Health

The local Grief Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital Tuesday, November 13 at 5 p.m. in the Education Conference Room. This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss whether it be death, divorce, illness or some other grief. Feel free to attend and bring a friend. This grief support group now meets the second Tuesday of each month at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
 

From the American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in women in America. This year, more than 250,000 women will learn for the first time that they have this disease and more than 40,000 women will lose their lives. However, when breast cancer is detected early and treated promptly, suffering and ultimately the loss of life can be significantly reduced.

Women are encouraged to ask their doctors and other health care providers about mammography screening. Mammography (an x-ray picture of the breast) is the single most effective method to detect breast changes that may be cancer, long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt. Early detection, followed by up-to-date treatment, provides women with better chances for long-term freedom from the disease. But mammography screening must be done routinely.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care is offering flu shots every Wednesday afternoon during its regular immunization clinics. The next flu shot clinics will be held Wednesday, October 31 from 1-4 p.m. and again Wednesday, November 7 from 1-6 p.m. The Community and Home Care Immunization Clinic is located on the upper level of Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Immunization clinics are held from 1-6 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month, and from 1-4 p.m. all other Wednesdays. Flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, and a combination of flu and pneumonia vaccine will all be available. Tetanus shots will be offered as well.

The local Grief Support Group will hold its monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital Tuesday, November 13 at 5 p.m. in the Education Conference Room. This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss, whether it be death, divorce, illness or some other grief. Feel free to attend and bring a friend. This grief support group now meets the second Tuesday of each month at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
 

The local Caregiver Support Group meets monthly at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. The meetings will take place the third Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held Monday, November 19 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the ICN Conference Room, located on the lower level of Veterans Memorial Hospital.

This informal meeting is open to anyone who provides care and support for a family member or friend. Feel free to attend and bring a friend.  This new Caregiver Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
 

The LifeServe Blood Center will not be holding a blood drive in Waukon in November. The next Waukon blood drive will be held Monday, December 10 from 12-5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with its blood and blood products.

The LifeServe Blood Center seeks donors to ensure a safe and plentiful blood supply in Iowa. Because there is no substitute for human blood, the need for donors is continuous.

The blood that is collected is tested carefully. In fact, all blood that is collected by any blood collection center is tested the same, according to the federal regulations.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years of age, be in general good health and weigh at least 120 pounds. Appointments are encouraged and walk-ins can only be accepted as the schedule permits. To schedule an appointment, call the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.
 

Reservations are being taken now for the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s 27th  Annual Christmas Fantasy held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 9, 10, 11 and 12, at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. The theme will be “Never Stop Believing.”

Reservations are now being taken for the popular Saturday and Monday Noon luncheons and the Saturday evening Wine, Cheese and Dessert Event. The luncheons are sponsored by the Allamakee County Cattlemen’s Association, and will be held Saturday, November 10, at Noon, and again Monday, November 12 at Noon. A full meal will be served plus entertainment will be provided at both events. All guests will have ample time to view all of the displays. Reservations can be made by calling 563-568-6262.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Radiology Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital holds extended hours into the evening to allow for more mammogram appointments to be scheduled after work, making the option of mammography more accessible.

Mammography (an x-ray picture of the breast) is the single most effective method to detect breast changes that may be cancer, long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt. Early detection, followed by up-to-date treatment, provides women with better chances for long-term freedom from the disease. But mammography screening must be done routinely.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care continues to offer flu shots every Wednesday afternoon during their regular immunization clinics. The next flu shot clinics will be held Wednesday, October 24 from 1-4 p.m. and then again Wednesday, October 31 from 1-4 p.m. and each Wednesday afternoon thereafter. The Community and Home Care Immunization Clinic is located on the upper level of Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.

Immunization clinics are held from 1-6 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month, and from 1-4 p.m. all other Wednesdays. Flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and a combination of flu and pneumonia vaccine will all be available. Tetanus shots are always offered as well.

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Lillian Christianson by Jim and Ele Klenske, Jane Dietrich, Bob and Linda Thompson, Sigurd and Barb Ness, Marcella Selberg, Carol Moe, Mae Jean Bakke, Marlys Leiran, Ernie and Donnalee Osland, and the Allamakee County Food Shelf.

Memorials were also received in memory of Tony Schulte by Tom and Joan Fritz, in memory of Leonard Heiderscheit by Dr. Bill and Libby Withers, and in memory of Lucille Halverson by Patsy Kerndt, Richard and Annabelle Marti and the family of Lucille Halverson. In addition, the Foundation also received a donation from Marlene “Mickey” Cook.

Memorials and donations are appreciated by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. The Foundation is a 501C3 organization. All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. Memorials and donations can be sent to 40 First Street SE, Waukon, IA  52172.