MRHC Hosts Healthcare Career Camp for IKM-Manning Students

healthcare career camp

Manning Regional Healthcare Center hosted 24 IKM-Manning middle and high school students for a Healthcare Career Camp on Thursday, September 29th to introduce students to healthcare careers, tour the facility, and participate in simulations and hands-on activities.

“Recruitment to the healthcare field continues to be a challenge, so we wanted to spark an interest in students starting with middle school and high school-age students,” shared MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “We collaborated with the IKM-Manning guidance counselors to form a mutually beneficial partnership. MRHC purchased mannequins and supplies to make it as hands-on as possible. We plan to offer the event to students at IKM-Manning two to three times per year in the fall and spring months.”

Students stopped at seven stations throughout the hospital to learn more about the different roles of healthcare, the variety of healthcare fields, and learn useful skills to utilize after leaving.

The stations included:

Ambulance
MRHC staff set up a scenario in which an ambulance was called to the scene of a grain bin fall or ATV rollover. EMTs shared first aid measures that would be conducted at the scene of the accident: how to apply pressure to wounds (stop the bleed), support for the limbs, and how to limit exposure. Responders talked about their role and how they would assist with transfer to a medical facility. The groups toured the ambulance and learned about the ambulance crew’s duties.

Emergency Room
A doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and respiratory therapist followed a Trauma Nursing Process (TNP) with a manikin. Students learned a variety of things that would happen in emergency situations including IV or IO access, medication from the pyxis, confidentiality and HIPPA and regulations, intubation using a pig’s lung, CPR/LUCAS device, and more.

Laboratory and Radiology
Students toured both departments and were able to draw blood through an IV manikin and viewed samples under the microscope in the lab. In the radiology department they took x-rays of a pig’s leg while wearing lead aprons and learned about CT scan and MRI capabilities.

Surgery
This station featured the job responsibilities performed by a surgeon, anesthesia, and surgery techs. Students had hands-on experiences working in a sterile environment, donning/doffing surgical garb, suturing a pig’s skin, and dissecting a pig heart.

Recovery Center
Students met with the Recovery Center staff to learn about the substance abuse program and the services offered at MRHC.

Family Practice Clinic, Specialty Clinic, Infection Control, and Therapy Department
In this session, students learned about the follow-up process with providers after an injury. Students were able to see the teamwork and integration that happens between multiple departments within the hospital. The tour started in the Family Practice Clinic where students learned about proper handwashing techniques, practiced giving a flu shot on oranges, and listened to a patient’s breathing.

Clinic staff shared information about medication management and each of their roles, as well as the career paths taken to get to those positions. The students toured the Specialty Clinic where they were able to cut a cast and remove staples. The experience wrapped up with a tour of the therapy department where many follow-up services, provided by physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, occur.

First Aid
Students filled a first aid kit and learned how each item should be used. The groups then discussed their perspectives of the camp and had a chance to ask any follow-up questions regarding the schooling necessary for healthcare careers they were interested in.

When asked what their favorite part of the camp was, students shared, “I liked to go in the x-ray & surgery room.” “My favorite part was being able to see the different departments. I loved being able to see different jobs and do hands-on activities.”  “My favorite part was holding the pig heart and leg. Also seeing the little pig lungs inflate.”  “The EMS & ER part was my favorite.” “I liked going to the clinic and when I got to do an IV on a manikin arm.” “I liked learning about all the different jobs that make up a clinic and that there are SO many possibilities in healthcare. I like that we got to wear scrubs and a stethoscope.” “I loved everything that we did. It was very fun, especially if you want to be in the medical field.”

When asked if they would recommend this experience to other classmates, students shared that they definitely would. “It’s a great opportunity for people to learn about the healthcare field.” “It’s just a good place and might be a job opportunity.” “There were SO many things to learn.”

IKM-Manning High School Guidance Counselor, Amy Bemus echoed the students’ responses about the effectiveness of the event. “The students had nothing but positive things to say about their experiences at the Healthcare Career Camp! They loved all the hands-on activities and felt like they really got to see a variety of careers that are available in the healthcare industry. This was an absolutely wonderful opportunity for the students, and I am so pleased that everyone was able to work together to provide that for them! We look forward to continuing this partnership with the hospital!”

