Washington Health System

KIDS AGE 14 OR OLDER CAN VOLUNTEER AT WASHINGTON HEALTH SYSTEM. MAKING A DIFFERENCE Whether your teenager is interested in pursuing a career in the health eld or simply wants to learn valuable job skills, serving as a junior volunteer helps keep our hospital aoat. "We have several volunteers who solidied their career choice through volunteering, or realized they didn't want to work in the medical eld before they went to college," says Rebecca Biddle, Director of Volunteer Services at WHS. "Our volunteers provide much-needed support on the clinical side by working with patients and families in the emergency room, outpatient surgery and critical care areas. We also have non-clinical placements working in the gi shop, visitors' desk oradmissions." Potential volunteers submit an application, including personal references, then come in for an interview to discuss whether this opportunity is a good t for them. Once accepted, junior volunteers must have a health screening (including proof of immunizations and a tuberculosis skin test), as well as attend an orientation. Junior volunteers commit to at least 50 hours of volunteer work, or two to three days each month. » JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS ARE ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM IN JANUARY, MAY AND SEPTEMBER. TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FOR THE JANUARY DEADLINE, VISIT WHS.ORG/VOLUNTEERSERVICES. TEENS » LOOKING FOR A PEDIATRICIAN? VISIT WHS.ORG AND CHOOSE THE "PHYSICIAN FINDER" OPTION. "You can make sure your kids have fun but are ultimately safe in what they are doing," says Tom Pirosko, DO, Emergency Department Physician and Medical Director at Washington Health System Greene. "Always know where your kids are, and put safety first." KEEP THESE GUIDELINES IN MIND AS YOU CELEBR ATE THE SPOOKIEST HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR. Halloween is synonymous with a variety of fun activities that should be practiced with caution and care. DRESSING UP Avoid long, owing costumes that may increase the likelihood of tripping and falling, and make sure that kids can see clearly by avoiding masks or hats that cover the eyes. PUMPKIN CARVING TRICK OR TREATING If you are planning to slice and dice a jack-o-lantern, make sure that adults are running the show, and choose special pumpkin carving tools instead of standard kitchen knives. Organize a buddy system so that nobody is walking around alone, and wear light-colored and reective clothing that drivers can see easily. Also, carry ashlights and look both ways before crossing the street. for a T O P T I P S Saf Hallowee F A L L 2016 | connections whs.org 15

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