FORT SILL, Okla., July 28, 2016 -- Col. Kenneth Lemons commander of Reynolds Army Community Hospital (RACH), wants to partner with you to improve your health and the health of the Fort Sill community.
To accomplish this he has initiated a new health campaign at RACH, led by Maj. Deepa Hariprasad, deputy commander for health and readiness, and Lt. Col. Paul Michaud, chief medical officer.
Each month, RACH will raise awareness on important health topics through articles, newsletters, Facebook video messaging and events at the hospital and throughout the installation. The monthly topics for the RACH campaign are chosen to align with national health campaign initiatives.
"It is important that patients are educated about important health topics year round, not only at their doctor's visit, during a physical, or at the Health Expo," said Lemons. "We want to send a message to our patients of the importance of prevention and encourage everyone to be proactive about their health, instead of reactive."
Yet this is more than a messaging campaign, said Michaud.
"Our commander's vision for this campaign is that RACH becomes known as a true community partner by maximally supporting our Soldiers and all beneficiaries, on their journey toward better health and peak performance; rather than just a place you go when you are sick," he said.
Joel McFarland, RACH public affairs officer, said the men's health and tobacco cessation campaigns were a "huge success" as RACH reached over 2,000 people with its Facebook videos along with countless other who viewed information on men's health issues at a kiosk in the hospital.
Darci Leisenring, Army Public Health nurse, reported the number of new patients enrolled in the Tobacco Cessation Program nearly doubled since last year as a result of the June campaign.
Hariprasad said that Reynolds will be focusing on promoting the Performance Triad and engaging the community with some "friendly competition," during August. In addition, RACH officials will be messaging and conducting special clinics and events for back to school physicals and immunizations.
"The Performance Triad is not just for Soldiers," said Hariprasad, "Everyone can benefit from learning about ways to improve sleep, physical activity and nutrition."
Staff members at the Fort Sill Wellness Center will lead the August campaign, offering their services to Soldiers, retirees, family members and civilians.
"Taking care of your health doesn't have to be a lonely process," said Hariprasad. "Utilize your health care team and the services of the Army Wellness Center to improve fitness, decrease illness and increase resilience."
In August, Reynolds will host the "Passport to Health Challenge," encouraging patients to complete steps to improve their health. Activities will include tasks such as scheduling healthy sleep habits and stress management classes at the wellness center, scheduling physicals or preventive blood pressure checks, and getting up-to-date on immunizations.
Information for this challenge will be available at the wellness center and the hospital welcome desk near the chapel at the south entrance of the hospital the first week of August. Information and rules for the challenge will also be available on the RACH Facebook page. People who complete the challenge will be eligible for prizes.
August health promotion efforts will also focus on raising immunization awareness and completing back to school physicals, in addition to providing education on bicycle safety. Every Tuesday in August from 1-4 p.m. there will be an information booth at RACH. Also, a special clinic will provide school physicals for children ages 4 and up, Aug. 20. These appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling 580-558-200.
People are invited to visit RACH in August to learn more about the Performance Triad and immunizations. Also, search Reynolds Army Community Hospital on Facebook for updates.
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