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Leaders and managers from the OneCare Kansas partner network will gather on July 16 at 3:00 p.m. for the next mandatory virtual OneCare Kansas (OCK) Learning Collaborative event. Please check your inbox for your invitation to register. Also, keep an eye out for details on the next in-person event coming soon!
The upcoming OCK Community of Practice session for Care Coordinators and Social Workers is scheduled for August 20 at 3:00 p.m. An invitation will be sent to you in early August. We invite you to join us for an hour of learning and peer support.
Staff from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Tobacco Use Prevention and Treatment Program joined Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute (WSU-CEI) to present Interventions and Resources to Address Tobacco Recovery for staff within OCK Provider organizations as part of the Tools for Developing Quality Health Action Plans Training Series. The team expresses its gratitude to Matthew Schrock and Alberto Reyes-Rodriguez for sharing their time, expertise and resources with the group.
If you missed this session or any others in the series, please contact Vanessa Lohf for the recording link.
The final session in the series, Health Action Planning with a Trauma-Informed Lens, is scheduled for July 26 at 9:00 a.m. Pre-registration is required. We hope that you can join us!
We are pleased to announce that Simon Messmer has accepted the OCK Program Lead role for Aetna Better Health of Kansas. Simon brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position, having previously served as a Housing Supports Manager. His years of dedicated service and extensive knowledge of the KanCare program make him an invaluable addition to the team.
Please join us in welcoming Simon to his new role. We look forward to his contributions to the program's success.
The state continues to collect success stories from our provider network, illustrating the positive impact of the OCK program on KanCare members. This month’s success story comes from Hannah Sexton at Central Kansas Mental Health Center.
“In recent months, our OCK team has been assisting Abby in managing various health challenges. Abby felt optimistic about her progress until she received additional health news that tested her resilience and motivation. With the support of her OCK services and guidance from her care coordinator, Abby accessed case management and outpatient therapy through a community mental health provider. Her care coordinator also played a vital role in facilitating referrals to community supports, offering guidance and assisting with appointment management.
These essential supports have resulted in significant improvements in both Abby's mental and physical health. Abby demonstrated her progress through successful self-advocacy during physical therapy appointments and in finding effective medications. Abby and our OCK team take great pride in her remarkable achievements.”
Thank you, Hannah, for sharing this inspiring success story and for your dedicated efforts to support Abby. 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.
Water is essential for maintaining health and well-being. Despite its importance, many individuals struggle to consume the recommended 8-ounce glasses of water daily, resulting in chronic dehydration for many individuals. This issue becomes even more critical with age, as older adults are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Adults aged 60 and older face a higher risk due to reduced thirst perception, changes in body composition and the use of diuretics and other medications.
For those who find it challenging to meet the daily water intake recommendation, consider these ten reasons to maintain proper hydration:
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Improved Brain Performance: Dehydration impairs memory, mood and focus. Drinking water boosts mental performance, stabilizes emotions and reduces anxiety.
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Digestive Support: Adequate hydration helps to prevent irregular bowel movements, gas, bloating and heartburn. It supports regular digestion and helps break down dietary fiber.
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Increased Energy: Dehydration can reduce circulation and oxygen flow to the brain, making the heart work harder, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Staying hydrated ensures the body functions optimally, promoting energy and focus.
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Effective Weight Management: Water intake creates a sense of fullness, reducing the urge to snack and boosting metabolism. Drinking more water before meals can aid in weight loss and improve body composition.
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Joint Health: Since cartilage is 80% water, staying hydrated keeps joints lubricated, reduces friction and improves movement.
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Improved Temperature Control: Hydration facilitates sweating during physical activity, preventing heat retention and reducing the risk of heat stroke.
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Kidney Stone Prevention: Adequate water intake dilutes urine minerals, lowering the risk of kidney stones. It also flushes bacteria from the bladder, preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
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Cardiovascular Health: Adequate water intake maintains blood consistency and electrolyte balance, which is crucial for heart health.
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Detoxification: Waters aids in the elimination of waste and toxins through urine, breath, sweat and bowel movements.
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Headache Prevention: Proper hydration can help prevent headaches and migraines.
To help maintain adequate hydration, individuals should consider implementing these five strategies into their daily routine:
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Drink eight glasses of water daily, roughly equivalent to one-third of the body’s weight in fluid ounces.
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Drink water whenever feeling thirsty and with every meal.
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Opt for low-calorie beverages like sparkling water, tea or plain coffee.
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Carry around a large water bottle to ensure easy access to fluids throughout the day.
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Drink more fluids during physical activity, exercise and when it is hot or humid outside.
While mild dehydration can be addressed by increasing fluid intake, severe dehydration requires immediate attention. Be aware of the warning signs such as persistent dizziness, dry mouth, rapid breathing, dark urine and fatigue or confusion. If these signs appear, seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
Hydration is fundamental to maintaining health and preventing fatigue, poor digestion and joint pain. As individuals age, sufficient water intake becomes even more critical due to bodily changes. Regular water consumption, especially during meals and exercise, can improve overall well-being. Staying informed about the signs of dehydration can help prevent serious health complications. For more information, please visit this article on hydration for older adults.
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