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Why Volunteering is Important for Your Child

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Encouraging your child to volunteer is a great way to help them think of others. Depending on the activity, kids as young as 2 years old can be involved, and starting young helps instill a service attitude that your child will carry forward throughout their life. The benefits of volunteering are many, not only to those receiving help or support, but for your child and your family.

  • Volunteering teaches caring, empathy, and selflessness. It raises awareness of those who are in need and teaches that even small acts of compassion are valuable.
  • Helping others increases self-esteem, as your child realizes their ability to make a difference on a personal level.
  • School performance and attendance are improved in kids who volunteer according to multiple research studies.
  • Some volunteer opportunities may provide information about possible careers in medicine, politics, conservation, etc. and listing volunteer involvement is helpful on a resume or college application.
  • Physical and emotional well-being are increased by volunteering, as are social skills especially if the activity involves working as a team. Group activities provide the opportunity to meet people of different ages and backgrounds.
  • In the wake of a tragedy or natural disaster, having the opportunity to help, for example by having a food drive, makes kids feel less powerless and overwhelmed.
  • Volunteering as a family connects kids and parents with a common compassionate goal.

There are lots of ways children of all ages can volunteer. Your local chamber of commerce or downtown association typically has a calendar listing about volunteering opportunities. Food banks often need helpers as well as food donations. Schools and houses of worship are good sources for more options. Look online for organizations that send letters to veterans, deployed troops, first responders, etc.; they love to have cards and notes written by kids to distribute. Think (very) local and see if there is a neighbor who needs help with raking leaves or maybe would appreciate a visit from you and your child. As a reminder, younger children should always be accompanied by an adult for one-on-one situations.

Volunteering helps us feel capable and connected, and yet only 25% of Americans volunteer annually. Coming up is more incentive to get involved– Friday, December 5 is International Volunteer Day. Knowing the benefits, start early making volunteering part of your family’s ‘brand’. You may well inspire others to do the same and we will all be the better for it.

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Leading the Way in Rural Emergency Care

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Kittitas Valley Healthcare’s own Cody Staub, RN, CEN, has been named one of the Emergency Nurses Association’s 20 Under 40 honorees for 2025. Growing up in rural Idaho gave Cody a deep appreciation for the challenges small hospitals face and the importance of teamwork in overcoming them. As KVH’s director of emergency services, he’s helped connect healthcare organizations across the region to share training, strengthen emergency preparedness, and expand access to quality care close to home. Whether mentoring new nurses or leading community safety programs, Cody’s work reflects his belief that exceptional care shouldn’t depend on your zip code.

What I really enjoy is being able to tell people they can
come to a rural hospital and still receive great care, so that
they can feel better about living their lives,” – Cody Staub, RN, CEN

The 20 Under 40 program recognizes up-and-coming emergency nurses under 40, born after 1984, who are ENA members. Read the full October 2025 Newsletter HERE.

The Importance of a High Fiber Diet for Kids

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Kids have an increasingly processed diet, which contributes to higher risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as overall poor nutrition. There is another concern: inadequate dietary fiber. Fiber is very important for kids’ health and may play a role in decreasing colorectal cancer in young people, which although still uncommon, has alarmingly tripled in 15-19 year olds in the last 20 years. A high fiber diet is associated with a lower rate of all cancers, so starting this habit in childhood can pay off in the long run.

There are 2 types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, binds to fats and lowers cholesterol, thereby helping to prevent heart disease.  The beneficial  bacteria in the gut feed on the soluble fiber, increasing the health of the microbiome (microorganisms in the intestinal tract). By controlling the blood sugar, soluble fiber also decreases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Since soluble fiber causes a feeling of fullness, it helps regulate the appetite and assists with weight control.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It softens stool, helping keep bowel movements soft and waste going through the intestinal tract. By preventing constipation, insoluble fiber also decreases the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.

Getting fiber through a healthy diet is better than relying on fiber supplements. Healthy fiber-containing foods also have other nutrients and vitamins that a fiber supplement does not. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, nuts, lentils, beans, and whole grains. Avoid peeling fruit if possible (except for oranges, etc.) and serve the whole fruit instead of juice which has no fiber but is high in sugar. Avoid processed foods which usually have little fiber.

Include a fruit and/or veggie at each meal and emphasize fiber-containing snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and carrot/celery sticks. Not all whole grain foods contain adequate fiber, so do look at nutrition labels, aiming for at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.  Popcorn (ideally without butter) has 6 grams of fiber per serving so is fine as an occasional snack.

