and enthusiastic

throughout their work. They made the patient feel cared for and supported. As a matter of fact, wound care staff felt the

same way! —Sue Martin

Pat Summer

Awesome

Kim

Mikaela

Natasha

Kim Stuart and Natasha Keane- both stepped

up and helped covered my shift so I would

not have to come in 530a-7a while I was on

bereavement.

Mikaela Hurley night shift registration clerk has

worked days August and September to help out until new staff gets

hired and trained

Brittany Stull- Helped make flight arrangements

for Lisa, Carla and I to attend conference.

–Meg Craig

Brittney Stull was awesome for covering

for me. She did an amazing job doing both

jobs. – Jennifer Dentler

Brittany

Brianna

Rob

Rob Hood has been fantastic helping out

in Surgery working in the clerk position while

also fulfilling his own responsibilities. He’s

been a great help to the surgery staff.

– Carolyn Jones

Brianna L. Thompson (Rehab Dept.) advocates

for patient privacy. Awesome job for keeping

information secure Brianna! – Summer

Gonzales

10 BBGH PULSE www.bbgh.org

GOLF TOURNEY Inaugural BBHF Golf Classic a huge success!

First Place, First Flight

Second Place, First Flight

Second Place, Second Flight

First Place, Second Flight

Second Place, Third Flight

First Place, Third Flight

The tournament started with a bang. Above is James Koeteman setting off an artillery shell signaling the start.

www.bbgh.org BBGH PULSE 11

GOLF TOURNEY

Inaugural BBHF Golf Classic a huge success!

Chippin’ to the cup.

Watching a drive off the tee.

Nothing like a good meal after 18 holes.

In case you can’t read the cap: Looks Short, Stands Tall.

The tournament sponsors played a huge part in the Classic’s success!

12 BBGH PULSE www.bbgh.org

Great things are Happening Here!308.762.6660 Alliance, NE www.bbgh.org

BOX BUTTEGENERAL HOSPITAL

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BBGH Board of Trustees meeting 6:30pm - Alliance Room

Auxiliary Meeting - Noon - 1:00pm - Alliance Room

Brain and Stroke Support Group - 3:00pm-5:30pm - Alliance Room

Bariatric Surgery Support Group - 6:30pm - 7:30pm - Sandhills Room

Child Birth Education - 7:00pm-8:30pm - Sandhills Room

Motorcycle Poker Run 10am Kickstands Up! Silent Auction All Day! Eagles Club!

Health Professions Club Org. Meeting - 3:30pm-4:30pm - Alliance Room

Child Birth Education - 7:00pm-8:30pm - Sandhills Room

Alzheimer’s Support Group - 6:00pm -7:00pm - Alliance Room

Immunization Clinic - 11:00am - 4:00pm - Medical Arts Plaza Suite 300

Immunization Clinic - 11:00am - 4:00pm - Medical Arts Plaza Suite 300