Health

The annual Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Pillow Perk will be held Monday, October 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Lower Level of Veterans Memorial Hospital. Kraft Pillow Service will be on site to make old pillows look like new. Everyone is encouraged to bring in their feather pillows to the Pillow Perk to be cleaned, sanitized and given new ticking. Foam and Dacron pillows may also be renovated by this process. Feather beds may be brought in to have them made into new pillows.

All items can be dropped off at the hospital’s loading dock entrance, located on the east side of the hospital, along the golf course. All items will be completed and ready for pick-up the same day.

For more information, feel free to call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Postville Clinic celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at the newly expanded clinic September 24, a project funded in part by a $25,000 donation from the Black Hills Corporation Foundation.

Ivan Hackman, Operations Supervisor for the Black Hills Energy Decorah District, attended the ribbon cutting to present a check ahead of the grand opening. These funds will help put the finishing touches on the clinic expansion and equipment upgrades aimed at better serving the needs of citizens in Postville and surrounding communities. 

“Rural healthcare clinics and providers are vitally important to the communities they serve,” said Hackman. “These medical and mental health services reduce healthcare burdens, connect patients to resources, and help keep people in their homes and communities longer. We are grateful to have such a clinic in Postville and are proud to support the work they do.”  

Flu and Covid Shots continue to be offered throughout various locations in Allamakee County during the month of October by Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health.  

Walk-In flu shot and Covid shot clinics will be offered all remaining Wednesdays in October, including October 14, 21, and 28. These walk-in clinics will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. at the main entrance of Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Appointments can also be made for afternoon immunizations these same days by calling 563-568-5660.  These afternoon by-appointment vaccines will be administered at the Community and Home Care office located at 12 E. Main Street in downtown Waukon.

Flu shots are recommended for all those who have not yet received the vaccine and will be effective throughout the rest of the flu season.

Northeast Iowa Mental Health Center (Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health) began providing mental health services in northeast Iowa in May of 1956. In December of 1972 services expanded to include a substance use disorder treatment program. Throughout its history the focus of the agency has been the mission of promoting recovery and quality of life for the residence of northeast Iowa.

Join NEIBH in celebrating 70 years October 15, for their annual meeting and open house honoring employees and their commitment to our mission. The Annual Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. at the main office, 905 Montgomery Street, Decorah. The Open House is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feel free to join NEIBH in recognizing the dedication and hard work of their employees over the last 70 years.

Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health is a private non-profit organization licensed and accredited by the State of Iowa and CARF. NEIBH is a safety net provider for all individuals seeking assistance.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon was made aware last week of callers using the hospital’s information when contacting people, stating they are selling products here at the hospital, which is not true. This time of year, scamming phone calls will be on the rise due to the Medicare open enrollment period. The hospital would like to alert the public to be extra cautious of phone calls for possible scams.

For any questions on any phone calls that may have been received that seem suspicious from the hospital, feel free to call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 for more information.
 

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be holding itsfirst ever retail scrub sales at Veterans Memorial Hospital Monday, October 26, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. located in the ICN Conference Room on the Lower Level of Veterans Memorial Hospital.

The Scrub Rack uniform shop from Dubuque will be on site showcasing numerous brands and varieties of scrubs for shopping and taking home that same day. Scrubs, lab coats, student uniforms and also a wide variety of medical accessories will all be on sale in a variety of sizes. The Scrub Rack is also willing to order and send any items that may not be on hand that day.

These sales are open to anyone who works in any type of medical setting and/or anyone who wears scrubs to work.

Parking for the scrub sale will be easily accessible on the east side of the hospital, along the golf course. Signage will be marking the entrance with the sales conveniently located right inside the door.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community and Home Care-Allamakee is working to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for breast cancer and provide information about breast cancer screening. According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, breast cancer is one cancer type that is largely driving Iowa’s high overall cancer incidence rate.

There are more survivors of breast cancer living in Iowa than of any other type of cancer, with an estimated 38,200 survivors. Breast cancer has the second highest incidence rate of all types of cancer in Iowa, accounting for 14.1% of all new cancer cases in 2026 with an estimated 3,050 Iowans being diagnosed with breast cancer this year. An estimated 380 Iowans will die of breast cancer in 2026.

When a caregiving role ends after a loved one dies, moves into residential care, or recovers, daily life may suddenly feel unfamiliar.

Former caregivers may experience grief, relief, guilt, loneliness, or uncertainty. These emotions can occur together and may change from one day to the next. Adjusting to the loss of familiar responsibilities can take time.

A new routine can begin with manageable steps, such as eating regular meals, following a consistent sleep schedule, planning one activity each day, and spending time with supportive people.

Reconnecting with interests, relationships, and community activities can also help former caregivers develop a renewed sense of structure and purpose.

When emotional changes persist or begin to interfere with daily life, additional support may help.

Measles cases are on the rise and are highly contagious.  Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people of all ages around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.

The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called MMR). The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of the hospital.     

Scams are becoming more common, and sometimes  difficult to distinguish. This month, Deanna Hageman, director of Northeast Iowa RSVP will be at the  meeting to discuss the Top 10 Red Flags for Fraud and Scams.

Medicare scams are going to be even more prevalent during Medicare open enrollment. Vicki Bloxham, SHIIP volunteer will also be present to briefly discuss Medicare Open Enrollment and the importance to participate in this every year. This year, the open enrollment period for Part D plan is October 15-December 7. Mettille will also update everyone on medication assistance programs that are available to those who qualify.