“We have already had other school districts reach out with an interest in conducting a camp for their students as well,” shared Julie Hodne, event coordinator. “So, this has evidently sparked interest both in the community and beyond.”

Danner to Offer Senior Health Insurance Information Services at MRHC

Nancy Danner

Where can I go to find answers about Medicare prescription drug plans? What is a Medicare Advantage plan? My medications have gotten so expensive I just can’t afford to take them all, is there any help?

Answers to these and other Medicare questions can be found by meeting with Nancy Danner, Manning Regional Healthcare Center’s new Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) counselor. Danner is at MRHC to meet with individuals every Wednesday by appointment. Nancy Danner

“We’re so excited to welcome Nancy in her new role as a SHIIP counselor,” said Amy McLaughlin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer at MRHC. “She will be a great resource for individuals turning 65, those who are considering changing Medicare benefits, or for anyone simply wanting to learn more about their current benefits.”

SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. Danner completed extensive training and shadowing before being certified. In her role at MRHC, Danner will provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, Medicare supplement insurance, Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans, Medicare insurance claims, and how to guard against becoming a victim of Medicare fraud. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but will be able to answer questions and provide impartial information to help residents make informed decisions and assist people who have a limited income.

“The best time to start getting information is before you actually need it, so I recommend at least 6-12 months before someone turns 65 years old,” Danner recommended.

Danner worked as a registered nurse for 27 years in the Carroll County area, a Certified Physician Assistant for 16 years in Manning, and then a Certified Medical Coder at MRHC the last four years prior to retiring in August and transitioning to this volunteer position.

“I wanted to volunteer for something that was really needed,” Danner shared. “SHIIP helped my husband and I when we had to make Medicare-related decisions and we found the volunteer counselors were very helpful.”

Danner and her husband Rich live on a farm southeast of Templeton and have two grown sons, Chris and Matt.

Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call MRHC at 712-655-8100. If a client is only wishing to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number and Danner will return their call.

Wound Care Clinic Receives Clinical Distinction and Patient Satisfaction Awards

wound care team

Biannual award acknowledges superior wound healing rates, excellence in patient satisfaction.

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that the Wound Care Clinic is a dual recipient of RestorixHealth’s Clinical Distinction and Patient Satisfaction Awards. Recipients of these awards meet or exceed national quality benchmarks over a set period of time.

“The Wound Care Clinic is proud to be recognized again for not only its dedication to healing but also its dedication to patient satisfaction,” said Dr. Thang Luong, M.D. “We are proud to be a recipient of an award that recognizes the hard work and dedication of our staff.”

RestorixHealth’s Clinical Distinction award recognizes centers that have demonstrated success by meeting or exceeding patient safety goals along with a healing rate above 90%. The Patient Satisfaction award recognizes centers that have met or achieved a patient satisfaction score of 96% or higher. The MRHC Wound Care Clinic has now received this dual award three times in addition to a Center of Excellence award in 2019.

The Wound Care Clinic is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in patients with non-healing wounds. This 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. wound care team

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

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic is held every Thursday. For more information about treatment plans or to schedule an appointment, please call 712-655-8100.

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.

Macumber Makes Career Strides at MRHC

Elaine Macumber

When Elaine Macumber and her husband, Jeremia, moved back to Manning, there weren’t any dental assistant jobs available in the Manning community. Having previously worked as a dental assistant, she was interested in continuing her career in the medical field without having to travel out of town, so she took a job at MRHC as a medical records/admissions staff for about a year until moving into materials management. One day, MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, called Macumber and ultimately changed the trajectory of her career. Elaine Macumber

“I told Elaine, ‘I think you would make a great nurse and we’ll even pay for you to go to school’, and she did! She is not the only one. We try to mentor and help our employees with leadership development both externally and internally,” shared Andersen, RN, BSN.

Macumber went on to utilize the tuition program at MRHC to complete her LPN and RN education at Western Iowa Tech Community College.

