Health

Tue
31
Oct

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Questions and Answers about Mammography


3D mammography available at VMH ... October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pictured is Laurie Moody (left) showing her appreciation to Mammography Technician Renee Stokman (right) next to the 3D mammography machine at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH). Over a year ago, Moody had a routine mammogram at the hospital that found she had breast cancer. She went on to the Gundersen Center for Breast Care in La Crosse, WI for further testing and surgery. A year later, Moody is healthy, happy and thankful for the skilled technicians who work locally in the VMH Radiology Department. “I give major kudos to VMH for finding my cancer early with their state-of-the art mammogram machine and skilled technicians. The person who reads the exam is always the one who gets the credit, but it’s the person with the skills to take the good pictures who is really most important,” states Moody. “I encourage all women to not be afraid and get your mammogram and do it annually!” Submitted photo.

From the American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in women in America. This year, more than 250,000 women will learn for the first time that they have this disease and more than 40,000 women will lose their lives. However, when breast cancer is detected early and treated promptly, suffering and ultimately the loss of life can be significantly reduced.

Women are encouraged to ask their doctors and other health care providers about mammography screening. Mammography (an x-ray picture of the breast) is the single most effective method to detect breast changes that may be cancer, long before physical symptoms of the disease can be seen or felt. Early detection, followed by up-to-date treatment, can provide women with better chances for long-term freedom from the disease. But mammography screening must be done routinely.

Tue
31
Oct

Blood Donor Day held monthly, scheduled next for November 2; Results of successful October drive

Did you know that one pint of whole blood can save up to three lives? The next blood drive will take place Thursday, November 2 from 12-5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.

Blood drives are held every month in Waukon, allowing for more donors to give. Last month, 52 units of blood were collected in Waukon saving 156 lives.  LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) with its blood and blood products.

Anyone who lives to the age of 72 will have a 95% probability of needing blood or blood products at sometime in their life, so blood donors are greatly needed.

Tue
31
Oct

Grief Support Group to meet November 7 at VMH

The local Grief Support Group will be holding its monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Tuesday, November 7 at 5 p.m. in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital. This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss, whether it be death, divorce, illness or some other grief. Feel free to attend and bring a friend. This grief support group usually meets the second Tuesday of each month at VMH in Waukon, except when they meet this first Tuesday of November.
 

Tue
31
Oct

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connection Recovery Support Group and Family Support Group are available to everyone as locally-based resources

Millions of people around the world are impacted by mental health issues, either directly or indirectly. For each individual living with a mental health condition there are also family members who are dealing with the challenges of support and care for these loved ones.

It can be hard to know what to do when experiencing a mental health challenge, but National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can offer assistance to those who are in need. One function of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is to offer support for all those impacted by mental health conditions. National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups both for those who live with mental health conditions and the individuals who love those directly impacted.

Wed
25
Oct

Flu shots and COVID shots now available every Wednesday at Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care-Allamakee Public Health


Flu and COVID vaccines available at VMH ... Walk-in COVID and Flu vaccine clinics continue at Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health. These vaccines will be given all Wednesdays in October at Veterans Memorial Hospital. Walk-in clinics will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. and appointments can be made for immunizations Wednesday afternoons by calling 563-568-5660. According to the CDC, it is safe and effective to receive multiple immunizations, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, during the same vaccination appointment. Submitted photo.

The COVID vaccine is now being offered in conjunction with flu shots at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health. Flu shots are recommended for all those who have not yet received the vaccine, and they will be effective throughout the rest of the flu season.

According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, flu vaccines are proven to help prevent millions of illnesses and have been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor by 40-60%. COVID-19 vaccines help protect by creating an antibody response without having to experience potentially severe illness or post-COVID conditions.  Although it is still possible to get sick after being vaccinated, flu and COVID immunizations are proven to help prevent severe illness, which can be lifesaving.

