Sparrow Clinton honors DAISY Award recipients
Sparrow Clinton Surgical Services caregivers were given the DAISY Team award for going above and beyond for patients
Sparrow Clinton Hospital recently honored a nurse and nursing team with DAISY Awards for their compassionate care, outstanding nursing skills, and always putting patients first.
Surgical nurse Melanie Kotowicz, BSN, RN, CEN, was named DAISY Award honoree based on a patient letter that identified her as a “star caregiver who was very patient and caring.” Kotowicz was one of seven Sparrow Clinton nurses nominated for the award.
Individual DAISY nominees included Robert Beals, RN; Britney Burton, RN; Lisa Cook, RN, CMSRN; Brittany Hagerman, BSN, RN; Lily Mendez, BSN, RN; and Angie Stebbins, BSN, RN.
DAISY Committee nurses presented Kotowicz with the award, a certificate of recognition, a DAISY pin, and a hand-carved sculpture entitled The Healer’s Touch. In addition, a DAISY Foundation banner signed by Kotowicz and previous DAISY Award winners was posted in the hospital.
“Our DAISY Award nominees personify the remarkable patient experience at Sparrow Clinton Hospital,” said Sparrow Clinton Hospital President Beth Daugherty, BSN, MPH, RN, CRRN. “These nurses exemplify the very best standards of advocacy, dedication, resourcefulness, and excellence.”
Sparrow Clinton Surgical Services caregivers received a DAISY Team Award. These caregivers were nominated by five different patients for their professional demeanor, kindness, and exceptional care. In addition, the surgical services team displayed incredible versatility throughout the pandemic, stepping outside their usual roles in support of patient care initiatives.
The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care given by nurses every day. Nurses are nominated by their patients and patients’ families.
Sparrow Clinton honors two nurses each year as DAISY Award winners. In addition, a DAISY Team Award is presented as recognition is merited. To nominate an exceptional Sparrow Clinton nurse or Nursing Team, complete and return a form from one of The DAISY Foundation displays at the hospital.
For more information about Sparrow Clinton, go to https://www.Sparrow.org/Clinton.
Mazzolini to be inducted into Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame
Gina Mazzolini – Basketball – will be inducted July 29. She is a graduate of St. Johns High School and Central Michigan University.
Her accomplishments include:
* Two-sport standout in basketball and volleyball – 1974-1978
* Still ranks third in career blocks (1.44 per game)
* Led the Chippewas to their first state title (record 42-9) – 1976-77
* Career total 988 points in basketball is still tied for 10th
* Career scoring average of 11.36 is eighth
* Career rebound total of 888 is fourth
* Career rebound average of 10.48 is second
* First ever St. Johns HS Female Athlete of the Year – 1974
* Four year letter winner at Central Michigan University (basketball and volleyball)
* CMU Athletic Hall of Fame inductee-2005
* MHSAA WISL Award Recipient – 2010
* NFHS Citation Award Recipient – 2016
* MHSSCA Hall of Fame Inductee – 2016
* MHSAA Charles E. Forsythe Award Recipient (first female) – 2016
* Distinguished Service Award Winner from the following Coaches Associations: Swimming, Volleyball and Tennis
* MHSCA Distinguished Service Award – 2016
Day Camps open
Jellyfish day at Under the Sea camp and Sports Sampler Camp: Day 1 Soccer
A Look Back One Last Time – 25th Anniversary and Class of ’65
by Barry Bauer
Celia Ebert is standing in front of what Muriel Gilson called, “Their 25th Anniversary Table.” I didn’t realize that Don and Muriel were married that long.
Celia’s parents, Bob and Kay Ebert, were good friends and close neighbors. Bob and Kay used to run a Floral Shop called, BoKay’s.
My guess is this photo was taken in the late fifties and is courtesy of Heather Gilson Theis.
Celia Ebert and her friend Lorraine Anderson Wearley attended the reunion of the Class of 1965 during the recent Mint Festival weekend.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 8 Tips for Helping a Dog That’s Scared of Fireworks
courtesy of Victoria Schade
Fireworks might be awe-inspiring for some people, but many dogs are scared of fireworks and find the sound and spectacle of them terrifying. Dog fireworks anxiety can leave your pets in a panicked state.