“MRHC has provided me with a lot of career advancement,” Macumber said. “With the tuition assistance, the decision to go to school was easier on me. We didn’t have to worry about the financial obligation that school has with it, and I could focus on learning. Nursing school is a tough schedule anyways and with flexible hours at MRHC I was able to work full-time while in school and it really helped me get through. There are also a lot of great nurses at MRHC who helped me learn quickly.”

Macumber started her nursing career at MRHC working in ER/acute care before moving to the specialty clinic as a staff nurse. She took on additional training in the specialty clinic to be able to mix and administer chemotherapy and perform cardiac stress tests.

“The experience working in acute care and ER was great. I got to see a lot of good teamwork and you get to see a lot and learn from the house supervisors who guide you,” Macumber shared.

Now serving as the Specialty Clinic Manager, Macumber manages staffing and takes care of all specialty clinic provider needs. She will also continue as a clinical nurse in the specialty clinic performing infusions, assisting patients in consultations with the specialty doctors, and educating patients prior to surgical procedures.

“I really enjoy the specialty clinic,” Macumber said. “We have ten different clinics that we assist with, so every day is something different. I enjoy talking with the providers and learning as much as I can from them. I plan to work in the specialty clinic for a long time and we hope to expand our services when the need in the community presents.”

Not only does Macumber enjoy her role in the specialty clinic because of the variety of her work and the ability to continually learn something new, the people also make a big impact.

“I love the team environment here at MRHC, every employee has the patient’s interests at heart,” shared Macumber. “We work together to make our patients’ experience as pleasant as possible and still have fun while we do it.”

Specialty Clinic Services

The MRHC specialty clinic has several specialty doctors that see patients in Manning on a regular basis. Services include cardiology; dermatology; ear, nose, and throat (ENT); infusions; mental health; OB-GYN; orthopedics; pain clinic, podiatry; surgery; urology; and wound care. Visit www.mrhcia.com/events to learn more about the specialty area, the specialist or doctor(s) who provide the clinic, and what day they are available. For more information or to set up a consultation with any of the doctors, please call (712) 655-8100.

If you would like to join the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information on current job openings.

Blackwell Named 2022 Outstanding Employee

Amy Blackwell

Amy BlackwellWhen Amy Blackwell envisioned her career back in college, she initially saw herself as an elementary school teacher. But after changing her major, working a full-time job, starting a family, and running an in-home daycare, she decided to go back to school for her Administrative Office professional degree and eventually found her home at The Recovery Center at MRHC.

“After getting my degree, I ended up working at MRHC. When the Recovery Center position opened, I decided to apply, and I am forever grateful for ending up where I am now,” Blackwell shared.

Blackwell serves as the Administrative Assistant and Intake Coordinator at the Recovery Center. But there is a lot more to her role than some may think.

“People may assume that she just answers phones and greets people; these things are perhaps 10% of what she does to help keep the Recovery Center running well,” said Brad Madsen, Recovery Center clinical coordinator. “Amy has willingly taken on additional duties such as processing referrals, scheduling intakes, and engaging in clinical trainings to help better understand what the counselors do.”

Along with her normal responsibilities, Blackwell continues to find additional ways to help improve the Recovery Center as well as grow in her own career.

“Amy brings many aspects to the Recovery Center,” said Recovery Center Director, Taya Vonnahme.  “She has continued to expand on her education and growth. She recently received her license as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and is starting to lead group sessions in the recovery center. We are so lucky to have her.”

Along with adding the counselor title to her role, Amy is also working on getting certified as a yoga instructor to offer Recovery Yoga/Meditation to Recovery Center clients.

“Amy never backs down from a challenge and enjoys doing new activities in her work,” said Emmalee Bolin, Recovery Center counselor. “She is willing to perform above and beyond what is in her job description.”

Blackwell attributes her desire to advance in her career and her passion for what she does to her coworkers, MRHC leadership, and Recovery Center clients.

“Everyone is always very encouraging to keep advancing and bettering yourself and they have all made an impact on how I have grown here,” Blackwell said. “I have learned so much from all the counselors, coworkers, and clients through the years so I knew I wanted to gain more knowledge and do anything I could to add to the Recovery Center. Taya and Brad have always been there to encourage me to advance in my career here at MRHC! I couldn’t have gotten this far without any of them!”

