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This past weekend, Memorial Hospital’s Relay for Life team, participated in the annual Randolph County event at Red Bud High School. The evening started with an Opening Ceremony at 3:00pm honoring everyone who has been affected by cancer and everyone who has contributed to the success of this year's Relay season. Following the ceremony, the relay teams then processed in a Survivor/Caregiver walk around the gymnasium in celebration of the fighters. Throughout the afternoon and evening participants walked the track, with the goal of keeping someone on the track at all times. There were costumes for walkers to change in and out of as they made their laps, games provided by various organizations that set up booths along the edges, live music and a variety of entertaining acts in the center of the track each hour. The hours passed by as survivors, families, and friends shared in the many activities and visited the interactive booths with face painting, chair massages, raffles, sweet treats, and even a place to put together an Ident-A-Kid kit. Some donors donated more than just their time and money to the cause, a few brave souls donated their long locks of hair. A local beautician was cutting hair and accepting donations for "Pantene Beautiful Lengths". Pantene has worked with the American and Canadian Cancer Societies to provide free, real-hair wigs to women living with cancer since 2006. As the night came to a close hundreds of luminary bags were placed around the track to commemorate those remembered. The overhead lights were then turned out and the bags lit up the course as all walkers once again ended the night the way they began it; walking around the track, this time in memory of the fighters. Overall the event was deemed a success with thousands of dollars raised to support the search for a cure. Everyone came together with one mission: a world without cancer. Thank you to everyone who supported the Memorial Hospital team in their fundraising efforts.

Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the introduction of our new Hologic’s Selenia® Dimensions® mammography imaging system. Genius™ 3D Mammography™ is proven to find 41% more invasive cancers, earlier, while reducing the chance that you will need to be called back for additional tests by up to 40%. Genius™ 3D is the only breast exam FDA approved as superior for women with dense breast tissue. A 3D exam is very similar to having a conventional mammogram but it has been proven to be more accurate. Like a conventional mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast and the machine will take images from different angles. The difference is that the 3D exam captures multiple images or slices of the breast from several angles creating a multi-layered breast image. Your doctor is then able to review your breast, one thin layer at a time, which helps them make a more accurate diagnosis. Most insurance companies cover this new form of mammography at no additional charge to the patient. It is part of Memorial’s mission to provide high quality healthcare to our community. With the introduction of this innovative technology, we are able to ensure that our patients have easy access to the best imaging on the market. 3D mammography is the biggest breakthrough in breast cancer detection in 30 years. At the age of 40 women have the option to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend screening earlier in your life. The purpose of annual exams is to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms can develop and the cancer is typically easier to treat. According to the American Cancer Society, death rates from female breast cancer dropped 40% from 1989 to 2016. These decreases are believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments. At this time there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States including women still being treated and those who have completed treatment. Breast cancer is survivable but early detection is key. Schedule your annual mammogram and do your part to protect yourself. (Learn more about Memorial's Mammography Department here .)

Andria Zweigart, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Memorial Hospital, participated in a virtual commencement ceremony for Webster University on May 9th, 2020. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Master of Business Administration degree. She is a member of the Delta Mu Delta honor society in business and a recipient of the 2019 DMD Board Award scholarship. Zweigart decided to peruse her degree to further her education and assist with her current position as Director of Diagnostic Imaging. The additional education will help with developing ideas and solutions for improving patient care at Memorial. “I enjoy providing great quality exams with updates seen in purchasing current, low radiation dose, equipment for the community to better services,” states Zweigart. The diagnostic imaging department has recently added 3D Mammogram Screenings, X-ray equipment to go fully digital, US Stress Echocardiograms, and CT Lung Screening to increase patient services at the hospital. Zweigart’s degree also benefits her extracurricular involvement in community organizational work with the Evansville Public Library, where she is the board president, and as an active PTO member with the Evansville Attendance Center. “As an advocate for education, I am involved with fundraising events and developing informational access including historical newspaper preservation and children reading programs,” says Zweigart. She is thankful for the opportunity to pursue higher education to assist in her roles inside the hospital and outside in the community. “The support I received from my family and their ever encouraging words made the journey a worthwhile experience,” expressed Zweigart. Though the final graduation ceremony was conducted virtually, it was a pleasant alternative that still allowed her to share the experience with her husband and children who supported her the most on her journey.

