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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising patients and their families to use antibiotics only when necessary to further reduce antibiotic resistance, the spread of superbugs, and protect patients from side effects from antibiotics. During U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week and throughout the year, CDC promotes Be Antibiotics Aware , an educational effort to raise awareness about the importance of safe antibiotic use. The Be Antibiotics Aware initiative educates the public about when antibiotics are needed, when they are not, how to take antibiotics appropriately, and potential side effects of antibiotics. CDC encourages patients and families to: Get the facts about antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and the side effects could still cause harm. Ask your healthcare professional about the most appropriate treatment for you or your loved ones’ illness. If antibiotics are not needed, ask about the best way to feel better while your body fights off the virus. If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics. Talk with your healthcare professional if you develop any side effects, especially severe diarrhea, since that could be a Clostridioides difficile ( C. difficile or C. diff ) infection, which needs to be treated immediately. Do your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy by cleaning hands by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; staying home when sick; and getting recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. CDC encourages patients and families to use the educational resources and learn more about Be Antibiotics Aware by visiting: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/?s_cid=NCEZID-AntibioticUse-023 .

Memorial Hospital's Center for Wound Healing Urges Daily Foot Checks and Immediate Evaluation of Foot Ulcers During American Diabetes Month®, Memorial Hospital's Wound Center wants to remind people with diabetes that they are at a higher risk for non-healing foot wounds – and therefore amputations – than most Americans and that a wound healing center can provide guidance for prevention and treatment. For most Americans, a blister or cut on the foot is a small inconvenience that a Band-Aid™ and time will heal. But that’s not the case for the 29.1 million Americans who have diabetes. Some of the complications of diabetes make feet vulnerable to non-healing foot ulcers that can result in infections and even amputations. Sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have limited or no feeling in their feet—their early warning systems have been altered or completely shut down by nerve damage. If you notice any skin changes or red patches on your feet and you have diabetes, the Memorial Hospital Wound Center urges you to see your doctor or call the center immediately for an evaluation. The center is here to educate, prevent and provide treatment when necessary. It’s much easier to treat a minor foot problem before it becomes serious. Many patients have a diabetic foot ulcer. This type of non-healing wound is the leading cause of hospitalization and amputation for people with diabetes. A person with diabetes has impaired immunity and often reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. Both can hamper healing, cause infections and cause damage to underlying structures and bones. In some cases, the damage can lead to a toe, foot or leg amputation. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80 percent of all diabetic amputations are preventable. Memorial Hospital's Wound Center will provide the best treatment to help your wound heal. However, in order to prevent a foot ulcer from starting, it is vital that patients with diabetes check their feet daily and get regular foot care from their doctor. According to the American Diabetes Association, one adult is diagnosed in the United States every 19 seconds. That’s 1.7 million more people each year at risk for non-healing wounds and other complications. What’s more, one in four people who have diabetes today are undiagnosed and don’t know they’re at risk. Memorial Hospital's Wound Center, clinical wound healing team combines evidence-based best practices and advanced therapies with individualized treatment plans for faster healing to get their patients back to health and enjoying what they care about most. For more information on Memorial Hospital's Wound Center, visit www.mhchester.com/wound-center

Angie Schoenbeck, Chris Goetz, Kristina Jany, Marci Klein, Amy Eggemeyer, Michelle Guebert, Tamara Despain Memorial Hospital’s new Medical-Surgical and Intensive Care Units are now open . The new units are located on the south wing, upper level of the hospital that once housed other inpatient units, including the nursery, many years ago. “We are extremely grateful for the design and construction of our new Medical Surgical Unit,” stated Brett Bollmann, Memorial Hospital CEO. “The primary goal of the New Med-Surg project was to improve patient safety, comfort, and work flow for our staff. We anticipate that the added enhancements will greatly improve the customer experience along with the continued exceptional medical care.” “The new unit offers a relaxed atmosphere that helps decrease anxiety and promote healing upon entering the unit,” informed, Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer. “Between the colors of the walls, the architectural ceiling and lighting and the sound reduction flooring and insulation, patients will notice the difference from our prior units.” The