Health

Wed
28
May

32nd Annual Foundation Golf Tournament registration going on now


32nd Annual Foundation Golf Tournament ... The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s 32nd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will be held Monday, June 16, at the Waukon Golf and Country Club beginning with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. All those interested are asked to pre-register their team by calling the Waukon Golf and Country Club at 563-568-9939. Submitted photo.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s 32nd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will be held Monday, June 16, at the Waukon Golf and Country Club beginning with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m.

Teams of three will play 18 holes of golf. Breakfast rolls, lunch, dinner and prizes for everyone will all be provided for a specified donation.

This is the 32nd annual golf tournament the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation has sponsored.  All those interested are asked to pre-register their team by calling the Waukon Golf and Country Club at 563-568-9939.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation is a volunteer board who raise funds to help promote health care in the area communities served by Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH).
 

Wed
28
May

Auxiliary of VMH to hold Garage Sale June 5-6

The members of the Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be holding their third annual garage sale at FreedomBank in Waukon in conjunction with the Waukon City-Wide Garage Sales.  The Auxiliary garage sale will be open Thursday, June 5, from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and again Friday, June 7, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital is devoted to providing the hospital and its patients and visitors with many services. The Auxiliary also holds annual fundraisers such as the Women’s Health Day Luncheon, the Pillow-Perk in mid-October, the Gift Case at the hospital and their annual membership drive each July.   

Wed
28
May

May observed as Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

by Sue McMillan, Nurse Practitioner, Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinic-Waukon

Osteoporosis, a very common condition, is when bones become weak and brittle such that a fall or minor stress like coughing or bending over can cause a break in the bone. Bones most commonly affected are the hip, wrist and spine.

What causes osteoporosis? Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced.  Osteoporosis happens when replacement of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of bone.

Osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal women, although men can be affected as well.  Healthy diet, weightbearing exercise, avoidance of smoking and avoidance of excessive alcohol are the mainstay prevention strategies. Sometimes medication can be used to help reverse osteoporosis and slow the rate of bone loss once it occurs.

Wed
28
May

Allamakee Public Health recognizes May as Hepatitis Awareness Month; Iowans are encouraged to help protect against hepatitis

This May, Allamakee County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) are proud to recognize Hepatitis Awareness Month, reminding all Iowans that protecting their health starts with knowledge and action. Hepatitis can affect the liver and overall health and well-being of children and adults. Throughout the month, Iowans are encouraged to take proactive steps to help protect themselves and their loved ones through routine testing and safe practices.

“Hepatitis is preventable, treatable and, in many cases, curable - something positive about this potentially life-threatening disease,” said Sheryl Darling-Mooney RN. “Every Iowan deserves the chance to live a healthy life. By learning more about hepatitis - and acting on what we learn - we can help protect ourselves, our families and our communities.”

Wed
28
May

Blood donors have an 88% lower risk of having a heart attack; Become a donor

Consider a different way to give back to the heart of the community by donating blood. The next local drive will be held in Waukon Monday, June 2 from Noon-5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.

People who give blood have an 88% lower risk of having a heart attack so giving blood is a win-win situation for both the donor and the recipient. Blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin are all checked at every blood donation so donors know if it’s high or low and can see patterns that may cause concern, helping keep them healthy and reducing heart attack risk.

Wed
28
May

May recognized as National Mental Health Awareness Month; What to say and not say

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative shared the following statements in an effort to stop the silence and start talking about mental illness by sharing what to say and what not to say to create a supportive environment.
What to say…
• Thanks for opening up to me.
• Do you want to talk about it?
• Is there anything I can do to help you?
• I’m here for you.
• Tell me more.
• Are you getting the care and support you need?
• Can I drive you to an appointment?
• How are you feeling today?
Do not say …
• It could be worse.
• Just deal with it.
• Everyone feels that way sometimes.
• You may have brought this on yourself.
• You’ve got to pull yourself together.
• Maybe try thinking happier thoughts.

Wed
21
May

National EMS Week is May 18-24; A time to thank those dedicated volunteers for making a difference


National EMS Week observed at Veterans Memorial Hospital ... National EMS Week is a time to show gratitude toward emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who provide lifesaving care across the nation every day. This year’s theme is “We Care. For Everyone.” More EMTs are needed in every community. For more information about local EMT service opportunities and classes, contact Cheryl Livingston, Paramedic, EMS Instructor, at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411. Submitted photo.

This is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. National EMS Week is a time to show gratitude toward emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who provide lifesaving care across the nation every day. EMS Week is also a time to educate the public about EMS and the essential service they provide to the area communities. This year’s theme is “We Care. For Everyone.”

EMS Week began in 1974 after a proclamation called on the nation to support efforts to improve emergency medical care across the county. Much has changed in the care provided by emergency medical professionals since that time, but the dedication to help others continues.

Wed
21
May

VMH to host Safety Day Camp June 4 in Waukon for all children


Safety demonstrations during Safety Day Camp ... This year’s VMH Safety Day Camp will encompass a wide range of safety topics that are educational for all children, with some of those sessions pictured in the photos above and at left. The camp will be held Wednesday, June 4, at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds. A small fee per child will include lunch, snacks, a take-home goodie bag, first aid kit and a safety day camp T-shirt. Registration forms are available at the main entrance of Veterans Memorial Hospital, at Allamakee County Extension or online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YMQPJPL. Submitted photos.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be hosting the Safety Day Camp for children ages six to 14 Wednesday, June 4, at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp is open to all children in the area of that age range. The Safety Camp provides instruction about safety topics that are relevant to every child’s life.

Children often see the outdoors as an exciting playground - providing endless hours of fun and adventure. But the great outdoors can set the stage for tragedy. That is why this safety camp was established by Veterans Memorial Hospital and Allamakee County ISU Extension 25 years ago.

Wed
21
May

May is Mental Health Awareness Month; The steps to take to help from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative

According to the Healthiest State Initiative, there are steps that can be taken to help a friend or family member through a mental health crisis. A mental health crisis could look like suicidal thoughts and behaviors, self-injury, a panic attack, a reaction to a traumatic event or disruptive/aggressive behavior.

Wed
21
May

Over 200 individuals enjoy VMH “Family Wellness Fair” May 14


VMH’s “Family Wellness Fair” held May 14 in Waukon ... The VMH “Family Wellness Fair was held May 14 at the VMH Medical Clinic, Veterans Memorial Hospital and Gundersen Clinic in Waukon. Over 40 booths, educational displays, activities and demonstrations were viewed by over 200 individuals during the event. Pictured above and below are some of those displays and activities those attending were able to take part in and learn from. Submitted photos.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) “Family Wellness Fair” welcomed a crowd of over 200 visitors this year during its Hospital Week celebration.  Visitors toured the VMH Medical Clinic, Veterans Memorial Hospital and Gundersen Clinic along their route to the over 40 booths and educational displays, demonstrations, activities, and give-aways provided by the numerous agencies who service Allamakee and northern Clayton counties.

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