Health

Following the Emergency Use Authorization of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is partnering with county public health departments to vaccinate Iowans. Both vaccines are currently being administered in Iowa to the Phase 1A priority populations of health care personnel and long-term care residents and staff.

As more vaccines become available, Iowa’s Infectious Disease Advisory Council (IDAC), will review guidance issued by the CDC’s advisory group, the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP), to further prioritize populations to receive the vaccine in Iowa. IDAC is currently reviewing ACIP recommendations for Phase 1B and 1C priority populations.

The Caregiver Support Group meetings that were held monthly at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon continue to be held through conference calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is offering weekly Caregiver Support Group conference calls every Monday from 10-11 a.m.

To join a call, just dial 1-800-264-8432. Then enter the participant code 961847# to be connected to the support group conference call, joining other caregivers.

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory Nona Hansmeier by Marvin and Marjorie Strike, Beverly Shafer, Ryan and Kari Smith, Chuck and Lois Votsmier, Roger and Jeanette Ruegnitz, Randy and Karen Loeb, Dave and Laurie Martin, Fred and Geralyn Smith, Jan Brandsmeier, Betty Hogan, Rev.

COVID-19 vaccine has been received by Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Allamakee Public Health, which has since been busy vaccinating the Tier 1A group of health care workers who have been approved to receive this first round of vaccine. Veterans Memorial Hospital staff has responded well this last week in getting the vaccine. Pictured above is Sheryl Darling-Mooney, RN, Public Health Supervisor of Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care receiving her vaccine, being administered by Summer Garin, RN. The Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health office will keep the public informed as changes are made in the tier groups and they can expand those who qualify to receive the vaccine.

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Thursday, January 7 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Blood drives are held every month in Waukon. The LifeServe Blood Center of Iowa supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with blood and blood products. Many Iowans are encouraged to make donating blood on a regular basis their New Year’s resolution this year.

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. LifeServe 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 Caregiver Support Group meetings that were held monthly at Veterans Memorial Hospital continue to be held through conference calls during COVID-19. Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is offering weekly Caregiver Support Group conference calls every Monday from 10-11 a.m.

To join a call, just dial 1-800-264-8432. Then enter the participant code 961847# to be connected to the support group conference call, joining other caregivers.

by Amy Robinson, PT
Director, Veterans Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation

In order to avoid hurting the back when shoveling snow from the sidewalk or driveway, be sure to warm up your muscles before you begin. Walk a few minutes or march in place. Stretch the muscles in the arms and legs, because warm muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured.

It is also important to pick the appropriate shovel for yourself. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body. Be sure to lift with your legs and not your back. Bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible so that the lifting comes from your leg muscles and keeps the strain off of your back.

Memorials were received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Julie Christianson by Trent and Lori Jacobs, Dave and Laurie Martin, Lorraine Drew, Mary Ann Hager, Marilyn Bulman, Richard and Susan Schulte, James and Jill Kiesau and Dennis and Sandy Deal.

Memorials were also received in memory of Maury Gallagher by Dave and Laurie Martin, Pat Pettingill, Dr. David and Susan Hahn, Mary Ann Hager, Lorraine Gallagher and family and friends of Maury Gallagher.

Memorials were received in memory of Rita Kregel by Mary Ann Hager and in memory of Robert “Bob” Malli by Gwen Brainard.

In addition, a general donation was received by Lawrence and  Marsha Benda as well as a donation for both breast cancer detection and diabetes education from Mary Ann Baker.

Ness Pumping and Porta Potty Rentals, along with Monroe Auction Service, hosted its fourth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Saturday, October 24 in the Waukon City Park to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and detection. Breast Cancer survivors were asked to sign a pink porta potty sporting the breast cancer ribbon, t-shirts were distributed and refreshments served.

The two families awarded the proceeds raised from that walk to Veterans Memoria Hospital to be used towards the 3D mammography machine at the hospital.  The $3,200 donation helps Veterans Memorial Hospital finance this 3D mammography machine, which is clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

The statistical benefits of digital 3D mammography include the following:

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Thursday, January 7, from 12-5 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Blood drives are held every month in Waukon. The LifeServe Blood Center of Iowa supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with blood and blood products. Many Iowans are encouraged to make donating blood on a regular basis their New Year’s resolution this year.

The need for blood does has not stopped during COVID-19 and is in even higher demand, so the local blood drives continue to be held. 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.