To estimate how much fiber your child should have daily, add 5-10 to their age. As an example, a 5-year-old should take in 10-15 grams of fiber per day. For comparison, an adult should have about 25-30 grams daily. Go slowly as you increase the fiber, otherwise bloating and discomfort may occur. If your child is old enough, you can look up recipes together using beans, lentils, and other high fiber foods and then have fun cooking up healthy meals. The whole family should make this change to a healthier high fiber diet together, with parents, as aways, leading by example.

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Celebrating Thought Leadership in Our Community: Commissioner Matthew Altman Publishes New Text on Medical Ethics

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Kittitas Valley Healthcare is proud to celebrate one of our own, Hospital Commissioner Matthew Altman, on the publication of his newest book, The Hackett Introduction to Medical Ethics: A Guide for Students, Clinicians, and Ethics Committees, co-authored with scholar Cynthia D. Coe.

As a public hospital district, KVH is committed not only to providing excellent care but also to engaging in thoughtful, values‑driven conversations about the role of medicine in society. Dr. Altman’s work exemplifies that commitment. His book offers a practical and accessible guide to complex questions that shape modern healthcare, from clinical decision‑making to healthcare policy and research.

According to the publisher, The Hackett Introduction to Medical Ethics “addresses key debates and analyzes prominent ethical perspectives on clinical medicine, healthcare policy, and human experimentation. Using numerous case studies, Altman and Coe apply value theory to contemporary medical practice and trace the repercussions for philosophical issues such as autonomy, death, and justice. The book invites a range of readers to investigate urgent moral questions at the intersection of the body and social institutions.”

This is more than a scholarly achievement; it is a reflection of the kind of leadership and inquiry that strengthens our local healthcare system. In an era when healthcare continues to evolve at a rapid pace, having a commissioner who is actively contributing to the national dialogue on ethics is both exciting and deeply meaningful. Dr. Altman’s expertise brings thoughtfulness and clarity to challenging conversations, ultimately benefiting the patients, families, and clinicians we serve.

Through clear explanations and real‑world examples, Dr. Altman and Dr. Coe make ethical theory approachable for learners and professionals alike. Their work supports healthier systems by helping clinicians and administrators better evaluate questions surrounding patient autonomy, access, resource allocation, and the responsibilities we share as a community committed to care.

We are grateful for Dr. Altman’s continued service to Kittitas County both through his leadership on our hospital board and his commitment to the broader field of medical ethics. His scholarship represents the best of what it means to serve: to ask hard questions, to listen, and to help us all navigate the complexities of caring for one another.

Please join us in congratulating Commissioner Matthew Altman on this important contribution to the field of medical ethics.

Sore Throats in Kids

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As we move into fall, viruses and bacteria begin to circulate. Kids often complain of a sore throat this time of year, which is usually caused by a virus. Viral sore throat occurs with typical cold symptoms including runny nose, congestion, cough, low grade fever, and hoarseness. Because this is due to a virus, antibiotics do not help, but the illness typically resolves on its own in about a week. Home care includes encouraging adequate fluids and Tylenol or Advil if needed for pain and discomfort; dosing depends on your child’s age and weight.

In children the most common bacterial throat infection is due to Group A streptococcus, known simply as “Strep throat”.  This illness comes on quickly and is not accompanied by cold symptoms. Strep throat causes pain with swallowing, redness of the throat, and swollen neck glands. The tonsils, which are located on both sides of the back of the throat, become red and swollen with white pus on them. There may be bright red spots on the back of the roof of the mouth. Headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and a sandpaper-like red body rash may also occur.

Strep causes 20-30% of pediatric sore throats. It is most common in kids aged 5-15 years and is very unlikely in those under age 3. Testing is done with a rapid test on a swab from the back of the throat with results are ready in minutes. Sometimes a throat culture is done to confirm a negative result though this takes 1-2 days. If there are ulcerations in the mouth or cold symptoms with a sore throat, strep testing is not usually done since the cause is almost certainly a virus.

Some kids and adults are ‘strep carriers’ meaning they carry a light amount of strep but do not typically get sick with it or spread it to others. Up to 1 out of 5 children are strep carriers. They will have a positive strep test, but do not need treatment. If kids do not have strep signs and symptoms, it is best to not test since you may pick up a carrier state which does not need antibiotics.

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, usually a 10-day course. It is paramount to finish the antibiotics, even though kids usually feel better within 2 days. The full course of antibiotics shortens the illness and decreases the risk of spreading strep to others. Antibiotics also cut the risk of inflammatory complications after strep throat such as kidney disease and rheumatic heart disease. Kids may return to school and activities after 12-24 hours on antibiotics if they are improving and without fever. Your child should also switch to a new toothbrush after antibiotics are completed.

Home care for strep includes ensuring your child is drinking adequately and getting some nutrition, which may be challenging in view of the throat pain. Cool soft foods like smoothies or popsicles are usually easiest to swallow. Avoid acidic foods like orange juice. Tylenol or Advil are fine for fevers and discomfort but follow age and weight guidelines. Aspirin is not safe for children.