main hall has multiple workstations to improve staff workflows. The Medical Surgical Unit rooms are a mixture of seven private and eight semi-private rooms, each with a window view overlooking the forested area at the side and rear of the facility. Each patient space has built in cabinetry for patient items on the headwall and footwall, including new smart TVs, new patient recliners and visitor seating. Every room on the Medical Surgical Unit has a large, private bathroom that includes a full, adjustable shower, sink and facility that has seamless wall to floor coverage with a beautiful, slip-resistant epoxy coating. All lighting is adjustable to provide optimal patient experience. New features were incorporated into each room with the patient comfort and safety in mind. All patient beds have built in features including stand assistance, verbal cues for fall risk patients, safety lights and advanced controls. Smart TVs in each room include pillow speaker interface and the latest technology. The call system has been upgraded to include direct call buttons for specific items like medication, restroom assistance, and are sent directly to the caregiver responsible. An overhead ceiling lift implemented as part of the Safe Patient Handling Program has been installed to help achieve an even safer lifting environment for patients, reducing the risk of patient injury from transfers and movement, and reducing risk of injuries to staff. The improvements continue for our visitors throughout the newly remodeled Unit as well. Family and visitors are just as important as our patients are in the overall plan of care. New sleeper sofas are available in the private rooms and have multiple comfort zones, including recline and sleep position, a table for belongings and a USB port to plug in your communication devices. Visitors who need to step out of the patient room for a moment can have a seat in the alcove visitor seating designed along the hallway. Memorial Hospital continues to “Build for your future needs.” As a Joint Commission Accredited and 5-Star HCHAPS patient rated hospital these improvements help Memorial continue its efforts in providing the best quality healthcare for the community. As healthcare needs change and technology advances, Memorial continues to improve the critical access of care provided to Randolph County and the surrounding area. Take a virtual, video tour:

The new Medical Surgical Unit at Memorial Hospital is now open. As part of the remodel, local photographs were selected from a photography contest held at Memorial Hospital. From hundreds of previously submitted photos, 35 were selected for the nursing staff to vote on. In all, 5 photos were chosen for the main hallway and 5 were picked to be rotated throughout the 15 patient rooms. The images chosen by the nursing staff are local landscape and bridge scenes that capture the beauty of Southern Illinois and Chester. The rich colors captured by the photographers in the sun sets, sun rises, and light of the midday are the perfect finishing touches to the new space at Memorial. As patients recover in their rooms and walk the halls these images inspire hope and healing. Winners included: Trish Adams, Dee Eggemeyer, Barb Kittell, Elijah Ledbetter, Ben Naeger, and John Reith. Congratulations to our winners!! Each photographer was asked to share a statement:

Each year more than four million adults survive a stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Following discharge, many experience new or worsening physical disability, mental health problems and/or cognitive impairments, known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Characteristics of PICS include: Cognitive impairments Anxiety/depression Physical impairments Neuromuscular complications that often result in poor mobility and falls Without intervention, these complications can last for months or years. Many ICU survivors, including those recovering from COVID-19, could benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy services after hospital discharge. *1 Post-Acute COVID-19 Rehabilitation Complications from COVID-19 can often lead to admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A common assumption is that once a patient is discharged from the hospital and tests negative for COVID-19, the problem is resolved. But physical complications after critical illness may occur in approximately 70% of people and include pain and impairments in: Skeletal muscle strength Pulmonary function Walking ability Activities of daily living (ADL’s) Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL’s) Along with inpatient healthcare utilization, survivors of critical illness also frequently require ongoing outpatient medical and rehabilitation services.* Healing Through Rehab Rehabilitation has a positive effect on health outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and can include physical, occupational and/or speech therapy for impairments related to: Long-term ventilation Immobilization Deconditioning Other related impairments—respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, cognitive While monitoring the patient’s respiratory and hemodynamic state during rehabilitation, specific interventions can include: Active range of motion followed by progressive muscle strengthening Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to help with strengthening Aerobic reconditioning with walking, cycle or arm ergometer, NuStep or similar crosstrainer Progressively increasing aerobic exercise Education on energy conservation and behavior modification ADL retraining Cognitive