Health

The local COVID-19 numbers are still on the rise.  Masks are a must when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn by everyone, even in the summer time when everyone wants to be out enjoying summer activities. This is possible if precautions are taken.

Sheryl Darling-Mooney, RN, of Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health Department states, “We can still enjoy those summer activities, but we must follow the safety guidelines outlined by the CDC. Masks really do work to stop the spread of COVID-19 so wear them in public places, especially the grocery and convenience stores.”

Mooney adds, “Always physically distance from one another even when you are wearing a mask and wash your hands frequently. No one wants to be quarantined for two weeks during the summer months, so always take these precautions to keep yourself and others safe.”

Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon will hold a Prepared Childbirth Education class (formerly called Lamaze) Saturday, July 25 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Large Conference Room of the hospital.

The Prepared Childbirth Education classes at Veterans Memorial Hospital are now offered in one half-day session. Tours of the OB Department are available with these sessions as well. These Prepared Childbirth Education classes are available for a small fee per session and will be offered every three months at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Preregistration is necessary, as seats are limited. To register, email childbirth@vmhospital.com or contact Brianne Leikvold, RN, OB Supervisor. Veterans Memorial Hospital’s next Prepared Childbirth Education course is scheduled for October 24.

The LifeServe Blood Center reported another very successful blood drive held in Waukon Thursday, July 15 during the Battle of the Badges, which was won by the Waukon Fire Department. A total of 41 units were collected and nine new donors joined the donor list.  These 41 units of collected blood will save 123 lives.

The local blood drives will continue to be held during COVID-19 since the need for blood does not stop. 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.

Memorials were received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Walter Halvorson by Richard and Joan Leiran, Lanny and Joyce Marting, Charlotte and Cliff Christianson, Jason and Laurie Hackman and Haylee, Richard and  Liz Seibert, Chuck and Maxine Bloxham, Dennis and Jane Meyer, Jim and Linda Seibert, Frank and Carol Sivesind, Ed and Marlene Ahouse, Diana and Tom Deeney, Leo and JoAnn Folsom, Dean and Sherry Bechtel, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Johanningmeier, Village Farm and Home, the Hankes Family, Lyle and Mary Ellen Mohwinkle, Don Aldrich, John and Leslie Miller, Dave and Jeannine Zimmerman, Gordon and Louise Ellingson, Jeff and Penny Sweeney, Dan and Traci Byrnes, Pat and Mary Jo Liddiard, Lollie Hirth, Betty Decker, Karen and Gordon Anderson,  Dale and Myriam Brandt, Karen Soper, Judson, Carol and Craig Schrick, Doris Olson and Family, John and Elnora Weymiller, Pat Pettingill, Darlene Leas and David Leas, Dennis and Sandy Deal, Mr. and Mrs.

Veterans Memorial Hospital still encourages the continued use of face masks in the community, especially now with numbers of COVID-19 cases again on the rise. Since the CDC does still recommend that face masks be worn, Veterans Memorial Hospital continues to require all staff, visitors and patients to wear masks at all times within the facility.

The hospital continues to be appreciative of the outpouring of community support and interest in making and donating face masks for patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital is encouraging those that have been sewing for the hospital to continue to do so. In fact, with the reopening of many elective procedures, the hospital is requesting more donations of masks, if possible.

It’s summer time and everyone wants to be out enjoying summer activities; however, the local COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise.

Sheryl Darling-Mooney, RN, of Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health Department, states, “We can still enjoy those summer activities, but we must follow the safety guidelines outlined by the CDC. Masks really do work to stop the spread of COVID-19, so please wear them in public places, especially the grocery and convenience stores.”

Mooney adds, “Always physically distance from one another even when you are wearing a mask and wash your hands frequently. No one wants to be quarantined for two weeks during the summer months, so please always take these precautions to keep yourself and others safe.”

Below are the recommendations on how to stop the spread of COVID-19  from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon will hold a Prepared Childbirth Education class (formerly called Lamaze) Saturday, July 25 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Large Conference Room of the hospital.

The Prepared Childbirth Education classes at Veterans Memorial Hospital are now offered in one half-day session. Tours of the OB Department are available with these sessions as well. These Prepared Childbirth Education classes are available for a small fee per session and will be offered every three months at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Preregistration is necessary, as seats are limited. To register, email childbirth@vmhospital.com or contact Brianne Leikvold, RN, OB Supervisor. Veterans Memorial Hospital’s next Prepared Childbirth Education course is scheduled for October 24.

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Virginia Roe by Chuck and Lois Votsmier, Brian and Denise Wullner, Robert and Karen Fossum, Gordon and Louise Ellingson, Mary Donnadieu, Cyril and Shirley Larkin, Mary Jo Nordheim,  Terry and Diane Oesterle, Sandy Bacon, Dr. Arlen and Karlene Wonderlich, Carl and Betty Christianson, Dave and Laurie Martin, Marilyn Anderson, Kay Zimmerman, Craig and Barb Lensing, Randy and Lori Hesse, Gladwin and Darlene Anderson, John and Sheryl Prestemon, Marlys Leiran, Don and Joyce Bakke, Russ and Mary Jo Meyer, Alex and Teresa Schaefers, Joe and Mary Cunningham, Ann Rademaker, Don and DiAnne Haler, Mary Ann Hager, Jerry and Linda Siegrist, Jim Moritz, and family and friends of Virginia Roe.

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 weekly Caregiver Support Group conference calls every Monday from 10-11 a.m.

To join a call, just dial 1-800-264-8432. Then enter the participant code 961847#. You will then be connected to the support group conference call, joining other caregivers.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will not hold a regular meeting in July.

For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, call Angie Mettille, RN, Diabetes Educator, at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.