Updated CDC Guidance

• The CDC provided updated guidance this past week that provides recommendations on mask use and testing in certain areas for both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.
•  There has been a recent increase in virus activity in Ida County along with the presence of the more transmissible delta variant.
• Every Iowan should remember that the most important thing we can all do is get vaccinated. Vaccination helps to limit the spread and severity of this virus.
• In addition to vaccination, public health continues to recommend the use of other mitigation approaches including staying home when you're sick, washing your hands, and using facemasks and social distancing as a layered approach to make virus spread less likely.
•  Vaccine supply in the state is stable and vaccines are readily available.
• Iowans with questions about the vaccine should reach out to their health care provider or local public health.
• The public health best practice recommendations and CDC information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death across the globe, accounting for 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone. Statistics indicate that more than 20 percent of those deaths were due to lung cancer, making it the most deadly cancers in the world.

Early detection is often essential to surviving various forms of cancer, and lung cancer is no exception. In fact, the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed before the cancer has spread rises from 18 out of every 100 to 55 out of every 100. With so much at stake, it pays for men and women to learn the signs and symptoms of lung cancer.

Recognizing the signs of lung cancer involves both learning about its potential symptoms and identifying risk factors. Symptoms do not typically manifest themselves in the early stages of lung cancer, though there are some classic symptoms that should be discussed with a healthcare provider if they appear.

 Those symptoms include:

·                     Persistent cough: This is especially concerning for people who cough up rust-colored sputum

·                     Shortness of breath

·                     Hoarseness

·                     Chronic bronchitis

·                     Chest pain

·                     Unexplained weight loss

·                     Bone pain

These symptoms are not generally a cause for concern by themselves, but doctors may still recommend patients who experience them be tested for lung cancer.

Understanding lung cancer risk factors is another important step men and women can take in the fight against this deadly disease. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, but a growing number of people who have never smoked are being diagnosed with lung cancer. So even non-smokers are at risk of lung cancer, which might come as a surprise to those who have never used tobacco. People who have any of these risk factors should speak with their healthcare provider to determine if screening for lung cancer would be in their best interest.

·                     Exposure to second-hand smoke

·                     Exposure to radon gas

·                     Exposure to asbestos

·                     Exposure to other carcinogens, such as chromium and nickel

·                     Air pollution

·                     Arsenic in drinking water

·                     Previous radiation to lungs

·                     Personal or family history of lung cancer

Lung cancer can affect anyone, even people who have never smoked. If you have any of the symptoms discussed above or concerns, talk with your healthcare provide to see if you are a candidate for CT lung cancer screening at Horn Memorial Hospital.

COVID-19 Vaccine Available at Horn Community Health

 

Horn Physicians Clinic Welcomes Joey Hoefling and Jackie Ellison

 

Horn Public Health Recognizes COVID Vaccination Clinic Volunteers

 

Horn Public Health administered 2,710 doses of COVID Vaccine over the course of three months.  “This would not have been possible without the repeated help of volunteers, commented Rebecca Burns, Public Health Coordinator.  The limited vaccine supply required volunteers to assist with over 20 clinics.  We are very appreciative of everyone that stepped in to help us provide these clinics, including St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, and Lohff-Schumann Memorial Community Center in Holstein for allowing us to use their space.   We are pleased that we have been able to reach this many in our community, but we still have work to do in regards to educating our community and continuing to make the vaccination available.”

 

Volunteers present: Deb Cosgrove, Linda Klotz, Lori Volkert, Lori Forneris, Katie Clausen, Connie Ludvigson.  

Absent from the photo were: Deb Krager, Sharon and Dale Wellendorf, Jo Hayes, Kathy Henrich, Becky Ricklefs, Mikka Belson, and Pam Shever.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics at Horn Community Health

 

IDA COUNTY COVID VACCINATION CLINICS

Ida County Public Health will offer COVID-19 vaccinations through the Horn Community Health Office beginning Thursday, May 6.  The Moderna Vaccination will be given on May 6 and 13 as well as June 3 and 10.  The Johnson & Johnson Vaccination will be given on May 7 and 10.  Additional dates will be added as needed.  Please call 712-364-7311 to schedule your appointment.

