March 2026 | Issue 3

Community

Easter Egg Hunt

Tuesday, March 31st

Located on the west lawn of Cedar County Memorial Hospital along Park Street.

Activities open at 4:30 PM including games, story time, coloring, tattoos, and photos with guest of honor, the Easter Bunny!

The hunt begins promptly at 5:30 PM.

Age Groups: 0-3, 4-6, 7-10 years

This event is proudly sponsored by CCMH, Compassus, and Physicians Medical Equipment and Supplies.

*In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center at 500 S. Main.

Join the Event on Our Facebook Page for Updates

Brain Awareness Week is dedicated to the incredible science of the human brain. It's a great opportunity to learn about and celebrate brain health together. Did you know that the healthy habits you cultivate today can protect your brain health as you age? Here are a few brain-friendly behaviors:

Challenge your mind: Be curious, continue to learn new skills and try new things. Maybe you don't consider yourself an artist, but that doesn't mean painting isn't good for your brain!

Eat healthy: Eating healthier foods reduces risk of cognitive decline - this includes eating more vegetables, leaner meats/proteins, and choosing healthy snacks instead of junk food.

Get moving: Activities that increase heart rate improve blood flow to the brain and body. Engage in regular exercise, whether it's dancing, walking or gardening - find what works for you!

Protect your head: Wearing a helmet while playing sports or activities like biking can protect you from a traumatic brain injury. Look for ways to prevent falls, especially for older adults.

While some basic functions can be localized to specific regions of the brain, complex functions such as creativity and critical thinking actually work in networks across both hemispheres of the brain.

Why is sleep important for brain health?

Consolidates memories
Enhances physical performance
Helps with social interactions
Restores emotional capacity
Improves metabolism
Boosts immune system

Neurology clinics are held weekly at Cedar County Memorial Hospital.

Christopher Andrew, MD and Molly Davidson, FNP diagnose and treat a variety of neurological disorders.

Dr. Andrew also performs nerve conduction testing. Referral may be required. To schedule, please call 417.876.3613.

More about Neurology Services at CCMH

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The colon cancer screening age has recently changed, due to the increase in diagnoses among younger people. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all people at average risk begin colon and rectal cancer screening at age 45.

Although colonoscopy is the gold standard, there are several ways to screen for colorectal cancer. The type of screening test that is right for you depends on several factors. Ask your doctor about screening, they will be glad you asked!

How do I know if I'm at average risk?

A person is considered at average risk of developing colorectal cancer if they have:

No symptoms of colorectal cancer
No family history of colon and rectal cancer
No personal history of cancer
No personal history of certain types of polyps
No genetic links to Lynch syndrome, FAP, or other genetic syndromes
No personal history of ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn’s disease

If you do have any of these risk factors, you may need to start screening before 45.

Speak with your healthcare provider about your screening plan.

Digestive Problems Meet their Match

Russell Kemm, DO has more than 40 years experience in family practice and manages his own private practice in Nevada, MO. He provides gastroenterology services at Cedar County Memorial Hospital weekly, alternating Mondays and Fridays. Dr. Kemm is accepting new patients - no referral is needed. To schedule, call 417.876.3613.

Russell Kemm, DO

Common reasons to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kemm:

• Abdominal pain

• Chronic indigestion, heartburn, reflux

• Diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than a week

• Nausea and vomiting

• Rectal bleeding

• Unexplained weight loss

Common conditions treated:

• Crohn's Disease

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Liver Disease

Dr. Kemm also performs upper (EGD) and lower (colonoscopy) endoscopic procedures to diagnose and screen for digestive disorders and cancer.

Mental Health Moment

Front the desk of Abby Chilton, LCSW

Spring May Not Cure Winter Blues

Spring is often associated with renewal, sunshine, and improved mood. Most people assume that when spring arrives, mood automatically improves. If spring doesn’t equal improved mood for you, you’re not alone.

Mental health research tells a more complicated story. Public health data and multiple studies (John Hopkins Medicine, Journal of Affective Disorders, CDC) have found that suicide rates often rise in late spring and early summer, despite the common belief that winter is the highest-risk season. Because of this, spring can be an important time to check in with yourself & others who have struggled with depression during the winter months.

It is also common in the early spring for energy to improve before mood does. That can mean someone may start to feel more physically energized while still struggling emotionally. A gentle question to ask might be: “With the change of seasons, how have your energy and mood been lately?” You can ask yourself this question, too. Paying attention to mood shifts that come with seasonal changes can help you respond to yourself and others with greater understanding, and reach out for support if you need it.

Visit Senior Life Solutions at cedarcomem.com/seniors

Abby Chilton, LCSW is

a therapist at CCMH Senior Life Solutions. She works with SLS program participants to overcome mental health challenges.

Do you have a question or topic for Abby? Send her an email to see the answer in a future newsletter!

Ask Abby

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