Freeman launches telemedicine service for McDonald County Students

Posted on September 14, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

NEOSHO, Mo. – Freeman today launched its first of many telemedicine units in the McDonald County School System to better help students maintain their health.

Officials say the new unit comes with the district’s partnership with the Freeman Neosho Hospital.

Freeman plans to install medical-grade telemedicine equipment on all campuses across the McDonald County School System due to the rural nature of the schools.

Freeman Neosho leaders say they hope to have telemedicine units in all McDonald County campuses by the end of the year.

How it works:

If a child (or a staff member) becomes sick at school and needs to see a medical provider and wants to use TELEMEDICINE, they will visit the nurse’s office at their school. The school nurse will take vitals and get contact information.
Freeman Registration will call parents directly to obtain permission to provide treatment and register them or their child for the visit. Freeman will offer a telemedicine appointment time that works for parents.
The school nurse will assist the student (or the staff member) as well as the parent in virtually connecting with the experienced Freeman provider and will assist the Freeman provider in conducting the exam.
A parent can see, hear, and interact with their child, the Freeman provider, and the school nurse during the virtual visit.
If prescriptions or further testing are needed, the Freeman provider will call in the prescriptions or order tests at the location requested by the parents.

Click here to learn more, or scan the QR code below.

OK Governor proposes one-year postpartum coverage for new mothers

Posted on September 13, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Today, the Helping Every Life and Parent (H.E.L.P) Task Force unanimously recommended the Oklahoma Health Care Authority expand coverage for SoonerCare members receiving pregnancy and postpartum services.

Two major policies are proposed:

Oklahoma’s income threshold for full-scope pregnancy-related benefits will increase from 138% to 205%.
The state will provide new mothers with up to 12 months of continuous postpartum coverage.

SoonerCare’s current policy is 60 days of postpartum coverage.

“I fully support these recommendations to expand and extend care for new mothers and their babies,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “Raising the income threshold will allow thousands of additional women in Oklahoma to have access to services that will reduce risk and create opportunities for better health outcomes for both them and their child. Ensuring more women have access to better, longer care is a positive step in the right direction for our state.”

The additional services include:

postpartum care
prescription drugs
genetic testing
vision and hearing services to treat disease
physical, occupational, and speech therapies
preventive primary care
dental benefits during and after their pregnancy

Both policy changes will require Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services approval.

Click here to learn more.

Millions of CPAP and BiPAP masks recalled, serious safety issue

Posted on September 8, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

The USDA and FDA issued an alert for millions of CPAP and BiPAP masks due to a “serious safety concern.”

“This latest recall raises further safety concerns both for Philips devices already subject to a recall, as well as additional devices,” said Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “We strongly encourage providers and at-risk patients to review this important safety information and follow our recommended actions to reduce the potential for harm from these products.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tells patients, caregivers and health care providers to check and see whether their mask is one of the recalled Philips masks. The recalled masks are worn by a person when using a BiPAP or CPAP machine and have magnets that connect the mask components to hold the device in place.

The magnets in those masks could potentially cause injury or death to people who use them, or people near a person using the recalled mask, have certain implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body. You can find a list of examples of metallic objects here.

Recalled Masks

The recalled Philips masks are worn by a patient when using a BiPAP or CPAP machine and have magnetic headgear clips to hold them in place. The recalled masks are for single-patient use in the home or multi-patient use in the hospital or other clinical environments. The recalled masks are for patients weighing more than 66lbs (30kg), except for the Wisp Youth Nasal Mask and Therapy Mask 3100 NC/SP which are for patients seven years of age and older weighing more than 40lbs (18kg).

Figure 1: Amara View Full Face Mask
Figure 2: DreamWisp Nasal Mask
Figure 3: DreamWear Full Face Mask
Figure 4: Wisp and Wisp Youth Nasal Mask
Figure 5: Therapy Mask 3100 NC/SP

This recall is not associated with the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam issue for certain ventilators, BiPAP machines and CPAP machines recalled in June 2021. However, this recall affects masks used with some of the devices that were recalled in June 2021.