IDA GROVE FAMLY HEALTH CENTER SOLD TO HORN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

                 (Ida Grove, IA) – Dr. Michael Luft and Sara Luft, ARNP announce the sale of their practice, the Ida Grove Family Health Center, to Horn Memorial Hospital (HMH).  The purchase was unanimously approved at the HMH Board of Trustees meeting on Monday evening, April 26. The sale will conclude at the end of May and the Ida Grove Family Health Center will officially be closed at the end of business day on May 28^th.

                Dr. Luft noted the sale came about after a significant amount of consideration and discussion with his wife, Sara, and family over the course of the past few months. 

“For us, the decision came down to, ‘what’s best for our patients and our family?’” Dr. Luft said. “We really wanted what’s best for the patients. This has been a very emotional and difficult decision because the Ida Grove community and Horn Memorial Hospital have been a part of our family for the last 21 years, and those relationships will always be dear to our hearts.”

Glen Winekauf, HMH CEO, said Dr. Luft’s departure from our community is a great loss, but we understand his reasoning and wish him and his family the very best on his future endeavors. 

“We are pleased to retain Nurse Practitioners, Joey Hoefling, an Odebolt native and Jacqueline Ellison.  The transition of their practices to Horn Physicians Clinic will provide a continuity of care for many patients that have received medical services from the Ida Grove Family Health Center in the past.  Both Mr. Hoefling and Ms. Ellison will begin seeing patients on June 14^th in the HPC Ida Grove office”, Winekauf said.

April Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics

Vaccine brand for April 8 and 21 COVID-19 clinics is Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).  April appointments are now open to anyone 18 years and older who wishes to receive COVID-19 vaccine.  Additional appointments have been added.  April 8th clinic is held from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and the April 21 clinic is 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.  Both clinics are being held at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ida Grove – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

You can schedule an appointment one of two ways:  online at www.hornmemorialhospital.org (most efficient method) or by calling 712.364.7356.  Call Line hours are limited to Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Face masks and social distancing are required.  If you are not feeling well or are under quarantine please cancel your appointment. 

Remember to wear a shirt that makes your shoulder easily accessible and arrive at the time you are scheduled.

Additional appointments may be added depending on demand and availability of vaccine, and clinics may be postponed depending on availability of vaccine.  

 

2 Additional COVID Vaccine Clinics Have Been Set

Ida County has set two additional dates for COVID vaccine clinics.  At this time the vaccine brand is unknown.  Clinics will be held on April 8 and 21 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ida Grove – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Scheduling will open at 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 18.  You can schedule an appointment one of two ways:  online at www.hornmemorialhospital.org (most efficient method) or by calling 712.364.7356.  Call Line hours are limited to Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. beginning Thursday, March 18.

Eligible recipients for the April 8 and 21 clinics will include the addition of those age 64 and younger with certain underlying medical conditions that are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19.  Adults with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness: cancer; chronic kidney disease; COPD; down syndrome; heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies; immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant; obesity; severe obesity; pregnancy; sickle cell disease; smoking; type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Adults with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness: asthma; cerebrovascular disease; cystic fibrosis; hypertension or high blood pressure; immunocompromised state from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines; neurologic conditions, such as dementia; liver disease; overweight; pulmonary fibrosis; thalassemia; type 1 diabetes mellitus.  Those eligible continue to include previous phases, Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tiers 1-5.

Face masks and social distancing are required.  If you are not feeling well or are under quarantine please cancel your appointment. 

Remember to wear a shirt that makes your shoulder easily accessible and arrive at the time you are scheduled.

Times may be expanded depending on availability of vaccine each week, and clinics may be postponed depending on availability of vaccine.

Horn Recognized for their Influenza Vaccination Rate

The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) recently recognized the stellar examples of influenza vaccination mandates in healthcare settings, and Horn Memorial Hospital was 1 of 18 Iowa hospitals recognized in the IAC Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll.

The Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll represents the champions who have taken the lead in influenza vaccination within their organization.  To be included in this honor roll, organizations must mandate influenza vaccination for employees as well as include serious measures to prevent transmission of influenza from unvaccinated workers to patients.

The Horn Leadership Team believes the best way to prevent transmission of influenza to our patients is to mandate vaccination of healthcare personnel. Horn applied for and was inducted into the Honor Roll for their 2020 Influenza Vaccination completion percentage.  Angie Frank, Employee Health Nurse, submitted the information by answering questions about the policies and mandates in place at Horn Memorial.   Angie commented, “I am so proud of our staff! They are not only helping protect one another, they are helping protect our patients as well.  We are very proud of this accomplishment!” 