Strep spreads quickly and easily by respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or talks and by sharing personal items like cups or water bottles. Since strep can be transmitted for 3 days before someone develops symptoms, it is best to routinely avoid sharing silverware, glasses, etc. Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth help limit spread of strep and other illnesses- especially important this time of year.

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Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

KVH Hospice Team Recognized Nationally for Caregiver Experience

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It all started with an email.

Earlier this summer, Jacqui Morse, Director of Home Health & Hospice at Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH), opened her inbox to find a message that made her heart skip a beat: KVH Hospice had been awarded the 2024 SHPBest™ “Superior Performer” Caregiver Experience Award.

This honor, given by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP), recognizes hospice programs that rank among the top 20% nationwide for caregiver and family experience. The award is based on feedback from the CAHPS Hospice Survey, one of the largest benchmarks in the country, which measures how well hospice providers care for patients and support their loved ones during some of life’s most tender and challenging moments.

For the KVH Hospice team, this recognition is more than just a statistic, it’s a reflection of the heart behind their work.

Jay McDonald, RN, Home Health & Hospice summed it up beautifully:

“It is nice to know our services are appreciated.”

The entire team shares that sentiment. The award has brought a wave of joy and validation, reminding each caregiver that the late nights, the gentle conversations, and the countless acts of compassion are noticed and deeply valued.

Jacqui shared that when she told the team the news, “there was this wonderful mix of surprise and pride. Everyone was smiling. At the same time, they didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of this great accomplishment. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.”

The SHPBest award shines a light on what families in our community already know — that KVH Hospice staff walk alongside patients and loved ones with grace, respect, and unwavering support.

This recognition has energized the team for the future, as they continue to carry forward KVH’s promise to be “Your Home for Health” at every stage of life.

Pediatric Influenza and Vaccination

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As school starts up again, it is inevitable that kids will pass around lots of viruses, including influenza. Influenza (often called “the flu”) is a very contagious respiratory virus which causes fever up to 103-105 degrees, muscle aches, runny nose, and sore throat. A dry cough which can become severe is common, and fatigue is often extreme.  Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.

Influenza is passed from one person to another by sneezing, coughing, touching objects that are contaminated like countertops, and sharing cups or silverware.  The time between being exposed and getting sick with influenza is 1-4 days, so it moves quickly through a community. Influenza symptoms usually last 7-10 days in kids, though the cough and tiredness can take longer to resolve. Influenza activity peaks between December and February but may start earlier in the fall.

Though influenza may feel just like a severe cold, for many it can be very dangerous, especially older adults and young children. Over 40,000 adults died last year from influenza and its complications. There were 266 reported deaths due to influenza in children this past flu season, a new record high.

Children under age 5 are most at risk of complications, including severe pneumonia caused by bacteria. Kids can also develop bronchiolitis (swelling and inflammation of the small airways) and croup due to influenza. 

Decreased appetite and fluid intake along with vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, signs of which include decreased urination, dry mouth, and sunken appearing eyes. Neurologic complications may include brain inflammation and seizures. A rare complication called Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes progressive and severe weakness, resulting in respiratory distress that can be life-threatening.

Annual influenza vaccination (of you, other family members, and your child) is your best bet to protect your kiddo. All children over age 6 months (with rare exceptions) should get vaccinated ideally before Halloween. The vaccine effect lasts about 6 months and protects up to 60% of those vaccinated from becoming infected. Although not totally protective against getting influenza, the vaccine is very effective at decreasing the severity of infection, with lower rates of hospitalization and complications including pneumonia. Flu vaccine can be given with other childhood vaccinations.

You cannot get influenza from flu vaccine, but mild side effects like a runny nose and low-grade fever can occur; these are due to the appropriate response of your immune system to the vaccine. Influenza vaccines have been well studied and are extremely safe.  In the past some have been concerned about thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, because it contains ethyl mercury. Ethyl mercury is entirely different from methylmercury, which can be harmful in high levels. Ethyl mercury poses no risk, but to minimize concern, thimerosal was removed from most childhood vaccines in 2001. It is present now only in multi-dose flu vaccine vials, which are not commonly used.

Along with influenza vaccination, don’t forget other simple ways to avoid illness during flu season such as good handwashing and avoiding sharing water bottles, drinks, or food. Influenza home care includes encouraging adequate fluids and fluid-containing foods like soup, Jello, or popsicles. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with fever and discomfort; be sure to follow age and weight guidelines.

Call your provider if your child has influenza symptoms and has difficulty breathing, appears dehydrated, or has fever for more than 3 days. You should also reach out to your provider if your child has extreme fatigue or irritability, or is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 or higher. 

