Patient inspires nurses, therapists

Lymphodema kept Michael Gribbin, De Soto, confined to his house for two years.

The condition caused fluid retention and tissue swelling. Gribbin said he reached a point where his legs became too big to walk and he could no longer drive a car.

Speakers relate findings on health care

Rising health care costs are stifling new and existing small businesses and putting the health and finances of increasingly more citizens at risk.

That was the message presented to Leawood Chamber of Commerce members last week by representatives of two regional health care organizations that recently conducted a joint survey on the impact health care costs are having on area companies.

Magician helps speed healing process

Illusionist Kevin Spencer helps patients by making pain vanish. Or so it seems.

For 25 years, Spencer, who will be at Johnson County Community College next month, has worked to incorporate simple magic tricks into therapy – particularly for those who have injuries or disabilities. What he has found is that a little sleight of hand can help patients achieve big goals.

Medical office nurse becomes author

Sheila Richmeier, MS, RN, BC, CMPE, now has something to add to her list of credentials — author.

“Leading Your Clinical Team: A Comprehensive Guide to Optimizing Productivity and Quality” details the management of the clinical team in a medical office. After obtaining her nursing degree, Richmeier worked in a physician’s office. She said she became concerned that there were no materials published on medical office nursing.

Kansas panel discusses infant mortality rates

One out of every nine black babies born in Kansas will die as an infant.

Linda Kenney, director of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Family Health, shared this statistic with members of the Governor’s Child Health Advisory Committee and the Kansas Blue Ribbon Panel on Infant Mortality during a joint session Sept. 18.

Cancer center expands

Kansas City Cancer Center celebrated its newest location in Johnson County with a ribbon cutting and open house Sept. 15.

The Cancer Center is on the first floor of the Santa Fe Medical Building adjacent to Shawnee Mission Medical Center. This newest location, 9301 W. 74th St., Suite 100, marks the cancer center’s 11th location in the metro area.

“We are very glad that (Kansas City Cancer Center) is here,” said Steve Kelly, deputy secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.