Mumps the Word

While the pun in the title is definitely intended, the mumps virus is no joking matter. In recent months, we’ve seen a spike in the number of reported mumps cases—not just in Iowa, but across the United States. Iowa’s number of reported cases has jumped up to 110 times the average, and has particularly increased in counties with a college presence.

As of March 28, 2016, 550 cases of mumps were reported, which is thought to be underreported. Iowa typically sees between five to 15 cases of mumps per year. Mumps is an infection caused by the mumps virus. That’s about as clear as mud. Breaking it down into symptoms exhibited may make it easier to understand.

Symptoms common to those afflicted by mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen salivary glands under the jaw, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Mumps is most prevalent among infants, children, and young adults, but has become a rare disease in the United States due to high vaccination rates for the infection.

Mumps is spread through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat from an infected person. This could be when a person sneezes, coughs, or even talks. An infected person who touches surfaces without washing his or her hands can also perpetuate the illness.

Although some individuals elect to forego vaccinations, many in the United States follow vaccination guidelines administered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/index.html).

So, what is the moral of this sickly story? Make sure your MMR vaccine is up-to-date and that if you get diagnosed with the infection you take appropriate measures to keep your distance from others and to wash your hands…OFTEN!

Please contact your primary care provider to find out if your MMR immunizations are current.

Sources:

• http://idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/mumps
• http://www.radioiowa.com/2016/03/28/reported-mumps-cases-are-up-this-year/

Is Your Body Summer Ready?

It is common during the spring months to switch out hearty meals for lighter recipes; darker clothing in favor of pretty pastels; and to shake the dust off your trusty home workout DVDs, all in an effort to prepare for summer. Ah, summer, the time of year that calls for sunshine and cold drinks by the pool. When asked if they are “summer ready,” most women reply with a hasty, “No!” But, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center, we urge you to think of being “summer ready” from a different angle.

This year, we propose you get “summer ready” in just 10 minutes by getting a mammogram screening. Mammography is the x-ray examination of breast tissues. The goal is to detect breast cancer in its early stages for early treatment. During a mammography scan, you can expect breast compression, which spreads the tissue apart to allow a lower dose of x-ray. We all know that breast compression may be temporarily uncomfortable, but it is necessary in order to produce a good mammogram image! The compression is only in place for a few seconds of the examination, and the entire procedure takes only about 10 minutes.

Sacrificing a few uncomfortable seconds and an exam totaling just 10 minutes seems like a small price to pay for peace of mind for an entire year!

If you fall into one of The American Cancer Society’s recommended breast cancer screening categories below, please consider regular screenings.

• Women age 20 to 39 should receive a clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse every three years and complete a self-exam every month.
• Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year, a yearly clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse, and conduct a self-exam every month. Note: Some physicians prefer a baseline mammogram be taken at age 35. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may need to begin mammogram screenings at a younger age.

If you would like more information about mammography or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Radiology Department at 641-236-2355. Grinnell Regional Medical Center, here when you need us.

We Love Our Volunteers and Auxiliary!

GRMC volunteers Gene Elliott (left) and Jerry Henschen (right) pose for a photo.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center enjoys the service of over 150 volunteers. We have many volunteers who serve on advisory boards, committees, and within departments that serve our patients and staff. GRMC volunteers do it all!

According to Independent Sector, a volunteer’s time is valued at $23.07 per hour. Each year thousands of hours are volunteered at GRMC to improve patient experiences and services. Volunteers are valuable members of our team. They are the smiling faces that greet family members and patients as they enter our doors. They are the assuring voices when a loved one is in surgery. They are the leaders who provide guidance to our many boards and committees. They help deliver mail and supplies to our outreach clinics. They are extremely important to GRMC.

Auxiliary members and volunteers intermingled over dinner.

In an effort to thank our volunteers for the countless hours they devote to serving GRMC and its guests, GRMC along with the GRMC Auxiliary, hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in conjunction with the Auxiliary Membership Meeting.

