News Center newsletter

by Brandy Strub, RD/LD, Dietitian, Veterans Memorial Hospital

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Per the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is recommended that cholesterol be checked for kids once between ages 9-11 and again between ages 17-21. Children with obesity or diabetes may need to be screened more often.

For healthy adults, it is recommended that they be checked every 4-6 years. Those with heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol should be checked more frequently.  

Risk factors for high cholesterol include: family history, diet high in saturated and trans fats, low physical activity, smoking, age, sex, type II diabetes, and obesity.

September is National Healthy Aging Month

By 2025, over 25 percent of Iowa’s population is expected to be 60 years of age or older according to the Iowa Department on Aging¹. The health and wellbeing of older adults is a priority in the state. September is National Healthy Aging Month and Allamakee Public Health (aka Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care) and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services are reminding Iowans to make sure they are up to date on key vaccines.

“As people grow older, they may be more susceptible to infectious diseases. Vaccination plays a vital role in preventing illnesses and protecting older adults from potentially severe complications,” said Sheryl Darling-Mooney RN. “Staying up to date on immunizations is one of the easiest, safest ways to protect yourself.”

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.  Dialing 988 will reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone contemplating suicide.  This year, the 988 Crisis Lifeline shares the message that everyone can help prevent suicide and encourages everyone to ‘Be The 1 To’….. Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Stay Connected, Follow Up and Learn More.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, September 21 at 10 a.m.   The meeting will be held at VMH in the Large Conference Room, located on the lower level of the hospital.

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 at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.

LeRoy and Bonnie Jones of Harpers Ferry recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family. LeRoy Jones and Bonnie Bollman were united in marriage July 11, 1953 at the Monona Methodist Church.

A brunch was held in honor of their wedding anniversary at Huckleberry’s Restaurant in Prairie du Chien, WI hosted by their children and spouses including Dale and Pam Jones, Paul and Lynn Jones, Loren and Georgia Jones, Cindy Moose, Mark and Brenda Jones, Russell Jones, Gary Jones and Jean Schon, and Keith Jones.

Bill Moody of Harpers Ferry will be turning 80 years old September 20. In celebration of his 80th birthday, his family will be hosting an open house for family, friends and acquaintances.

The open house celebration will take place Saturday, September 16 at Portside Supper Club in Harpers Ferry from 5-9 p.m. No gifts are requested.
 

Russell Roth of Waukon celebrated his 80th birthday September 9. In honor of the occasion, cards may be sent to 511 3rd Avenue SW, Waukon, IA 52172.

Kevin and Donna (Gullickson) Schmidt of St. Louis Park, MN celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise dinner at Manny’s Steakhouse in Minneapolis, MN August 28. The event was hosted by the couple’s children, Danielle Schmidt of St. Louis Park and Matthew (Jessica) Schmidt of Waukon, as well as Donna’s sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Bill Erickson.

The couple married September 8, 1973 at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville.

In honor of the occasion, cards and well wishes may be sent to 1815 Melrose Avenue, St. Louis Park, MN 55426.

To the Editor:

The familiar yellow school buses have appeared as a happy harbinger of cool fall days and cyclical routine. As a lifelong Iowan and retired educator, it also symbolizes the education system that for many years was a source of pride as a leader in the nation.

Unfortunately, this year those buses remind us of a public school system that has been undermined by our state officials. For the first time a huge chunk of money ($133.5 - $221 million of your tax dollars) is being taken from the Iowa general fund to support private schools. These primarily religious schools are not available for many in our state.

Parental Rights is a misnomer. There is no oversight or state requirements for these schools to meet and the money is handled by a for-profit, out-of-state entity. This new system is only for parents and students who have options close by and certainly not for the students and parents who remain in the public system.

To the Editor:

I am writing to address the letter in the August 30 edition of the paper written by Mr. Quandahl. I am confused. At the beginning of the letter he says that Jesus is his savior. I was expecting a letter about the love of Jesus for all and how our words and actions show that we have Jesus in our hearts.

Like the community coming together to feed our kids during the month of July when the school program doesn’t run. That’s love because we are feeding the hungry (Matthew 25:35-37).

Like the community coming together to raise money for medical and travel expenses when someone is battling cancer. That’s love because we are caring for the sick (Matthew 25:35-37).