Health

Veterans Memorial Hospital will be sponsoring their annual 5K Cardiac Classic Run/Walk Saturday, August 21, in conjunction with the Waukon Corn Days celebration. Again this year, the event welcomes a shorter 1.5 mile walking route with an optional 5K (3.1 mile route) to offer distances that will please everyone of any age or ability that wishes to participate. Costumes are encouraged to be worn at this event again this year, with one adult and youth wining the top costume in both categories.

The event will begin and end at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 8 a.m. with registration beginning at 7:15 a.m.

The members of the Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital are actively recruiting new and returning members to join them during their annual membership drive.

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital is devoted to providing the hospital and its patients and visitors with many services. The Auxiliary also holds annual fundraisers, such as the Women’s Health Day Luncheon each fall, the Pillow-Perk in early November, the Masquerade sales and their annual membership drive each July. All the money the Auxiliary receives goes back to the hospital for equipment.

Dr. Barbee of Gundersen Clinic Now Also Certified in Water Birth

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) began offering water births for delivery nearly 20 years ago and the popularity continues to grow. More low-risk mothers are looking for a natural birthing option in a controlled environment and finding water birth a successful option.  

Dr. Barbee of the Gundersen Clinic recently received her certification for water birth deliveries and can now perform them as well as Dr. Schwartz of the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic, who began the water birth program at the hospital nearly 20 years ago.

Gundersen’s Waukon Clinic will offer free blood pressure checks at Fareway Grocery in Waukon from 10 a.m. to noon August 30.

Patients and non-patients will receive immediate results. Gundersen nurses will recommend a visit to a doctor if results show elevated levels.

“Checking your blood pressure can prevent heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, which will improve your quality of life and increase your life span,” said Raquel Ristau, PA-C, who sees patients in Waukon and Lansing.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, August 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 in Waukon. Masks will be required to be worn.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or 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.
 

The Pfizer COVID vaccine will be offered Wednesday, August 18, from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Waukon High School gymnasium. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for all ages 12 and over. Parental/guardian consent is required for all those under 18 taking the immunization.

COVID-19 can have serious, life threatening complications and there is no way to know how it will affect anyone. Getting COVID-19 may offer some protection, known as natural immunity, but the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. The COVID-19 vaccine, which is readily available locally, creates an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness.

Walk-ins are welcome at this COVID-19 vaccine clinic August 18. For more information, call Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Allamakee Public Health at 563-568-5660.
 

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon will be sponsoring its annual 5K Cardiac Classic Run/Walk Saturday, August 21 in conjunction with the Waukon Corn Days celebration. Again this year, the event welcomes a shorter, 1.5-mile walking route with an optional 5K (3.1-mile route) to offer distances that will please everyone of any age or ability that wishes to participate.

The event will begin and end at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 8 a.m., with registration beginning at 7:15 a.m. This is a free wellness event for all ages. New this year, costumes are encouraged to be worn at this event by adults and youth with the top costume in both categories earning a prize.

Another generous donation was recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in support of the new Waukon Medical Clinic. Dale Byrnes of Waukon made a donation to the renovation project in honor of his teacher, Margie Van Horn, pictured here at back right with her entire classroom of students in the Hanover #3 school house. Dale is pictured in middle front with the birthday cake, celebrating his birthday with the class in December of 1957. Dale also made this donation in honor of all teachers as they get ready to return for another school year of dedication to area youth. Donations are still being accepted by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible Appointments are available each day and can be made by calling the new clinic phone number of 563-568-5530. Submitted photo.
 

Two forms of at-home COVID testing kits are now available locally. The Test Iowa self-administered kits, which take the place of the Test-Iowa drive up testing sites, are available for pick-up at Veterans Memorial Hospital in home or may be sent home at no cost.

Each test kit includes step-by-step instructions including how to activate the test kit, collect the test sample, return the sample the State Hygienic Lab and when to expect the results.  Kits are available at the main entrance of the hospital, from the receptionist desk, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Another option of at-home testing kits are available for purchase from local pharmacies. These kits are purchased at the store and taken home and give immediate results, which is beneficial for those wanting to know if they are safe to attend public and family events.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, August 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 in Waukon. Masks will be required to be worn.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or 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.