Measles Can Be Very Serious

Measles is NOT just a little rash. Measles can be very dangerous, especially for babies and young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control:

  • About 1 out of 5 people who get measles will be hospitalized
  • 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling due to infection (encephalitis), which may lead to brain damage
  • 1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care

As of April 4, according to the Iowa Health and Human Services, a total of 133 measles cases have been reported in 18 states. These numbers are very alarming as the current number of cases is more than the entire year of 2023. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.

Measles symptoms typically include a high fever (may spike to 104°F or higher); cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and a rash which breaks out 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. Symptoms present 7-14 days after a measles infection.

Help protect your child. Call your healthcare provider today to make sure they are up to date with their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. People are still encouraged to get vaccinated if they have not received a measles vaccine. Children are recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first at 12-15 months of age and again between 4-6 years. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. Learn more at cdc.gov/measles.

If you develop measles symptoms and are unvaccinated, do not go to school or work. Call your healthcare provider before going to the clinic or hospital. It is very important to call first so you are not present by others in a waiting room and possibly infecting other patients.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester will be holding a Nurse Career Camp, “Future Nurses: Next Generation of Superheroes” for students ages 14-18 who have completed 8th grade.

The week-long program will be offered July 29-August 2 from 9AM-2PM, with lunch served daily. Students must be available to meet each day for the entire time. Class size is limited. The cost is $25 per student, payable on the first day of camp. Applications are due by June 17th. Visit regmedctr.org/nursecamp to apply. 

This camp offers a unique opportunity to learn about the nursing career through interactive presentations and hands-on learning. Activities include interacting with a simulation manikin, job shadowing on various units, learning first aid and making their own first aid kit, learning how to take vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate), practicing suturing and so much more!

“It is super exciting to be able to offer the Nurse Camp again. It is a great opportunity for students to learn more about nursing,” shared Lynne Majetic, RMC Cardiac Rehab Nurse. “We hope this camp will show the local youth that healthcare careers are important and something they may want to pursue.” Apply at regmedctr.org/nursecamp.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) will be holding their annual “Women’s Night” on Wednesday, May 1st. This is a FREE event for all women in surrounding communities. Ladies are invited to stop by the Delaware County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Manchester starting at 5:30PM. The first hour of the event, attendees can enjoy each other’s company with a cash bar and free appetizers. 

At 6:40PM our speakers will take the stage. Cara Recker, Regional Family Health Dietitian, will give her presentation “Wellness Without Weight” before introducing our keynote speaker, Kathy Bresnahan. Kathy, also known as “Coach Brez” is the author of the book “The Miracle Season.” Coach Brez was the head volleyball coach at Iowa City West High School when their star player tragically died in a moped accident. Kathy will share the story of how that 2011 team persevered through a tremendous loss and beat all odds at securing a state championship. 

It’s a full circle moment as this event is only made possible because of the fundraising efforts of three local volleyball teams; Edgewood-Colesburg, Starmont and West Delaware. This event is open to all women but we personally invite survivors and fighters of breast cancer to promote women’s health and well-being. Come enjoy a free night out. No registration required. If you have any questions, please reach out to Angie Salow at 563-927-7592 or angie.salow@regmedctr.org.

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Therapy Services department is expanding by now offering Pediatric Occupational Therapy services. 

Using a collaborative approach, our Occupational Therapist works closely with the family and healthcare providers to maximize each child’s access, independence and participation within their daily occupations. A child’s “occupations” include playing, taking care of self, learning and interacting with others. By focusing on fine motor, self-help and sensory organization skills, we hope to improve each child’s independence and quality of life.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy is available by provider referral. During the initial evaluation, our therapist will use a combination of standardized assessments, observations and interview to determine if a child could benefit from occupational therapy services. For more information please contact the Therapy Services department at 563-927-7322 or visit regmedctr.org/ot.

Pictured: Krista Briggs, OTD, OTR/L – RMC Pediatric Occupational Therapist

As we enter a new season, it’s a great time to refocus on things we can do to create healthy habits for a happy/healthier life. Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) are sharing the eight strategies for a healthy spring brought to you by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Move More, Sit Less. Keeping active on a regular basis helps to improve everyone’s overall health, fitness and quality of life. Eat Healthy Foods. Introduce healthy food choices into your meals. Try adding an array of colors to your plate and think of it as “eating the rainbow.” Rethink Your Drink. Water is always the healthiest choice when it comes to selecting your beverage. Remember to stay hydrated as those temperatures begin to increase. Get Enough Sleep. Establish a routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Getting enough sleep has so many positive health benefits. Be Sun Safe. As it becomes more enjoyable to spend time outdoors, don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun. Don’t forget to lather that sunscreen on and find shade. Brush Your Teeth. Oral health is important for overall health. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Quit Smoking. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free support to quit smoking. Learn Your Health History. Talk to your primary care provider about your family health history. 

As a parent or legal guardian, it’s important to focus on making these eight strategies a habit in your life. By creating personal healthy habits, you are directly affecting the health and wellness of your child(ren). Start the spring season with healthy habits in mind. 

To learn more about the RMC Parents as Teachers program, visit regmedctr.org/pat or call our team at 563-927-7685.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) Governing Board member Bev Preussner was again recognized for achieving the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) Hospital Board Certification. Bev has maintained this certification since 2012.

