Health

From the American Institute of Cancer Research and Veterans Memorial Hospital

Early detection can prove to be lifesaving when it comes to detecting and fighting breast cancer. There are four important ways to play a crucial part in finding breast cancer early on, which could significantly increase one’s chances of recovery should one be diagnosed with the disease.

October is National Physical Therapy Month. The entire Rehabilitation Department remains very busy safely caring for patients during COVID-19. The physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and cardiac rehabilitation staff all take the highest precautions with each and every patient, including leaving appropriate time between procedures and using all personal protective equipment and protocols.

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

The planning of the 2021 Christmas Fantasy is underway and decorators and silent auction donors are needed. The format of the event was changed again this year to keep the event COVID-safe with decorations and lighted displays being set up outside on the Allamakee County Fairgrounds. Only the silent auction items will be displayed for viewing inside the Pavilion but the bidding will actually happen online this year.

This year the theme for Christmas Fantasy will be “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” which fits an outdoor, drive-through or walk-through Fantasy of lighted displays located in front of the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. The event will be held evenings November 18-22.   Any type of outdoor lighted display is appropriate such as a tree, a wreath, a lawn ornament, an outlined item, a blow-up decoration, etc.

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Larry Lamborn by Scott and Kim Bollman, Donald McCormick, Mary Ann Hager, Ardie Kuhse, Eric and Stephanie Palmer, and Jane Lamborn.

Memorials were also received in memory of Norbert Kruse by Carol Paus, Allen and Dawn Skoglund, and Kathy Kruse; in memory of Bernadette Whalen by Patsy Kerndt, Diane Regan, and Pat and Karen Whalen; in memory of Verna Samb by Don and Linda Herman, Jean Huffey, and Richard and Annabelle Marti; and in memory of Richard “Dick” Schlitter by his family and friends.

In addition, the Health Care Foundation received general donations from Leo “Butch” and Lilah Troendle, Meryle Honn and Marlene Cook.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care continues to offer flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations every Friday afternoon.  The next clinic will be held Friday, October 29, 2-3:30 p.m., and then again Friday, November 5 at the same times.

COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may be administered at the same visit, on the same day. For example, COVID-19 vaccines can safely and effectively be administered the same time as the flu vaccines.

Medicare does cover the cost of the flu shot. Billing for vaccinations will be completed by the Community and Home Care staff, but participants will need to bring their physician’s name and their Medicare number or private insurance card with them. Those who do not have insurance that covers these can also pay for this vaccine; however, the COVID vaccine is free.

Halloween is just around the corner. The CDC recommends that all adults and children aged 12 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine, but many trick-or-treaters aren’t eligible to get vaccinated yet. To help enjoy a sweet and safe Halloween, remember the following:  track local transmission rates, take precautions like wearing a mask and washing hands, and avoid activities that put you and the children around you at increased risk for COVID-19.

Take these SAFE precautions and have fun:
• Incorporate a cloth or surgical mask into your costume.
• Trick-or-treat in small groups outdoors or enjoy other outdoor activities.
• Wash hands before eating candy.
• Track local virus transmission rates and take extra precautions where rates are high.

The need for blood has not stopped during COVID-19 and is in even higher demand, so the local blood drives continue to be held each month. Life Serve team members only report to work if they are healthy and only healthy donors are eligible to give blood.

Blood drives are essential medical services and not considered mass gatherings. The number of donors is limited to ensure donor separation and staff has strict cleaning and disinfection schedules. Other measures are also in place to ensure the safety of the blood supply so these lifesaving donations can continue during COVID-19.

The next local blood drive will be held Thursday, November 4 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.   

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health has not yet received approval to administer the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 boosters.

CDC Advisory recommendations have been made regarding booster vaccines of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. However, Allamakee Public Health has not received the go-ahead approval from the Iowa Department of Public Health and, in fact, has been told not to proceed with any boosters until they do receive approval.

Allamakee Public Health asks the public to not call the agency about these booster doses as this further impedes their ability to manage their daily workload. They will keep the public updated with any changes and plans moving forward.

Veterans Memorial Hospital will be offering the next recertification course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for health care providers (those working in health related fields such as physicians, nurses, EMS, etc.) Monday, November 1, beginning at 5 p.m. This “Health Care Professional” CPR class will be held in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of the hospital.

There is a fee to attend and all registrants should bring along their own pocket mask, if they have one. Upon successful completion of the class, the participant will receive an electronic card certifying them as a BLS Healthcare Provider for a two year period.

Pre-registration, plus a minimum of three participants, is required for the class to be held. All participants will be required to physically distance during the class and wear a mask.  They will also be screened at the hospital main entrance when they enter the building.

October is National Physical Therapy Month. The Rehabilitation staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital works with people of all ages, helping them to reduce pain and regain strength, independence and health. The Healthy Lifestyles Rehabilitation Center at Veterans Memorial Hospital 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 a therapist.