Reported Injuries, Information from USDA

To date, Philips reported 14 serious injuries, including pacemaker failure, arrhythmia, seizures and irregular blood pressure related to use of the recalled masks.

Recommendations for Patients and Caregivers from FDA

Stop use of the recalled mask and switch to a non-magnetic mask if available, if you or someone near you when using the recalled mask have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body listed above that may be affected by the magnets in the masks.
Ensure the recalled mask is kept at least 6 inches away from metallic medical implants, metallic objects in the body, and medical devices that can be impacted by the magnetic fields.
Consult with your health care provider to determine if another mask can be used for therapy and to decide if the plan for your care and treatment should change as a result of this safety issue.
Contact your health care provider immediately, if you experience any issues related to your medical device and report the issue through the FDA’s MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.
Contact Philips Respironics’ customer service at 1-800-345-6443 or visit their website at www.usa.philips.com External Link Disclaimer for more information about non-magnetic mask options.
Properly dispose of the recalled mask after you have another alternative mask.
You may continue using the mask, if you or someone near you when using the recalled mask, do not have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body listed above that may be affected by the magnets in the masks.

Recommedations for Health Care Providers from FDA

Tell patients to stop use of the recalled mask and switch to a non-magnetic mask if available, if they or someone near them when using a recalled mask have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body listed above that may be affected by the magnets in the masks.
Ensure the recalled mask is kept at least 6 inches away from metallic medical implants, metallic objects in the body, or medical devices that can be impacted by the magnetic fields.
Properly dispose of the recalled mask.
Discuss the health risks associated with using the recalled masks with patients who may at risk for potential injury or death due to magnets affecting the function or inducing movement of certain implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body.
Do not prescribe use of the recalled masks on patients who have any of the implanted metallic medical devices or metallic objects in the body listed above that may be affected by the magnets in the masks. Prescribers should also ask about any other people who may be at risk for injury or death if they are near a recalled mask while it is being used.
If you have any problems with a recalled mask or if you treat a patient who has been affected, report the issue through the FDA’s MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

Related Information

RECALL: Jogging stroller brakes pose fingertip amputation hazard

Posted on September 2, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

Consumers are told to immediately stop using the UPPAbaby all-terrain RIDGE jogging strollers.

UPPAbaby recalled the product because the stroller’s rear disc brakes have openings that can cause amputation or laceration if a non-occupant child’s fingertip gets caught in the openings while the stroller is in use.

The company issued the recall on Thursday, September 1, 2022.

Description:

This recall involves all UPPAbaby all-terrain RIDGE jogging strollers, which have an extendable canopy with a mesh window and zipper pocket, disc hand brake system and an adjustable handlebar with a wrist strap. The brand UPPAbaby is on the front of the stroller, and RIDGE is on the side of the stroller frame. The strollers have a black frame and a fabric color scheme that is white (“BRYCE”), charcoal (“JAKE”), or slate blue (“REGGIE”) and have black tires. The serial numbers of the recalled products begin with “1401RDGUS” and appear on the right side of the stroller frame above the rear wheel of the stroller. The model number “1401-RDG-US” is printed on the left side of the stroller frame above the rear wheel of the stroller.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact UPPAbaby to receive free replacement brake discs for both wheels.

Incidents/Injuries:

The firm has received one reported incident, resulting in a fingertip amputation to a child who was not in the stroller while in use.

Sold At:

BuyBuyBaby, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn Kids and other children’s stores and specialty stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com from October 2021 through August 2022 for about $600.

Importer(s):

Monahan Products LLC, d/b/a UPPAbaby, of Rockland, Massachusetts

Manufactured In:

China

Local health clinics receive Novavax doses

Posted on August 30, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) clinics have received the recently authorized Novavax vaccine as the latest tool in the fight against COVID-19.

Officials say the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is the latest authorized and recommended vaccine to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death caused by the virus.

