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Stay active
this winter
to support
your overall
good health.
Walk this way to better health
Emergency Department
receives patient
satisfaction award
For the eighth year in a row, the Grundy
County Memorial Hospital Emergency Depart-
ment has been recognized as a top performer.
The 2016 Guardian of Excellence Award® from
health care consulting firm Press Ganey recognizes
the Emergency Department for being in the top
5 percent among hospitals nationwide for Patient
Experience. Emergency Department Manager Sara Hook, RN, says that caregivers
are humbled that the department has been recognized based on patient surveys.
“The compassion that our nurses, registration staff and emergency providers dem-
onstrate is remarkable. The fact that we sustain a high level of patient satisfaction
year after year shows that our patients can sense the extra-special care and concern,”
says Hook. The Emergency Department has won the award each year since 2009.
You’re invited to
WalkWith a Doc
Everyone is invited to
take a step toward better
health by joining the new
WalkWith a Doc program.
The year-round walking program has more
than 200 chapters across the country as part
of an effort that pairs doctors with members
of their community to encourage increased
physical activity in people of all ages.
The next local Walk With a
Doc is scheduled for Wednesday,
Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. at the Grundy Fam-
ily YMCA in Grundy Center and will
be led by Eric Neverman, DO. Email
GCMH_Info@unitypoint.org
for more
information.
Walking just might be the perfect exercise. It offers so many benefits, yet it’s easy and
cheap to do. For the most part, all you need is a good pair of walking shoes and some time
throughout the week in order to reap healthy rewards.
While Iowa’s winter months make it more challenging to get outdoors for a walk, don’t
let the cold keep you from an activity that supports good health in so many ways.
Crystal Petersen, Grundy County
Memorial Hospital’s Health Promotion
Manager, says the simple pleasure of daily
movement can help:
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Reduce your risk for developing chronic
health problems, including heart disease,
high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
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Bring down your blood pressure,
cholesterol or blood sugar levels if they’re
too high.
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Balance calories—which is an essential
part of managing your weight.
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Tone your muscles and strengthen your
bones.
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Lift your mood and help you feel more
energetic.
Make exercise a regular part of your day
Walking through winter: How you can stay on track
Some suggestions for maintaining
your healthy walking habit during winter’s
cold weather include:
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Finding an indoor spot that’s available
for walking, including a local community
center, city hall or school facility.
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Learning to dress for the weather by lay-
ering clothing, keeping your head covered,
and wearing sturdy, nonslip boots.
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Breaking up your 30-minute daily walk
into three shorter time periods so that
you’re not out in the cold as long.
Walking for exercise is generally a safe
activity. It’s a good idea to check with your
doctor first before embarking on a walking
program if you:
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Have an ongoing health problem, such
as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pres-
sure, arthritis or asthma.
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Experience symptoms such as chest
pain, dizziness or shortness of breath.
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Are pregnant.
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Are older than 40 and haven’t exercised
in a while.
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