The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and the Auxiliary Membership Meeting were held on Tuesday, April 12, as part of National Volunteer Week. This was the first time these events have merged to be held over the dinner hour, and the event saw great success. More than 75 guests attended the celebratory event, and enjoyed a photo booth, buffet-style dinner, a ‘Thank You’ video, and a program delivered by Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO; Jen Collins, Auxiliary co-president; and Cara Kenkel, volunteer coordinator and auxiliary liaison.

Alice and John DeRooi love the GRMC Auxiliary!

The GRMC Auxiliary has approximately 300 dedicated volunteers who run this important organization that supports GRMC. Supporters lead the organization, run the gift shop, staff fundraising events, and offer educational programs like first-grade pediatric orientation and scholarships to individuals pursing healthcare degrees. The GRMC Auxiliary has a robust and active history for more than 48 years.

We value our volunteers at the medical center and wanted to create a special way to say a very sincere and heartfelt ‘Thank you.’ If you are interested in volunteering at GRMC, please contact Cara Kenkel at 641-236-2043 or ckenkel@grmc.us. 

You Don't Have to Be Lonely Alone

“When so many are lonely as seem to be lonely, it would be inexcusably selfish to be lonely alone.” – Tennessee Williams

Sickness, heartache, loss—we’ve all had our share of these unfortunate stressors. During those times of struggle, many have the tendency to become withdrawn and lonely, convinced they should suffer alone—but that’s not the case.

Support is crucial during these times of loss, illness, insecurity, and confusion to help carry the emotional load. GRMC has many support groups that are set up to help those with specific needs. Below is a list of GRMC’s support groups, when and where they meet, and a description of the group. If you can relate to any of these groups, please attend. You are more than welcome to come without feeling pressured to share, unless you want to.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center, here when you need us.

Bariatric Surgery Patient Support
This support group provides education and support for GRMC patients who have had weight-loss surgery.

2016 dates: Saturdays – May 7, August 6, and November 5, 9 to 11 a.m. • Tomasek Conference Center, GRMC

For more information, call 641-236-2069.

Breastfeeding Support Group
GRMC offers a support group for women to encourage and support breastfeeding their babies. It is free and open to nursing mothers.
First Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. Ÿ Light Center for Community Health.

Infant weight checks are done at 11:30 and open to anyone, or may be scheduled.

For more information, call 641-236-2324.

Cancer Support
This group provides an informational time of sharing and support for anyone with a cancer diagnosis. Every Tuesday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. • Room 204, GRMC

For more information, call 641-236-2568 or email lromero@grmc.us.

Caregivers Support Group
Grinnell Regional Hospice offers a Caregiver Support Group for anyone caring for an older adult loved one.  The group provides caregivers with the opportunity to gain support, strength and encouragement from each other.

Fourth Tuesday of each month, 10 to 11 a.m. Ÿ First Presbyterian Church, 1025 5th Avenue, Grinnell

Diabetes Living Support Group
This diabetes support group meets bi-monthly, and is facilitated by a registered dietitian. Speakers and topics vary.

2016 dates:  Mondays – May 9, July 11, September 12, and November 14, 7 to 8 p.m. Ÿ Tomasek Conference Center, GRMC

For more information, call 641-236-2488.

Grief Support Group
The Grief Support Group is for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one or friend. The group supports participants through the emotions, reactions, and experiences that follow the death of someone close.

Second Wednesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m. • Drake Community Library, 930 Park St., Grinnell

For more information, call 641-236-2418 or email shuls@grmc.us.

Meet and Eat Bereavement Support

This is not your typical bereavement support group. Meet & Eat is a monthly dinner gathering for those who have lost a loved one. It is a time to remember that even though you may have lost a loved one, you can still be social and enjoy a meal out with others who share similar experiences.

First Sunday of the month, 5:30 p.m. • Tomasek Conference Center, GRMC
Cost of meal: $6

For more information and reservations, call 641-236-2418 or email shuls@grmc.us.

Perinatal Loss Support Group
The perinatal loss support group provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced the tragic loss of a baby.

2016 dates: Thursdays – April 28, July 28, and October 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ÿ East Tomasek Room, GRMC

For more information, call the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center at 641-236-2324 or email sbaarda@grmc.us.