Congratulations to Jada Long, for being accepted into the Rural Health Careers Camp at Rockford Universi ty. The four-day, overnight educational program for students interested in the healthcare field allows students to participate in hands-on learning activities and labs that represent different healthcare careers. The annual, summer camp program is hosted by the National Center for Rural Health Professionals (NCRHP) at the University of Chicago Health Sciences Campus. The NCRHP is home to the Rural Health Professions (RHP) Program and the Illinois Area Health Education Centers Network (AHEC) Program which are committed to recruiting and retaining the next generation of rural health professionals. Jada is the first Memorial Hospital Medical Explorer to apply for the Careers Camp program. This opportunity is available to all high school students throughout Illinois who have an interest in healthcare careers. (Learn More: https://ncrhp.uic.edu/programs/internships-experiences/rural-health-careers-camp/) Jada is the daughter of Jeremy & Natalie Long of Steeleville and is a Junior at Sparta High School. She has been in the Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers Program for three years. Upon graduation she plans to go to school for nursing with the ultimate goal of being a CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist). Throughout the Medical Explorers Program she has had the opportunity to participate in many hands-on activities from a variety of departments throughout healthcare. One of her favorite presentations was in Pharmacy when students learned about principles of medicine and participated in labs to demonstrate these principles. She loves the many things she has learned about the different aspects of medical field careers, "I have a more in-depth knowledge of what certain practices do for a living in healthcare." As an Explorer, she has had the advantage of job shadowing with several of the departments throughout the Memorial healthcare system. Her favorite department to job shadow with, is nursing. "Whether it be the family nurse practitioner, bed-side/floor nurses, or the surgical nurses, I learn more than I could have in a classroom setting. The interactions and daily routines are something that I take note of so that I can be a nurse like them in the future." Jada is a member of several school clubs and programs as well as community programs, such as: Student Council, FFA, Leo's Club, Spanish Club, Lifesavers, Math Club, and National Honor Society. She enjoys helping those around her by organizing donations for community needs, working with the non-profit organization, Hit-N-Miss, to inspire youth in the outdoors, and she is an active member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Evansville. She is excited for the opportunity to attend the NCRHP Careers Camp to learn more about healthcare career options, meet current health profession students, and broaden her understanding of her specific career interests. Jada is grateful for the opportunities she has been given as she makes plans for her future; "Medical Explorers gave me the amazing opportunity to see just how Chester Memorial runs, and I am interested in working here throughout my nursing career."

Memorial Hospital – Chester’s Board of Directors are proud to announce they will soon be breaking ground on a new Medical Office Building (MOB), which will be constructed on their campus at 1900 State Street in Chester. The MOB will be located on the west side of the existing hospital and be the new home for the Chester Clinic and Convenient Care. The newly constructed building will be ADA compliant and include improved safety for patients and staff. The focus of the project is patient-centered with access to Hospital services, the retail pharmacy, less wait times for Convenient Care, improved access to primary care, and a covered canopy drop-off similar to the Hospital’s. “The Medical Office Building has been part of our long range plan since 2018,” says Brett Bollmann, CEO. “Memorial Hospital has been saving for many years and 100% of the projects $8.8 million cost will be covered through our capital savings funds. The new facility will allow added space for improved efficiencies for patient and staff work flows as well as room for future growth.” By moving these services to one campus, the patients can benefit from the convenience of access to all levels of care at one location and the providers will have quicker access to the Hospital. Tentative plans are to open at the beginning of 2025.