Blackwell also emphasizes how she would not be where she is today without the support of her Recovery Center team members. With a busy life outside of work, she is grateful for a flexible and family-oriented work environment at MRHC.

“I have three children, so with sickness, kids’ activities, and just life I know that I can take care of what I need to at home and fulfill my duties here at work. The team I work with is always willing to step in and we all understand the life/work balance. It’s so good knowing that jobs will always be done with the help of others,” Blackwell shared.

Blackwell was recently recognized for her exceptional performance and growth in her job and received the 2022 MRHC Outstanding Employee Award. This award recognizes an employee who consistently performs a high-level of work and extra duties beyond those normally assigned, has a positive attitude, displays exceptional dependability, and creates a positive work environment. Characteristics that Blackwell undeniably possesses, making her a popular nomination, and an easy selection for the award.

“I want to thank everyone who nominated me for the Outstanding Employee Award. I was extremely surprised and honored,” Blackwell said. “I enjoy working with each and every one of the people here at MRHC, and I couldn’t do my job without them!”

But according to her team, they couldn’t do it without her. “Amy is the glue that holds the Recovery Center together, and this place would not be nearly the same without her.”

For a current list of job openings at MRHC and the Recovery Center, click here or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

MRHC Honors Outstanding Employee Sarah Lorenzen

Sarah Lorenzen

Sarah LorenzenMRHC’s first ever Outstanding Employee Award honoree is Patient Access Manager, Sarah Lorenzen. This award recognizes employees who consistently perform a high-level of work and extra duties beyond those normally assigned, has a positive attitude, displays exceptional dependability, and creates a positive work environment.

Sarah’s positive attitude, leadership skills, and dedication to her job are just a few in the long list of reasons why she is so deserving of this award. Sarah and her staff are the first encounter every patient has when they walk through MRHC’s doors; from contacting patient transportation services to taking patients to their destination by walking them there or via wheelchair, and coordinating multiple appointments for patients. The exceptional support, caring attitudes, and helpful smiles they provide have not gone unnoticed. Here are some of the things the individuals nominating her had to say:

“Sarah is a caring individual that comes to work every day with a smile on her face. She is compassionate to her patients and she has a sense of humor.”

“She has the respect of the staff and other department leaders that work with her. She is an example of an employee that every facility would want to have on their team! We are lucky to have her!”

“No matter how busy she is with her duties, Sarah is always willing and happy to help anyone or any department in the hospital. She constantly takes on extra duties and she and her staff always get them done.”

“Sarah and the admissions department played a large role in our COVID-19 vaccination clinics. They fielded hundreds of calls and made many, many appointments on top of their normal duties. Sarah shines bright and so does her staff! I admire them and the role they play here at MRHC.”

“Sarah is a true team player! No matter what she is doing or working on, she will always help in any way she can. She is always willing to listen and suggest solutions for issues that arise. I feel there is nothing Sarah wouldn’t do for MRHC, our patients and her fellow employees.”

“Sarah not only manages the day-to-day work flow of her staff, but participates as an equal alongside her coworkers in the department. She is thorough and detail-oriented when coordinating care between the clinic and other departments within the hospital. She is a problem solver, critical thinker, and the most pleasant person to be around.”

Thank you, Sarah, for your commitment and dedication to your patients, coworkers, and

Roxi Doyel Receives DAISY Award

Roxi Doyel

Roxi DoyelThroughout Roxi Doyel’s career at MRHC, she has been known to deliver superb nursing care. And Roxi’s great care hasn’t gone unnoticed – patients will frequently return specific comments calling her out on all the great care she provides. That’s why she is a perfect recipient for the 2021 DAISY Award, a program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.

“Roxi is a very thoughtful and compassionate nurse who is always going above and beyond for patients,” says Shelby Dickson, Clinic Manager at MRHC. “She is always willing to help patients in need. She is a wonderful employee who exemplifies positive teamwork in the workplace. She is always jumping in to help her coworkers, doing whatever is needed to get the job done. We are so lucky to have Roxi Doyel at MRHC!”

