Health

by Karen Collins, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND

Q: I’m well over 65, do I need to be doing strength-type training exercises?

Colorectal cancer can be easily detected, yet it remains the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society Fact and Figures, 2014-2016, one in 20 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. In 2010, only 5.9% of people age 50 or older underwent screening for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening tests identify suspicious or pre-cancerous polyps, which can be removed before they develop into a serious health problem.
There are different options available for detecting colorectal cancer: stool testing, such as fecal occult blood tests or stool DNA testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are performed routinely in the Veterans Memorial Hospital surgical suite, and typically take approximately three hours from start to finish.

“Welcome to Medicare” is a free, two-hour seminar offered by the Veterans Memorial Hospital Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors. This program will be held Tuesday, April 12 from 5-7 p.m. in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.
“We’re excited to offer this free seminar to the community,” says Russ Hagen, SHIIP volunteer. “Medicare is such an important program, and understanding what it offers helps assure that anyone eligible gets the health benefits they deserve.”
“Welcome to Medicare” will cover Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the prescription drug benefit (Part D), Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement insurance.

Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon has announced it has expanded its massage therapy services with an additional therapist, allowing services to be more readily available.
Shannen Mezera, Licensed Massage Therapist, has joined the Rehabilitation team at the hospital, working with Edna Wyninger, Licensed Massage Therapist and Reflexologist, who began offering these services at Veterans Memorial Hospital over 15 years ago.  Now massage therapy and reflexology services are available five days a week at the hospital, including evening hours.
The benefits of massage therapy include decreasing anxiety, enhancing sleep, increasing energy, improving circulation, improving concentration and reducing fatigue.

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

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation has received a $2,500 donation from the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund and directed by local farmer Brandon Guese of rural Postville. The donation will help the organization purchase a blanket warmer for patients receiving CT scans and MRI scans at the hospital, keeping them warm and comfortable during those tests.
“Every year when Monsanto asks me to nominate an organization, I always mention Veterans Memorial Hospital,” stated Guese. “It’s so important that we have a hospital here, so it is always an easy decision each year to recommend them. I’m glad they received it this year.”

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

by Anne Jessen, LMHC, IADC   Addiction Counselor

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

Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon will begin the next Prepared Childbirth Education classes (formerly called Lamaze) Monday, April 11 and will continue those classes 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 are available with each session as well.