Mitchell County | Health Scene | Summer 2019

MCRHC Rehabilit R ehabilitation Services has seen significant changes, both in space and in the addition of services. The department has more than doubled in size and features a more private waiting area, a much larger gym space and more treatment rooms for increased privacy. In February, a full-time speech therapist joined the treatment team. This addition allows Rehabilita- tion Services to meet a wider range of patient needs—from speech and occupational therapy to respiratory therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy (which includes sports rehabilitation). What is a speech-language pathologist? Sometimes an injury or a condi- tion can make it difficult for us to communicate—to speak, share our feelings or understand others, for instance. When that happens, there are medical professionals who can help. They are called speech-language pathologists. Speech therapy can help a variety of people with a wide range of problems. For example, you might see a speech-language pathologist af- ter having a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. He or she could help you with any lingering difficul- ties in speaking or comprehend- ing others. You might also see a speech-language pathologist about problems swallowing. Children who are deaf or people who are hard of hearing might benefit from the services of a speech-language pathologist— who might teach them how to rec- ognize or make sounds in order to communicate. A speech-language pathologist also can help children who have autism spectrum disorder com- municate and provide training to family members and caregivers as well. MCRHC Rehabilitation Services include: PHYSICAL THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SPEECH THERAPY RESPIRATORY THERAPY CARDIAC REHABILITATION Kelly Heckstein, speech thera- pist, is a 2012 Osage High School graduate. Heckstein attended Hawkeye Commu- nity College, where she com- pleted an associate’s degree. She completed her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Heckstein earned her master’s degree in speech and language pathol- ogy at UNI in 2018. Most speech-language pathologists have mas- ter’s degrees. Graduate programs often include Jamie Sledd Physical therapist and director of Rehabilitation Services Kelly Heckstein Speech therapist Kjersti Mayer, RN, BSN Cardiac rehab coordinator Will Johnson Physical therapy assistant Janet Kennedy Physical therapy assistant Jordan McPheron Physical therapist Kayley Schulz Occupational therapist courses in speech and language development, age-specific speech disorders, alternative commu- nication methods, and swallowing disorders. According to Heckstein, speech therapy ser- vices are available for people of all ages, from birth through older adulthood. Speech therapy helps patients with swallowing disorders, social commu- nication issues, developmental delays and autism. It also assists patients with alternative communica- tion devices, such as iPads. “I think everyone deserves a voice, no matter how they communicate,” Heckstein says. For services, call Heckstein at 641-732-6082 or ask your primary care provider for a referral. Meet our new speech therapist 2 HEALTH SCENE