Roxi has served as the nurse for Dr. Douglas McLaws at MRHC for the past nine years. He shares, “There is absolutely no way I could ever do what I do without Roxi being there to make it happen. Beside every good provider there stands a fantastic nurse. Without a doubt she has a love for all the people we have the honor of helping,” said McLaws.

Coworkers also appreciate Roxi’s dedication to fellow employees and patients. “The things that stick out to me are her wealth of knowledge, bedside manner, and the time she takes with each patient encounter,” said Jackie Blackwell, Director of Quality. “Roxi serves as a reliable resource with a positive attitude. She is an outstanding nurse and so deserving of this award.”

About the DAISY Award

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP in 1999.

During his hospitalization, the Barnes family deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he passed away they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. More than 2,500 health care facilities in 15 countries and 50 states now honor extraordinary nurses with The DAISY Award.

DAISY Award Honorees are recognized within their department, receive an award certificate and are publicly recognized. Roxi was surprised with this award by her coworkers and family on May 7th and a public reception was held on May 11th.

Eligibility

All nurses who exemplify MRHC’s mission and values, and demonstrate our vision on a daily basis, are eligible to be nominated. DAISY Award honorees are nurses who provide compassionate and remarkable care while demonstrating clinical excellence. Anyone – patients, patients’ family members, staff members, physicians, visitors, and volunteers – are welcome to nominate any nurse whom they believe is deserving of the award.

Wounds Healed at MRHC

foot care

“After a car accident left me with extensive injuries, the Wound Care team at Manning Regional Health Care Center has my sincere thanks for all they have done to heal my wounds,” shares Christina Brown, a resident of Manilla.

When Christina was referred to receive wound care treatment at Manning Regional, she had four large wounds on her leg. foot care

“Christina’s wounds were typical of what we see and treat here at MRHC,” said Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, MRHC Wound Care Clinic Coordinator. “Christina’s wounds were very large and deep in size requiring advanced treatment options to manage and heal the wounds.”

As with many wound care patients that Dr. Luong treats, he begin with an evaluation to assess the cause of the wound, look for any signs of infection, and determine the best treatment option for wound healing. Initially, Christina received wound care weekly and as the wound began responding to treatment, she transitioned to appointments every two weeks.

“Although my wounds were quite extensive and took what seemed like a very long time to heal, the staff controlled the pain and made me comfortable,” said Christina.

At each visit, Christina was seen by a nurse and doctor to monitor healing and assess for any signs of infection or other possible concerns.

“Depending upon the severity of the wound, it is important that the wound is cleaned regularly, and bandages are applied to help the wound heal more rapidly than if they weren’t treated,” said Tiefenthaler.

Although this was the first time Christina had received treatment for a wound, she shared how positive her experience was.

“Wound care is not something I would choose to do, but the wound care team made me as relaxed and comfortable as possible,” Christina said. “Everything was thoroughly explained, and all necessary steps were taken to ensure the proper healing. The care I received was excellent.”

As far as the impact COVID-19 has had on her treatment, Christina said there have not been any problems.

“All precautions to ensure safe and healthy treatment were taken and I felt comfortable going to MRHC,” she shared.

“I would definitely recommend Manning Regional’s wound care services to others. They are a very caring and competent group of individuals,” adds Christina. “I will miss my visits with them. They are a great group, and I have enjoyed getting to know them.”

Although Christina’s wounds were the result of a car accident, there are many other types of hard-to-heal wounds that the Wound Care Clinic treats. These wounds may be a result from pressure, trauma or infection. MRHC has many types of advanced treatment options available for wound care based on the type and severity of the wound.

Sometime, even the simplest of wounds can turn into a significant problem because the body’s normal healing process is affected. A wound that is not healing properly may be complicated by underlying conditions such as diabetes, circulation problems or previous radiation treatment. Non-healing wounds can have serious health consequences and may adversely affect a patient’s quality of life.

