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Swine Flu Update
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in several states as well as Mexico and Canada. Several additional cases have been confirmed in other countries around the world. Please see the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Swine Influenza web page at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ for the most current updates on case numbers and affected states/countries. For additional topics about influenza, please visit www.flu.gov.Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the outbreak, how easily it is transmitted between people, and whether this virus strain has the ability to cause a worldwide influenza pandemic.
CDC is working closely with state and local officials and international partners to provide assistance with epidemiologic investigation, diagnostic testing and the provision of guidance documents on treatment and infection control.
Residents of Georgia
We anticipate that Georgia may detect cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) disease, given the unfolding circumstances of this epidemic.
Georgia is conducting enhanced surveillance to identify swine influenza illness in Georgia. The goals of enhanced surveillance are to determine the severity of swine influenza disease and the epidemiologic pattern of human illness with this virus strain.
As with any infectious disease, the Georgia Division of Public Health is recommending the following precautionary measures:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Persons who may have been exposed to swine influenza and develop an illness with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, should contact their health care provider. Their health care provider will determine whether influenza testing is needed. For the latest information on Swine Flu, please visit the Georgia Division of Public Health website at http://health.state.ga.us/swineflu/.
Swine Flu Questions and Answers.
Memorial Hospital and Manor Wins ‘Hospital of the Year' Award
for the Third Time
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| Pictured left to right are MHM CEO Jim Peak, Charles Hayslett of the Hayslett Group, MHM CFO Billy Walker, and Monty Veazey, President of GACH. |
The Alliance recognized Memorial Hospital and Manor for its outstanding reputation of supporting community health through innovative programs that improve access to medical care for those who are unable to afford it. In addition to providing more than $4.3 million in indigent and charity care during the last fiscal year, the hospital sponsors many community outreach programs including a high school healthcare apprenticeship program, community health fairs, and "Team Lean," a community weight loss competition that addressed health problems caused by obesity.
Perhaps the best example of this hospital's community outreach is a summer camp for disabled children called Camp JOY. Camp JOY is a two-week camp that serves disabled children ages 5 to 17, from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. It offers a fun-filled continuation of therapy at no cost. During the camp, rehab therapists and assistants provide physical and occupational therapy to children with cerebral palsy, autism, spinal muscular atrophy, sensory integration dysfunction, and developmental delay. The therapists determine specific goals for each child and Camp JOY engages children and their families in therapeutic horseback riding, swimming, bowling, arts and crafts, and fishing, while providing the necessary therapy.
Community groups, including the Kiwanis Club and youth groups from local churches, help with crafts, fishing, and other activities. Donations from businesses and individuals cover expenses and a Silent Auction raised more than $4,000 to help fund camp activities.
"Camp JOY proves that quality healthcare doesn't always take place within hospital walls - it begins in the hearts of those who provide care for others, and touches the hearts of those who need a helping hand, a caring touch, and an understanding smile," said Monty M. Veazey, president of the Alliance. "The Alliance is pleased to honor Memorial Hospital and Manor for its outstanding service to their area."
"This award is an indication of the dedication and concern that our employees have for our community," said Memorial CEO Jim Peak. "We are proud that we've received the award for ‘Small Hospital of the Year' three times. Our employees make the difference."
In addition to the award, the hospital received $1,750 from contest sponsor Hayslett Group LLC, the Atlanta-based public relations firm that serves the Alliance and many of its member hospitals.
Memorial Hospital and Manor also received the GACH award for Small Hospital of the Year in 1999 and 2004, and the award for Runner-up in 1997 and 2007. Earlier this year, Memorial Hospital and Manor received the 2008 Community Leadership Award from the Georgia Hospital Association for it's sponsorship of "Team Lean," an innovative community weight-loss competition.
About the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (GACH)
The Alliance works for the best interests of community not-for-profit hospitals and Georgia's healthcare consumers. Its mission is to foster goodwill among community healthcare professionals; to advocate the enactment of sound laws, rules and regulations affecting community hospitals; to conduct and disseminate research and to share ideas that improve the healthcare delivery system in Georgia. For more information, visit the GACH Web site at www.gach.org.
Memorial Hospital and Manor Receives GHA Leadership Award
At
its annual summer meeting, the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA)
presented its prestigious statewide Community Leadership Award to
Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge for its effort to improve the
health and well-being of its community with “Team Lean,” a 12-week
community-wide weight loss competition. The goal of the program was to
motivate people to make permanent healthy lifestyle changes by eating
better and increasing exercise. The hospital was inspired to help the
community lose weight because one of the national health objectives for
2010 is to reduce the prevalence of obesity among adults to less than
15 percent. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, currently, nearly
two out of three Americans are overweight or obese.
In 2005 and 2006, Memorial Hospital and Manor sponsored two “Team Lean” competitions for its employees, resulting in a weight loss of over 3,200 pounds. Following this success, the hospital partnered with the Bainbridge/Decatur County YMCA to co-sponsor the program for the entire community beginning in 2007. Monetary prizes were funded by $5 weekly dues paid by each contestant. Additionally, participants paid $1 for every pound gained each week. Memorial Hospital and Manor offered free cholesterol and glucose screenings and the YMCA offered free body fat analyses, as well as waiving the initial fee for membership. The hospital and YMCA conducted free diet and exercise seminars for anyone interested in losing weight.
The competitions successfully resulted in 906 contestants losing a total of 16,154 pounds and 763 contestants losing 13,115 pounds in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Plans are underway for a 2009 “Team Lean” competition to begin in January. Hospitals in Nebraska, Iowa and North Dakota as well as other cities in Georgia, including Thomasville, Winder and Augusta, have contacted Memorial Hospital and Manor for information to conduct their own “Team Lean” competitions.
“With its innovative Team Lean program, Memorial Hospital and Manor has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of residents in its rural community," said GHA President Joseph Parker. “We applaud the entire Memorial hospital staff for providing the resources, motivation and moral support that have led hundreds of participants to make healthy lifestyle changes.”
Cathy Willis, Assistant Administrator and Team Lean Coordinator, received the award for the hospital from GHA Chairman Chuck Orrick at the annual GHA summer meeting at Hilton Head, South Carolina.