Horn Welcomes New OB/GYN Provider

Horn Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Paul J. Eastman from Siouxland Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C. of Sioux City, Iowa to the listing of specialty providers available through the HMH Outpatient Clinic. 

Dr. Eastman is a Sioux Falls native who began his practice with Siouxland Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., in 1994.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.  He completed his OB/GYN residency program at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Dr. Eastman and his wife, Marilyn, are the parents of three boys.

Dr. Eastman’s first clinic date at Horn Memorial Hospital is set for Tuesday, February 17.  He will regularly see patients at Horn Memorial Hospital the third Tuesday of each month.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eastman, call Horn Memorial Hospital central scheduling at 712.364.3311.

Wear Red Day – Friday, February 6th - Help Raise Awareness

Although significant progress has been made in increasing awareness among women that heart disease is their #1 killer, most women fail to make the connection between heart disease risk factors and their personal risk of developing the disease. This disease is largely preventable, but kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Join The Heart Truth campaign on Friday, February 6 — National Wear Red Day—to help spread the message that "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear, It's the #1 Killer of Women.^®"

The Heart Truth created and introduced the Red Dress^SM as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 to deliver an urgent wake-up call to American women.  The Red Dress^® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action. On National Wear Red Day, wear a red dress, red shirt, or red tie to show your support for women and heart disease awareness.

While heart disease risk begins to rise in middle age, heart disease develops over time and can start at a young age, even in the teen years. It's never too early, or too late, to take action to prevent and control the risk factors for heart disease. The Heart Truth is building awareness of women's heart disease and empowering women to reduce and prevent their risk. It is reaching women with important heart health messages in community settings through a diverse network of national and grassroots partner organizations.

To find out more about women and heart disease, visit The Heart Truth Web pages at www.hearttruth.gov.

Auxiliary Donates Pediatric Bed

The HMH Auxiliary recently donated a new pediatric bed to the hospital.  This bed allows staff to safely treat pediatric patients.

Present:  Chris Nichols, CEO; and Auxiliary representatives - Robin Thornhill, Secretary; Bev Jessen, President; and 

Jane O’Tool, Treasurer

Influenza Activity Increasing in Iowa

Surveillance by the Iowa Department of Public Health and Ida County Public Health, and testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory indicate flu activity is increasing. The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. “If you have flu symptoms, help out your family, friends and co-workers by staying home to avoid spreading the virus,” said Public Health Nurse Patti Andrews. “It’s also important to remember to cover your coughs and sneezes and clean your hands frequently to help yourself and others say healthy.”
In the last reporting week, the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network indicated 130 influenza-related hospitalizations statewide, mostly among those aged 64 or greater. Several flu outbreaks have been reported in long-term care facilities, especially in central and western Iowa. The most common flu virus circulating is the influenza A(H3N2) strain, although four different strains have been identified. In years when A(H3N2) viruses dominate, the flu season tends to be more severe with more hospitalizations and deaths. Based upon CDC’s national estimates, an average of 300,000 Iowans get the flu every year and together, flu and its complication of pneumonia cause an average of 1,000 deaths yearly in Iowa.

The flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza; however, because some of the A(H3N2) viruses may only be partially covered in the vaccine, it’s even more important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.

Anti-viral medications are an important second line of defense to treat the flu in persons at highest risk of developing more severe illness. Anti-viral medications can make flu illness shorter and reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital or dying from influenza. Antivirals work best if started within 48 hours or sooner of when flu symptoms begin.


The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days. Influenza may cause severe illness or even death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions. (The “stomach bug” which causes diarrhea and vomiting is not caused by the influenza virus but usually by norovirus; thus, the flu vaccine will not protect you against this illness.)

Ida County Pink Walk Donates $8,500 to Horn Memorial

Judy Andresen, Crystal Endrulat (Radiology Director), Linda Ausborn, and Lorna Steenbock

Ida County Pink Walk donated $8,500 from the 2014 event back to Horn Memorial Hospital for women’s health services.  Their success comes from the hard work and dedication of many volunteers, but the core committee remains strong with the leadership of Judy Andresen, Lorna Steenbock, and Linda Ausborn.  There were 231 registrants this year, which included 23 breast cancer survivors.  The survivors’ presences at the walk is just another reflection of the committee’s success and the purpose of all their hard work – to bring breast cancer awareness to the forefront!  Horn Memorial Hospital thanks the committee and the community for their continued support of the fight against breast cancer.

HMH Foundations Gives Back $50,000 to Horn Memorial

Kathy Wilke, Horn Memorial Hospital Foundation President presents a $50,000 to Chris Nichols, CEO.  

The Horn Memorial Foundation recently held their annual Fall Festival raising nearly $32,000.  This event coupled with the annual Foundation Golf Outing held in May of this year allowed the Foundation to donate their proceeds of $50,000 back to Horn Memorial Hospital.  Currently the hospital is doing a master facility plan that will study the future needs for potential upgrades; these funds will be set aside for those upgrades. 

Diabetes Health Fair - Thursday, November 13