It should go without saying that anxious dogs don’t belong at fireworks displays, but even dogs that are at home can be overwhelmed by the noise, especially if the neighbors are setting off their own. That’s why it is so important to help your pet.
Dogs that are scared of fireworks might hide, tremble, pace or whine in response to the sounds, leading pet parents to consider trying pet meds to help deal with the behaviors. But there are alternatives.
The following tips might help reduce dog fireworks anxiety—whether you choose to train before scheduled fireworks or need tips that you can use right away.
Use Sound Training to Relieve Dog Fireworks Anxiety
You can help dogs that are afraid of fireworks learn to cope with them by setting up training sessions throughout the year, well in advance of events such as the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve.
Begin by playing a fireworks sound effect (many are available free online) at a very low level for a brief period while giving your dog a series of small, tasty dog treats and lots of praise when they remain calm. Then turn the sound off and stop giving treats.
Repeat the process with the sound at a low level until your dog looks to you expectantly when it starts. Always be sure to check that your dog is comfortable with the sounds and not displaying signs of anxiety.
Gradually turn up the sound in subsequent training sessions, varying the recordings to include a variety of firework types, until your dog begins to associate the noises with goodies and praise for having a calm demeanor.
Try a Dog Anxiety Vest
Much like swaddling helps to calm infants, a snug garment that puts gentle pressure on your dog’s torso can reduce fireworks anxiety.
Get your dog used to wearing a pressure wrap—like a dog anxiety vest—before fireworks so that by the time the event arrives, your dog will be comfortable with the garment.
You can either make your own by wrapping stretchy fabric around your dog’s shoulders and chest (make sure it’s not so tight that it restricts blood flow or the ability to breathe) or opt for a ThunderShirt that uses a patented “hugging” design to help reduce stress from dog fireworks anxiety.
Schedule a Pre-Fireworks Workout
Going for a long hike or spending time playing with pals during the day will help wear out your dog before the fireworks begin.
A dog that’s mentally and physically exhausted might be less likely to react to fireworks, so plan a day of fun activities that will leave your dog ready for a snooze.
Schedule Meals and Potty Time Early
It’s important to time your dog’s dinner and potty trips well in advance of nightfall, since fireworks typically start as soon as the sun sets. There’s nothing worse than a dog that’s scared of fireworks that needs a potty break but is too terrified to step out the door.
Give your dog enough time to finish his dinner, digest and potty before the noise begins so that he’s not forced to hold it during an already stressful period.
Keep Your Pup Occupied During Fireworks
Provide distraction by giving your dog something delicious to focus on during fireworks, like a KONG Classic dog toy.
Stuff the busy toy with special goodies like your dog’s all-time favorite treat so that he has something else to focus on during the noise.
Muffle the Noise
It’s easy to understand why dogs are scared of fireworks; the unpredictable booming sounds can be perceived as an impending threat and make a dog feel vulnerable.
While counterconditioning with a fireworks recording throughout the year will help your dog learn to cope with the noise, an easy way to manage dog fireworks anxiety during the event is to simply muffle the sounds with something else.
Plug in a white noise machine or turn on some calming music loud enough so that the fireworks are camouflaged. If your dog’s “safe zone” is his crate, you can also cover the top, sides, and back with a thick blanket and play music or sounds for him. Just make sure your dog can leave the crate if he wants to.
Comfort Your Dog
You might have heard that comforting your dog in times of stress can reinforce his fears. However, your dog’s reactions to fireworks are based on a legitimate fear. Providing comfort during this time is appropriate and often helpful.
Sitting close to your dog, petting him gently and offering quiet words of reassurance during scary events like fireworks can help to center your dog and might even reduce his fearfulness. Plus, doing so will help your dog understand that you’re his partner and that he can always turn to you when he’s feeling scared.
Consult a Professional
If your dog’s behavior doesn’t improve, find a positive trainer to help you and your dog work through relaxation protocols.
If your dog’s fireworks anxiety puts them or you in danger, talk with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist about anxiety medication for dogs and whether it is necessary.
Remember that your dog’s fireworks anxiety is a visceral response, and it will likely take a multi-step approach to help your dog feel more comfortable with the sounds.