Health

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) wish to remind the community of the following facts and ways the public can help during this COVID-19 challenge as it continues:
• Anyone with respiratory symptoms must call the hospital first at 563-568-3411 before coming in.
• Anyone with flu-like symptoms that is requesting to be tested for COVID-19 must meet all criteria to qualify for a test. Screenings will be performed over the phone by calling the hospital at 563- 568-3411 and asking for the COVID-19 phone line.
• Patients who have the COVID-19 virus or influenza are asked to remain at home.  But, if your symptoms become more serious and you are having difficulty breathing or have an uncontrollable high fever, call the hospital.
• Call the Iowa Department of Public Health COVID-19 Hotline with any additional questions, by dialing 2-1-1.

Submitted by the American Institute for Cancer Research

This week’s recipe contains classic ingredients for a healthy and sophisticated flavor. After all, few, if any, vegetables are as elegant as asparagus. When paired with the earthy properties of pasta, these spears are a special treat. Add to that the pleasing taste and texture of shredded chicken and you have a dish that is not only delectable, but also nutritionally balanced.

Memorials were received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Randall Huffey by Frank and Jean Weymiller, Ken Budzik, Bob and Linda Thompson, Gary and Toni Kolsrud, Bev Bacon, Orrin and Nan Grangaard, Gayle Larkin, Bob and Judy Iseli, Jerry and Linda Siegrist, Anne Dykstra and Jean Huffey.

Memorials were also received in memory of Wayne Thorstenson by Curtis and Cheryl Roe, Mary Fink and Jane Dietrich, in memory of Dick Prestemon by Marv and Marge Strike, and in memory of Vince Haas by Dave and Sandy Lyons, Jim and Jill Kiesau, Marv and Marge Strike, Rick and Cathy Larson, John and Lorna Kerndt and Jerry and Linda Siegrist.

In addition, memorials were also received in memory of Byron Schultz by JoAnn Peake, Burnell and Gloria Sander, Jane Dietrich, Laura Duvel, Jack and Sally Hagensick, Joan Moore, Patsy Kerndt, Greg and Cathy Mowinkle, Jim and Dorothy Jarms and Brad and Erin Berns.

The Occupational Therapy Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital has had a bladder and bowel incontinence treatment program for over eight years. Staff member Melissa Clarke, Occupational Therapist, has been providing this treatment and has seen very positive results. 

More people than one may think are impacted by bladder and bowel dysfunction. An average of 25-30% of adults 25-55 years old have experienced bowel or bladder problems. An average of 35-40% of individuals over 65 who live in the community have bladder and bowel problems, and 10-15% of children 8-16 years old have nighttime wetting. The good news is 61% of people using the Beyond Kegels program were dry in 3 ½ weeks.

Veterans Memorial 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 challenge. The Hospital is encouraging those that have been sewing for the hospital to please continue to do so.

The hospital staff remains concerned and committed to the community and has devised a plan whereby the continued donations of face masks can be used to keep the elderly and immune-compromised public safe also.

The hospital has asked the Waukon Economic Development Corporation, Lansing City Clerk’s Office, Postville City clerk’s Office and Monona Chamber of Commerce to help coordinate the project of supplying additional homemade masks to some of the grocery stores that remain open in their communities. Then these masks will be handed out to each qualifying customer to have, to keep laundering and wearing anytime they have to enter public places.

by Jill Fleming, MS, RD/LD

The newest strain of the Coronavirus has created a huge wave of panic amongst our community. Everyone is worried about loved ones getting sick. It may seem like negative thoughts are running through your head on endless repeat over the past few weeks. You might feel like you’re spiraling out of control, going crazy or about to burn out under the weight of all this anxiety. This is not good, as excess anxiety or worrying can weaken your immune system.

The good news is that there are steps you can take right now to interrupt all those anxious thoughts and give yourself a time out from your worrying. So, step away from the news and (in your mind) set down your big bag of worries. Pick one of the following ways to reconnect with your body and “get out of your head” for a few minutes today.

Veterans Memorial Hospital and the Iowa Department of Public Health wishes to remind the community of these facts and ways the public can help during this COVID-19 challenge.

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Norma Svendson by George Pickett, Dennis and Julie Herman, Dave and Laurie Martin, Ron and Kim Winters, Joan Moody, Gary and Toni Kolsrud, Jerry and Linda Siegrist and Diane Regan.

Memorial donations were also made in memory of Betty Steiber by Jean Huffey, Patsy Kerndt and Harold and Shirley Marti; in memory of Ivy Althoff by Marv and Marge Strike and Dave and Laurie Martin; in memory of Roger and Janet Kuhse by Darrell and Alice Baumgartner; in memory of James “Tony” Urell by Dan and Sue Schlitter, Jane Dietrich, John and Lorna Kerndt, Rick and Cathy  Larson, Ernie and Donnalee Osland and the Urell family.

In addition, a donation was received in honor of Ernie Lubahn’s 90th birthday from Nyles and Ruby Herman, and a donation was also received from George Pickett.

by Tami Gebel, Occupational Therapist, Veterans Memorial Hospital

by Jill Fleming, MS, RD/LD

In today’s fast-paced society, with people eating on the run and not planning ahead, eating has become a mindless act. Distractions have shifted our attention away from the actual act of eating and more towards televisions, computers and smart-phones. This can be problematic, since it takes your brain up to 20 minutes to realize you are full.

When we are dividing our attention, we usually eat faster and often overeat. If you eat too fast, the fullness signal may not arrive until you have already eaten too much.  This is one of the contributing factors to our obesity crisis today.

Mindful eating is a technique that helps you gain control over your environment and eating habits.  Mindful eating is about using mindfulness to reach a state of full attention to your experiences, cravings and physical cues while eating. Using mindful eating has been shown to promote weight loss, reduce binge eating and help you feel healthier.