Hank likes the rainbow colors that are created by the sun shining through the glass hanging in our cabin window.   A dispersive prism breaks up light into its constituent spectral colors (the colors of the rainbow). Prisms can be used to reflect or refract light. I had a week where my activities shed a lot of light on community and population health issues.

I attended the St. Luke’s strategic planning meetings that provided a glimpse into the future state of health care in our region and our country. Our health system remains focused on exceptional patient care in all of our delivery channels. There are many factors that require review to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency for those who care for patients and eliminate unnecessary duplication. It is critical that each patient has an easily accessible medical record – wherever we are so is our medical information. Assuring this data is accurate and available will assist our providers and each of us as we take more responsibility for our own health decisions.

The weekend was spent on the golf course in Jack’s Classic.  Jack Cilek left an indelible mark on his family, friends and our community in a life cut short by a rare form of cancer.  The picture is one of many that were on the tee boxes at Meadow Creek and Jug Mountain golf courses.  Each of them carried a quote from Jack.  Jack left us too early – his memory lives on while the funds raised for Mountain States Tumor Institute and Jack’s scholarship at Bishop Kelly will help with a cure and to inspire students.  The event raised $83,000 in its second year and the passion around Jack and his legacy gives me confidence it, and his legacy, will continue to grow.

Golf can certainly challenge your attitude but with a reminder from Jack on each tee it was easy to stay focused on the “why”. You realize the issues he faced with a sense of calm and good humor and it highlights the importance of retaining perspective. Jack liked to say “All I am going to focus on is the day and the moment.” “There comes a point in time when we forget about everything we are hearing and seeing and make up our own mind.”  Wise beyond his years Jack often advised -“As always, have a fantastic day and stay classy.”

Take good care of yourself and inspire others to do the same.   Mike