Washington County Hospital Board Meeting and Finance Committee Meeting have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.
March 2020 has been designated as National Colorectal Cancer awareness month. Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people ages 50 and older. Join Washington County Hospital in support of Colorectal Cancer Awareness and wear blue throughout the month. The Colon Cancer Alliance first launched the Dress in Blue Day program in 2009 to bring nationwide attention to colon cancer and to celebrate the courage of those affected by this disease.
WCH wants to increase awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screenings. It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 45 years or older were screened routinely. WCH offers Colorectal and Esophageal/Stomach Cancer screening services. Testing offered at WCH include Colonoscopy, Upper Endoscopy, and The Pill Cam Capsule Endoscopy. WCH is partnered with Erica Ibendahl, M.D. and Alfonso Urdaneta, M.D. to perform our Colorectal and Esophageal/Stomach Cancer screening exams.
The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 45 and those with a family history of colorectal cancer should be screened before age 45. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it is so important to get screened.
According to the American Cancer Society in 2020 there will be approximately 104,610 new cases of colon cancer, 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer, and 53,200 deaths. The great news is that the death rate of Colorectal Cancer have been decreasing in both men and women over the past several decades. This is most likely due to the number of polyps being found more often by screening and being removed before they can develop in to a cancer. It is vital that people understand that there is a 90% survival rate when colorectal cancer is found early and treated.
People over the age of 50 are at highest risk for colorectal cancer. Other risk factors include smoking, having a family history of colorectal cancer, and being African American.
Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:
- Get screened starting at age 45.
- Quit Smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Get active and eat healthy.
For more information on Colorectal Cancer and Screenings please feel free to contact Washington County Hospital’s Surgery Department at 618-327-2309. Like WCH on Facebook and visit our website at www.washingtoncountyhospital.org for latest updates and happenings at WCH.
WCH is proud to celebrate and recognize 15 employees with a combined total of 195 years of service to the Hospital and Medical Group. Presentation of Service Awards to employees by WCH President, Brian Monsma followed by a Banquet was held on Feb. 3rd.
The Washington County Hospital Board of Directors and Finance Committee meetings on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, has been changed to Monday, January 6, 2020. The Board of Directors meeting will be held in the WCH lower level conference room at 7:00 p.m. The Finance Committee meeting will be held in the Boardroom at 6:30 p.m.
WCH and SSM Health is excited to announce Erica Ibendahl, MD, will soon begin seeing patients at Washington County Hospital. Dr. Ibendahl brings the latest expertise in the field of general surgery to the southern Illinois region, including endoscopic and robotic surgery.
Call 618-436-8300 to schedule an appointment at WCH.
WCH Women’s Auxiliary Hosts Annual Christmas Boutique and Bake Sale on Tuesday, November 19th
The Washington County Hospital Women’s Auxiliary is hosting their Annual Christmas Boutique and Bake Sale. They will be in the front lobby of the Hospital from 8am – 2pm. The Auxiliary will have numerous handmade crafts and items to purchase along with an exceptional homemade baked goods. The Lattice Garden Gift shop will also be open during the Boutique and offer a wide selection of Melissa & Doug toys and gifts. Tickets for the Quilt Raffle will also be sold during the event. At 2 p.m. the auxiliary will draw the winner of the Quilt. For more information about the WCH Women’s Auxiliary please contact current President, Melodie Wilkey at 618-314-0155.
WCH will be having a flu clinic Friday, November 1st 5:00pm-8:00pm. Find our tent near the Chamber of Commerce office.
Washington County Hospital is hosting a Blood Drive on Tuesday, November 5th, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. The Blood Drive will be in the lower level conference rooms of the hospital. The best entrance would be the Education Entrance on the South East corner of the hospital. Please come and join us and help us reach our goal of 40 units donated. Each pint donated can save up to 3 lives!
WCH to Host Flu Clinic and Blood Pressure Screening
at Country Mart on Friday, October 25th
The Washington County Hospital is partnering with Country Mart to host a Flu Clinic and Blood Pressure Screening on Friday, October 25th from 9am to 12 noon at their store. The cost of flu shots will be $35.00 (cash only). The blood pressure screenings are free. It is recommended by the CDC that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every season. It is particularly important for people who are high risk of serious complications from influenza.
For up-to-date information about news and events at Washington County Hospital, like us on Facebook.