Health

This is National Handwashing Week. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends washing hands to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The recommendations for effective handwashing and use of hand sanitizer were developed based on data from a number of studies.

People often get sick when they make contact with germs from feces on their hands. These kinds of germs can get onto hands after people use the toilet or change a diaper, but also in less obvious ways, like after handling raw meats that have invisible amounts of animal feces on them. A single gram of human feces - which is about the weight of a paper clip - can contain one trillion germs.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.