The SHOW YOUR BIB challenge is still going strong! We have 16 employees that have submitted bib or t-shirt photos from a race and there are 45 tokens in the drawing so far.
Don’t forget to send a photo of your bib or t-shirt from ANY race/event you have been a part of this year and have a chance at winning one of these prizes: $150 gift certificate to Lee’s Pro Shop or PD’s Embroidery. Two winners will be drawn. Every time you submit a photo, your name goes in the drawing and you receive a High Five token (your name goes in TWICE if you participate in events in Kanabec or Pine County). Challenge runs through November.
Check out these recent BIB photos submitted by employees:
It’s back-to-school time and that means lots of items being toted around in backpacks. Packs get even heavier then the snow flies due the addition of boots and extra winter gear. Here are a some tips to help reduce the chance of back, shoulder, or neck pain in your kiddos:
As a general rule, it is recommended that kids carry no more than 10-15% of their body weight in their pack. If a child weighs 80 pounds, the backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 8-12 pounds. A pack that is too heavy will cause the need to lean forward, creating strain on muscles.
Use both shoulder straps to keep the load balanced. Using only one strap causes you to lean to one side, creating muscle imbalance and posture changes.
If using a messenger type of bag or a computer case with a strap, carry the bag across the body to evenly distribute the load.
Tighten the straps enough for the backpack to rest evenly in the middle of the back; no sagging packs down to the butt.
Pack the heaviest items closest to the body, lightest items farther away from the body; this will reduce the strain on the spine.
Leave what you can at school. Is the same hardcover book being carried back and forth by your student from school to home without being opened?
Check the pack frequently and unload unnecessary items to keep the weight of the pack at a minimum. You may be surprised at the treasures you find adding weight to the pack.
A BIG thank you for these employees that braved the weather on Saturday, August 20th to help at the FirstLight water stop! Rhonda Felland, Marcee Nilson, June Juday, Shelly Kroschel, Sheila Peterson, Sandy Zutz-Wiczek and family, Brent Nihart and family, Angela Mann, Kim Tepley and family, and Deb Wright.
Although it was raining and a little chilly, we somehow had a blast. The runners and spectators appreciated us as well. At the very end while we were cleaning up, a gentleman stopped by and attempted to give a financial donation to help cover any expenses because he enjoyed the entertainment so much provided by our group and the event!
And kudos to our own Jen Peterson for organizing such a great community event!
The Minnesota Department of Health announced on June 23rd that FirstLight Health System was certified as a Health Care Home. The certification includes all of FirstLight campuses located in Hinckley, Mora and Pine City.
A “Health Care Home (HCH),” also called a “Medical Home” is not a building, house, hospital or nursing home, but rather an approach to health care where primary care providers (PCP, i.e. doctor/nurse practitioner), families and patients work in partnership to plan, coordinate care, provide continuous access which will result in improved health outcomes and reduced health costs over time. Patients of all ages with chronic or complex health conditions, disabilities or specialized health needs will have access to a dedicated Care Team that includes a PCP, a care coordinator (social worker/nurse), spouse/family member(s), pharmacists, and additional health care professionals directly involved in their care. Enrollment in a Health Care Home is voluntary and your provider will suggest if he/she thinks who would best benefit from this type of care.
This program, which started developing early in 2015, was funded by a grant received from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for those health and social service organizations that show they are committed to practicing transformation and integration of care while being responsive to local health needs. A dedicated staff who took ownership to ensure its certification include: Dr. Danielle Bergman (Physician Champion), Katie Dvorak (Doctor of Pharmacy), Jen Peterson (Social Services Supervisor), Jen Friday (RN, Nurse Care Coordinator), Diane Bankers (VP of Nursing Services), Julie Ray (Clinic services Manager), Sandy Zutz-Wiczek (Chief Operating Officer), Stacey Heins (Patient Access Manager), Julie Miller (Certified Diabetes Educator) and Sheila Peterson (Business Office Supervisor). The final review and subsequent certification from the Department of Health took place thru an audit in late June.
“Having FirstLight as a certified HCH, plays an important role for advancing Healthcare’s Triple Aim fundamentals improving patient experience and the overall health of our population”, comments Jen Peterson, Social Services Supervisor.
Kalli-Aileen-Pine City Picnic 16Andrew & June, EMSCindy serving cakeThe crowdJulie & JeriBlue gloves Leann!Marcie & JannelleMark on traffic dutyJessica and Scott serving up chips and mayo.Renae on cake dutySarahScott, Karen and Julie enjoying lunch on the back patio
Congratulations! These employees won themed baskets worth up to $100 each in the Red, White and Blue HEALTHY YOU employee wellness challenge.
Sarah Carpenter, OT-Pine City-winner of the beach/picnic basketMichelle Vork, clinic – winner of the grill basketKari Newkirk, Lab – winner of the movie basket
Thank you to everyone on the StarLight Committee who helped with the employee picnics. Especially these lovely people… Mark’s Apron is the best!
It’s back-to-school time and that means lots of items being toted around in backpacks. Packs get even heavier then the snow flies due the addition of boots and extra winter gear. Here are a some tips to help reduce the chance of back, shoulder, or neck pain in your kiddos:
