[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” use_border_color=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.92″] Guthmiller also takes the reins as Iowa Hospital Association Board Chair-Elect Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System, has been named among “60 Critical Access Hospital CEOs to Know 2017” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Guthmiller has served as CEO of Orange City Area Health System since 1994. He has more than 30 years of health care experience, the first eight of which were as a practicing certified public accountant with health care emphasis. During his tenure with Orange City Area Health System, Guthmiller oversaw the planning, fundraising, and construction of its $29.6 million expansion project, which was the first Critical Access Hospital relocation in the state of Iowa. Guthmiller is an accomplished community leader serving on numerous community volunteer boards including chairing the boards at Northwestern College and Community Health Partners, and serving on the boards of the Northwest Iowa Dialysis Center, Orange City Development Corporation, Iowa State Bank, and Orange City Area Health Foundation. In 2012, he was named to the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame. During the Iowa Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting in October, Guthmiller will be installed as IHA’s Board Chair Elect. Guthmiller received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Northwestern College and his master’s degree in health administration degree from the University of Colorado. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Marty-COB-Final.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation_style=”slide” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” animation_direction=”left” show_bottom_space=”on” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Perhaps you were watching late night cable TV and an infomercial came on describing the latest medical product that has been “scientifically” proven. But what do they mean when they say “scientifically proven” or “studies have shown” or some other catch phrase? I would encourage you to consider a few things before you order the latest new revolutionary product. First, were studies done and if so who did the study or studies? To say something was “scientifically studied” or “has been tested” is not enough. Was it an independent group that did the study, or a reputable agency that verified the testing? You might view a claim of safety for a car differently if the company certifying the car’s safety is owned by the company that made the car. I am not saying they would intentional deceive you, but there is bound to be pressure to “come up with right answers.” Second, what kind of study was done? There are many different types of studies and none of them are perfect. Polls are a type of scientific study, but we have certainly had a lot of debate about their accuracy. In evaluating a medication, the “gold-standard” is a randomized control trial and specifically a double-blind cross over study. In this trial, a group of randomly selected subjects are randomly divided into 2 groups. One will receive the active treatment (medication in question.) The other a placebo (treatment made to look like the medication, but without any activity.) Both the person receiving the treatment and the personnel administering the treatment are unaware of which is which. At some point in the study, the two groups switch. Those receiving the placebo get the active treatment. Those receiving the active treatment now received the placebo. Treatment results and side effects are measured and compared. This gives us the best picture of expected results of the medication, and the expected side effects. Not surprisingly, these trials are expensive and difficult to do accurately. They are not the only kind of studies that are valuable. For some things, it is not possible to do that kind of trial. But offering only testimonials (statement of a person’s experience with a medication), limits the ability to independently verify the results. Third, how big was the effect that was found? Without diving into “standard deviations” and “p” values, it is helpful to know how big the benefit from the medication was. If the medication is designed to let a person with weak legs walk further, were the subjects able to walk 2 miles further or 3 steps further? While both medications could claim, “We allow people with leg weakness to walk further,” there is a big difference between three steps and two miles. So who has time to look up all this information? Nobody. That is why we have to rely on independent groups like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), USPTSF (US Preventative Services Task Force) and independent evidence-based literature in publications and websites to guide us. So the next time you listen to an infomercial or read an advertisement for a new medical product, you may want to dig a little deeper. Before you part with your hard earned cash, ask questions. And remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is even more important to ask for the proof and who verified it. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Millard-e1453843733397.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” use_border_color=”off” custom_margin=”5px|5px|5px|5px” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.92″]

• “The Crazy Hair Ladies” by our contracted beauticians + one of our activity assistants
•  An original poem by one of our activity assistants
•  A trio by one of our hostesses, her husband, and a friend – accompanied by the friend’s husband on the piano
•  A humorous solo by our Food Service Manager
•  A duet by a resident’s son (from Arizona!) and one of our volunteers – accompanied on the piano by his 93-year-old mom who is a resident at Prairie Ridge
•  Jokes told by one of our nurses
•  A trumpet & clarinet duet by the husband of one of our hostesses and a friend
•  A humorous solo by our Administrator
•  A humorous ventriloquist act and song by the daughter-in-law of one of our residents
•  A cello duet by the daughter-in-law and granddaughter of one of our residents
•  A humorous song by several of the Prairie Ridge leadership team
•  A humorous duet by a Prairie Ridge CNA and nurse
  The evening was organized by our brilliant and creative Activity Leaders Cheri Brunsting and Nichelle De Jager. They used the sound system from Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community (also on our Senior Care Campus), borrowed a flatbed from Chase Lumber (they even put the plywood on it to make it a good floor!), and borrowed the steps from First Reformed.