Ida County Moderna COVID Vaccine Clinics 3-9-21

The Iowa Department of Public Health recently announced that individuals 64 and younger with underlying medical conditions as listed in this link are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. However, at this time, Horn Public Health will continue to focus on Phase 1B, tiers 1-5, for the March 17, 24 and 31 clinic dates. 

 

When we are able to move into the other populations, such as people with underlying health conditions, announcements will be made through Facebook, www.hornmemorialhospital.org, and the local newspapers. Please continue to be patient as vaccine demand continues to be greater than supply.

As a reminder – upcoming clinic dates for the Moderna COVID vaccine will be held on Wednesdays, March 17, 24, and 31 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Lohff Schumann Community Center in Holstein for Phase 1B, tiers 1-5 – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Scheduling will open at 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 11

You can schedule your appointment one of two ways:

1) Online at www.hornmemorialhospital.org (this is the most efficient method) or

2) Call 712.364.7356. Call Line hours are limited to Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. beginning Thursday, March 11.

Now Hiring - Registered Nurses

 

February 17th Clinic Location - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ida Grove

 

COVID Clinic Scheduling Information

 

Horn Health Offers Private Pay Services

 

Vaccine Quantity Received to Date

 

Ida County Phase 1B Tier 1 Moderna COVID Vaccine Clinics

Ida County will hold Moderna COVID vaccine clinics on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, in Holstein and in Ida Grove.  Since last week, there has been a national push to further expand eligibility of older adults.  In response to this push, Iowa is expanding Phase 1B to include Iowans age 65 and over. 

Appointments WILL NOT be taken for these vaccination clinics.  If you fall within the eligibility to receive a vaccine and would like one, please attend one of the clinics listed below on February 2.  Numbers will be handed out at each clinic to match the amount of vaccine available.  Public Health will continue to schedule and announce vaccination clinics until eligible recipients in this group are vaccinated. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

**Please wear a shirt that makes your shoulder easily accessible.**

Lohff-Schumann Memorial Community Center in Holstein
7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Eligible recipients include PK-12 educators, Childcare Workers, Child Welfare Social Workers and First Responders. 
Please bring identification showing you are currently employed in this group.  We have a list of Ida County fire fighters.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Eligible recipients include individuals 65 years and older. 
Please bring identification with birth date.

St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Ida Grove
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Eligible recipients include individuals 65 years and older. 
Please bring identification with birth date.

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Eligible recipients include PK-12 Educators, Childcare Workers, Child Welfare Social Workers, and First Responders. 
Please bring identification showing you are currently employed in this group.  We have a list of Ida County fire fighters.

 

Routine Checkups are the Best Way 
to Stay on Top of your Health

 

Regular visits with a medical professional are an important part of a healthy lifestyle.  Too often people visit the doctor only when they are ill, as they may not realize just how essential well visits and physical exams are.

Routine checkups are the smartest way for people in all age groups to stay on top of their health, but they can be especially valuable for those age 50 and older. Regular checkups enable physicians to check current health against past visits, ensuring that any anomalies can be investigated and treated efficiently and promptly.  This can make the difference in slowing down the progression of a disease that has already developed or prevent something from becoming a full-fledged issue.

There is no hard and fast rules about how often seniors should visit health care providers.  Those who are in general good health may only require one medical checkup a year.  At this point vital signs will be checked, medications reviewed, and lifestyle topics discussed.  Providers may even recommend or discuss wellness lab tests.  Patients also can bring up any issues they may be experiencing, however insignificant they may seem.  Anything from sleep disturbances to memory loss to unexplained fatigue or pain can be addressed.  Sometimes getting everything out in the open and being reassured that there’s nothing to worry about can be helpful.

Physicians are adept at asking questions to get a sense of how patients are faring in the world.  This may include topics that seemingly have no relevance to health but can be quite important.  A provider may ask about topics such as bathing or dressing.  Questions about social interaction or typical routines can paint a better picture of both physical and mental health.

The recommended frequency of doctor visits may change as health issues arise or if follow-up is need after a treatment plan, test results, or injury.  Some seniors may have to visit a provider once a week or once a month.  Doctors, nurses and therapists will design a regimen based on a patient’s current health needs.

