Health

Wed
27
Nov

“Gnome for the Holidays” at the 33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy 2024


Decorated Christmas trees at Christmas Fantasy ... The VMH Health Care Foundation’s 33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy drew many “Gnome” fans at the event held November 15-18, hosting 57 decorated Christmas trees and displays decorated by local individuals, businesses, organizations and classes, and each had a local person or business sponsoring it as well. Submitted photo.

Silent auction items on display at this year’s event ... A record of 140 silent auction items, some of which are pictured above, were donated to this year’s Christmas Fantasy. The Foundation expresses its appreciation to the hundreds of people who decorated or contributed in some way to make this community event so successful. Submitted photo.

The 2024 Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy drew huge numbers at the events and viewing of the large numbers of Christmas trees and record number of silent auction items on display. The event was held November 15-18 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion, and was a huge success thanks to all of the overwhelming community involvement.

A record number of auction items were donated to this year’s Fantasy by area businesses and individuals.  The 140 auction items were displayed and auctioned on a silent auction bid to the highest bidder Monday night at 6 p.m.

Trees on display during this 33rd annual Foundation Fantasy highlighted 57 Christmas Trees and displays all decorated by individuals, businesses and many groups around the area. Many individuals worked, served, and donated to this community celebration.

Wed
27
Nov

Raising Awareness of Diabetes - Part 4: Risk Factors and Prevention of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes


Managing Type 1 Diabetes ... November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Jeremy Kolsrud of Waukon knows first-hand that Type 1 Diabetes is not only diagnosed in children. He is pictured here with his medical provider, Alex Berns, NP, and Angie Mettille, Diabetes Educator. “At 52, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Managing diabetes requires lifelong adjustments, including dietary changes and regular monitoring. For me, many of these changes turned out to be positive - I improved my diet and overall health.” Submitted photo.

by: Angie Mettille, RN, BSN, CDCES

Diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose, is one of the most prevalent health concerns worldwide. While both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are related to high blood sugar levels, they have distinct causes, risk factors, and management strategies. Understanding these differences is crucial for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This form of diabetes typically manifests in childhood or early adulthood, although it can occur at any age. While the exact cause remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified:

Wed
27
Nov

November is National Home Care Month; A hidden gem available in Allamakee County


VMH Community and Home Care services available ... November is Home Care Month. Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care is a locally-based, home health care agency serving Allamakee and the surrounding counties. Registered nurses and certified home care aides travel the Allamakee County area and beyond to offer assistance to individuals who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible or need some assistance while they are recovering from an illness or recent surgery, often times after being hospitalized. This service has proven to be just what Sarah Murray of Lansing needed following her spinal cord injury. She states, “It was such a relief to find just what I needed. All of their care is so good. They are so gentle, personable and have all become a part of the family.” Submitted photo.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care is a locally-based, home health care agency serving Allamakee and the surrounding counties. Registered nurses and certified home care aides travel the Allamakee County area and beyond to offer assistance to individuals who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible, or who need some assistance while they are recovering from an illness or recent surgery, often times after being hospitalized.

Wed
27
Nov

The healing power of forest bathing: Connecting with nature for wellness


Forest bathing provides variety of benefits ... Chris Sekorski of Gundersen’s Unity House participates in forest bathing on a recent morning in La Crosse, WI. Submitted photo.

In a world filled with constant hustle and bustle, finding moments of tranquility and peace can be a challenge. However, a practice known as forest bathing is gaining recognition at Gundersen Health System for its remarkable benefits in promoting overall well-being. As more individuals seek solace in nature, one local expert is shedding light on the healing power of forest bathing.

Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is the practice of immersing oneself in the natural environment, particularly forests, to enhance mental, emotional, and physical health. It involves mindfully engaging with nature, using all five senses to connect with the surroundings.

Wed
20
Nov

Raising Awareness of Diabetes in Children - Part 3: Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes


Managing Type 1 Diabetes ... When Type 1 Diabetes is diagnosed, children require a comprehensive treatment plan to manage their condition effectively. Breckan Stewart of Waukon was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 11 years old and manages it very well. As the years have passed, she has helped others in the community cope with their new diagnosis of diabetes by her willingness to answer their questions and supporting them through the many challenges. Submitted photo.

by: Angie Mettille, RN, BSN, CDCES

When Type 1 Diabetes is diagnosed, children require a comprehensive treatment plan to manage their condition effectively. The Symptoms and Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in Children were discussed in previous articles published in The Standard, Part 1 (November 6) and Part 2 (November 13).

Since the pancreas produces little to no insulin in Type 1 Diabetes, as discussed in Part 2, children with Type 1 Diabetes must receive insulin through injections or an insulin pump. Oral medications are currently not an option for Type 1 diabetes treatment, nor are the newer weekly injectable medications popular for treating Type 2 Diabetes.