According to Char Ten Clay, Administrator and Director of Senior Care, “It was a BLAST! Look at the size of that crowd!”       [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”13420,13421,13422,13423,13424,13425″ fullwidth=”on” show_title_and_caption=”on” show_pagination=”on” background_layout=”light” auto=”on” auto_speed=”1700″ hover_overlay_color=”rgba(130,171,184,0.46)” caption_all_caps=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” hover_icon=”%%40%%” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px”] Dr. Meis will provide pediatric medicine services for the region Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System, announced the signing of Megan Meis, DO, who will serve alongside the health system’s family medicine team as its first staff Pediatrician. Dr. Meis, a native of LeMars, Iowa, will join the health system in the Fall of 2019. She is currently a pediatric resident at USD Sanford School of Medicine. Dr. Meis earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science from Iowa State University. “We believe Dr. Meis will be a terrific addition to our provider community,” reported Guthmiller. “As our first-ever full-time pediatrician we look forward to expanding health services to children in our area.” “As a northwest Iowa native, I’m looking forward to joining the Orange City Area Health System team,” commented Dr. Meis. “I am passionate about preventative medicine and feel privileged to be able to play a part in the care and future outcomes of children.” Dr. Meis joins Orange City Area Health System’s team of family medicine providers, surgeons, radiologists, physical therapists, and patient care staff that serve the region in four medical clinics, hospital, and birth center. “Dr. Meis’ passion for children makes her a great fit for us and we are confident her patients and families will feel the same very soon,” added Guthmiller. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Megan-Meis.jpeg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”15px|15px|15px|15px”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] August is caregiver month. One of the questions I ask most my patients during their intake interview in cardiac rehab after a patient has had a heart event is, “How is your husband/wife doing with this?” Most of the time the caregiver is almost more stressed about the event than the patient. As the population ages, more caregiving is being provided by people who aren’t health care professionals. These informal caregivers provide 80 percent of long-term care in the United States. A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need, such as an ill spouse or partner, a disabled child, or an aging relative. However, family members who are actively caring for an older adult often don’t self-identify as a “caregiver.” Recognizing this role can help caregivers receive the support they need. Here is some helpful guidance from mayclinic.org. And be sure to visit with your doctor about any health issues, including behavioral health. Watch for these signs of caregiver stress: • Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried • Feeling tired most of the time • Sleeping too much or too little • Gaining or losing a lot of weight • Becoming easily irritated or angry • Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy • Having frequent headaches, bodily pain, or other physical problems • Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications • Feeling sad Too much stress, especially over a long time, can harm your health. As a caregiver, you’re more likely to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. In addition, you may not get enough sleep or physical activity, or eat a balanced diet – which increases your risk of medical problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Strategies for dealing with caregiver stress The emotional and physical demands involved with caregiving can strain even the most resilient person. That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of the many resources and tools available to help you provide care for your loved one. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for anyone else. To help manage caregiver stress: • Accept help. Be prepared with a list of ways that others can help you, and let the helper choose what he or she would like to do. For instance, one person might be willing to take the person you care for on a walk a couple of times a week. Someone else might offer to pick up groceries or cook for you. • Focus on what you are able to provide. It’s normal to feel guilty sometimes, but understand that no one is a “perfect” caregiver. Believe that you are doing the best you can and making the best decisions you can at any given time. • Set realistic goals. Break large tasks into smaller steps that you can do one at a time. Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine. Begin to say no to requests that are draining, such as hosting holiday meals. • Get connected. Find out about caregiving resources in your community. Many communities have classes specifically about the disease your loved one is facing. Caregiving services such as transportation and meal delivery may be available. • Join a support group. A support group can provide validation and encouragement, as well as problem-solving strategies for difficult situations. People in support groups understand what you may be going through. A support group can also be a good place to create meaningful friendships. • Seek social support. Make an effort to stay well-connected with family and friends who can offer nonjudgmental emotional support. Set aside time each week for connecting, even if it’s just a walk with a friend. • Set personal health goals. For example, set a goal to establish a good sleep routine or to find time to be physically active on most days of the week. It’s also crucial to fuel your body with healthy foods and plenty of water. • See your doctor. Get recommended immunizations and screenings. Make sure to tell your doctor that you’re a caregiver. Don’t hesitate to mention any concerns or symptoms you have. You aren’t alone. • If you’re like many caregivers, you have a hard time asking for help. Unfortunately, this attitude can lead to feeling isolated, frustrated and even depressed. Rather than struggling on your own, take advantage of local resources for caregivers. To get started, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to learn about services in your community. You can find your local AAA online or in the government section of your telephone directory. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]