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Help Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem

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Self-esteem is the way we feel about ourselves and is central to how we move through the world. If someone has high self-esteem, they feel confident and capable, and are more able to rise to a challenge and persevere. They can handle making mistakes, and do better overall in terms of school, work, and social interactions.

Those with low self-esteem feel negatively about themselves and their abilities. They may seem withdrawn, avoid challenges, and berate themselves if they feel they have fallen short. They do not stand up for themselves and may have more difficulty maintaining friendships and interacting with others.

Kids with low self-esteem may be moody or irritable. They may be hesitant to try something new, often predicting failure. If they make a mistake, they can be very self-critical, even calling themselves “stupid” or a “loser”. Self-harm (i.e. cutting of the skin) may occur as a way to deal with the negative feelings.

You can help build high self-esteem in your child by being loving, positive, and encouraging them to take on challenges. Don’t have them aim for perfection, an impossible goal, but instead celebrate when they try something hard or make progress towards a goal. Don’t give false high praise- -kids can often see through this which will make them feel less confident in their abilities.

Speak out about what makes them special and unique; avoid comparing them to others. As the parent, model good self-esteem, voicing self-confidence and your ability to tackle something challenging. Let your child hear that you are kind to yourself when you make a mistake and see that you still have self-respect.

Low self-esteem can be improved by getting out in nature (and off of phones and social media). Exercise, time with friends, and playing games can help your child feel more positively about themselves too. A volunteer activity (which you may do together depending upon their age) helps put the focus on others and how we can help instead of feeling negatively about ourselves. Your child may benefit from clubs or classes such as dance or karate that bring them together with peers they can relate to.

If your child is displaying signs of low self-esteem, talk with them about what you are noticing, and empathize with their feelings. Try to understand how the world seems to them even if what is concerning them may seem minor. If things do not improve over time, consider having your child speak with the school counselor or a therapist comfortable treating children.

By showing your child unconditional love, acknowledging their progress towards a goal, and encouraging them to challenge themselves, you can help boost your child’s self-esteem. Your child will be more confident and better able to handle what comes their way as a result.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Kittitas Valley Healthcare awarded for efforts to improve rural stroke care

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Kittitas Valley Healthcare awarded for efforts to improve rural stroke care

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award recognizes efforts to address the unique health needs of rural communities

ELLENSBURG, WA, July 29, 2025 — People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades. , Kittitas Valley Healthcare is committed to changing that.

For efforts to optimize stroke care and eliminate rural health care outcome disparities, Kittitas Valley Healthcare  has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award.

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recognizes the importance of health care services provided to people living in rural areas by rural hospitals that play a vital role in initiation of timely evidence-based care. For that reason, all rural hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines- Stroke are eligible to receive award recognition based on a unique methodology focused on early acute stroke performance metrics.

“We are proud that our team at Kittitas Valley Healthcare is being recognized for the important work we do every day to improve the lives of people in Kittitas County who are affected by stroke, giving them the best possible chance of recovery and survival,” said Deb Callins, KVH Chief Nursing Officer. “As a hospital in a rural community, we deal with unique challenges, such as extended interfacility transportation times, and limited staffing resources. We’ve made it a goal to make sure those hurdles do not affect the standard of care our stoke patients receive.

“Rural communities deserve high quality stroke care. I’m proud of our team for their commitment to stroke care excellence and this achievement. “The award recognizes hospitals for their efforts toward acute stroke care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance to guideline-directed care for intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.

“Patients and health care professionals in Kittitas County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, co-author on the American Heart Association’s presidential advisory on rural health. Kittitas Valley Healthcare has furthered this important work to improve care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

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About Kittitas Valley Healthcare: 

Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH) proudly serves Kittitas County and surrounding rural communities as the region’s only healthcare system. Governed by a locally elected Board of Commissioners, KVH operates 25 acute care, critical care, and birthing beds, providing 24/7 emergency services and a full range of inpatient and outpatient care. Through multiple clinics and specialty services, KVH offers family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, cardiology, dermatology, ENT, orthopedics, neurology, general and vascular surgery, and urgent care. Additional services include home health, hospice, wound care, workplace health, and rehabilitation therapy. Committed to keeping high-quality care local, KVH strives to improve access and enhance the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

About Get With The Guidelines®

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

[1] American Heart Association. American Heart Association issues call to action for addressing inequities in rural health. February 10, 2020. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/american-heart-association-issues-call-to-action-for-addressing-inequities-in-rural-health; American Heart Association. Public Health AmeriCorps to address health inequity in rural communities. April 6, 2022. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/public-health-americorps-to-address-health-inequity-in-rural-communities.

[2] Harrington R, et al. Call to Action: Rural Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Circulation. 2020;141:e615–e644.