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In August, more than 35 care coordinators and social workers from the OneCare Kansas partner (OCKP) network gathered for the Community of Practice session. The session focused on discussions surrounding the challenges encountered when engaging with new OneCare Kansas (OCK) members, identifying the factors that contribute to these difficulties and exploring potential solutions for progress.
Some of the challenges identified encompassed issues related to inaccurate location information, difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships with individuals who may be living with severe and persistent mental illness or ongoing life challenges, balancing workloads, and maintaining patience with themselves and others. The group expressed the importance of staff possessing a good understanding of the OCK program to effectively communicate it to their members. The group also emphasized the value of persistence in meeting the members where they are on the day of connection, rather than where they want them to be. It was acknowledged that some days, members may not be inclined to discuss their goals; they simply seek someone to talk to. Recognizing and respecting this need can make a significant difference to the member.
Thank you to all of those who participated in this open and supportive conversation!
The next Learning Collaborative event will be conducted in person and is scheduled for early November. As a result, the virtual Community of Practice event, which was originally planned for November, will be canceled. Please keep an eye on your email for additional information that will be provided in the coming days.
The OCK State Team is excited to participate in a breakout session at the Community Care Network of Kansas Conference on Friday, October 6, 2023. This session will feature a presentation from state representatives and a panel discussion with OneCare Kansas Partners (OCKP) from Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), highlighting success stories and valuable lessons. The State looks forward to connecting with some of our partners and Community Care members at the event.
For additional conference details and insights into the network's work, please visit the Community Care Website.
The State continues to gather stories regarding the OCK program and how it is helping KanCare members. This month’s success story comes from Chara at the Training and Evaluation Center of Hutchinson (TECH INC).
“Linda has made great strides in her journey towards better health with the support of the OneCare Kansas program. When she first started the program, Linda encountered difficulties related to her dependence on sugary beverages, maintaining of good oral hygiene, and staying active. With the support of our staff, Linda established goals that helped her make positive changes toward living a healthier lifestyle.
Linda started her journey with the goal of increasing her water intake. She had previously relied heavily on sugary drinks, like soda. Through her dedicated efforts, she now consumes at least 1-2 glasses of water daily, which has had a big impact on her overall well-being.
Linda was also concerned about her dental health and wanted to work on a goal to improve her oral hygiene. She had previously neglected proper oral hygiene practices, which led to extensive dental work. With the guidance of our staff, she now practices brushing her teeth at least once a day, sometimes twice. This change has improved her dental health and her self-esteem.
Linda's commitment to improving her health extended to her desire to increase physical activity. While she was engaged in physical activity throughout the warmer months, she tended to hibernate during the colder months, reducing her physical activity. With support and encouragement of our staff, Linda set a goal to walk the hallways of her apartment building to increase physical activity during the cooler months of the year. Achieving this goal has not only kept her active but has also taught her the value of indoor exercise.
Linda’s accomplishments toward adopting small lifestyle changes have led to an improvement in her overall health and well-being. Our staff is proud of her dedication in adopting a healthier lifestyle.”
Thank you, Chara, for sharing this success story and for your efforts in assisting this member. Keep up the great work!
If you would like to submit an OCK success story, please email the OneCare Kansas State Team.
Anemia is a common blood condition affecting millions of Americans. The condition occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry sufficient oxygen to its tissues and organs. Oxygen plays a vital role in maintaining proper bodily functions, and any deficiency can lead to a range of health issues. Understanding the causes, symptoms, risks, and prevention and treatment options for anemia is crucial for effective management of the condition, ultimately leading to improved overall health.
There are various types of anemia, each with unique causes, potential effects and severity, often signaling underlying serious illnesses. Some common types of anemia include:
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Aplastic Anemia: Occurs when the body stops producing enough new blood cells, leaving individuals susceptible to infections and uncontrolled bleeding.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia: Occurs when the body has insufficient healthy red blood cells, linked to a lack of dietary iron.
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Sickle Cell Anemia: Alters the shape of red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
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Thalassemia: An inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less production of hemoglobin.
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Vitamin Deficiency Anemia: Results from having lower-than-normal levels of vitamin B-12 and folate, resulting in a decreased production of healthy red blood cells.
Anemia symptoms vary based on the underlying cause and severity. In mild cases, symptoms may not be immediately apparent but can develop and worsen over time. When anemia is secondary to another illness, its symptoms may be masked by the primary condition. Common anemia symptoms may include:
- Tiredness and weakness.
- Shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat.
- Pale or yellowish skin.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Headaches.
- Cold hands and feet.
There are several factors that can increase an individual's risk of developing anemia, including dietary deficiencies in iron, vitamin B-12, and folate, gastrointestinal issues, menstrual periods, pregnancy, chronic conditions like cancer or kidney failure, and factors like family history and aging. While it may not be possible to prevent all types of anemia, addressing deficiencies in iron and vitamins is crucial for risk reduction. A balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods such as meat, beans, lentils, dried fruit and iron-fortified cereals is essential for anemia prevention. Incorporating folate-rich foods like dark green leafy vegetables, peanuts, pasta and rice can also be beneficial. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods like fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, and strawberries, along with vitamin B-12-rich foods such as meat and dairy products, contributes to a comprehensive approach to anemia prevention.
Individuals at risk who experience symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. To diagnose anemia, health care providers employ a comprehensive approach involving physical examinations, blood tests, and a thorough examination of one's medical and family history. The complete blood count (CBC) is a key diagnostic tool used by providers to measure blood cell counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Normal hemoglobin levels range from 14 to 18 grams per deciliter for men and 12 to 16 grams for women. Assessing an individual’s red blood cell size and shape is also crucial for accurate diagnosis. Treatment options available for anemia upon diagnosis depends on its underlying cause and may include therapies such as supplements, medications, lifestyle changes and blood transfusions.
Anemia impacts many Americans due to is prevalence. Understanding anemia's types, symptoms, and risk factors is key to effective management through treatment and prevention strategies. Awareness and understanding can help individuals take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal health and well-being. For more information, please visit the Mayo Clinic's Anemia Webpage.
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