Health

Wed
21
May

Blood in special demand during the summer months; Next blood drive is June 2

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, June 2, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the First Baptist Church located in south Waukon.  Blood drives are held the first Monday of each month in Waukon. The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) with its blood and blood products.

Blood centers across the United States see a decrease in blood donations during the busy summer months.  During the summer, people become more active, have busier schedules, spend more time outdoors and take vacations. While donations decline, hospitals see an increase in the need for blood. More driving can mean more automobile accidents. A person who has suffered severe injuries from an automobile accident can need up to 50 units of blood.

Wed
14
May

VMH to host Safety Day Camp in Waukon for all children Wednesday, June 4


Safety demonstrations during Safety Day Camp ... Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon will be hosting the Safety Day Camp for children ages 6 to 14 Wednesday, June 4 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. In the photo above, a demonstration during a previous Safety Day Camp shows the importance of safety and helmet use relating to any motorized bike or ATV/UTV. Submitted photo.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be hosting the Safety Day Camp for children ages 6 to 14 Wednesday, June 4, at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp is open to all children in the area. It is a true safety camp that instructs on many areas of safety that address every child’s life.

During the camp, children participate in interactive activities that reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules and sharing safety tips with their family and friends. Hands-on demonstrations teach lifesaving first aid techniques and reveal the hidden hazards of children’s surroundings. Camp demonstrations also focus on farm hazards associated with various safety topics.

Wed
14
May

National Stroke Awareness Month: The vital role of speech therapists in recovery

National Stroke Awareness Month observed at VMH  ...
National Stroke Awareness Month observed at VMH ... May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Among the many healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting recovery following a stroke, speech therapists play a crucial role. Through targeted therapy, speech therapists help stroke survivors regain independence, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with loved ones. Their support extends beyond clinical interventions, offering encouragement and practical solutions to overcome daily challenges. For more information, feel free to contact Steven Mazzafield, Speech-Language Pathologist, pictured above, at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411. Submitted photo.

by Steven Mazzafield, Speech-Language Pathologist at Veterans Memorial Hospital

During National Stroke Awareness Month, I want to shine a spotlight on the importance of awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation for stroke survivors. Among the many healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting recovery, speech therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals regain their communication and swallowing abilities after a stroke.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain damage. Depending on the area affected, survivors may experience speech, language, or swallowing difficulties - collectively known as dysarthria, aphasia, and dysphagia.

These challenges can significantly impact a person’s ability to express themselves, understand others, and enjoy meals safely. Such impairments can also affect emotional well-being, social participation, and overall quality of life.

Wed
14
May

32nd Annual Health Care Foundation Golf Tournament planned for Monday, June 16

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Annual Three-Person Best-Shot Golf Tournament is set this year for Monday, June 16 at the Waukon Golf and Country Club.

Teams of three will begin the day with a shot gun start at 9:30 a.m. and play 18 holes of golf. Breakfast rolls, lunch, dinner and prizes for everyone will all be provided for a $75 donation.

All those interested in joining the event are asked to pre-register their team by calling the Waukon Golf and Country Club at 563-568-9939. For more information about the golf tournament, call Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) at 563-568-3411.
 

Wed
14
May

Diabetes Support Group Meeting set for May 15

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, May 15, 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 month’s topic will be severe weather awareness and how to be prepared for that. Corey Snitker, Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator, will be sharing information about how to stay safe during natural disasters and will also focus on how this relates to diabetes.

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

Wed
07
May

Bandmates, Brothers and Friends and JayR Brink Band to perform this Friday; Proceeds to enhance infusion, chemotherapy services


Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) reunite this Friday in Waukon ... For a third consecutive year, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for another night of musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation this Friday evening, May 9, from 6-11 pm at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Pictured above on stage at the first event in 2023 are: Left to right - Back row: Bill Withers Jr., Gary Hesla and John Withers; Front row: Todd Pickett, Joel Anderson, Jamey Lideen, Jim Withers, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon and Keel Clemmens, with the late Pat Dougherty’s original band guitar front and center on the dance floor. Submitted photo.
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This Friday night, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for the third year in a row with another night of musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. This year they will be joined by The JayR Brink Bank as part of the musical line-up, all taking place this Friday evening May 9, from 6-11 p.m. at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon.

The first set of BBF members will take the stage to begin the night, offering a variety of older country music, with a second set of BBF members performing a variety of hits from the 1950s through the 1990s.  The JayR Brink Band will be finishing out the night with its well-known variety of music covering a mix of country, folk and oldies with a folky, alternative country style.

Wed
07
May

New events and activities offered at Veterans Memorial Hospital’s “Family Wellness Fair” taking place May 14


VMH to host annual “Family Wellness Fair” May 14 ... The annual “Family Wellness Fair” will be held Wednesday, May 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. The numerous fair exhibits will host activities, giveaways and education for all ages. All visitors are again welcome to enter the fair through the Veterans Memorial Hospital main entrance, the hospital clinic entrance or the Gundersen Emplify Clinic entrance, allowing for more accessible parking options. Pictured above and below are scenes from last year’s event. Everyone in the area communities is welcome to attend this free event. Submitted photos.

The annual “Family Wellness Fair” will be held Wednesday, May 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon. Health and wellness testing, exhibits, activities and refreshments will all be providing a complete evening of entertainment and education for families of all ages. All visitors are again welcome to enter the wellness fair through the Veterans Memorial Hospital main entrance, the hospital clinic entrance or the Gundersen Emplify Clinic entrance, allowing for more accessible parking options.    

Wed
07
May

Deadline nearing for Community Health Needs Assessment Survey; Final week to provide much-needed input


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Input is still needed for the community health needs assessment survey which is required every three years of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) to survey the residents of Allamakee County and the surrounding areas served by the hospital. The hospital is still conducting that survey from now through May 15 and more input is needed from all the area communities.

This Community Health Needs Assessment gathers information to help guide and direct health planning activities. Information from this survey is compiled and used to update and improve the health plan for this entire service area of the hospital.

The survey can be accessed through the QR code at right, or through the following Survey Monkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BHVHJJS or on the home page of the VMH website at www.veteransmemorialhospital.com.
 

Wed
07
May

Diabetes Support Group Meeting scheduled for May 15 at VMH

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, May 15, 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, feel free to call  Angie Mettille, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
 

Wed
07
May

Grief Support Group to meet at Veterans Memorial Hospital

The local Grief Support Group will be holding its monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital.

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 meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
 

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