Retraining Through a holistic approach, the physical, occupational and speech therapists at Memorial Hospital’s Therapy and Sports Rehab outpatient center can help address the physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory aspects of recovery from long stays in the intensive care setting and the aftermath of COVID-19. SOURCES: 1. *James M Smith, Alan C Lee, Hallie Zeleznik, Jacqueline P Coffey Scott, Arooj Fatima, Dale M Needham, Patricia J Ohtake Home and Community-Based Physical Therapist Management of Adults With Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Physical Therapy, Volume 100, Issue 7, July 2020, Pages 1062-1073, 2. *van der Schaaf M, Beelen A, Dongelmans DA, Vroom MB, Nollet F. Poor functional recovery after a critical illness: a longitudinal study. J Rehabil Med. 2009;41:1041-1048 3. *Ruhl AP, Huang M, Colantuoni E., et al. Healthcare utilization and costs in ARDS survivors: a 1-year longitudinal national US multicenter study. Intensive Care Med.2017;43:980-981

Tammy Light and Brett Bollmann, CEO On February 4, 2021 Memorial Hospital CEO, Brett Bollmann named Tammy Light Employee of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter 2020. Tammy has worked at Memorial Hospital since October 2019. She is a Housekeeper during the evening at the hospital. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial Hospital, Light replied, “My coworkers. No matter what department, they give their best to ensure each patient receives quality care.” Her co-workers write, “She goes above and beyond in her nightly routine. She is always sure to check in with each unit to see if there are extra tasks to be complete. Whenever she is on call she is always willing to come in to clean a ‘COVID’ room with a smile on her face and never complains. Even with increased workloads due to COVID, she never voices any complaints. She is always eager to assist in every aspect of patient care from the smallest detail to the largest plan and with a cheerful attitude. Everyone really enjoys working with her and appreciates her very much!” Tammy resides in Chester. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, photography and playing with her grandchildren. Light received a personal plaque, cash prize and parking spot of her choice for the next three months. Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or team work. Four random cards were drawn, Lennet Gibbs, Phlebotomist; CyBill DeRousse and Heather Smith, CMAs at the rural health clinics; and Denise Wilson, Specialty Clinic Secretary, were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2021: ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS ENCOURAGES ‘EATING RIGHT FOR LIFE STAGES’ CHICAGO – For National Nutrition Month® 2021, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends people adjust their eating habits to address the nutritional needs of their bodies during all stages of life. “What works for you in your twenties won’t necessarily work for you in your fifties. As you age and evolve, so do your health and nutrition needs. It’s important to eat right for life,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Colleen Tewksbury, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Philadelphia, Pa. In March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet individuals’ cultural and personal food preferences. The Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. The new 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide authoritative advice to help people of all ages meet their dietary needs while limiting added sugars, sodium and saturated fat. The federal guidelines are issued and updated every five years. “A registered dietitian nutritionist, a food and nutrition expert, can translate the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines to help people of all ages find the healthful eating plan that works best for them. Modest changes like healthful food choices and regular physical activity can help people manage or reduce their risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity or heart disease,” Tewksbury said. Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Educator is available for consultations and provides healthful diet and exercise tips on in her WeightLoss Group . Contact her for consultation at 618-826-4581 ext. 1170. Registered dietitian nutritionists can show people how to use MyPlate, which provides practical, consumer-friendly tips to follow the key recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines. MyPlate recommends visualizing your plate as nutrient-rich sections with one quarter reserved for grains, another with protein-rich foods and the remaining half with fruits and vegetables along with a serving of low-fat or fat-free dairy. In addition to maintaining healthful eating habits throughout life, Tewksbury recommends the following tips: Teens to 20s — Build bone density by eating and drinking calcium-rich foods and beverages such as fat-free or low-fat dairy milk or yogurt or calcium-fortified soy beverages. Non-dairy sources of calcium include fortified cereals, beans, some leafy greens and canned salmon with bones. 20s to 30s — Reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease by eating more dietary fiber, including whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Women of childbearing age should include sources of folate, such as beans and peas and dark-green leafy vegetables, and eat foods fortified with folic acid such as breads, cereals and other grain products. A folic acid supplement may also be needed and should be discussed with a health care provider. 