Memorial Hospital held its 2nd Annual Junior Explorers Camp, June 19-21, 2024. A group of 11 young adults ventured into the world of healthcare at the hospital's camp, designed exclusively for students entering 6th-8th grade. From exploring various hospital departments to meeting passionate staff members, the campers got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a healthcare facility. Students engaged with state-of-the-art equipment, uncovering the endless possibilities that healthcare professions offer. The mission of the camp is to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. "By providing hands-on experiences and interactive sessions, we aimed to ignite a spark of curiosity in our campers, encouraging them to consider the vast array of healthcare careers available," explains Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator and camp organizer. Throughout the camp, students had the opportunity to explore a myriad of healthcare professions, from nursing and radiology to dentistry and physical therapy. By learning from professionals and participating in skills workshops, our campers gained valuable insights into the diverse roles within the healthcare industry. A thank you goes out to all the dedicated individuals who contributed to the success of the Junior Explorers Camp. From leading engaging sessions to sharing their expertise, the presenters played a pivotal role in shaping a memorable experience for the campers. Thank you to those who presented: Julie Stern, Director of Human Resources - Introduction to healthcare careers, fun personality quiz that helped the students learn what careers may fit their personalities. Angela Mohring, Infection Control RN - Germs & viruses with GlowGerm activity. Mike Witt, Laboratory Director & Tifanie Conway, Lab Technician - Looking at slides through microscopes and department tour. Andrea Zweigart, Director of Diagnostic Imaging - Bone structure, looking at x-ray images, and department tour. Mariah Bargman, BLS Instructor - CPR, AED, and First Aid. Megan Stewart, Occupational Therapist - Adaptive equipment to assist with activities of daily living such as dressing and feeding. Ryan Schaal, Physical Therapist and Director of Rehab Services - Taping for injuries and proper stretching techniques. Isabel Hotop, Speech Language Pathologist - Assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders. Georgia Stipe, Director of Cardiopulmonary - Pulse oximetry demonstration, listening to breath sounds, and sleep lab tour. Dr. Melaina Hess, Dentist with Chester Family Dental - Dentistry and tooth fillings. Ashley Homan, Specialty Clinic Manager and Sydney Witthoft, Medical Assistant - Patient processes at the clinic, specialists, and procedure tools. Jeanice Brandes, Director of Dietary - Department tour, the role of food in health care, and creating a healthy snack. Kelly Jany, MSU Nurse Manager and Kim Ruebke, ER Nurse Manager - Department tours, using a lift to move a patient, CPR Autopulse demonstration, and IO drill practice. Mindy Bramlett, OR Nurse Manager and Adrienne Caby, RN - OR tour, activity simulating laparoscopic surgery, and donning/doffing PPE properly. Charlie Bargman, Lieutenant of Chester Fire Department - Tour of fire truck and demonstrating use of fire hoses.

