Health

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, September 17, at 10 a.m.  The meeting will be held at Veterans Memorial Hospital in the Large Conference Room, located on the lower level of the hospital.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or has a friend or loved one with diabetes.  For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, call  Angie Mettille, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
 

Measles cases are on the rise and are highly contagious.  Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.   The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called MMR). The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

Two doses of MMR are required for elementary and secondary school entry in Iowa. The first dose should be given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose is usually administered as part of the kindergarten shots given between 4-6 years of age. Generally, persons who started elementary school in Iowa after 1991 and were up-to-date on all school entry vaccine requirements have received two doses of MMR vaccine.

Conversations about suicide can be deeply uncomfortable, yet they’re often essential. This is especially true when speaking with older adults, who may be quietly struggling with emotional pain, isolation, or a sense of hopelessness.

Many people hesitate to ask an older parent, grandparent, neighbor, or friend if they’re having suicidal thoughts. It can feel intrusive, awkward, or even frightening. But asking the question - directly and compassionately - can be a powerful act of care.

Older adults, particularly those aged 75 and older, have the highest rates of suicide of any age group, according to a recent study by Harvard researchers. Suicide risk increases with age, and factors like chronic illness, loneliness, grief, and reduced independence contribute to a mental health crisis in later life, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Podiatry Department has a new podiatry chair thanks to the generosity of donors supporting the Veterans Memorial Health Care  Foundation with memorial donations.  This new chair is used regularly for all podiatry patients during appointments with Dr. Kristina Thompson, and offers the patients and the provider a variety of advantages.  

“I am very grateful to the Foundation for providing our specialty clinic with a procedure chair. This chair has greatly benefited my patients by providing comfort while receiving podiatric care locally,” states Dr. Thompson, Podiatrist. “We are able to use the procedure chair to perform numerous in-office procedures, from basic toenail cutting to minor surgical procedures to treat ingrown toenails and hammertoes.”

by Katy Maker, Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinics

Gynecologic cancers include cervical cancer, endometrial, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and vulvar cancers. Of these cancers only cervical cancer is preventable in 90-percent of cases. Screening for gynecologic cancers is important despite feelings of embarrassment.  With an awareness of how personal these exams are, I would strongly recommend establishing care with a healthcare provider that you feel comfortable with, who is respectful, and understands trauma-informed care and that you are sure will answer your questions and respect your concerns.

The local Grief Support Group will again be holding their monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon Thursday, September 3, from 5-6 p.m. in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital. Nancy Haberichter will be facilitating the meeting.

This informal meeting is open to anyone who may be 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 will continue meeting the first Thursday of each month at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
 

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory Floyd Ingles by Kay Carter, Patsy Kerndt, Carol Sivesind and Chuck and Lois Vostmier; in memory of Merrill Jacobs by Wendy Bucheit, Jerry and Carla Schnuelle and Beth and Bill Shafer; in memory of Gary Joahnningmeier by Eunice Kolsrud, Beth and Bill Shafer and Linda Siegrist; in memory of Roger Kruger by Joan Bieber, Patsy Kerndt and Ernie and Donnalee Osland; and in memory of Margaret Krambeer by Mary Fink, Larry and Mary Jo Moore, Rob and Virginia Moore as well as an anonymous donor.

Memorials were also received in memory of Gayle Larkin by Joan Bieber and Chuck and Lois Votsmier and in memory of Jean Mathis by Marilyn Clark, Jane Dietrich, Brad and Erin Berns, Don and DiAnne Haler, James and Jill Kiesau, Dave and Sandy Lyons, Diane Regan, Linda Siegrist, Margo Sweeney and Chuck and Lois Votsmier.

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), Elliott Jewelers and the Waukon Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Wellness Night Out will be held Tuesday, September 1, from 4-7 p.m. at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. The theme for this event is “The Strength Within.”

A total of seven different speakers on a variety of popular health and wellness topics will outline the night at very specific times so guests can come and go throughout the evening if they wish.  The doors will open at 4 p.m. with the first 200 ladies attending receiving a goodie bag filled with information, freebies and coupons. The first hour, ladies will have time to wind around the 50 health and wellness vendors that will be on site sharing information, drawings and giveaways.

It is common for families and caregivers to notice when something seems different about an older loved one. They may seem withdrawn, lose interest in activities, worry more than usual, or have difficulty managing changes in daily life.

Grief can affect people in many ways. It may show up as sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep, loss of interest, or difficulty finding comfort in familiar routines. For older adults, grief may be connected to the loss of a spouse, friend, independence, health, or a long-held role in life.

These changes can be signs that additional emotional support may be helpful. Reaching out for care can be an important step toward connection, understanding, and improved well-being.

These experiences deserve care, patience, and support.  Talking with others in a supportive setting can help older adults process what they are experiencing and build coping skills for the days ahead.

by Beth Shafer, Growth and Development Coordinator, Veterans Memorial Hospital

Making a gift to the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation has never been easier. With postage rates continuing to rise, donating online is not only quick and secure - it also saves the cost of a stamp while ensuring your entire gift goes to supporting local health care.

To make an online donation, simply visit www.veteransmemorialhospital.com. Then, click on About, Foundation and then simply click the “Donate” box.  Donors can make a one-time or recurring gift to the Foundation by using a credit or debit card. Gifts may also be designated to a specific fund, project, memorial or tribute if desired.