Health

This July, celebrate freedom by giving someone more time - every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs blood or platelets. The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, July 6, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the First Baptist Church located in south Waukon. The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation. Donations often become harder to maintain when regular routines shift during busy travel months.  This July, keep hospital shelves celebration-ready.

During the summer, people become more active, have busier schedules, spend more time outdoors and take vacations. While donations decline, hospitals see an increase in the need for blood.  More driving can mean more automobile accidents.  A person who has suffered severe injuries from an automobile accident can need up to 50 units of blood.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Postville Clinic is pleased to announce their new physician, Dr. Olaitan Akinboboye will begin seeing patients in the clinic July 14.  Dr. Akinboboye will again add a physician choice to the clinic, following the retirement of Dr. Thomas McMullan last November.  Dr. Akinboboye will join nurse practitioners Minji Ransom, NP; Katie Maker, NP/Nurse Midwife; Hannah Kelly, NP; Mason Kerian NP; and Alex Berns, NP, who all provide family medicine one to two days a week at the Postville Clinic as well as at the Waukon Clinic. 

Dr. Akinboboye will offer family medicine solely at the Postville Clinic and will be available to see patients of all ages.  

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Senior Life Solutions (SLS) Department suggests making small home updates to help reduce stress in life. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. Simple home updates like better lighting, decluttering favorite spaces, or adding comfortable seating can help create a calmer, less stressful environment.  A peaceful home can support emotional well-being at every age.

Free sports physicals will be offered at the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH)Clinic-Waukon in July for all junior high and high school students who need the physical for participating in school sporting events.  These will be held at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Waukon Clinic on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, July 8 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 22 5:30-8:30 p.m.
 
These clinics will include all necessary documentation, including a concussion screening, for participation in all school activities.  Physicals are scheduled in 1-hour segments. The clinic staff will not be administering vaccines during this time.  If those are needed for students, feel free to call the clinic at 563-568-5530 to schedule an appointment.

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, July 6, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.  Fewer than 4% of eligible blood donors actually take the time to donate blood. The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with blood and blood products.  

Numerous memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Stan Straate by Matt Armentrout, Dr. Wilfred H.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s 33rd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will be held Monday, June 22, 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 the donation of $100 per person or $300 per team. Only a few spots remain for teams to sign-up.

from Allamakee Public Health and the Public Health Collaborative

As temperatures increase this summer, stay informed and prepared for extreme heat conditions. Heat-related illnesses occur when a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. Many factors can increase body temperature including dehydration, living and working in spaces without air conditioning and intense physical activity.  Knowing what actions to take if experiencing heat-related illness is essential during extreme heat. 

The following outlines those who are most affected by heat-related illness:
• People who work outside, athletes and children.
• Infants, young kids and pets.
• Adults ages 60 and older.
• People without air-conditioned houses, cars and work places.
• People with chronic health conditions.
• People with reduced mobility and limited access to transportation.
• Pregnant, expectant mothers.

from Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Senior Life Solutions (SLS)

As the year reaches its midpoint, it’s a good time to check in with yourself. How are you really feeling? A mid-year mental health check-in can help older adults pause, reflect, and take steps toward emotional well-being.

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program provides support for older adults facing depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. If someone you know is struggling, reaching out can make a difference.

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program offers compassionate, outpatient group therapy designed to help older adults feel understood, supported, and connected. Anyone age 65 and older and needs support is encouraged to reach out by calling 563-568-5560 or visit www.veteransmemorialhospital.com.

Free sports physicals will be offered at the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH)Clinic-Waukon in July for all junior high and high school students who need the physical for participating in school sporting events. These will be held at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Waukon Clinic on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, July 8 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 22 5:30-8:30 p.m.
 
These clinics will include all necessary documentation, including a concussion screening, for participation in all school activities.  Physicals are scheduled in 1-hour segments. The clinic staff will not be administering vaccines during this time. If those are needed for students, feel free to call the clinic at 563-568-5530 to schedule an appointment.