We are here when you need us. Offering walk-in urgent care, clinical appointments and emergency care. 

• Walk-in daily for urgent care needs at the Seward, Milford or Utica Family Medical Centers. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday or 8: a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Seward Family Medical Center
• Schedule an appointment with your medical provider.
• Count on Memorial Hospital for emergency care 24/7. 

It's the perfect time to tidy up your medicine cabinet. Expired or unused prescription medications pose a public safety risk. Safeguard lives and protect the environment by bringing your unused and expired prescriptions to the Seward Family Medical Center for proper disposal.  

• No Sharps.
• Medication should be in their original containers.
• Liquids should be limited to 4oz or less.
• No controlled substances can be taken back at the pharmacy.
• We will provide you with an envelope that you can place controlled substances in that can be dropped in the mail box on your way out

Memorial Healthcare Systems has been recognized as a LEARN (Lactation Education Across Rural Nebraska) Breastfeeding Hospital Champion by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The LEARN Breastfeeding Hospital Champion campaign is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mPINC (Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care) Survey and is designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and support in Nebraska hospitals.

The initive focuses on six core topics, including immediate postpartum care, rooming-in opportunities, comprehensive feeding practices and education, continued care after baby and mom goes home and institutional management.

“I am so proud of our nursing staff!" said Lori Jerina, RN, OB director. "Everyone works so hard to provide the best experience for our new mothers and babies by fostering a supportive postpartum environment, and comprehensive breastfeeding support and education. This award showcases their hard work in providing best practices to our new mothers and babies.”

Memorial Healthcare Systems is proud to offer OB services to the Seward and surrounding communities. Learn more about these services here.

OB nurses recieve the LEARN award. From left: Madeline Gaer, Regina Nitz, Janine Liska, Lori Jerina, Jackie Moline, Samantha Hobelman, Morgan Rathjen and Kelsi Leininger.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in five deaths is due to heart disease, even though the disease is largely preventable.

Keeping your heart healthy starts with living a heart-healthy lifestyle. But first, you need to get smart about your heart. Knowing what causes heart disease, what puts you at risk for it, and how you can reduce those risks can help you make informed decisions to protect your heart and keep it strong.

Want to test your knowledge? Take this short Heart Smart Quiz:

1. True or False? High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and occurs when your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

2. True or False? Your body mass index, or BMI, shows if your weight is in a healthy range for your height and is one measure of your future risk for heart disease.

3. True or False? Cholesterol helps make hormones, vitamin D, and substances to help you digest foods. Your body needs it for good health, but in the right amounts.

4. True or False? Eating lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, using fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and limiting foods high in saturated fat or sugar-sweetened beverages are all part of a heart-healthy diet.

5. True or False? Not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

6. True or False? To strengthen their heart, adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking each week.

How did you do? Knowing your own risk factors for heart disease can help guide your lifestyle choices, so talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you’re clear. Just as important: know your numbers. Your weight, waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels all affect your heart. If they aren’t where they should be, make a pledge to begin improving them.

Adding more physical activity to your day, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing stress, getting enough quality sleep, and not smoking can put you on the path to better heart health.

Join us on Febrary 23 for our Fridays for You series. Dr. Summa will help you understand your heart and how to keep it healthy. Register now. 

Learn more about MHCS Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cardiolite Stress Testing or talk to your provider about any heart concerns.

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in Nebraska. Incidences of colorectal cancer diagnosis and death remain higher in Nebraska compared to overall U.S. rates. Additionally, of all cancer deaths in people under 50, colorectal is now number one in men and number two in women. Many people do not realize that the official recommended age for colorectal cancer screening has been reduced from 50 to 45.

“Regular colorectal cancer screening is essential. Symptoms typically appear in advanced stages, making treatment significantly more challenging. Anyone aged 45 and above, especially those with a family history of colorectal cancer, should consult their healthcare provider regarding screening," said Memorial Health Care Systems physician JB Ketner. "Colorectal cancer typically arises from precancerous polyps. Identifying and removing these polyps prevents colon cancer.”

There are multiple safe, affordable options available for screening, including at-home test kits. You can obtain a FREE Colorectal Home Screening Kit at the MHCS Health Fair on April 3. All Nebraskans are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to start a conversation about their family history of colorectal cancer and screening.

National Infant Immunization Week is April 22 - 29, 2024 an annual observance highlighting protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and promoting healthy communities.   

Through immunization, we can now protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two, diseases that once caused life-long debilitating conditions and even death. Immunizations provide the power to protect good health.

Routine childhood immuniation among children born during 1994-2018 prevent:

• 419 million illnesses
• 8 million hospitalizations
• 936,000 early deaths over the course of their lifetimes

Talk to your health care provider about immunizations and follow the recommended immunization schedule to protect your family.

Occupational therapy helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities. Occupational therapists enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent or live better with injury, illness or disability.

Memorial Health Care Systems provides Occupational Therapy to return patients to maximum independence and offers home safety evaluations to ensure continued progress at home.

We are here for you!

MHCS Therapy Services

Receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) often prompts questions like "Why me?" or "How did this happen?" It's not uncommon for individuals to experience feelings of guilt or shame upon learning about their condition, especially considering the common portrayal of T2D as a "lifestyle disease," implying personal responsibility.

However, the reality is far more nuanced, with numerous risk factors contributing to the development of T2D. Understanding these factors can help individuals process their diagnosis and alleviate any misplaced shame or guilt associated with it.

