Health

by Tami Gebel, OTR/L

Springtime has finally arrived, and many people are anxious to be out in the yard planting their gardens.  Gardening can be a very rewarding hobby or past-time, even therapeutic to the mind and soul. However when the physical tasks become too painful or difficult, many people find that having a garden is more of a chore.

April is Stress Awareness Month. Spring often brings a sense of change, but emotional energy does not always return right away. After a long winter, many older adults continue to feel tired, unmotivated, or disconnected. 

Taking small steps toward connection and support can help rebuild emotional well-being at a comfortable pace. Group-based mental health support, such as Senior Life Solutions (SLS), can offer connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences with others can help reduce loneliness and support emotional well-being.

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions provides support for older adults facing depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. Services include group and individual therapy, medication management, and after-care planning.  

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Daly Byrnes by Jim and Patty Byrnes, Noreen and Vince Koch and Connie and Mitch Hansen; in memory of Marlene Dahlstrom by Dennis Dahlstrom and family; in memory of Shirley Elliott by Elliott Jewelers; in memory of Edith Feuerhelm by Dwaine and Lorraine Nordhus; in memory of Julie Halverson by Nancy Adam, Janet May and Linda Siegrist; in memory of Wayne Headington by Dan and Denise Headington; in memory of Shirley Larkin by Tom and Judy Kemp; and in memory of Wayne Leidahl by Chuck and Lois Votsmier.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital’s “Family Wellness Fair” will be held Wednesday, May 6, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free health testing, exhibits, education and interactive activities will all be providing a complete evening of entertainment and education for families of all ages. This year a community meal will also be served to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) and the 5 year anniversary of the VMH Clinics.

Again this year, all those attending are welcome to enter the fair through either the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic or the Emplify Gundersen Medical Clinic, or the main entrance to the hospital. Parking will be readily available at any of those entrances allowing for greater accessibility to the fair. 

April is Stress Awareness Month. Feeling lonely and being alone are not the same thing. Many older adults experience loneliness even when they have family, friends, or caregivers nearby. Emotional connection plays an important role in mental health. Having a safe place to talk and feel understood can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being.

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions (SLS) supports older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, or loneliness. These outpatient services are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, typically 65 and older, experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging. Services include group and individual therapy, medication management, and after-care planning. This group-based mental health support program offers connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

by Dr. Kristina Thompson, Podiatrist
 
Dr. Kristina Thompson, Podiatrist, provides specialty foot care at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon. With April observed as National Diabetes  and Foot Health Month, she recommends the following for “de-feeting” diabetes.
• Avoid soaking feet, this causes excessive dryness and can lead to cracks.
• Check feet daily for any new blisters, wounds, etc.  
• Avoid going barefoot, especially if you have neuropathy/diabetic nerve damage.
• Ask your provider about diabetic shoes!
• Work with your providers and/or diabetes educator to keep your glucose within target range. This decreases risk of complications.
• If you notice a blister or wound, don’t delay treatment.  Get in with a provider with a knowledge on wound care.
• Exercise if you are able.  This increases blood flow circulation.
• Don’t remove callus or corns yourself, see your doctor!

Lymphedema is the chronic or persistent swelling of a body part due to an obstruction of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system lies underneath the skin and works closely with the blood circulation system as it transports fluids throughout the body to lymph nodes.  While in the lymph nodes, the fluid is “cleaned” of bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted materials called cellular debris.  The “clean” fluid is then sent to the blood and re-circulated throughout the body. 

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged and unable to move the fluid, therefore the fluid collects in the body part and swelling develops. Damage to the lymphatic systems occurs when there is surgery, mastectomy, lymph node removal, radiation, or injury to skin tissue (such as a burn). 

by Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care and the Iowa Department of Public Health
 
Public health plays an important role in Iowa’s high standard of living. The goal of public health is helping to create an environment where people can live in good health. Public health helps make good health happen in Iowa’s homes, neighborhoods, schools and workplace.

Public health is more than just state and local government agencies. The public health community works together to fight disease and promote healthy lifestyles through the use of nutrition education, physical activity, immunization clinics, disease surveillance and home nursing and home care aide visits.

The new Senior Life Solutions (SLS) department at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be hosting a Wellness Chat and Bingo Tuesday, May 12, in Lansing at the Meehan Memorial Library from 1:30-3:30 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.

The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, May 4, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the First Baptist Church located in south Waukon.  Blood drives are held the first Monday of each month in Waukon. The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) with their blood and blood products.

Blood centers across the United States see a decrease in blood donations during the busy summer months. During the summer, people become more active, have busier schedules, spend more time outdoors and take vacations.

While donations decline, hospitals see an increase in the need for blood. More driving can mean more automobile accidents.  A person who has suffered severe injuries from an automobile accident can need up to 50 units of blood during their treatment process.