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The upcoming OneCare Kansas (OCK) Learning Collaborative session will be conducted virtually on Tuesday, April 16th, at 3:00 p.m. Please check your inbox for information on how to pre-register or contact Vanessa Lohf for an invitation.
The team looks forward to connecting with the OCK program directors and managers to facilitate meaningful discussions that will help support the program's ongoing success.
The next virtual Community of Practice session for OCK care coordinators and social workers is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, at 3 p.m. Pre-registration for this session is required. Those interested in joining the conversation can contact Vanessa Lohf for additional details.
Due to popular demand, the Wichita State University's Community Engagement Institute (WSU-CEI) is relaunching its live webinar series for OCK Partner staff. This series aims to provide valuable tips and tools for developing quality Health Action Plans (HAP) for OCK members.
The limited Final Friday series, consisting of four parts, will start on April 26. The series will cover the following topics:
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Writing SMART Health Action Plans
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Advancing Equity through Health Literacy Practices
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Addressing Tobacco Use with OneCare Kansas Members
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Health Action Planning with a Trauma-Informed Lens
All staff members within the network, whether new to the program or in need of a refresher, are welcome to participate. Each 90-minute session requires pre-registration. Please be on the lookout for the registration invitation in your inbox or contact Vanessa Lohf for more information. The team is excited to embark on this learning journey with providers.
The state has uploaded an updated recording of a demonstration on the HAP Portal, presented by Alan O'Neal. This recording has been made available on the OCK News and Events page, along with the presentation slides for reference. The recording and presentation slides offer a comprehensive overview of the portal's features and functionalities. Providers are encouraged to take advantage of this updated resource.
The state continues to collect success stories from our provider network, illustrating the positive impact of the OneCare Kansas (OCK) program on KanCare members. This month’s success story comes from Janell Nease at High Plains Mental Health Center.
“Brooke's journey towards a healthier lifestyle is an inspiring example of dedication and perseverance. She struggled with her weight of 300 pounds for a long time, which was further complicated by a bad knee that limited her ability to exercise. However, after knee surgery and rehabilitation, she took charge of her health with the support of our OCK staff.
In November, Brooke set goals committed to a comprehensive approach to wellness. She started walking and used a phone application to track her steps and stay motivated. Recognizing the importance of mindful eating, she cut back on snacking and soda intake and made healthier choices. Portion control became a focus in her diet, focusing on lean protein, vegetables, and fruits. Brooke also purchased a scale to monitor her weight loss journey.
By January 30, Brooke had lost 40 pounds due to her dedication and hard work. She reported feeling better and continues to push forward on her weight loss journey. Brooke also recognized the positive impact of being active on her physical and mental well-being.
Brooke's story is a testament to the power of a multifaceted approach to health. Our team applauds her commitment to adopting healthy habits and mindful eating. Her success story highlights the importance of physical activity in weight management and overall well-being. It also serves as a reminder that preventing conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity is crucial for maintaining good health.”
Thank you, Janell, for sharing this inspiring success story and for your dedicated efforts in supporting Brooke. Keep up the great work!
Providers can share their success stories by emailing them to the OCK state team. The state appreciates our provider's contributions and looks forward to hearing more about the successes of our members.
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about this complex condition and emphasizing the importance of early detection and proactive symptom management. By recognizing the early signs and knowing about the available treatment options, individuals with Parkinson's disease can take action to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nervous system and the body areas it regulates. It is characterized by a gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a range of symptoms that primarily affect movement and worsen over time. Although the exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, it is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Males and those over 60 years of age are at significant risk, along with those with certain genetic variations and exposure to toxins.
Early detection of Parkinson's disease is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life as the illness progresses. The early symptoms are often subtle and may be overlooked, typically starting on one side of the body. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and may affect other body parts. One of the first signs is tremors, which usually begin in one hand and become more noticeable as the disease advances. Other common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include muscle stiffness, slowed movements, impaired balance and coordination, reduced facial expressions, and changes in speech and handwriting. As Parkinson's disease progresses, other complications such as depression, cognitive decline, sleep disturbances and autonomic dysfunction may arise.
When early signs of Parkinson's disease are recognized, a medical evaluation is recommended. Diagnosing Parkinson's involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and neurological assessment, as there is no definitive diagnostic test. Although there is no cure, various treatment approaches can effectively manage symptoms. Medications are often prescribed to ease symptoms, and in some cases, surgical procedures may be advised to regulate areas of the brain responsible for motor symptoms. Additional therapies and lifestyle modifications may also be recommended. By combining these approaches, individuals can better confront the challenges posed by this progressive disease.
Parkinson's disease is a complex progressive disorder that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Although there is no cure, with early detection and proactive management of symptoms, individuals can take an active role in their care and maintain their independence and active lifestyles. For more information, please visit this Parkinson's disease webpage.
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