As Memorial Hospital completes renovations throughout the hospital, connection with the rural community is a theme carried throughout the new spaces. Last year, Memorial held a photo contest looking for images that capture the beauty of rural life. Photos from three talented individuals have been selected for display in the new out patient Specialty Clinic at the hospital. Emily Waeltz from Marissa, IL had two photos selected for display in the waiting room of the new clinic. Her photos capture the beauty of sunflowers in the corner of her yard on her farm during a summer sunset. The bright yellow and deep red flowers beautifully fill the space with vibrant colors and brilliance. Emily has a passion for rural life and is blessed to be raising the fourth generation of farmers to care for their family's land. "I love taking photos of the fields, crops, tractors and everyday farm life to share with others who are not as luck to live in the country," says Emily. "Sunset time is my favorite time of the day. I'm always chasing sunsets!" Emily's photographs have also graced the cover of the 2023 St. Clair County Farm Bureau's plat book. Brantley Hamilton of Rockwood, IL had one of his photos selected for the new space. His family raises cattle and truly loves caring for the animals. During an evening ride the dust settled behind one of the family's bulls on their farm, and the sunset illuminated the scene perfectly. He used the photo as part of his collection for a 4-H contest as well. Brantley loves the freedom that comes with living in the country and that his family is able to do so much. Mallorie Homan of Chester, IL had two photos selected. Her entries of a bee resting on a yellow sunflower and a fall rock road draped in golden leaves, added to the brilliance of the collection the department choose. Mallorie took her sunflower picture at Alto Pass. "My love for sunflowers stated when I brought home a small plan in preschool." "I have had sunflowers at my grandma and grandpa's house several times. It's amazing how tall they can grow." Mallorie enjoys rural life because she loves animals, seeing the crops in the fields for miles, and seeing the changing of the seasons. Each of these winning photographs tells a unique story of rural life, capturing moments of beauty and tranquility that resonate with viewers. Through their lens, these talented photographers have opened a window into the heart of Southern Illinois, inviting us to pause and appreciate the simple pleasures that surround us. At Memorial Hospital of Chester, these images will serve as a source of solace and inspiration for patients and visitors. In a space that can often feel overwhelming, the familiar sights of rural landscapes bring a sense of familiarity and peace, creating a comforting environment for all who walk through our doors.

June is recognized annually as Men's Health Month, but taking charge of your future and focusing on your health is important every day of the year. When it comes to taking care of our health, preventive measures are key. Regular check-ups and screenings play a vital role in catching potential health issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and better health outcomes. As men, prioritizing your health through routine screenings can significantly impact your well-being. Here's a comprehensive guide on some men's health screenings to stay on top of your health game and be a hero to those who care about you. 1. Annual Check-ups: The Foundation of Men's Health Regular visits to your primary care provider are essential for monitoring your overall health. Annual check-ups help track important health metrics, discuss any concerns you may have, and establish a proactive approach to your well-being. Don't wait for symptoms to arise; schedule that check-up today and take charge of your health journey. Contact one of our Rural Health Clinics to schedule your appointment. Currently accepting new patients. 2. Colonoscopies: Detecting Colorectal Cancer Early For men aged 45 or earlier if at risk, colonoscopies are crucial for detecting colorectal cancer. This exam allows healthcare providers to inspect the colon for any abnormalities or precancerous growths. By undergoing this screening, you can catch potential issues early and increase the chances of successful treatment. Don't delay—talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy. Learn more about this procedure on our website. 3. PSA Screenings: Monitoring Prostate Health Men aged 50 and above should consider PSA screenings as part of their preventive care routine. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests measure the levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland. Abnormal results may indicate prostate cancer, prompting further evaluation. This simple blood test can provide valuable insights into your prostate health and aid in early cancer detection. Talk to your doctor to see if you should be screened. 4. Lung Screening for Smokers: Protecting Respiratory Health If you are a man between 50-77 years old with a smoking history of "20 pack-years" (equivalent to one pack a day for 20 years) or are a current smoker who quit within the last 15 years, lung screenings are recommended. These screenings aim to detect early signs of lung cancer in high-risk individuals. Prioritize your respiratory health by discussing lung screenings with your healthcare provider. Learn more about Memorial Hospital's Lung Screening Program on our website. Be their HERO - Get Screened Taking care of your health is a journey that starts with proactive steps towards preventive care. By prioritizing men's health screenings and annual check-ups, you invest in your well-being and lay the foundation for a healthier future. Remember, early detection is often the key to successful treatment outcomes. Don't overlook the importance of routine screenings—your health is worth it. Stay proactive, stay informed, and empower yourself to lead a healthier life through regular men's health screenings. Your future self will thank you for making your health a priority.

Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop in Chester is pleased to announce that after nine months of construction, we are open again! The Gift Shop has been relocated next to the front lobby and volunteer desk. It is a much larger area with new merchandise not previously carried. Please come out and see us for all your gift giving needs or just to spoil yourself. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Hospital Gift Shop is a major source for raising funds to accomplish various projects around the hospital facility. In The Gift Shop hospital employees, as well as the public, can purchase a wide variety of merchandise including stylish purses and totes, jewelry, & other women’s accessories; cutlery, candles, soaps, memorial stones, home décor, children's books, get well gifts, STL Cardinals gear and accessories; cards, candy bars, gum, and some luxury toiletries…to mention a few. Funds raised from the Gift Shop are used for nursing scholarships, Medical Explorers Program scholarships, and in conjunction with the Tree of Remembrance to purchase equipment for various departments of Memorial Hospital. Memorial Hospital is grateful to our many active and inactive Auxiliary Members who put in many hours and annual contributions to support our healthcare system. Their involvement and dedication in raising funds to provide valuable equipment for the hospital and scholarships is greatly appreciated. Learn more about how you can join their efforts and give back to your community on our Auxiliary webpage.

Memorial Hospital of Chester, IL is proud to announce that Mabry Wingerter, daughter of Chris and Nicki Wingerter of Chester, IL, is the recipient of the 2024 Memorial Hospital Medical Explorer Scholarship awarded by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Applicants for this award must be seniors in high school or currently enrolled in college, be members of the Memorial Hospital Medical Explorer Program, complete an application essay, six hours of job shadowing, and complete a reflection essay. Upon their completion of the scholarship process, the committee reviews their evaluations from job shadowing along with their essays. This year’s applicants included Josalynn Anaya, Liberty McCormick, and Mabry Wingerter, all from Chester High School. All three applicants have been active members of the Medical Explorers Program for multiple years and enjoyed their time job shadowing and learning about the variety of careers available in healthcare. Anaya will be attending Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) where she plans to attend their Radiology program and McCormick plans to pursue a career in nursing. Wingerter, this year’s recipient will be attending Westminster College this fall and plans to major in biology with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. She has been a member of the Explorers Program at Memorial for two years. Her favorite presentations were from the radiology and surgical nursing departments. She enjoyed job shadowing with the Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners at the Chester Clinic and her observations in the diagnostic imaging department, “I learned how important it is to develop good relationships with the patients,” said Wingerter, “and I was amazed at how the imaging machines work and found it really interesting.” Wingerter has a passion for volleyball and volunteering. This past year she worked with another student at Chester High School to manage the “Just for Jackets Food Pantry.” The pantry serves students at CHS, and bags are organized to go home with families every two weeks. Her Junior and Senior year at CHS she was in the National Honor Society and participated in volunteer work at basketball games, track meets, the Chester Grade School’s Santa’s Cottage, tutoring students, and helping with blood drives at the high school. Overall, Wingert had this to say about her experience in the Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers Program, “I absolutely loved this program, and I would recommend that any student looking into the medical field should join the program. You are exposed to so many opportunities and different fields that can spark an interest for you. This program has helped me find the career path that I am certain is the best path for me.” All scholarship applicants this year were very worthy of receiving the $500 award and the committee was impressed by their ambition and commitment to their futures in their selected healthcare careers. The committee would like to thank them all for their participation in the scholarship program and wish them success in fulfilling their future goals.

