Health

Veterans Memorial Hospital physicians and staff will be awaiting the arrival of the first baby born at the hospital in the New Year 2023. This fortunate child and his or her family will receive a large number of generous gifts compliments of area merchants.

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Thursday, January 5, from 12-5 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Blood drives are held every month in Waukon. The LifeServe Blood Center of Iowa supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with its blood and blood products.

The LifeServe Blood Center of Iowa is seeking donors to ensure a safe and plentiful blood supply in Iowa. Because there is no substitute for human blood, the need for donors is continuous. Many Iowans are encouraged to make donating blood on a regular basis their New Year’s resolution this year.

Flu Shots are still available at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health Office. Flu shots are recommended for all those who have not yet received the vaccine, and they will be effective throughout the rest of the flu season.

Flu shots are available with an appointment each Wednesday afternoon during the weekly immunization clinic in the Community and Home Care Department located on the upper level of Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon.   The flu vaccine is plentiful, widely available, and is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. Appointments can be made by calling the Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health Office at 563-568-5660.

Flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, and a combination of flu and pneumonia vaccine will all be available in addition to all COVID vaccines. Tetanus shots are offered as well.

After three years, the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s annual Christmas Fantasy returned bringing back all of the weekend’s events. Pictured above is some of the entertainment that helped add to this special celebration over that weekend. Sue Kiesau, pictured above, enjoyed sharing Christmas books with the youngsters attending the Sunday event along with Santa Claus himself. Also, many of the Waukon High School band members entertained at the Monday luncheon, as pictured in the photo below. The Foundation is pleased with the turn-out and support that returned so well after the three-year pause due to COVID. The Christmas Fantasy 2023 is planned for November 10-13 and will celebrate the fun theme, “Merry Grinchmas!”. Submitted photos.
 

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics in Waukon and Postville will both be closed the day following the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays in observance of those holidays, due to both of these holidays taking place on a weekend this year. This includes December 26 and January 2. The clinics will be open Tuesday-Friday the rest of both of those weeks.

For any health care need over the holidays, the Veterans Memorial Hospital Emergency Department will be available.  Each and every day, 24 hours a day, the Veterans Memorial Hospital ER is staffed with an emergency provider and experienced staff to see ER patients with little waiting time.  

To make an appointment with a provider at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinic in Waukon, call 563-568-5530, or to make an appointment with a provider at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinic in Postville, call 563-864-7221.  Numerous providers are available at both locations with same-day access often available.
 

Most anyone can make a difference by making a life-saving blood donation at the next Waukon Community Blood Drive. The next blood drive will take place Thursday, January 5 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon.

The Waukon Blood drives have been very successful the last couple of years with new first-time donors each time.

Donating blood is safe, simple and it saves lives.  Blood donors have a unique opportunity to contribute to their community by making a life-saving blood donation. Everyone who registers to donate blood goes through four simple steps during the donation process:  registration, donor history and mini-physical, blood donation and snacks.

New blood donors who are not familiar with the blood donation process are encouraged to ask questions before, during and after their blood donation. Below are a few tips for ensuring a successful donation:

The influenza season is in full swing throughout the country. It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Vaccination now can still provide protection for the remainder of the flu season, which can last as late as May.

Vaccinations are available at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community and Home Care. In addition, simple steps like frequent hand washing and not coughing or sneezing on people can help prevent the spread of influenza. Most importantly, if anyone or their child is ill, stay home from work or school.

Flu vaccines are developed each year to protect against the three most common flu viruses expected during the influenza season. The most common symptoms of influenza are fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Vomiting, diarrhea or a stomach ache are not symptoms of influenza.

Helping Services for Youth & Families’ Domestic Abuse Resource Center has implemented a Domestic Abuse survivor chat line which can be reached at HelpingServices.org/chat. There is also the option to call a 24/7 resource phone line at 800-383-2988.

The agency responded by implementing a secure chat option for anyone in need of reaching a local advocate. Whether chatting or calling, a trained Advocate will be available to respond 24 hours a day.

Helping Services’ Domestic Abuse Advocates work alongside survivors to achieve their best outcome. All services provided are at no cost to the survivor and are confidential.

For more info about Helping Services’ Domestic Abuse Resource Center call 800-383-2988 to chat with someone or go online to HelpingServices.org/chat to reach out to an advocate.
 

As families come together this holiday season, they may notice cognitive changes in a loved one they don’t see regularly. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline - 800-272-3900 - remains a vital resource for individuals and families who have concerns about cognitive changes affecting a loved one.

The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is a free service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, offering a wide-range of services and support, including:

• Specialists and master’s-level clinicians who offer confidential support and information, crisis assistance and emotional support.
• Referrals to local resources and programs for ongoing support through Alzheimer’s Association local chapters across the country.
• Translation services in more than 200 languages for people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public.

With the nearly 72% countywide vote November 8 in favor of converting Veterans Memorial Hospital from a City-owned to a County-owned hospital, hospital staff began the ownership transition process immediately. The Financial Services department began updating all contracts with the new ownership and hospital administration began working with the Allamakee Board of Supervisors to construct a new Board of Trustees.

The new Board of Trustees for Veterans Memorial Hospital retained four of the five original members, including Dennis Lyons, Kevin Hanson, Jim Sewick and Patty Nordheim. In addition, three new members were added from around Allamakee County, to make a total of seven board members. Those new members consist of Dave Weymiller of rural New Albin, Greg Lage of rural Postville and Dan Byrnes of rural Waukon.