Wed
20
Nov

November is Home Care Month; VMH Community and Home Care travels Allamakee County and beyond


VMH Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health staff ... November is Home Care Month. Pictured is the Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health staff. They offer adults the assistance they need to remain living in their homes, as long as possible. Registered nurses and trained home care aides travel the Allamakee County and surrounding area offering nursing care and in-home assistance to people of all ages, offering a variety of services including nursing visits, medication set-up and administration, dressing cares, IVs, catheter and colostomy cares, overseeing rehabilitation in-home programs and personal cares. RN staff is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Submitted photo.

November is National Home Care Month. Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care offers adults the assistance they need to remain living in their homes, as long as possible.

Registered nurses and trained home care aides travel the Allamakee County and surrounding area offering nursing care and in-home assistance to people of all ages. They offer a variety of services including nursing visits, medication set-up and administration, dressing cares, IVs, catheter and colostomy cares, oversee rehabilitation in-home programs, and personal cares.  RN staff is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wed
20
Nov

November is Lung Cancer Prevention Month; Join the Great American Smokeout November 21


Respiratory Therapy at VMH ... November is Lung Cancer Prevention Month. Smokers are encouraged to join the Great American Smokeout November 21. Pictured above is Connor Meyer, Respiratory Therapist at Veterans Memorial Hospital who can help with a smoking cessation packet as well as respiratory therapy services locally to help improve lung health. Submitted photo.

According to the American Association for Cancer Research, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke causes more than 480,000 deaths in the U.S. every year.

It’s not too late to quit using tobacco. No matter your age or how long you have been smoking, quitting improves your health immediately and even more over in the long term.

Respiratory Therapist Connor Meyer at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) can also help. Connor has smoking cessation materials available for the public to help them get started in their journey to quit smoking. For more information, contact the Veteran Memorial Hospital’s Respiratory Therapy Department at 563-568-3411, Ext. 258.

Wed
20
Nov

Don’t wait until the last minute to check out Medicare drug plans for 2025; Enrollment open until December 7

SHIIP counselors at Veterans Memorial Hospital ...
SHIIP counselors at Veterans Memorial Hospital ... If you have questions about Medicare drug coverage call your local SHIIP counselors at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411. Both SHIIP Volunteers Nancy Schoh and Jim Johnson, pictured above, are trained and available to meet individually with anyone in the community who wishes to compare the Medicare Part D plans available for 2025. Appointments are required. Call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 to schedule an appointment. Submitted photo.

You have until December 7, 2024 to enroll in or change Medicare drug plans for 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute. Remember, if you’re on Medicare and don’t have drug coverage, or the coverage you have is not as good as Medicare’s, you will face a penalty for each month you delay enrolling.  

If you have questions about Medicare drug coverage call your local SHIIP counselors at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) at 563-568-3411. Both SHIIP Volunteers Nancy Schoh and Jim Johnson are trained and available to meet individually with anyone in the community who wishes to compare the Medicare Part D plans available for 2025.  Appointments are required.  Feel free to call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 to schedule your appointment. You will need to bring your Medicare card, current Part D plan card and a list of your medications from your pharmacy. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa.

Wed
20
Nov

New provider line-up includes local Alex Berns at Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic-Postville

Alex Berns, Nurse Practitioner ...
Alex Berns, Nurse Practitioner ... The Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic-Postville announces a new provider line-up, still ensuring there is a provider in the Postville Clinic each and every weekday. Alex Berns, Nurse Practitioner and Postville native, pictured above, has begun seeing patients in Postville each Monday during regular clinic hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Submitted photo.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic-Postville announces a new provider line-up, ensuring there is a provider in the Postville Clinic each weekday.

Alex Berns, Nurse Practitioner, a Postville native, has begun seeing patients in Postville each Monday during regular clinic hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  He has been providing family medicine in the Waukon Clinic for the last two years and now has expanded that care to Postville.

Berns began his career at Veterans Memorial Hospital as a C.N.A., then continued as a full-time nurse after receiving his RN degree.  After branching out and gaining experience in Hospice, Emergency, the ICU in Rochester, MN, and general inpatient care, he returned to his home area two years ago to serve his community.

Wed
13
Nov

33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy held this week: “Gnome For the Holidays”


33rd Annual Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation Christmas Fantasy scheduled for November 15-18 ... The 33rd Annual Christmas Fantasy happens this weekend at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. Christmas Fantasy opens Friday Night, November 15, at 5 p.m. with the “Tingle and Mingle” happy hour event. Reservations for the Saturday Wine, Cheese and Dessert evening, the new Brunch with Santa this Sunday and Monday’s Noon Luncheon are still being accepted by calling 563-568-4177. Be sure to see the schedule of numerous events listed within this article. Submitted photos.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2024 will be held this Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. The theme will be, “Gnome for the Holidays!”

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