A Family Changed by Sepsis: The Story of David Lee Moeding
In July 2017, the lives of the Moeding family were changed forever. “The worst thing about losing someone you love is the ‘what ifs’,” reflected Megan Moeding. “When David died there were many questions, all very good ones. One of them was, of...
More Than a Memory Lapse: Dementia Care Training in South Dakota
Can’t find your car keys? Forgot why you walked into a room? Realized too late you were supposed to meet a friend or colleague? Most everyone has experienced these moments of memory lapse, especially during the back-to-school season when routines are altered and...
Severe Flu Season Repeat? Options to Protect against Life-threatening Complications
Those already battling end-of-summer colds and scheduling back-to-school physicals have been forced to consider the approaching flu season and immunization updates. Early preparation, especially for those 65 and older or individuals with a compromised immune system,...
South Dakota Better Choices, Better Health Lay Leaders in Demand
Positive health outcomes from the Better Choices, Better Health with Diabetes program has led to a growing demand for workshops and lay leaders. Full details for the lay leader training scheduled for September in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, SD, has been posted on the...
Good Bacteria versus Bad Bacteria: Value a Healthy Microbiome
The human body needs both good and bad bacteria to defend against illness and maintain health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investing in projects to further understand the impact of antibiotics on this community of naturally-occurring germs...
Alternatives to Antibiotics: Home Care for Common Viruses
Whether a skeptic or a fanatic, home remedies and miracle treatments for everything from weight loss to cancer is at our fingertips. Healthcare professionals carry the burden of educating the consumer on fact versus fiction, especially when it comes to managing...
Endangered Prescriptions: Preventing the Growth of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Penicillin was the first commercialized antibiotic and was hailed as a “miracle drug.” Antibiotics are now in danger of losing their effectiveness. Along with being the most commonly prescribed drugs in human medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...
Spreading the Word for a Healthy Community: Huron’s Team Approach to Antibiotic Stewardship
From allergy season to flu season and beyond, the common symptoms of a stuffy nose, cough and sore throat lead many individuals to their local clinic in search of relief. The presence of a fever increases the possibility of a bacterial infection; but most often the...
Pharmacy Point-of Care Testing Impacts Community Health
Shane’s Pharmacy in Fort Pierre, SD, recently implemented in-pharmacy rapid strep and influenza testing allowing patients to receive results and necessary medications at one location within minutes. “Pharmacy point-of-care testing like this is less expensive, faster,...
Great Plains QIN Leadership Supporting Growth and Change
As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Quality Innovation Network/Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) representing Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, engaging in growth and change is an expectation for Great Plains QIN. Established...