Health briefs for Nov. 19

By Journal staff | Friday, November 30, 2007

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Physical therapist earns certification

RAPID CITY — Physical therapist Wayne Hennen of Regional Rehabilitation Institute recently received manual therapy certification from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Fla.

Hennen completed post-graduate coursework and passed oral, written and practical exams. There are 1,200 therapists in the United States who are certified in manual therapy. People who benefit from manual therapy include those who have had orthopedic trauma, injury or surgery, or those with postural dysfunction, including poor posture and repetitive work. Manual therapy may help re-establish normal mechanics, improve function and decrease pain. For more information about manual therapy or Regional Rehabilitation Institute, call 719-1100.

Cancer Care Institute nurse earns certification

RAPID CITY — Lisa Johnson, a licensed practical nurse, LPN II, of the John T. Vucurevich Regional Cancer Care Institute, recently was certified as a breast health educator and case manager.

As a breast health navigator, Johnson will coordinate the clinical, educational and support needs of breast cancer patients and their families. During her training at EduCare’s Breast Health Navigator program in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Johnson learned how to better educate patients about breast health issues.

As part of the new Breast Health Patient Navigator program, Johnson will meet with the patient to discuss the diagnosis, provide education about breast cancer and discuss available treatments. She serves as a source of information and support for the patient and guides them through the various services involved and connects them with appropriate resources and support.

For these services or for more information about free community outreach cancer programs, call 719-2300.

State smoking cessation program expands

QuitLine now offers free cessation medications and coaching to smokers needing help to kick the tobacco habit. Even if smokers fail at first, they have two more opportunities to use the free QuitLine program to succeed, according to Doneen Hollingsworth, secretary of the Department of Health.

Research has shown that it usually takes several quit attempts for people to quit for good. By offering these expanded services, Hollingsworth said they are able to help people try again while providing support to remain tobacco-free. The statewide tobacco tax will support the changes. In nine months, the new tax has generated $5 million for tobacco cessation, community and school programs and public education and administration. To sign up for QuitLine, call 1-866-737-8487 (SD QUITS.)

Truck raffle benefits Hospice House

RAPID CITY — Rapid City Regional Hospital’s Foundation will sponsor a raffle for a 2007 red Dodge Dakota pickup truck, with proceeds to benefit the Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House. The truck is on display from now through Dec. 15 in the JC Penney court area at Rushmore Mall. Raffle tickets cost $20 each. They are available at the display during Rushmore Mall hours. The truck drawing will take place at noon Saturday, Dec. 15, in the display area in the mall.

For more information about the Dodge Dakota truck raffle, call John Schmit at 719-5844.

Deadline for applications set for next month

SIOUX FALLS — The South Dakota Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure now will accept grant funding applications from until Dec. 31 for breast cancer and breast health programs from nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies and educational institutions of South Dakota.

The foundation’s mission is to advance research, education, screening and treatment to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. The affiliate will fund non-duplicative, community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects for the medically underserved in the state. The grant cycle runs from April through March. Eligible applications must be received by the Komen South Dakota Affiliate by 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. Funding will be announced in March.

For information to help write and complete the grant request, refer to the sample Request for Proposal on the Web site www.komensouthdakota.com.

For information, questions on the grant process and also grant writing training, call Glenda Van Roekel, grants chairwoman, at 371-1794, or email glendavanroekel@sio.midco.net.

Smoke-free South Dakota plans Pierre visits

Advocates of a smoke-free state are asked to mark their February calendars to visit legislators in Pierre.

The American Cancer Society has organized “Day at the Capital 2008; Working for a Smoke-Free South Dakota” for Feb. 11 in Pierre. Smoke-free advocates will attend committee meetings, meet legislators, listen to guest speakers and attend legislative sessions. Registration deadline is Feb. 1. For information or to register, call Clayton Hieb at 391-3397 or e-mail oldgezer1@rap.midco.net.

Medicare Part D re-enrollment event on Nov. 29

RAPID CITY — A Medicare Part D sign-up event will feature Melissa Wood, senior Medicare patrol, who will give two presentations at 9:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, on “Your Medicare Matters Protected: How to Recognize the Red Flags of Marketing and Selling of Medicare Advantage Plans.” The sign-up event will follow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Canyon Lake Senior Center, 2900 Canyon Lake Drive.

Open enrollment for the Medicare D Prescription Drug Plan will end Dec. 31. New coverage begins Jan. 1. Bring Medicare card, current Medicare prescription drug card, list of prescription medications, their dosages and the frequency with which you take them. You can bring the bottles if you want.

South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education volunteers will help people with the 2008 Medicare Part D enrollment process. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are available. For appointment, call 721-8710. Appointments for other days, call Western S.D. Community Action Agency at 348-1460 or Canyon Lake Senior Center at 721-8710.