Wed
25
Oct

Christmas Fantasy 2023; Make reservations now


32nd Annual VMH Foundation Christmas Fantasy ... The theme of the 32nd annual Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy is “Wishing You a Merry Grinchmas!” The Fantasy will be held November 10-13, at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Reservations are now being taken at 563-568-6262 for the popular Saturday and Monday Christmas Fantasy Luncheons sponsored by the Allamakee County Cattlemen’s Association. The luncheons, as pictured above, include a meal served among the trees, plus entertainment and ample time to view all of the decorations. Submitted photo.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation Christmas Fantasy returns this year in its entirety. Reservations are being taken now for the Foundation’s 32nd annual Christmas Fantasy which will be held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 10, 11, 12, and 13, at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion. The theme is “Wishing You a Merry Grinchmas!”

Reservations are now being taken for the popular Saturday and Monday Noon luncheons and the Saturday evening Wine, Cheese and Dessert Event.

The luncheons are sponsored by the Allamakee County Cattlemen’s Association, and will be held Saturday, November 11, at Noon, and again Monday, November 13 at Noon. A full meal will be served plus entertainment will be provided at both events. All guests will have ample time to view all of the displays. Reservations can be made by calling 563-568-6262.

Wed
25
Oct

Veterans Memorial Hospital celebrating National Physical Therapy Month in October


Rehabilitation Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon ... October is National Physical Therapy Month. Pictured above is the Rehabilitation Department at VMH. This staff works with people of all ages, helping them to reduce pain and regain strength, independence and health, assisting patients within the hospital, patients in the hospital on a skilled level of care, as well as outpatients and in patient homes. Pictured, front row, left to right: Sara White, PTA; Amy Robinson, PT, Rehab Director; Amy Ghelf, PTA; Abie Daniel, PT; Shelly Valley, PTA and Athletic Trainer; Alana Gavin, PT; and Steven Mazzafield, Speech Therapist. Back row, left to right, includes Brad Krambeer, Athletic Trainer; Austin Troendle, PT and Athletic Trainer; Melissa Clarke, OT; Tami Gebel, OT; Dacia Johnson, Office Manager; and Laurel Hagensick, PT. Submitted photo.

National Physical Therapy Month ... Don and Mary Jane McGraw of rural Waukon, pictured above, have both benefited from the many services offered by the Rehabilitation Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital; Don following a tractor accident a couple of years ago and Mary Jane recently following a fall. They greatly appreciate the local specialties provided. Submitted photo.

The Rehabilitation staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) works with people of all ages, helping them to reduce pain and regain strength, independence and health. The Healthy Lifestyles Rehabilitation Center at VMH is fully equipped for all rehabilitation patients with 17 weight machine stations, tread mills, exercise bikes, NuStep and eliptical machines. The six treatment rooms allow one-on-one evaluation and treatment with the therapist.

Wed
25
Oct

VMH to host Public Forums in all Allamakee County communities

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) administration staff is currently visiting each Allamakee County community to offer a public forum to update the communities about the hospital’s progress and offer a chance for public input.  

Last fall, residents of Allamakee County overwhelmingly voted to convert the hospital to a county facility.  As the hospital was preparing for that county-wide vote, similar public forums were held. At those meetings, it was stated the hospital would do this every year in an effort to offer personal contact with the communities and an opportunity for feedback.

Michael Coyle, VMH CEO will be leading these discussions and states, “I’m excited to be back out in the area communities of Allamakee County to talk about VMH, our current services, and new services that will help our patients and their families stay close to home for their healthcare needs.”

Wed
25
Oct

Stroke Support Group to meet

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Speech-Language Pathologist Steven Mazzafield offers a Stroke Support Group for individuals who have experienced a stroke, as well as caregivers and family members affected by stroke.

Monthly meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital.  The next Stroke Support Group meeting will be held Thursday, November 2, at 2 p.m. in the Large Conference Room.

The Stroke Support Group provides opportunities to share tips, tricks, or trials among participants, offer support for caregivers, and provide an opportunity for socialization.

While strokes can happen at any age, risk of stroke is greatest as we get older with the majority of strokes occurring after the age of 70. Risk factors for stroke include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, binge drinking, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Wed
25
Oct

Grief Support Group to meet November 7 at VMH

The local Grief Support Group will be holding its monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Tuesday, November 7, at 5 p.m. in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital. This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss, whether it be death, divorce, illness or some other grief. Feel free to attend and bring a friend. This grief support usually meets the second Tuesday of each month at VMH in Waukon, except when they meet this first Tuesday of November.

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