Reverse those Winter Blues

Amy Hull, licensed therapist at MRHC for Senior Life Solutions

By: Amy Hull, LISW (Therapist with Senior Life Solutions) Amy Hull, licensed therapist at MRHC for Senior Life Solutions

As we continue into the long days of winter, I am reminded that so many of us face challenges: some because of the cloudy, cold, and grey days which trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Others because they face depression year-round and find the absence of loved ones difficult while having to pillage through snow, ice and frigid cold to travel. In addition, we are also navigating the protocols and restrictions of COVID, feeling political unrest, and learning how to make socially sensitive changes so that all members of our nation feel that they are accepted and valued. Much of this causes confusion, uncertainty, and isolation (spiritually, emotionally, and physically) for all ages, from our developing youth to the mature members of our community.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of clinical depression is helpful so that you can seek additional help from your primary care physician or contact a therapist/psychiatrist to manage the need for psychotropic medications.

Clinical Depression includes five of the following symptoms:

  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking
  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, sadness, or numbness
  • Irritability
  • Reoccurring thoughts of death
  • Diminished interest in once pleasurable activities
  • Significant weight loss or overeating
  • Sleeping too much or too little

It is important to catch these symptoms early. If you are having at least two or three symptoms, ask for help immediately rather than trying to manage it alone and waiting. Seeking assistance early can prevent depression from progressing, and it can resolve the issue much quicker than if you allow the symptoms to become entrenched and multiply.

When faced with symptoms of depression, I encourage my patients to do the opposite of what depression is telling them. Feelings of depression often suggest that you should stay isolated, avoid socializing, eat more or less, sleep more, or avoid activities you once did. However, it is important that we connect with our friends and family using any means available including phone calls, Facetiming, sending care packages, or hand-written cards. One can’t help but feel good by engaging in activities that they once enjoyed, serving others through volunteer work, or simply helping a neighbor.

A few ways to counteract depression and sadness include helping others, exercising, interrupting or stopping negative thoughts, and getting fresh air and sunshine. These options will help you find the joy you once had both in activities and in interacting with others.

MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Distinction Awards

MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Awards

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce the Wound Care Clinic is a recipient of RestorixHealth’s Patient Satisfaction Award and Clinical Distinction Award. Recipients of these awards meet or exceed national patient satisfaction and quality benchmarks over a set period. The Clinical Distinction Award also acknowledges exceptional success in wound healing rates and safety goals.

“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to the patient experience and the quality of care that our Wound Care Clinic provides its patients every day,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “We are proud to be a recipient of two awards that recognize the hard work and dedication of our staff.”

RestorixHealth launched its Center Recognition Award for Patient Satisfaction program to recognize those centers that have met or achieved a patient satisfaction score of 96% or higher. The Clinical Distinction recognition program is meant to recognize centers that have demonstrated success by meeting or exceeding patient safety goals along with a 90% healing rate.

One local resident is a testament to the positive patient satisfaction and overall effectiveness of the MRHC Wound Care Clinic.

MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Awards“I’m so thankful I was able to go to MRHC for wound care since it’s located in my hometown,” said Manning resident, Jeanne Kerkhoff. “I was immediately impressed by Kendra’s genuine concern for my care, her efforts to get answers and help me, along with Dr. Luong’s attention and ongoing wound care treatment. The best thing about the care I received was their genuine care and advocacy,” she shared.

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in those patients with non-healing wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies and techniques that are proven to reduce healing time and improve healing rates. Since non-healing wounds rarely result from a single cause, the Wound Care Clinic begins with a thorough evaluation and diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of the wound. A treatment plan is then developed to give patients the best chance for healing. Most treatments are covered by Medicare/Medicaid, HMOs and other private insurance.

Manning’s clinic is staffed by Dr. Thang Luong, M.D., Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN and supported by Taylor Potthoff, RN and Elaine Macumber, RN. Integrating a team of wound care professionals optimizes patient care while offering the most advanced healing options.

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic is held every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about our treatment plans, please call 712-655-8112.

About RestorixHealth

RestorixHealth, the nation’s leading wound care solutions company, develops and operates advanced wound healing centers and provides wound healing direct-care services, education and advanced wound supplies nationwide. Forging strong relationships with their partners, RestorixHealth’s customized wound healing programs and solutions increase the access to care, lower or avoid direct care costs, reduce hospital admissions, improve outcomes and increase patient and partner satisfaction. For more information, visit www.RestorixHealth.com.