30s to 40s — Continue to eat a variety of nutritious foods, especially plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, peas and lentils for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. 40s to 50s — Fine tune your healthful eating habits and continue to incorporate regular physical activity as your body changes due to fluctuating hormones and slowing metabolism. Also continue to focus on ways to limit foods and beverages with added sugars, salt and saturated fat. 60s and beyond — Continue to include a variety of protein-rich foods to maintain bone strength and incorporate strength-building activities to maintain muscle. Good sources of protein include seafood, lean cuts of meat, eggs, beans, tofu and nuts. Animal-based protein foods also provide vitamin B12, which is a concern for some older adults. Foods also may be fortified with vitamin B12 or a supplement may be recommended by your health care provider. National Nutrition Month® National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s observance will be March 10. As part of National Nutrition Month®, the Academy’s website will host resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for all. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth. ### Representing more than 100,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS: PERSONALIZE YOUR PLATE DURING NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2021 CHICAGO – Developing a healthful eating pattern is not a one-size-fits all endeavor. The key is tailoring your favorite foods to meet your individual nutrient needs. In March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet individuals’ cultural and personal food preferences. “America is a cultural melting pot, so you can’t expect everyone’s food choices to look the same,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Su-Nui Escobar, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Miami, Fla. “Eating is meant to be a joyful experience. As supermarkets increasingly diversify their shelves to meet the needs of their customers, it’s becoming easier to create nutritious meals that align with a variety of cultural preferences.” During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. The Academy encourages seeking the advice of registered dietitian nutritionists – the food and nutrition experts who can help develop individualized eating and activity plans to meet people’s health goals. “Variety is the spice of life and that’s how people should view their meals,” Escobar said. Spice up your menus with the foods and flavors you enjoy and add new flavors to spark excitement in your cooking. “Developing healthful eating habits does not require drastic lifestyle changes. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you incorporate the foods you enjoy into your life.” Registered dietitian nutritionists help clients fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternative cooking methods and other healthful advice for incorporating family-favorite foods into everyday meals. Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Educator is available for consultations and provides healthful diet and exercise tips on in her WeightLoss Group . Contact her for consultation at 618-826-4581 ext. 1170. National Nutrition Month® National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s observance will be March 10. As part of National Nutrition Month®, the Academy’s website will host resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for all. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth. ### Representing more than 100,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

Tom Search and Mardell Granger Mardell Granger, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary President is seen handing a check for a total of $9,000 to Tom Search, Memorial Hospital Board Chairman. The funds for the check were collected by the Auxiliary Tree of Remembrance Drive as well as gift shop sales and various donations received throughout 2020. This year the Auxiliary has decided to purchase 300 Patient Care Bags for our Chemo/Infusion patients. These bags will include comfort items such as a blanket, thermal mug, word search, Chapstick, hand sanitizer, and other items that the patients can use during their treatments that they will be receiving at Memorial Hospital Chemo/Infusion Department. These care bags will help make the patient’s stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Through the community’s generous donations and memorials, the Auxiliary has been able to assist the hospital in purchasing needed equipment for various departments annually since 1983. In the years past, the Auxiliary has helped raise funds for the purchase of smart TVs for the new Medical Surgical Unit, 4 new High-Lo Exam Tables for the Rural Health Clinics, a GE Ultrasound Upgrade for the Stress Echocardiogram in the radiology department, Chemo/Infusion patient chairs, ER Trauma Lights, Code Ready Defibrillator for the emergency department, Surgical Tables, Surgical Retractor and many more items. Patient Care Bag (blanket not pictured) This past year brought many fundraising challenges to the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, but through the generous donations from the community they were able to exceed their fundraising goal for the year and provide these wonderful Patient Care Bags to the department. Thank you to the community for their contributions and memorials. Your generosity and support ensures we can continue to provide the best quality care possible for our community. (View our Newsletter for a complete list of 2020 contributions to the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary)