“We now have another tool to manage COVID-19,” said Linda Bean, D.O., FAAFP, Chief Clinical Officer at CHC/SEK. “Novavax provides another option for a safe, effective and free vaccine. With the BA.5 variant continuing to spread, now is the best time to get a vaccine if you haven’t already.”

The following clinics received doses:

Baxter Springs
Coffeyville
Columbus
Fort Scott
Iola
Parsons
Pittsburg and Pittsburg South

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatments, click here.

Health center re-opens in Nevada

Posted on August 29, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

NEVADA, Mo. -The Nevada Senior Health Center re-opened its doors after two years of closure.

Officials say the Nevada Center is one of few psychiatric centers in the State of Missouri.

“It’s a tempo of care I personally enjoy and I know other staff here does as well but just being able to provide psychiatric care for that population has always been something that I’ve believed in and know there is a need for so we are trying to extend that care for those patients,” said Medical Director Mark Stewart.

With new cameras and beds, the organization says they’re ready to keep safety the number one priority.

The center says it will start accepting patients older than 55 on September 1st.

Ozark Food Harvest details community outreach; donates 20 million meals

Posted on August 23, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Ozark Food Harvest today announced it provided 20 million meals last year through its network of community and faith-based charities.

Officials say the organization serves roughly a third of the geographical area of the state.

From July 2021 to June 2022, the food bank invested in its 28-county service area by increasing distribution through:

Mobile Food Pantry program
Drive-thru food pantries
Mobile Produce Pantry

“Even as many people return to work, the demand is still high for food assistance in southwest Missouri,” said Tommy Wohlgemuth, CFO and COO at SGC Foodservice in Springfield and Ozarks Food Harvest’s outgoing board president. “The board recognizes that further investments in our community will be necessary to get families on the road to recovery.”

In total, Ozarks Food Harvest has distributed more than 23 million pounds of food, including 4.2 million pounds of fresh produce.

“Our work has been more important than ever in the past year as folks continue to deal with increased prices for food,” said Bart Brown, president/CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest. “We’re in it for the long haul to ensure children, families and seniors don’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from.”

Click here to learn more.

Carthage Schools talk about returning to a ‘normal’ year

Posted on August 22, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

CARTHAGE, Mo. – Carthage Schools say they are optimistic about the school year as they return back to normalcy.

For this year’s third graders, attending school during a pandemic is all they know.

To help kids return to more of a normal schedule, officials say they are treating COVID just like any other sickness.

“We will monitor the situation and just like we have done the last couple of years; make adjustments if we need to as the year goes if all the area schools have to shut down,” said Matt Huntley, Assistant Superintendent of Carthage Schools.

Huntley says that if cases skyrocket, the district is prepared to swing classes online or in person, depending on the situation.

Watch the full story tonight on KOAM and Fox 14.

Local non-profit donates funds to make health check-ups more attainable

Posted on August 22, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

JOPLIN, Mo. – Jasper and Newton County’s 100 Women Who Care chapters today provided a charitable donation to Joplin’s Community Clinic.

The 100 WWC chapter donated over $3,000 to help over 100 patients receive wellness checks.

As inflation rises, caregivers have acknowledged that medical bills can ruin a budget; which is just one reason the local chapter donated funds raised to the community clinic.

“The Community Clinic will be using our funds to help women in our community who are on fixed incomes obtain wellness checks, mammograms, and lab work,” said a clinic volunteer.

Click here to learn more about 100 Women Who Care, or watch KOAM or Fox 14 Evening News.

Monkeypox Cases up to 25 in Missouri

Posted on August 17, 2022 by KOAM TV 7

SOUTHWEST, Mo. – According to the CDC Monkeypox Cases are nearing 13,000.

The total number of cases of cases has reached 25– where as two weeks ago it was 10.

Local hospitals and health departments continue to monitor the looming virus.

Mercy Hospital had this to say about Monkeypox- “After years of preparing for emerging infections, including SARS, Ebola and COVID-19, Mercy is well prepared for the possibility of Monkeypox cases in our communities.”

To find total case number throughout the Four States and the rest of the country– you can go here: 2022 U.S. Map & Case Count | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC

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