Health

Colonoscopies are once again available at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Since mid-March and COVID-19, all elective procedures at Veterans Memorial Hospital have been on hold until now. Anyone that is due for a colonoscopy or is concerned about symptoms is welcome to schedule a consultation. Individuals who are interested can call the Surgical Coordinator’s office at Veterans Memorial Hospital and ask to be set up for a consultation for a colonoscopy. Those interested may need to see their regular provider in addition to the surgeon prior to the procedure.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care has availabilities for immunizations which are now held on an appointment-only basis. During COVID-19, the walk-in immunization clinics will remain on hold, but for those who want to call ahead and make an appointment, they can do so by calling 563-568-5660. When the appointment is made, instructions are given for the private location the immunizations will be administered. With school right around the corner, the Community and Home Care public health office advises families to make their appointments now to be sure all needed immunizations are received before school begins. Immunizations are extremely important. They have eradicated Small Pox, eliminated polio from the Americas, and they have almost eliminated Tetanus, Diphtheria and Rubella.  Immunizations have also greatly reduced the occurrence of Measles, Pertussis and Meningitis. Millions of deaths and other tragedies have also been prevented by vaccines.

The need for blood has not stopped during COVID-19 and is always in even higher demand over the summer months, 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. The next blood drive will be held Thursday, July 9 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.

The regular Caregiver Support Group meetings held monthly at Veterans Memorial Hospital have been canceled due to the COVID-19 virus. However, this support group is now being held through conference calls. Northeast Iowa Agency on Aging is offering Caregiver Support Group conference calls every Monday from 10-11 a.m. To join a call, dial 1-800-264-8432. Then enter the participant code 961847# to be connected to the support group conference call, joining other caregivers. Northeast Iowa Agency on Aging is reaching out to extend this program during COVID-19 to offer support to caregivers. Contact Kelly Kuennen at 800-779-8707 with any questions.
 

Memorials were received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Lee  Folsom by Jerry and Marilyn Troendle, Jeff and Pam Christianson, Ardie Kuhse, Carol Paus, Patsy Kerndt and Letha Folsom, and in memory of Ray Smith by Roger and Karen Melcher. Memorials were also received in memory of Jean Berge by Pat Pettingill, Theresa Lyons, Lois Evans, Carl and Betty Christianson, Jerry and Linda Siegrist, Mark and Linda Evans, Gordon and Louise Ellingson, Norb and Nola Palmer, Harold and Shirley Marti, Burnell and Gloria Sander, Rev Lonning, Joan Bieber and Patsy Kerndt. A memorial for Libby Withers was also received by Carolyn Thomson and Gene Maurer and an additional donation was received for Bob Thompson by Les and Ada Marie Kerndt. Veterans Memorial Hospital also received estate donations from the Henry and Carol Miene Estate and the Harriet G. Hanson Estate.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation Annual Three Person Best-Shot Golf Tournament that was scheduled for June 22 has been restructured for this unprecedented year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Foundation has partnered with the Waukon Golf and Country Club to offer an alternative “COVID - Classic” tournament which includes a round of 18 holes of golf and a $10 drink voucher to use anytime between now and October 15, 2020.

by Steven Mazzafield, Speech Pathologist, Veterans Memorial Hospital

It’s summer time again, but unlike previous years, this summer is totally different. For students, the learning environment has changed from fluorescent lights, bulletin boards, noisy lunch rooms, and classrooms filled with friends and replaced with computer screens, kitchen tables, noisy siblings, and social distancing from friends. As a result, parents may have concerns about their children’s academic success or possibly falling behind.

We know children tend to do worse on academic tests after summer vacation, sometimes referred to as “brain drain.” Math and spelling also are more likely to get worse over summer break. And of course, if your child is already falling behind or a poor reader, summer vacation can have an even greater impact. On top of all of this, children are also missing out on important opportunities to socialize with friends.

Veterans Memorial Hospital visiting hours have been extended from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, but are still limited to just one visitor per patient per day. For patient safety, the hospital is still enforcing the following guidelines:
· Adult patients will be permitted one visitor over the age of 18 per 24-hour period. The one identified visitor per 24-hour period must be registered daily.
· The visitor can do this by entering through the main entrance of the hospital, where they will be screened prior to entering and escorted to the patient room by a staff member.
· OB will maintain the current restriction of one support person for the entire stay.
· Visitors are always required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering. This is without exception. Visitors who cannot tolerate a personal face covering will not be allowed to visit.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care has availabilities for immunizations which are now held on an appointment-only basis. During COVID-19, the walk-in immunization clinics will remain on hold, but for those who want to call ahead and make an appointment, they can do so by calling 563-568-5660. When the appointment is made, instructions are given for the private location the immunizations will be administered. With school right around the corner, the Community and Home Care public health office advises families to make their appointments now to be sure all needed immunizations are received before school begins.

Immunizations are extremely important. They have eradicated Small Pox, eliminated polio from the Americas, and they have almost eliminated Tetanus, Diphtheria and Rubella.  Immunizations have also greatly reduced the occurrence of Measles, Pertussis and Meningitis. Millions of deaths and other tragedies have also been prevented by vaccines.

The need for blood does has not stopped during COVID-19 and is always in even higher demand over the summer months, 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. The next blood drive will be held Thursday, July 9 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.