2014 Membership Drive Funds Purchase New Fluidotherapy Machine

Laurie Kofmehl, Occupational Therapist
and Sarah Harm, Public Relations Director,
pose for photo.

Horn Memorial Hospital’s Rehab Services Department recently added Fluidotherapy to the list of treatments offered in Occupational Therapy.  Laurie Kofmehl, Occupational Therapist, comments, “Fluidotherapy is a dry heat modality that really helps to reduce pain, swelling, joint tightness and inflammation.  Our patients enjoy the sensation of the finely ground particles which provide heat and massage-like movements as part of their Occupational Therapy session.”  The Fluidotherapy machine was made possible by the contributions made through the 2014 Membership Drive.

Goodale Joins the Horn Hospice Team as Massage Therapist

Horn Hospice welcomes Katie Goodale, Licensed Massage Therapist, to their Hospice team.  Katie comes to Horn Hospice with over 8 years of massage therapy experience.  Massage therapy is one of the ways Horn Hospice provides comfort and relaxation at the end of life, which can be a time of increased anxiety and fear for those making the transition. 

Many recipients of end of life massage have demonstrated a positive response to the therapy, such as a decrease in emotional distress, anxiety, physical discomfort, pain and nausea.  Goodale comments, “Massage releases ‘feel good hormones’ which gives patients the feeling of well-being.  It helps them to relax and take their mind off of things, but at the same time, it helps them feel like they are still connected to the world.  Massage therapy for the terminally ill is something I’ve always wanted to do.  I enjoy taking care of people, and the human contact I offer through massage gives patients the feeling that people care for you; perhaps even makes them feel better about their situation.”

In addition to a massage therapist, the Horn Hospice team includes physicians, nurses, aides, volunteers as well as a social worker, wound consultant, and chaplain.  Hospice is a special kind of care bringing comfort, support and compassion to the terminally-ill and their families.  The Horn Hospice team places emphasis on comfort and quality of life for their patients by providing for the emotional and spiritual needs of each individual. 

Horn Public Health to Hold Extended Vaccinne For Children Clinic

A new school year is fast approaching and now is the time to review your child’s immunization record to be sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.  It is especially important for children entering kindergarten, 7^th grade, and college. Students continuing on to post-secondary education need to check with their college or institution to see what vaccinations are required or recommended.

The Iowa school immunization law requires parents to vaccinate their children against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, rubella, polio, hepatitis B and chickenpox as a condition of entry into kindergarten.  Booster immunizations can be given any time after a child’s fourth birthday.

Beginning with the the 2013-2014 school year, Iowa now requires a one-time booster dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) for students in grades 7 and above, if born on or after September 15, 2000.  In addition, there are adolescent vaccines available to help protect against meningitis, HPV, Hepatitis A, and chickenpox.

Horn Public Health will hold extended Vaccine for Children (VFC) clinics in August.  The clinics will be Tuesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 13 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  To be eligible for VFC clinics, a child must meet one of the eligibility requirements: is enrolled in Medicaid, does not have health insurance, is American Indian or Alaskan Native, or is underinsured (has health insurance that does not pay for vaccinations). Public Health is located in the upper level of the Medical Arts Building at 700 East 2^nd Street in Ida Grove.  Parents can call 712-364-7311 with questions.

As a reminder, it is important to maintain immunization records in a safe place. Proof of immunizations may be necessary throughout life.