“It is important that patients reach out as soon as they realize they have a wound that is not healing properly,” stated Tiefenthaler. “If we can catch the wound early enough, oftentimes we can get a jump start on the healing process, decreasing the number of visits necessary for full healing.”

If you or a loved one has a wound that is of concern or is not healing properly, call the Wound Care Center at MRHC for an evaluation at (712) 655-8100.

 

Diabetic Finds Comfort from MRHC Wound Care Clinic

wound care team

“I woke up one morning and noticed that the bottom of my foot was sore. It was tender to the touch and the pain was excruciating to walk. I knew right away that I needed to get into the doctor and have it evaluated,” said Ralph Dobler of Manning.

Although Ralph had experienced the effects of diabetes for several years prior, he was following a proper diabetic diet, he was watching his health and ensuring he was keeping active. Unfortunately, Ralph had learned the hard way a few years prior that if he doesn’t take care of his wounds, it could lead to amputation.

“I knew that if we could get on top of the wound right away that we would have the potential to save my foot.  At 74 years old, Ralph has been dealing with the side effects of diabetes for many years.

More than 29.1 million Americans have diabetes and sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have limited or no feeling in their feet. “It’s much easier to treat a minor foot problem before it becomes serious,” said Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, Clinical Coordinator for the MRHC Wound Care Center. Kendra Tiefenthaler

The wound care team believes that Ralph’s immediate attention to the issue and willingness to commit to weekly treatments until the wounds were healed is what ultimately prevented him having an amputation.

Approximately 25-30% of patients with diabetes develop a foot sore or ulcer. Though foot ulcers can be anywhere on the foot, most occur on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe.

There are several reasons why diabetic patients have foot problems, but the most common reason is that they suffer from nerve damage called neuropathy, which causes loss of sensation in the feet.  These patients also suffer from poor circulation, which can make your foot less able to fight infection and heal.

Signs of a Possible Foot Ulcer:
  • Lack of sensation (feeling) in your feet
  • Feeling of “pins and needles” in your feet
  • Feet hurt while walking or resting
  • Sores don’t heal
  • Skin on your feet becomes thick, dry or scaly,
  • Calluses develop easily on the soles of your feet

“At MRHC, we have the ability to treat any open wounds caused from vascular complications, post-surgical procedures, diabetes and more,” said Tiefenthaler.  “Oftentimes patients will see the most benefit from weekly treatments where the provider addresses any concerns, evaluates wound progress, and cleans/redresses the wound to ensure timely healing.”

How to care for your feet and prevent diabetic ulcers:
  • Check your feet daily. Look for blisters, cuts and scratches. Use a long-handled mirror or place a mirror on the floor to see the bottom of your feet. Always check between your toes.
  • Keep your feet clean. Wash daily, dry carefully – especially between the toes.
  • Moisturize your feet. Apply a moisturizer as recommended by your physician, but never apply between toes as that can lead to a fungal infection.
  • Do not walk barefoot. That includes on sandy beaches and pool/patio areas.
  • Wear properly fitted shoes. Shoes should be comfortable when purchased. Do not wear narrow, pointed toe or high-heeled shoes.
  • Inspect the inside of your shoes daily. Check for foreign objects, tears or rough areas on the inside of the shoe.
  • Do not wear shoes without socks or stockings. Wear clean, properly fitted socks. Cotton or cotton-blend socks are recommended.
  • Avoid temperature extremes. Test water temperature with your hand or elbow prior to bathing. Do not soak your feet in hot water or apply a hot water bottle. If your feet feel cold at night; wear socks.
  • Trim your toenails regularly. Always cut your nails straight across.
  • Do not use over-the-counter remedies for corns. See a podiatrist to have these evaluated.
  • Avoid crossing your legs. This causes pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, resulting in less blood flow to your feet.

As we wrap up American Diabetes Month, MRHC wants to remind people with diabetes that they are at a higher risk for non-healing foot wounds – and therefore amputations – than most Americans. One in four patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. The wound healing center at MRHC can provide guidance for prevention and treatment of these wounds.

If you are experiencing pain or complications from an open wound, contact the MRHC Wound Care Clinic at (712) 655-8100 to request a wound care consultation or treatment. Physician referrals are not required.