The following are some compelling reasons to be diligent with provider visits.

• Patients will be less likely to forget about important screenings, like mammograms, prostate tests, cholesterol tests, and more.
• Frequently health issues can be silent and not noticed early on by a patient.
• Vaccines can be administered, as even adults need certain immunizations to stay healthy.
• Patients can discuss potential lifestyle changes, like going on a diet or taking up a new fitness regimen.

It is essential to follow through with healthcare provider visits, even if they seem redundant. Physicians may detect issues that warrant close observation.  Patients are urged to have an open dialogue with their doctors so they understand the reason behind health care visits and expectations in the future. 

Patients should take an active role in their health to improve their overall wellness and reduce their risk for illness.  Horn Memorial offers private pay wellness labs the first Tuesday of the month by appointment.  Perhaps it’s time to schedule your wellness labs and then schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss your results.  It is important to be proactive in your health to have the best quality of life.

Ida Grove Bomgaars Gives Back

 

On October 25, 2020, Bomgaars held a night of festive fun and fall shopping just for ladies! This “Ladies Night” is a special event in support of local cancer centers and hospitals to raise awareness of women’s health issues. This year the Ida Grove Bomgaars contributed $807.86 to Horn Memorial in support of women’s health. Overall, the 94 Bomgaars locations contributed $65,861.66 to local cancer centers and women’s health. THANK YOU for supporting Bomgaars and our local healthcare services.

Receiving the contribution in photo from left:  Myra Wessel, Ida Grove Bomgaars Store Manager, and Glen Winekauf, Horn Memorial CEO

COVID-19 Update 1-18-2021

Local public health employees have completed first-dose Moderna vaccination clinics for phase 1A, which included health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.  Public health clinics for second doses in Phase 1-A will begin on January 26, 2021.

On January 11, 2021 Iowa’s Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (IDAC) released their final recommendation for phase 1B priority populations.  The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) released the Phase 1-B Supplemental Vaccine Shortage Order on Friday, January 15, 2021.  Phase 1-B opens to the following priority populations on February 1, 2021. 

Persons aged 75 years and older, OR the following populations vulnerable to high risk of exposure or severity of illness:

·         Individuals with disabilities living in home settings whom are dependent on attendant care staff, and their attendant care staff, if not otherwise vaccinated under phase 1A.

·         Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated, including state and city or county operated facilities.

·         Staff of and individuals living in congregate settings, not covered by the first two bullets, including shelters, sober living homes, behavioral health treatment centers, and detention centers.  College dormitories shall not be included as part of Phase 1B.

·         Frontline essential workers in the food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing sectors who work in or live in congregate settings that do not allow for social distancing such as workers in a meatpacking or manufacturing production line or migrant workers who live in bunkroom-style housing.

·         PK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers.

·         First responders (e.g., firefighters, police officers, and child welfare social workers).

·         Inspectors responsible for health, life and safety, including those in hospital and long-term care settings, child, and food production safety.

·         Government officials, including staff, to ensure continuity of government, engaged in state business at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session.

IDAC asks that counties dedicate 50 percent of each vaccine allocation shipment to priority age populations (75 and older during Phase 1B).  Allocation of vaccine is based on US Census population data, proportionate to the county.  Counties continue to receive vaccine as they use previous shipments.  Phase 1C will not open until a certain percentage of the current priority population has been vaccinated within the state. 

Information on vaccination clinics will be forthcoming.  Please do not call public health to inquire about clinics.  You are preventing an already busy staff from moving forward with preparations.  Information about clinics will be released on the hospital website, hospital Facebook page, Ida County Courier, Holstein Advance, Reminder, with the assistance of businesses and other media sources.

Mapleton Bomgaars Gives Back

On October 25, 2020, Bomgaars held a night of festive fun and fall shopping just for ladies!  This “Ladies Night” is a special event in support of local cancer centers and hospitals to raise awareness of women’s health issues.  This year the Mapleton Bomgaars contributed $296.81 to Horn Memorial in support of women’s health.  Overall, the 94 Bomgaars locations contributed $65,861.66 to local cancer centers and women’s health.  THANK YOU for supporting Bomgaars and our local healthcare services.

Receiving contribution in photo from left:  Michelle Weber, HPC Clinic Director, Keith, Mapleton Bomgaar’s Store Manager, and Christina Davis, RN, Nurse Supervisor.