As a patient at one of Memorial Hospital’s locations, including our rural health clinics, you can have access to your health information whenever and wherever you need it with our Patient Portal. Designed to give you ease of access to your health records, appointments, and more, our Patient Portal is your digital tool to make your healthcare easier. The Patient Portal gives you the flexibility to access your health information and other resources on your time and between visits to Memorial Hospital. You can also use the patient portal to access information for family members and individuals for whom you provide care if given permission. ​ The Portal works in conjunction with Memorial’s health information system, allowing patients the ability, through a secure password, to view their own private information. ​ What are the benefits of the Patient Portal? View Appointments Make Online Payments Request Appointments With the Family Practice Providers Send Clinical Questions to the Rural Health Clinic Staff Access Office Visit Summaries View Your Medication List Review Your Lab Results Update Personal Information See Visit History and Discharge Information The Patient Portal is completely secure, so you can be confident that your private information is protected. How do I sign-up for my Patient Portal? You can sign-up online at: www.mhchester.com/patient-portal Download the app: HealtheLife Or Contact one of our locations for assistance: Memorial Hospital 618-826-4581 Chester Clinic 618-826-2388 Steeleville Family Practice 618-965-3382 Learn how to use your portal with our tutorial video:

FOR NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2021, ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS ENCOURAGES REIMAGINING TRADITIONAL DISHES CHICAGO – For National Nutrition Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to embrace their individuality: Create healthful eating patterns with the foods they love. In March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet people’s cultural and personal food preferences. “We are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds and tastes, so it only makes sense that our food choices will reflect that individuality,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Roxana Ehsani, a national spokesperson for the Academy in Las Vegas, Nev. “It’s possible for anyone to incorporate the foods you love into a healthy lifestyle.” Registered dietitian nutritionists help clients fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternative cooking methods and other healthful advice for incorporating family-favorite foods into everyday meals. During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. Seek the advice of registered dietitian nutritionists — the food and nutrition experts who can help develop individualized eating and activity plans to meet people’s health goals. Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Educator is available for consultations and provides healthful diet and exercise tips on in her WeightLoss Group . Contact her for consultation at 618-826-4581 ext. 1170. Tips to reimagine traditional dishes: Cook with dried spices and herbs instead of salt to add flavor to your dishes Try different grains such as wild rice, whole-grain farro and whole-grain barley to reap the benefits of whole grains Go meatless: Serve up beans or lentils for a heart healthful plant-based protein Cook with vegetable oils instead of solid fats such as butter when cooking to limit saturated fat Eat 100-percent whole-wheat bread instead of white bread for more dietary fiber To decrease extra calories from fat, bake, grill, roast or steam your food instead of frying Sprinkle chia or ground flax seeds on cereal, salad or toast to increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids For flavor, add lime, grapefruit or pineapple slices to glasses of water Cook grains in a low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock for flavor To add variety, enjoy vegetables in different forms — raw, steamed, roasted, grilled or sauteed. “Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables and the remaining quarters of your plate with whole grains and protein foods, such as lean meat, skinless poultry, seafood or beans,” Ehsani says. “With each meal, eat calcium-rich foods and drinks such as fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.” National Nutrition Month® National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s observance will be March 10. As part of National Nutrition Month®, the Academy’s website will host resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for all. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth. ### Representing more than 100,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

