Grande Ronde Hospital | Life & Health | Winter 2018

LIFE AND HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of GRANDE RONDE HOSPITAL, 900 Sunset Drive, La Grande, OR 97850. Information in LIFE ANDHEALTH comes fromawide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. JimMattes President/CEO Wendy Roberts SeniorDirectorofAdministrative Services,CommunityBenefitsOfficer Mardi Ford Director, Communications & Marketing; Public Information Officer Grande Ronde Hospital 900 Sunset Drive La Grande, OR 97850 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Why children need their flu shots At its best, the flu is miserable. At its worst, it can be a serious health threat. That’s especially true for young children and for children of any age who have certain long-term health problems, such as asthma. Kids are at high risk for complications from the flu, like ear infections, croup and pneumonia—which is why it’s so important to protect your little ones from the flu. And the best way to do that is to be sure they get the flu vaccine. The flu shot can be given to babies once they reach 6 months old. Your child needs the vaccine every year, because the flu virus changes from year to year and protection fades. It’s best to get the vaccine as soon as it’s available each fall. But getting the shot any time throughout the winter months—and even into spring—can help your child fend off the flu and its complications. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are open and get in line before you head to the clinic. Our online check-in option allows you to see how full the clinic may already be and whether you should call ahead to find out if the clinic waiting room is already at full capacity. This may sometimes be the case because there is such high demand for immediate care. However, Sundays are usually less busy than any other day of the week. We bring the clinic to you Care via the GRH ReadyCare Virtual Clinic is an especially great option during the frozen, snowy months in Union County. If you are unable to be seen at the Walk-In Clinic due to capacity, think about trying an online virtual clinic where we bring the clinic to you. GRH ReadyCare is a great option for those minor illnesses and common conditions already listed above. Be treated without leaving home by an online team of providers trained for virtual patient care. It’s easy, safe, secure and confidential. You have 24/7 access to simple primary care for you and your family wherever you have access to the internet or a phone. GRH ReadyCare is staffed by board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners that specialize in delivering quality and patient- focused care. They are experienced in providing consultation, diagnosis and treatment through Skype, FaceTime, and video chat or over the phone 24/7 without an appointment. With a patient satisfaction rate of 98 percent, ReadyCare providers deliver excel- lence in virtual medicine. Virtual visits typically last about 20 minutes. You are charged $35 per visit, payable by debit or credit card only. GRH ReadyCare will provide a summary of your visit online and make arrangements for follow-up if it is required. Any prescriptions your virtual provider deems appropriate will be called in to your pharmacy. Flu and cold season? —Continued from front page Find out more by clicking “Online Scheduling” on our home page at grh.org . To see pictures and read more about the ReadyCare providers or to learn about insurance coverage, expense reimbursement and restrictions to virtual care, please visit “ReadyCare” on our home page at grh.org and click the link that says “Virtual Clinic.”