Fall Family Fun!

As temperatures begin to cool, thoughts drift to comfy foods like a warm apple pie, and red and gold leaves seem to dominate the skyline, people can tend to head indoors to hunker down. Instead of ousting autumn in favor of winter behavior, try a few of these fun, simple activities to engage the whole family in some fall-themed fun!

Play in a leaf pile

Knock out a would-be boring chore by having the whole family gather leaves from around the yard and create a pile. The colorful heap is fun to jump over or into, toss around, and even crunch underfoot. It is also the perfect opportunity to get some playfully festive candid family photos, so be sure to have a camera on hand!

Paint a pumpkin

This simple twist on a traditional activity helps the creativity flow freely by adding pops of color. With virtually an unlimited number of paint shades (available at most shopping centers), everyone can decorate his or her pumpkin to best represent them. Add on other crafting supplies like glitter or fuzzy pom poms to really dress up fall’s favorite gourd.

Play a festive game

Prepare for Halloween by playing a game of reverse hide-and-seek. This game, called “Ghost in the Graveyard”, is played outside with four or more players, usually at night. The object of the game is to find the “ghost” or the one player who is hiding. When one of the other players finds the ghost, they call out, “Ghost in the graveyard!” to alert the other players that the round has ended.

Light a bonfire

Just because summer has ended does not mean the flames have to fizzle out! A blazing bonfire is sure to ward off the chill of the coming winter. Round up friends and family, roast some hot dogs and s’mores, sip some hot apple cider, and bust out the guitar to turn a run-of-the-mill evening into a mini fall festival.

Visit a corn maze

This activity is a fall favorite sure to please the whole family! If the maze portion is too simple for an older audience, challenge the group to a game of hide-and-go-seek in the corn maze. For an even more fun, but challenging twist, wait until nightfall and wear dark clothing to play hide-and-go-seek in the maze. Who said being an adult couldn’t be fun?!

Dancing to Improve GRMC’s Emergency Department

By the time The Dweebs wrapped up their three-song encore at Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Blue Jean Ball, a total of $35, 238 had been raised toward the emergency department renovation project! Denim, dancing, food, and fun were enjoyed by 225 guests and volunteers during the third GRMC Blue Jean Ball, held this year at the Harris Center, Grinnell College, on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Seven live auction items and 65 silent auction items, all contributed by generous donors, were transferred into the possession of new owners via many munificent bids. The GRMC Auxiliary hosted a Wine Pull at the Blue Jean Ball that raised $2,020 toward the auxiliary’s pledge to the Chemotherapy and Infusion Suite.

One of the many highlights of the evening was the recognition of four individuals chosen to serve as honorary chairs of the GRMC Moving at the Speed of Life campaign. Campaign co-chairs Nicholas Kuiper, MD, Dan Agnew, and Debby Pohlson, recognized Jewel Kintzinger Day, the late Marion Jones, Leila Maring, and Waldo Walker for their years of service and dedication to GRMC.

A rousing THANK YOU goes out to all who donated, in any capacity, to this year’s Blue Jean Ball! You are valued and appreciated. GRMC will continue efforts to raise funds so construction on the emergency department can begin.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the time of year that breast health is on everyone’s mind, and for good reason. According to www.breastcancer.org, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and although the statistics are lower, one in 1,000 males will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

Odds are we all know someone who will battle, has battled, is currently battling, or has lost their battle with breast cancer. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is take preventive measures. 

You can:

-Reduce your risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes staying active and maintaining a healthy weight, eating fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking.

-Become familiar with your body and do frequent breast self-exams. By knowing your body, you will likely be able to identify more easily when something is awry.

-Get regular mammograms. Mammograms are X-rays that professionals can assess for abnormal breast tissue. Mammograms can often detect a lump before it can be felt.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center radiology department can help! Schedule your appointment for a mammogram today by calling 641-236-2355. By doing so, you are taking responsibility for your health and providing yourself an opportunity to put your mind at ease by being informed and prepared.

For more information on breast cancer and other helpful tips, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org. 

GRMC Physician Named IHA Hospital Hero

Grinnell Regional Medical Center prides itself on employing marvelous people who make a difference through quality care and service excellence every day. This source of pride is realized each time GRMC or one if its employees are recognized for operating under a banner of excellence. On October 7, 2015, Patrick Cogley, MD, GRMC emergency department physician, received the Iowa Hospital Association Hospital Heroes Award for doing just that.

According to the Iowa Hospital Association, any Iowa hospital employee or physician who has performed a heroic deed or tirelessly given of their time, talent, and expertise to improve their organization and the world around them is eligible for the Iowa Hospital Heroes Award. These leaders exemplify honesty, integrity, humility, courage, and commitment.

Cogley was one of 11 individuals throughout the state of Iowa selected for this honor. Each of the recipients is a pillar of fortitude and compassion within their respective hospitals and communities and Cogley is no different.

“Dr. Cogley is a physician who performs well under pressure; a confident leader who fearlessly takes the reigns when faced with stressful, life-threatening scenarios. Dr. Cogley has been a valuable team member for Grinnell Regional Medical Center, dedicating both his time and financial support to better the community that he serves,” says Todd Linden, president and CEO of GRMC.

A rural emergency department is a unique setting where the physician in charge has to be able to do it all. Cogley knows exactly what to do and how to get the job done, even when an emergency situation escalates, and he efficiently utilizes the capable and experienced emergency department staff. His unwavering service to GRMC makes our community safer and healthier.

Thank you, Dr. Cogley, for acting as a beacon of excellence in the healthcare community!

Picture (L-R): Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO, Hospital Hero recipient Patrick Cogley, MD, and Ted Townsend, Chair of the IHA Board.

Soaring to New Heights

Stacey Thorson, winner of the hot air balloon ride donated by RE/MAX Partners Realty of Grinnell, looked nervous as the balloon began to lift off from the empty field on the morning of September 26. While heights are not everyone’s cup of tea, the view likely usurped any unsettled feelings. The balloon lifted off and landed safely, thanks to the balloon support team comprised of RE/MAX and GRMC volunteers.

The hot air balloon ride was an early kick-off to this year’s Blue Jean Ball festivities. Raffle tickets for the event were sold as a precursor to the Blue Jean Ball. The hot air balloon raffle raised $2,000 toward the emergency department project and set the stage for an adventure-filled evening at the Blue Jean Ball!

The Blue Jean Ball will start with a silent auction at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. A live auction will follow at 8:30 p.m. with music from The Dweebs beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at The Glass Gift Box or at www.grmc.us.  Make plans to move and groove in your favorite denim blues! Tickets are $25 per person, or $45 per couple. Tickets at the door will cost $30 per person, so don’t wait until it’s too late!