Health

 Veterans Memorial Hospital Administrator Mike Myers, RN, was informed recently that the Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare has made the decision to discontinue water births. This decision also affects Veterans Memorial Hospital locally as the Waukon Mayo Clinic physicians are the ones who deliver babies in the birthing tub at the hospital.
In an August 12 news release, Mayo stated this decision follows a joint opinion issued by the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which, in brief, indicates underwater deliveries should only be done in the context of a clinical trial.  

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Radiology Department has announced the hospital is now offering appointments for MRI testing every Monday through Friday. Formerly, the service was available just two days per week, but as of July 1, these services are  available every weekday by appointment and for emergencies as available.
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a way of obtaining very detailed images of organs and tissues throughout the body without the need for x-rays or “ionizing” radiation. Instead, MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, rapidly changing magnetic fields, and a computer to create images that show whether or not there is an injury, disease process or abnormal condition present.

There never seems to be enough hours in a day, but in those few hours we are loaded with deadlines, responsibilities, errands and expectations. With stress weighing us down, our daily tasks get harder and harder to handle. Like a heavy backpack weighing us down, getting heavier as the day goes on. Fortunately, there are four steps to help reduce stress and help to cope with the inevitable stressors of everyday life.
Avoid: Believe it or not, it is possible to escape some of the minor stressors that tend to trouble us.
• Take control of the stress that fills your day.
• If the drive home is stressful, try buying a new CD to make the commute more enjoyable.
• If a coworker is constantly irritating you, create physical distance between the two of you.
• Say no when necessary.
Alter: Communication and letting people know where you stand can make a world of difference.

Veterans Memorial Hospital will be offering free blood pressure checks by the hospital’s Community and Home Care Department at the Waukon Corn Day celebration Friday, August 14. The tests will be performed in the Veterans Memorial Hospital first aid tent located in the Waukon State Bank parking lot from 4:30-7:30 p.m. during the Corn Days meal. A community health survey will also be offered for any adult to fill out while enjoying their meal.
Hand washing demonstrations will also be offered at the hospital booth and a first aid station will be available if needed.
For more information on these activities, call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.

Veterans Memorial Hospital recently received a generous donation of children’s books from Jackson Moore, son of Andy and Emily Moore of Waukon. For his birthday, in lieu of presents for himself, he requested that his friends bring a book to be donated to the hospital for children of any age to enjoy. Jackson is pictured here with many of the books his friends so generously gave him in honor of his seventh birthday. These books have been scattered around into every department of the hospital by the housekeeping staff to ensure each waiting room has a few new books for the young patients to enjoy while visiting the hospital. Submitted photo.

In October, 2014, Veterans Memorial Hospital began a partnership with Whitney Sleep Diagnostics and Consultants to provide comprehensive sleep medicine services. Patients can now receive diagnosis and treatment for Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome, Narcolepsy or any of the 84 known sleep disorders.
People who snore excessively or stop breathing during sleep may have sleep apnea.  It is estimated that up to 18 million American adults have sleep apnea. People who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or not waking up refreshed may suffer from a treatable sleep disorder.  

Veterans Memorial Hospital will be sponsoring the 22nd annual 5K Cardiac Classic Run/Walk on Saturday, August 15th, in conjunction with the Waukon Corn Days celebration. The event welcomes walkers and runners of all ages.  It will begin and end at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 8 a.m. with registration beginning at 7 a.m.
The event will be broken down into two categories, a run and a walk. The distance of both events is five kilometers (3.1 miles) and will begin just outside the southeast entrance to the hospital.
All those registering for the 5K run will be divided into male/female divisions and categorized by their age into one of the following groups: 17 and under, 18 to 25, 26 to 40, 41 to 50, and over 50. Medals will be awarded to the top place male and female runners in each age category and trophies will be awarded for the best overall time in the men’s and women’s running divisions.

 The members of the Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital are actively recruiting new and returning members throughout this month to join them during the Auxiliary’s annual membership drive.

With the onset of summer heat, the Iowa Department of Public Health advises every one to take measures to prevent heat stress.
Serious health complications from heat include exhaustion, stroke and dehydration.
Heat exhaustion occurs when sweating, the body’s cooling system, fails to eliminate heat fast enough. The first signs of heat exhaustion are faintness, rapid pulse, flushing or reddening of the skin, and often accompanied by stomachache or headache. When heat exhaustion symptoms occur, stop all activity and drink liquids such as water or re-hydrating fluids (Gatorade, Powerade, or for children, Pedialyte). Do not drink alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated soft drinks. If possible, take a cool shower.

Veterans Memorial Hospital will be offering a variety of free health tests and education at the 2015 Allamakee County Fair.  Testing and educational materials will change daily by the following schedule:
Wednesday, July 15:  6-10 p.m. - Massages by certified massage therapist Edna Wyninger.
Thursday, July 16, 4-8 p.m. - Free blood sugar and diabetes testing by Teresa Myers, R.N., Certified Diabetes Educator.
Friday, July 17, 4-8 p.m. - Fine Motor Skill Testing and Obstacle Course by the Rehab Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
Saturday, July 18, 4-8 p.m. - Free cholesterol testing by Machelle Bulman, R.N., Education Coordinator.
Sunday, July 19, 12 noon - 4 p.m. -Free blood pressure checks by the Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Nurses.  
Veterans Memorial Hospital will also be offering a hand washing challenge to all adults and children attending the fair.  Participation prizes will be awarded.