Prenatal education has been a part of Memorial Hospital nearly from its beginning. Memorial was founded in 1962 and prenatal education has been a staple at the healthcare facility since the late 1970s. Obstetrics Supervisor, Evelyn Hecht along with other assistants taught the courses at Memorial for many years. In 1980, with the introduction of two new doctors, Dr. Stephen Platt and Dr. James Krieg, the OB department became very busy and enlisted the assistance of two nurses at that time, Jill Arbeiter and Sheila Rhodes to help teach an additional class. During the beginning years of prenatal education at Memorial, it was the hospital’s policy that the couple needed to complete a class to allow a coach in the delivery room. Each class was held for six evenings, two hours each. If the couple had taken a class with a previous pregnancy, they only had to attend three evenings. For many years, two classes were offered at Memorial to accommodate the number of birthing couples. (Christine Runge-Barthol shown in the top left image was the first baby to be born at Memorial Hospital in October of 1962. She is shown here attending a class with her husband Frank Barthol in 1989.) The classes helped educate the expecting parents and the doctors were pleased with their patients’ knowledge of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Epidurals were not available at that time so there was an emphasis on relaxation and Lamaze breathing. The pregnant mother’s knowledge of relaxation techniques made the experience better for not only her but, her partner and everyone in the delivery room. A few years later, the hospital started allowing a support person in for C-Sections, if they had completed the class. The class helped prepare the coaches so they would be comfortable in the surgery department and could share in the birth experience. In 2004, Memorial ended their OB services along with many small hospitals in the state. The high cost of malpractice insurance for practitioners’ delivering babies forced the smaller hospitals to discontinue their labor and delivery units. However, administration saw the continued importance of public education for childbirth and decided to continue to offer the program at Memorial. The class went from a 6 session class, to a three evening class, and now has been condensed to a 4-hour Saturday morning class that is offered four times a year. Chris and Briana Koeneman were delighted to take the class in 2018 when they were expecting their first child. Jill Arbeiter, RN, was the instructor of their class and was the same educator Chris' parents, Kyle and Paul Koeneman, had in 1986 & 1989 when they were pregnant with him and his brother respectfully. "I found the class to be extremely informative, and it gave me a boost of confidence going into parenthood," stated Chris. His wife Briana says that, "what [she] liked most about the class was that it went above and beyond the labor and delivery process and gave great advice for all new parents." Many education topics have remained constant throughout the prenatal education classes such as pregnancy, labor, and deliveries with and without various medical interventions, C-sections, breast and bottle-feeding, newborn care and safety, and care of the mom. Some of the topic additions over the years have occurred due to hospital protocols changing and the introduction of epidurals. “Many patients now opt for an epidural, but they may not fully understand some of the discomfort they may experience for several hours prior to their injection,” says Jill Arbeiter, RN and current class educator. Over time, the materials have adapted to include more modern techniques and practices such as many hospital’s no longer requiring full surgical attire for a vaginal delivery and new moms no longer stay in the hospital for an extended period of time. Several up-to-date films compliment the current curriculum taught at Memorial and illustrate that new parents are encouraged and almost required to do all of the care for the baby’s needs while in the hospital. “Parenting is the most important job any of us will ever do and giving birth is just the beginning,” says Arbeiter. “Included in the class is a discussion of being parents, some discipline and other child rearing hints. We demonstrate conditioning exercises for pregnancy as well as relaxing and breathing techniques. We get on the floor with the couples and help them practice.” Prenatal education is not just about educating the parents on labor comfort techniques, it covers the many aspects of birthing and rearing a child. Through education, both the mother and father learn what is happening to the body as it progresses through pregnancy and into post-partum. Knowing what to expect and what is causing it, helps them to better prepare. Jill Arbeiter and Julie Hartman 2021 Jill Arbeiter, RN and Julie Hartman, LPN have taught the Prenatal and Family Education Class together for 28 years at Memorial Hospital. Both are able to continue their OB education by working part-time at other facilities including Perry County Memorial Hospital’s OB department in Missouri, and Heartland Women’s Healthcare in Sparta respectfully. When Jill was asked how many deliveries she has attended, she stated, “Hundreds, and if I wasn’t there for the birth, I was with them sometime during their hospital stay. I have delivered at least 10 before the doctor arrived. That can be stressful, but those fast deliveries are usually the babies who come out screaming and healthy!” These women have extended knowledge of the birthing process and what follows in the time after delivery. The education they are able to pass onto expectant mothers and the families is invaluable. Arbeiter sums it up best by stating, “I really love helping new moms learn how to get started with the most important part of their lives.” The next Prenatal and Family Education Class will be held at Memorial Hospital in Chester on April 24, 2021 from 8:00am to noon. The class will be offered in-person or there will be a virtual option. For those registering for the in-person session, masks will be required and social distancing precautions will be taken. To register call 618-826-4581 ext. 1223. Watch for future events on the Memorial Hospital website and Facebook page .