This certification was designed to help hospitals use governance best practices, promote the coordination of care and make the best use of resources. Bev’s commitment to maintaining this certification exhibits her dedication to RMC’s governing performance. Bev, along with additional members of the class of certified trustees, were honored at the Iowa Hospital Association Governance Forum on Tuesday, March 5th. 

Bev Preussner’s dedication to RMC is long standing. She started her career in healthcare at RMC in 1957 and continued in the nursing profession for 32 years. Since 2008, Bev has been a valued member of the RMC Governing Board of Trustees.

“We consider ourselves fortunate for the many years Bev has dedicated to RMC and our community,” shared Danette Kramer, Chief Executive Officer. “We thank Bev for her continuous commitment to learning and congratulate her on achieving this certification.”

On February 29, a Leap Year baby was born at Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa. Jamie Ingle and Eric Willenbring of New Vienna welcomed their baby boy, Drew Joseph. 

Drew was born at 1:49 am on February 29th making him a Leap Year baby, also called a “leapling.” He weighed 7 pounds, 12 oz and was 20 inches long. Along with his parents, Drew was welcomed home by his big brother, Sealey. 


“It’s very rare that we have babies on a Leap Day, so it was really exciting to be part of such a special and unique birth,” shares Michelle Radloff, Midwife

On behalf of Regional Medical Center, we want to thank Jamie and Eric for choosing and trusting us to deliver their new bundle of joy.

Pictured: (Left to Right) Jamie Ingle, Eric Willenbring (with baby Drew), Sealey (big brother)

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester is celebrating their medical staff throughout the entire month of March. March 30, 2024, is Medical Staff Appreciation Day, but RMC will recognize their medical staff for the entire month.

The RMC medical staff is a combination of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and CRNAs. The dedication and care that these individuals bring to RMC and our community is something to be thankful for. You are invited to take the time to thank and recognize your favorite provider(s) at RMC for all that they do. Visit regmedctr.org/thankyou and send them a personalized message and card.

Pictured: Kellie Goos, Regional Family Health Provider

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) program has been recognized by the national Parents as Teachers office as an exemplary Blue Ribbon Affiliate.

To ensure children and families are receiving the highest quality services possible, the Parents as Teachers program developed the Quality Endorsement and Improvement Processes. To earn this endorsement, affiliates must complete a comprehensive self-study and review process that demonstrates they are meeting or exceeding the Parents as Teachers essential requirements, along with at least 80 percent of the quality standards.

The RMC PAT program has earned the Quality Endorsement and is now nationally recognized for delivering high-quality services to children and their families. Our parent educators are excited to connect with more families to help improve the overall wellness and development of their children. If you’d like to learn more about this program, reach out to the team at 563-927-7685 or patparentsasteachers@regmedctr.org.

Due to increased respiratory illness and respiratory hospitalizations in our community, Regional Medical Center in Manchester is implementing visitor restrictions. At this time, children under the age of 14 will not be allowed to visit patients in the hospital.

The only exception is in the OB Department. Immediate siblings will be allowed to visit their new sibling as long as they are feeling well. It is very important that these siblings are not experiencing any respiratory symptoms. Any ill siblings should not come to the OB Department.

By restricting visitors, our goal is to prevent unnecessary illness from being brought into the hospital. As always, our goal is to protect our patients, community members and staff from getting sick when they are in our facility.

Remember the 3 C’s. You can help reduce the spread of illness by Cleaning your hands often, Covering your coughs and Containing germs by staying home when you are sick.

Nephrology specialist Elyse McGraw, ARNP, FNP, with UnityPoint Clinic – Kidney Center in Cedar Rapids has joined the Regional Medical Center (RMC) Specialty Clinic team in Manchester. 

Elyse is a board certified family nurse practitioner and specializes in Nephrology. “I chose nephrology because it is a complex specialty and there is a lot to learn,” shares McGraw. “The kidneys are involved in so much regulation in the body, yet we have the ability to help people survive without them. It is a fascinating specialty!”

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are in need of a nephrology consultation. If you have any questions about the services Elyse McGraw provides, call UnityPoint Clinic – Kidney Center at 319-298-2200 or visit regmedctr.org/nephrology.

Pictured: Elyse McGraw, ARNP, FNP, RMC Visiting Nephrology Specialist

Regional Medical Center’s Senior Life Solutions program welcomes Dr. Gurkiran (Kiran) Gill, a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Senior Life Solutions combines psychiatry and group therapy to support older adults (typically 65 and older) who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and other mental health challenges. This outpatient program is offered at Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester, Iowa. 

A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Dr. Gill has more than 13 years of experience treating individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health challenges. Dr. Gill specializes in geriatric psychiatry treatment. She’s worked at hospitals and clinics in Florida. Her goal is to empower and educate people while building mental health awareness through accessible information. One of her favorite quotes is, “It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.”

Dr. Gill will connect with patients strictly through telehealth, providing psychiatric assessments and medication management. Referrals to RMC’s Senior Life Solutions program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s healthcare provider, family member, the patient themselves or another healthcare professional. If you’d like to know more, please contact the RMC Senior Life Solutions team at 563-927-7560.

Pictured: Dr. Kiran Gill, Regional Medical Center’s Senior Life Solutions Psychiatrist

Pediatric Visitor RestrictionsCLICK HERE for details