News Center newsletter

Kay Mooney, 83, of Harpers Ferry died Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services were held Monday, March 16 at Immaculate Conception Wexford Catholic Church in rural Lansing with Fr. John Moser officiating and burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Wexford Catholic Church Foundation or to the Veterans Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation.

Janet Kay Mooney was born September 4, 1936 in Clinton, the daughter of William Buell and Helen Irene (Christiansen) Gode. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Episcopal Church in Clinton. Kay graduated from Clinton High School in 1955, and then attended Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) in Cedar Falls, receiving a two-year elementary education degree. She then moved to Waukon where she taught Kindergarten for two years.

Richard “Dick” Clauson, 82, of Lansing died Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, March 14 at United Methodist Church in Lansing with Rev. Sedar Shako Wembonyana as the officiant. Inurnment will be held at a later date at River Valley Memorial Gardens in West Dundee, IL.

Dick was born February 26, 1938 to Walter and Dorothy (Wright) Clauson in Strawberry Point. He graduated from Strawberry Point High School and attended University of Iowa Business School. Dick was proud to say he played in the 1959 Rose Bowl. He honorably served in the U.S. Air Force, piloting cargo planes.

Dick was united in marriage with Ruth Viette Englehorn July 26, 1959 at United Methodist Church in Lansing. Dick worked for American Airlines as a pilot from 1960 to 1995. After retirement, he lived in Carpentersville, IL, Lansing and Hawaii. He enjoyed golfing and watching sports and was known as a jokester.

by Jill Fleming, MS, RD/LD, Dietitian at Veterans Memorial Hospital

As you try to stay healthy this winter, don’t forget about the magic found in the grocery store. Eating specific nutrient-packed foods will keep your immune system strong, which helps your body fight off viruses and bacteria. Treat yourself to these six immune-boosting foods to stay well during this season of sickness.

1. Citrus Fruits: Don’t wait until you have a cold to turn to vitamin C. Vitamin C helps build up your immune system to fight off infections before they invade your body. Some of the best sources of this flu-fighting vitamin are the citrus fruits; like oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons and limes. Add one of these fruits to your breakfast and another one at a snack later in the day.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care public health department continues to work with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local partners to monitor and respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and has since been detected in other parts of the world, including the U.S.

As Spring Break nears, many Iowans are making travel preparations. IDPH and Community and Home Care remind vacationers to make protecting their health part of their plans. Whether traveling to a sunny beach, a ski resort or enjoying a staycation, take time to learn about and prepare for health concerns.

Across the country, the greatest health risk to northeast Iowa residents is from influenza; however, it is appropriate to take precautions against the COVID-19 virus.

The next Caregiver Support Group meeting will be held Monday, March  16,at 1:30 p.m. in the Meditation Room in the front entrance of Veterans Memorial Hospital.

When a person is diagnosed with a chronic illness, a lot of focus and attention is put on how to keep that person as independent and as healthy as possible. When a person loses some of their abilities to care for themselves the burden of care is often assumed by the spouse, a child (or children), or sometimes friends and neighbors. While everyone who becomes a caregiver handles the added responsibility with different skill sets, attitudes and understanding levels, there is no question that there is a very real strain associated with care giving.

Recent studies have estimated that the stress caused just by becoming the caregiver of an adult with a chronic illness or disability will take seven years off of a persons’ life. With more and more Iowans aging, this is a real concern in the local community.

Veterans Memorial Hospital will begin the next Prepared Childbirth Education classes (formerly called Lamaze) Monday, April 13, and the classes will continue for two more consecutive Monday evenings beginning at 6 p.m. in the Large Conference Room.

The Prepared Childbirth Education classes at Veterans Memorial Hospital are offered in three sessions that allow the expectant parents to choose which topics they wish to learn more on. They may choose to attend one, two or all three sessions. Session 1 covers labor, delivery and the postpartum period following delivery; Session 2 includes relaxation, breathing and pain management; and Session 3 covers infant care. Tours of the OB Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital are available with each session as well.

For many Iowans, understanding Medicare and related health insurance can be confusing and overwhelming. Where do I start? What are my options? Am I making the right decision? What will it cost me?  Is there help if I can’t afford my insurance? If I’m still working, do I have to sign up for Medicare?

Trained Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers can help answer these and other questions about navigating health care insurance options for Iowans on Medicare. SHIIP is a free health insurance counseling service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division sponsored locally by Veterans Memorial Hospital.

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital will be holding its monthly Euchre Marathon for all individuals of the community interested Thursday, March 19. Men and women are welcome to attend, even if they are not an Auxiliary member. The Euchre marathons are held the third Thursday of each month at the Senior Citizens Room at the Waukon Wellness Center.

The Auxiliary’s Euchre Marathons begin at 11:30 a.m. with dinner, if chosen. Call Northland Agency on Aging at 877-838-8077 if choosing to eat dinner.  Card playing will follow at 12:30 p.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to stay and play cards following the Senior Citizens meal is welcome to do so. All proceeds go towards the Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital. Prizes will be awarded.

Anyone interested in attending but preferring to play Bridge is also welcome to join in. It is asked that they come with their own table of four players, however.

Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon will be offering the next recertification course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for health care providers (those working in health-related fields such as physicians, nurses, EMS, etc.) Wednesday, March 18, beginning at 5 p.m. This “Health Care Professional” CPR class will be held in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of the hospital.

All registrants should bring along their own pocket mask, if they have one. Upon successful completion of the class, the participant will receive an electronic card certifying them as a BLS Healthcare Provider for a two-year period.

Pre-registration and a minimum of three participants is required for the class to be held. For more information and to register for the “Health Care Provider” CPR Course, call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
 

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, March 19 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 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.