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Show ! : III' . i ' i Published by the Salina Sun and Gunnison Valley News February 24, 1999 Extra Time On Your Hands?Be like most area hospitals, are looking to extend a more customer friendly atmosphere to patients while in their care. That is why GVHS originated the volunteer program nearly six months ago. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy meeting people. We would like them to be able to greet people as they come into the lobby and help direct them to the right area of the hospital," says Cynthia Mulder, Volunteer Coordinator. Essie spends much of her time reading to patients, giving back Its easy to get an opinion about Essie Sorenson visits with members of the Gunnison Valley Hospital nursing staff to see where she can be of service. Essie Sorenson from staff members at Gunnison Valley Hospital. Shes the consummate volunteer, says Hospital Administrator Greg Rosenvall. She gives good back rubs, reported several nurses. Essie says that she began to volunteer at GVHS because she wanted something to do. My husband passed away three years ago, and I wanted something to do, so I came here to help, she said. When asked what it took to be a good volunteer, she said, You just have to like people. The Gunnison Valley Hospital, What Can You Do to Help Fight Cold and Flu? by Annie Veater Staff Writer The doctors offices are staying busy with patients struck with the cold and flu. Y es, it has been going around again. So what are some alternatives to help build your immune system and fight the cold and flu? Echinacea is fast becoming the top preference of most health food stores. According to Joe West (1998), Echinacea was used by Native Americans to encourage healing. Numerous studies have shown that Echinacea is a powerful immune system booster. Chamomile has been used for household and medicinal purpose since the ancient Egyptians. It helps boost the immune system with its selenium and zinc contents. Chamomile also helps promote deep, restful sleep. Bee pollen is another powerful Inside immune system booster known today. It increases the appetite, normalizes the activity of the intestine, strengthens capillary walls, and enhances a sense of well being. Arthritis sufferers also benefit greatly by the bee pollen nutrient. A valuable immune system booster that is easy on the stomach is the Aloe vera herb. Aloe vera is high in two excellent antioxidants vitamin C and selenium. These antioxidants help prevent and cure some chronic diseases. Other great antioxidants are apple cider vinegar and Pycnogena. One of the best body purifiers and cleansers is found simply in apple cider vinegar. It strengthens the immune system and boosts energy level. A tablespoon of vinegar mixed with fruit juice and drank before meals will achieve the best result. Grape seed and pine bark produce Pycnogenal. This antioxidant is 50 times stronger than vitamin E and flushes toxins from the body, which boosts the immune system. What can you do if you still catch that cold and influenza? Aromatherapy is one treatment. Breathing problems can be effectively treated through steam inhalations. A few drops of menthol, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil in a basin Of very hot water, covering your head with a towel and inhaling can help alleviate that congestion. Oils may be put in the bath or vaporize z in the room. Congestion can also be treated with catmint. Along with previously mentioned uses of camomile, it is also used for bringing down a fever. Specific mixtures are available A Volunteer! rubs, just friends.When visiting with there are fewer patients, she has even helped do some filing in the office. Imjustglad for the opportunity to help. This isnt for everyone, but I have always enjoyed working with people, said Essie. GVHS would like to see the number of volunteers grow. Rosenvall said that there are a number of things that could be done. We would like to have an information desk in the lobby to help give directions or answer phones. Reading to patients, watering flowers that have been brought in to comfort patients are (See Volunteers on Page 6) Alternative Healthcare Methods Increasing Elaine Blackburn by Richfield Care Center With the growing costs of healthcare and health insurance, the number of Americans who lack healthcare coverage is on the rise. Part of the reason is due to a sharp decline in the number of small businesses that provide insurance (note that small businesses account for half of private sector employment). According to Business Week, 39 ofUS small businesses offered healthcare benefits in 1998 compared to 46 two years ago. The US 1997. population with no insurance rose from 15.6in 1996 to 16. This may be one of the reasons more people are trying to hve healthier lives and more are turning to alternative methods of healthcare. The printed the following outline of growth in the use Chicago of alternative treatments over the last seven years: lin Sun-Tim- es (See Alternatives on Page 5) Ready for Retirement? Scs Page 6 AARP wonders are ready? if Boomers See Page 3 |