Common Risk Factors
Traditional risk factors, as outlined by organizations like the American Diabetes Association, include:
• Family history
• Race and ethnicity (certain populations have a higher risk)
• Age
• Lack of physical activity
• History of gestational diabetes or prediabetes
Additionally, living in a larger body is associated with an increased risk of T2D.

Social and Environmental Influences
Beyond these well-known factors, various social and environmental elements, medical conditions and health habits contribute to T2D risk. It's important to recognize that T2D typically develops due to a combination of these factors rather than a single cause.

Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as insulin resistance, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hepatitis C infections and fatty liver disease can increase the risk of T2D. Even conditions like COVID-19 are being studied for their potential impact on T2D risk.

Mental Health
Mental health also plays a significant role in T2D risk. Conditions like bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression have been linked to T2D. Furthermore, medications used to treat these conditions can elevate glucose levels, making management more challenging.

Health Habits
Sleep is crucial for good health. Poor sleep quality or quantity, especially common among shift workers or those with sleep disorders, is linked to diabetes risk. Chronic stress and excessive alcohol consumption are also known risk factors.

Environmental Factors
Environmental influences, such as exposure to pesticides and herbicides, air and noise pollution and lack of green space, contribute to T2D risk. Social determinants like education level and income also play a significant role, with lower levels correlating with higher disease risk.

The Complex Reality
Diabetes is not a straightforward condition with a single cause. Rather, it arises from a complex interplay of genetic, social, environmental and lifestyle factors. Understanding how these factors interact can provide insight into the multifaceted nature of T2D and help individuals better manage their condition. It's essential to approach diabetes management with compassion, recognizing that it's not solely a result of individual choices but a product of various influences.

Understanding the complexity of diabetes empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards managing their health effectively and reducing the risk of complications.

Join MHCS and Mitch Rippe, Director of Nutrition and Education for the Nebraska Beef Council on April 16 at 5:30 pm. We will be discussing how beef can be a part of a heart healthy diet. RSVP now.

n a world where heroes often wear capes, nurses don their scrubs and stethoscopes, embodying a different kind of superpower — compassion. As Nurses Week unfolds, it's a time to honor and appreciate these unsung heroes who play a pivotal role in our healthcare system.

From the ER to the ICU, nurses are the heartbeat of MHCS, tirelessly working to heal, comfort and support patients and their families. Their dedication knows no bounds, whether it's administering medication, providing emotional support or advocating for patient rights.

But their impact extends far beyond the hospital walls. Nurses are educators, mentors, and advocates for healthier communities. They work tirelessly to promote wellness, prevent diseases and address healthcare disparities.

Nurses Week is not just about acknowledging their hard work; it's about recognizing the profound impact they have on countless lives. It's a reminder to express gratitude for the long hours, the sacrifices and the unwavering commitment to caring for others.

As we celebrate Nurses Week, let's take a moment to thank these everyday heroes who continue to inspire us with their selflessness, resilience and boundless compassion. Whether it's with a simple "thank you" or a heartfelt gesture, let's show our appreciation for the remarkable individuals who make a difference in the lives of so many, every single day.

Memorial Health Care Systems is supporting the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. During the month of May, we challenge all adults to get 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

Did you know that regular physical activity increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life? It also reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults:

• Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes things like walking fast, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves.

• Do muscle-strengthening activities – like lifting weights or using exercise bands – at least 2 days a week.

  Physical activity is for everyone. No matter what shape you are in, you can find activities that work for you. Together, we can rise to the challenge and get more active during the month of May!

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotches or spots on your skin. The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented, and it can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early. Take simple steps today to protect your skin:

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Put on sunscreen every 2 hours and after you swim or sweat.

• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.

• Check your skin regularly for changes.

You have the power to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases.

• You have the power to protect yourself and your baby from serious diseases like whooping cough and the flu.

• You have the power to protect your children against serious diseases like measles, chicken pox, cancers caused by HPV, whooping cough, meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and the flu.

• You have the power to protect yourself against shingles, pneumonia, whooping cough and the flu. Vaccinations aren't just for kids.

Make sure you and your loved ones are up to date on your vaccines. Talk to your health care provider about vaccines you may need. Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious diseases. 

For more information visit our Immunizations page.

Beginning August 1, 2024, the Seward Family Medical Center, has updated its urgent care hours to better serve our community.

New Hours, More Accessibility

The Seward Family Medical Center will offer walk-in urgent care services Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 11:30 AM. Bryan Urgent Care, in partnership with MHCS, will provide walk-in urgent care services Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. The change in hours will reduce wait times, add more availability for same-day appointments and allow a more responsive healthcare experience for you and your loved ones.

A Growing Partnership for Better Health

Memorial Health Care Systems and Bryan Urgent Care entered a joint partnership in July of 2023 to meet the growing demand of same-day care needs in the community. The urgent care clinic is the only service included in the partnership. MHCS continues to be a separate organization providing hospital, clinic, retail pharmacy, physical therapy and assisted living services.

What We Treat

Urgent care services are here to help with a wide range of minor health issues, including:

• Minor injuries and illnesses
• Colds, coughs, sore throats, fevers and flu
• Allergic reactions
• Urinary tract infections, and more

We are here when you need us with exceptional care at multiple locations.

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day.

Rural communities are wonderful places to live and work, which is why nearly 57 million people – one in five Americans – call them home. These rural communities also have unique healthcare needs. National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural”, bringing to light the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face and showcasing the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders to address those challenges.