Newsworthy

We Together: A Communication of Stormont Vail Health (June 29, 2023)

June 29, 2023

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

Wheel Talk with Shelley D’Attilio
“To Your Health” on WIBW-TV Tonight: 4^th of July Safety
Volunteers Needed for Phlebotomy Training Program

Wheel Talk with Shelley D’Attilio

Many of us are experiencing longer drives to work due to the numerous road projects happening right now, and Shelley D’Attilio, System Director, is no exception. Since April, her commute to work has increased by 30 minutes, as well as one and a half miles. But it’s not because of construction – she simply switched from driving to biking.

When Shelley purchased a Surly Bridge Club bicycle two and a half months ago, she didn’t intend to ride it to work. After all, the idea of showing up winded and sweaty can be intimidating! She just wanted to enjoy weekend rides and bike packing trips with her husband, a biking enthusiast.

Shelley also wanted to avoid health issues associated with desk jobs, such as higher risks of cognitive decline, falls, and heart disease. When she eventually gave commuting to work via bike a try, she faced a few initial obstacles, like finding a clean, secure place to freshen up and store her bike clothes. She uses the restroom to get ready for each workday and change into the clean clothes she brings on her bike.

After weeks of daily bike rides, Shelley’s physical health has improved and her after-work commute provides a great time to decompress. But while more stamina and less stress are great, Shelley says the best feeling comes from knowing she contributes to environmental health beyond just recycling.

Shelley says that groups like All Bodies On Bikes, a movement to create and nurture inclusivity in the bike community, help her feel more comfortable biking. Their podcast promotes resources and celebrates all types and sizes of bodies.

To accommodate bicyclists, bike racks are located at all Stormont Vail Health Topeka locations, courtesy of the Stormont Vail Foundation and Topeka Community Cycle Project, which aims to broaden access to cycling in Topeka through hands-on education and bike repair at their shop at the Central Park Community Center. You can also visit Bike Topeka for more information about bike trails in Topeka and Shawnee County, bicycle rack locations, and more.

Do you bike to work, know someone who does, or just want to make Stormont Vail more inclusive and cyclist-friendly? Share your ideas with the IDEA Committee at [email protected]

“To Your Health” on WIBW-TV Tonight – 4th of July Safety

Learn about safety around fireworks during the 4^th of July holiday on tonight’s WIBW-TV’s “To Your Health” segment. Anne Buckland, BSN, RN, CEN, Violence and Injury Prevention Coordinator, will provide holiday safety tips. The segment will air at 10 p.m. on WIBW-TV, Channel 13. The segment will typically repeat at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Fridays on 13 News This Morning and be posted on wibw.com.

Volunteers Needed for Phlebotomy Training Program

Stormont Vail Health and Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) have partnered to provide a Phlebotomy Healthcare Pathway for area high school students. These students receive more than 120 hours of classroom education while also using simulations and hands-on practice to earn their American Medical Technologists Registered Phlebotomy Technician Certification.

In order to complete the program, each student must perform 50 successful venipunctures on real people. Volunteers who are willing to allow a student phlebotomist to practice venipunctures under direct instructor supervision are needed. Volunteers must be 18 years and older.

Will you take 10 minutes to help develop the next generation of healthcare workers?