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Clearfield Hospital offers programs to the public
Saturday, June 09, 2012
By Jeff Corcino Staff Writer
From child safety seat checks and CPR courses to diabetes and childbirth education programs, Clearfield Hospital offers a number of educational programs for the public.
Dr. Cathy Civiello, education director at the hospital, offers several health-related education programs for the public.
The hospital's child safety seat program is popular with both parents and grandparents, Civiello said. For this program, people bring their vehicle to the hospital and Civiello, certified child safety seat inspector, will inspect to see if it is properly installed, give instructions on how to safely install the seat, and how to safely place and secure the child in the seat.
She also has several specialized child safety seats on hand that are used for children who can't use a traditional seat. These include if they have a cast that won't fit into a traditional safety seat, or if the child has to be lying down, to demonstrate how these seats are properly installed.
To participate in this program, call the hospital at 768-2345 to schedule an appointment; Civiello said she usually only needs one day's notice for an appointment.
For those who are found to have an unsafe child safety seat, the hospital has grant funds available to parents who cannot afford a proper seat.
Another program Clearfield Hospital offers is a diabetes education program once a month. The program has two three-hour sessions and can be attended with a friend or family member.
Topics include definition of terms, medications used, laboratory testing, self-monitoring and how to cope with symptoms, Civiello said.
Other topics include foot and skincare, dietary management, high and low blood sugar, sick day management, stress, complications and self-care/management.
The program is free of charge, but it is required that participants call the hospital so instructors know what materials to bring, Civiello said.
The hospital also has a free child-birthing class to prepare mothers for the childbirth process. The class has four two-hour classes for expectant mothers and their coaches. It includes information on what to expect at the hospital, what the various phases of childbirth are and what will happen during each stage, as well as relaxation techniques to help the mother be more comfortable.
These classes are held every other month; call to be placed in the class closest to the due date.
The hospital's CPR courses are also popular. Clearfield Hospital offers CPR courses for both health care professionals and private individuals, and upon request will send someone to private businesses to train employees, however, there is a charge for this course.
The hospital also has educational tours for students. For younger, elementary-aged students the tour is meant to familiarize the children with the hospital so they aren't as scared if they or a family member has to go to the hospital. They will also explain what the various departments do, an explanation of good drugs and bad drugs, etc.
For high school students, the tour is tailored for those interested in going into the health care field, and will give them information on what career opportunities are available in the field as well as related fields such as information technology, Civiello said.
The hospital also has educational programs for the public when requested. For example, if an organization, group or club asks them to give a program on a health-related topic, Civiello said.
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