Health

June is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Many older adults are living with the lasting effects of trauma, often quietly. With the right support, healing is possible at any age.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Senior Life Solutions (SLS) Program offers compassionate, outpatient group therapy designed to help older adults feel understood, supported, and connected. Anyone age 65 and older, struggling with PTSD and needs support is encouraged to reach out to them at 563-568-5560 or visit www.veteransmemorialhospital.com.

Anyone under age 65 struggling with PTSD is encouraged to self-refer themselves to the Behavioral Health Clinic at either the Waukon or Postville Clinics.  To make an appointment in Waukon, call 563-568-5540 or in Postville call 563-864-7221.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Diabetes Support Group will not hold a regular meeting in June this month. They will meet again July 16.

For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, call Angie Mettille, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Irv Fosaaen by Cindy Barness, Ken and Rose Beardmore, Brad and Erin Berns, Kathryn Campbell, Eaton and Kris Cote’, Mary Cunningham, Randall and Janice Ellis, Christine Engstrom, Steve and Sheryl Evanson, Frank and Patty Goltz, Randy and Lori Hover, Gil and Sherrie Hunstad, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1115, James and Jill Kiesau, Tammy and Mary Knudtson, Ken and Gloria Krambeer, Ardys Kuhse, Lyle and Cindy Leikvold, Randy and Patricia Nordheim, Carol Paus, Patricia Pettingill, Dave and Gail Prestemon, Bill and Beth Shafer, Matt and Dawn Teslow, Susan Throndrud, Chuck and Lois Votsmier and the Waukon Economic Development in honor of Irv’s years of service to the Waukon community.

The members of the Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be holding their fourth annual garage sale in the FreedomBank Community Room in Waukon in conjunction with Waukon City-Wide Garage Sales. The Auxiliary garage sale will be open Wednesday, June 3, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m, continuing Thursday, June 4, from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and will conclude Friday, June 5 with hours of 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The new Senior Life Solutions (SLS) Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be hosting a Wellness Chat and Bingo Tuesday, June 2, in Waukon at Robey Memorial Library from 4-5:30 p.m. Any seniors, age 65 and over, are invited to attend and enjoy playing bingo while sharing some social time together. Prizes will also be awarded.

This bingo opportunity is made possible by Senior Life Solutions which is a new department of Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Senior Life Solutions provides outpatient services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals age 65 and over who may be experiencing low mood, sadness, grief, excessive worry or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging.  They provide group and individual therapy, medication management and after-care planning when needed.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community and Home Care - Allamakee Public Health is working to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for skin cancer and provide information about how to be protected from the sun. Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is one of the top five cancers on the rise in Iowa. Melanoma is highly treatable if detected early.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, mostly from the sun, but UV rays can also be from artificial sources like tanning beds, where they can damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

by Senior Life Solutions, Veterans Memorial Hospital

Many people want to support a friend, spouse, parent, or neighbor who is struggling, but they are not sure what to say. During Mental Health Awareness Month, here are a few simple ways to show up for someone without needing to be an expert. 

What helps most: 
• Start small. “I’ve been thinking about you. How are you really doing?” 
• Listen more than you fix. You do not have to solve it to be supportive. 
• Offer a specific next step. “Want me to drive you to an appointment?” or “Can I sit with you for a bit?” 
• Check in again. One conversation is great, but consistency is even better. 
• Encourage support early. Getting help sooner usually means better outcomes. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For years there was a severe shortage of providers in northeast Iowa who could help with mental health needs, until Tara Fink, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, joined the Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics. Her practice was soon full. With the additions last fall of two more Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Janet Hunter, PMHNP, and Angela Taylor, PMHNP, patients of all ages can be seen quickly, conveniently and confidentially locally.

by Minji Ransom, Nurse Practitioner, VMH Waukon and Postville Clinics

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions we see at the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Clinics. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation that may make everyday activities more difficult.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the joints gradually wears down over time, often from aging or repetitive “wear and tear.”

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, June 1, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Because blood is in such great demand during the summer months, a free t-shirt will be given to all blood donors that day.