With COVID-19 cases on the rise following the holidays, many are caring for someone at home who has been diagnosed with the virus. The following is a list of ways to care for and support those sick at home with COVID-19 from the CDC:
Provide Support
• See if over-the-counter medicines for fever help the person feel better.
• Make sure the person who is sick drinks a lot of fluids and rests.
Watch for warning signs
• Call their doctor if the person keeps getting sicker.
• For medical emergencies, call 911 and tell the dispatcher that the person has or might have COVID-19.
Exercising is important to do all year round. One should not feel that they need to stay indoors to exercise during cold weather. A good workout outdoors in the winter can be very exhilarating. Just follow the steps below for keeping it a safe outdoor winter workout:
• Warm up longer than usual before heading outdoors in cold weather.
• Keep skin dry. This in turn will keep the exerciser warmer.
• Dress accordingly using many layers. Be sure that the outer layer will break the wind. Add a fluffy layer, like fleece or wool, to trap heat in. And long underwear is good to keep the skin dry.
• Always wear a hat to prevent heat loss through the top of the head.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves to allow air to circulate better between the fingers, keeping the hands warmer.
Always be sure to exercise in a safe, well-lit area. Stay clear of any icy spots and proceed with care in snow. One never knows what may lie under those snow-covered spots.
The dry air experienced during the winter months is an integral factor in creating dry skin problems. Heating systems to warm homes and offices, most commonly forced-air heat, wrings even more moisture out of the already dry air. This dry air can take moisture right out of the skin and causes the top layer, which is made up of dead skin cells, to flake.
What can a person do?
1. Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier to replace the moisture in the air. Fewer static electricity shocks will be given off of light switches, and clothes, especially sweaters, won’t crackle or stick to the body.
Sean and Samantha Larkin of Harpers Ferry announce the birth of their daughter, Alaina Lucille Larkin, born January 1, 2022 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and measured 19 inches in length at the time of her birth. She joins siblings, Jonah (9) and Charlotte (1-1/2).
Grandparents are Angie Anderson of West Union, Bob and Peggy Larkin of Dorchester, Becky and Greg Benjegerdes of Waukon, and Shari and the late Al Brink of Postville. Great-grandparents are Curt and Linda Gjere of Decorah, Rose Larkin of Lansing, Dale and Eleanor Underbakke of Burr Oak, and Lucy Brink of Postville.
Russell and Elisheva Abbott of Decorah announce the birth of their daughter, Miryam Joy Abbott, born January 2, 2022 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 8 lbs. 13 ozs. at the time of her birth. She joins siblings, Levi (16), Liat (14), Maiah (12), Gideon (10) and Boaz (6).
Grandparents are Richard and Rose Abbott of Waukon, Deb Hagensick of Decorah, Nancy Decker and David Decker of Jerusalem, Israel. Great-grandparents are Howard McIntosh of Decorah, and Dean and Alice Abbott of Ridgeway.
Irv “IJ” Peterson, 71, of Harpers Ferry passed away at his home January 3, 2022. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 29 at The Spillway in Harpers Ferry from 1-4 p.m. Memorial donations may be directed to the family.
Irv John Peterson was born December 3, 1950 to Irving and Donna (Aldrich) Peterson in Waterloo. IJ attended East High School in Waterloo. He was united in marriage to Sylvia Darlyne Shepard July 2, 1968 in Kirksville, MO.
IJ worked at John Deere for 29 years. He served on the safety committee at John Deere for many years. He was also a member of the UAW Local 838. IJ enjoyed golfing, fishing and spending time with friends at the local hangout. But most importantly, he loved spending time with his family.
Douglas D. “Doug” Shaffer, age 71, of Janesville died Thursday, December 23, 2021 at the Denver Sunset Home in Denver after a brave battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 15 at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the family or Cedar Valley Hospice.
Doug was born August 9, 1950, the son of Donald and Lenora (Heinmiller) Shaffer in Sioux City. He graduated from Postville High School in 1969. He earned a BA in music and percussion from the University of Northern Iowa in 1973.
Doug was married to Julie Ball in August of 1974 and had two daughters, Trina (#1) and Kristi (#2). They were divorced in 1991.
Doug was united in marriage to Vera “Vee” McCormick February 15, 2003 in Lansing and gained daughter (#3) Lisa. Vee preceded him in death July 2, 2014.
Wendy Sue Gress- Yearous, 60, of Monona died Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at her home in Monona. Funeral Service was held Tuesday, January 11 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona with Rev. Erika Lenth as the officiant. Burial followed in the Oakland Cemetery in Waukon. Memorials may be sent to the MFL Ambulance, P.O. Box 65, Monona, IA 52159.
Wendy was born September 9, 1961 to John “Jack” William and Gale Marie (Kurth) Bissell in Guttenberg. She graduated from MFL High School in 1979 and attended NICC in Calmar for a brief time for Nursing.
Carol (Nichols) Hageman touched many lives. One of her joys was giving, and she gave so much joy to family, friends and more. Bright eyes, warm smile, helping hands. Carol loved keeping up a lively correspondence with the people in her life. Her notes, cards, emails and phone calls let people know she was thinking of them.
Speaking of cards, Carol played a range of games with her husband, family, and several clubs that were dear to her. She loved to reminisce about her high school years. She loved her class reunions and having coffee with her classmates on Wednesdays at Java John’s before the pandemic. Carol was a great planner who loved incorporating many favorite things and foods into special events.
And Carol loved her family. She was a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, and a really fun grandma. The good life for Carol was a life of heartfelt care and connection with others.
