Most everyone has suffered with a cold, which is a respiratory tract infection caused by a virus. It is reported that the average adult will have two-three colds a year. Colds are the leading cause of missed school and work and are more common in the winter. Research indicates that the immune response is not as effective in the nasal passages and respiratory tract when it is cold.
A few weeks ago ThedaCare announced our termination of our Network Health Plan contract. Since then many people have contacted us with questions. Our decision also caused some angst for some of you. That was not our intent. ThedaCare is focused on making health care better for consumers, patients, families and communities. We are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve. In that spirit, I want to keep you current on the status of our effort to secure a contract extension with Network Health Plan.
Between getting ready for the holidays and visiting family and friends, it’s no secret that fitting in time for your regular workout isn’t easy. But while doing your normal exercise routine may not be possible, there is still plenty you can do to stay active. Studies have shown that three segments of 10 minutes exercise is just as effective as doing all your exercise in a 30-minute block.
Holidays are often food focused, which can make it hard for diabetics to enjoy when they are thinking about what to eat, how much to eat and keeping diabetes management on track. One key to dealing with holiday eating is to plan ahead. Planning ahead can help diabetics fend off stress and enjoy the day.
I’ve been feeling especially grateful for our community lately. Maybe it’s the time of year – the holidays tend to inspire a sense of appreciation and awareness of blessings. Maybe it’s the energy I soaked up at the December meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (PAC). Maybe it’s the recent experience I had with a team of committed people from throughout the region, working with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to address poverty in our area. Maybe it’s the dedication of the many local leaders who are so deeply committed to the annual United Way campaign that we raise remarkable amounts of money. Or maybe it’s all that – and more.
The holiday season is a time to celebrate. And often celebrations include plenty of food and spirits. But the holidays do not have to mean weight gain. They can include a healthy balance of food, activity and fun. Don’t restrict yourself from enjoying your favorite holiday dish. Take a walk or do an activity to maintain a healthy weight.
ThedaCare is ending its participation in Network Health Plan as of July 31, 2016. It is estimated the move will affect Network Health Plan members across the 14-county region ThedaCare serves who are currently enrolled in commercial and Medicare Advantage products that provide access to ThedaCare physicians, hospitals, clinics, labs and other services.
The intensive care unit (ICU) at Appleton Medical Center (AMC) was recently expanded from 16 to 22 beds. The six new ICU beds are located on the sixth floor of the bed tower at AMC, and the original 16-bed ICU remains on the second floor of the main hospital building. The new, separate location was chosen because it was available, up-to-date, and could be readily equipped within four short months. Both units deliver the same level of patient care.
Next month ThedaCare will install new 3D mammography machines at the Breast Center inside Encircle Health in Appleton and at the Breast Center at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. A new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection, 3D mammography is approved for all women who have a standard mammogram.
The holidays are a time to break out old favorite recipes and try new foods. But sometimes our eyes are bigger than our plates. Here are ways to enjoy the holiday feasts without breaking the scales.
Jim Beard has a teaching philosophy that seeks to grow people. Beard is the lead horticulturist instructor at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. He tells students that “when you come in the program you learn how to grow plants but I will grow you. At the end of your time here you are going to know how to make a living and a life.”
ThedaCare patients have a new option when they are sick – an electronic or e-visit with their primary care physician. During an e-Visit, patients log on to their MyThedaCare private web account, select what they want to be “seen” for, and answer several questions specific to their ailment.
Holidays are reminders of special moments in our lives. We celebrate them together with family and friends and memories are created. But for those who have lost a loved one, or who are alone during the season, the holidays can be painful reminders of grief, making it harder to celebrate and bringing greater sadness and loneliness regarding the loss or their “alone-ness.” The need for support is great during the holiday time. Those who are suffering loss should not pretend they are “fine” and don’t feel the hurt. Learning to express their grief is vital.
For media inquiries, please call Cassandra Wallace, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