Today’s reduced hospital stay often means that further recovery and rehabilitation must continue after an individual is discharged from the acute hospital environment. Often, that post-acute phase needs to take place in an environment where skilled care is available daily. Memorial Hospital provides post-acute skilled care in its Swing Bed Program. Skilled Care Memorial’s Swing Bed Program provides a wide range of interdisciplinary rehabilitation services to patients with short term rehabilitation and medical needs. The Swing Bed Program is designed to provide short-term “skilled care” to patients recovering from an acute illness, injury, or surgery. Skilled care includes post-surgical or medical care requiring special dressing changes, instruction of new treatments or physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Patients may need nutritional services or intravenous medication. There are many things that may qualify a patient for care in the Swing Bed Program. Referrals Patients may be referred by physicians, acute care hospitals or other health care professionals, for admission to swing bed status. Patients may be admitted to swing bed if they are medically ready to be discharged from acute care and they have a qualified skilled need. Patients must be able to follow instructions, be non-violent and cooperative and willing to participate in the Swing Bed Program. Family Involvement and Interdisciplinary Team Our Swing Bed team meets with the patient to evaluate their condition and level of function. The team assesses the patient’s needs, treatment plan, and establishes an estimated time frame to meet the team’s goals. Family members are an integral part of the treatment team. They are involved in decision making, made aware of daily progress, and are also invited to participate in the tri-weekly interdisciplinary patient care meetings. Three times a week the interdisciplinary care conference takes place with the healthcare team, patient, and family, where plans, progress, and goals of the swing bed patient are reviewed. Length of Stay Memorial Hospital’s Swing Bed Program is a short-term program. The average length of stay is 5-10 days. During Swing Bed, the nursing staff continues to assist the patient with their care, but as part of their rehabilitation, they are encouraged to increase their level of independence by doing what they can for themselves first then staff will assist them. The Swing Bed Program allows you to bring your family members and loved ones close to home to complete their recovery, so you don’t have to travel away from home to see them. “My family member received excellent care while in the Swing Bed Program,” stated a former family member. “The one-on-one care they received from physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing was top notch…much better care than in the larger hospitals in the city.” Ask your physician, discharge planner, care coordinator or contact us directly about the Swing Bed Program and whether your loved one qualifies.

Memorial Hospital of Chester, IL will be welcoming two new family providers to their Rural Health Clinics in Chester and Steeleville during the summer of 2024. Dr. Zachary Orme, D.O. will be joining the healthcare team in July and Dr. Monica Lukose, M.D. will be joining the clinics in August. The Rural Health Clinics are looking forward to the new providers joining their family medicine practice with their unique healthcare backgrounds and specialties. Dr. Zachary Orme, D.O. is originally from a small town in Idaho, and is familiar with rural community values and finds rural medicine rewarding. He looks forward to completing his fellowship program in June and relocating to the Chester area with his wife, Heather, and their four children in July. Dr. Orme received his doctorate of osteopathic medicine from Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky in 2020. In 2023, he completed family medicine residency at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley, Alabama, and is currently completing an addiction medicine fellowship at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Dr. Orme is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. In addition to specializing in family medicine and addiction medicine, Dr. Orme has experience in hospital medicine and a strong background in emergency care. Drawing from his training and experience, Dr. Orme appreciates the full scope of care he can offer patients as a family medicine physician. He enjoys treating patients of all ages and is fluent in conversational Spanish. He is passionate about establishing patient relationships, providing exceptional healthcare, and ultimately wants to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Monica Anil Lukose, M.D. and her husband find reward in volunteering within their community, and in their free time love to go hiking. She is excited to complete the family medicine residency program in June, with plans to relocate to the Chester area with her husband in August 2024. Dr. Lukose received her medical doctorate from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and is currently completing family medicine residency training at Mount Sinai Health System in Chicago. Dr. Lukose’s training at Mount Sinai has allowed her to gain experience in a variety of patient care settings of different acuity and complexity, both acute and chronic and including level one trauma. Dr. Lukose, originally from Vancouver, Canada, moved to the United States to complete her family medicine residency and remained in the U.S. after meeting her husband - Varun Varghese. As a resident at Mount Sinai Hospital- Family Medicine program, Dr. Lukose was awarded the Manthani J. Reddy, M.D. award for Resident of the Year in 2022. She was promoted to chief resident during her third year of residency. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and looks forward to board certification this Spring. Dr. Lukose’s training and experience has given her the opportunity to provide care to patients of all ages as well as those of various social and economic backgrounds. She has interests in both inpatient and outpatient family medicine and enjoys women’s health. Dr. Lukose takes a preventative approach in treating her patients, and values connecting and building relationships with them.