The earliest way of summoning emergency services was by ringing a bell, either mounted atop the station or in the belfry of a local church. Now we expect the wail of an approaching ambulance siren whenever there is a medical emergency. For some the noise is startling, and for others it is the sound of safety – a reminder that there are professionals protecting the community. … [Read more...]
Facing COVID-19
“Early last week, I received a call from my daughter, who is a physical therapist at a local hospital, telling me they were running low on face masks. My other daughter, also a physical therapist in home health, also mentioned they were very low on masks. Then shortly after that conversation, Pastor Dan (Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn.) shared a post on the church … [Read more...]
Impact of pandemic
It’s like an episode of the Twilight Zone. Starting March 17, mandated by Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota’s school-aged children were sent home with the possibility they may return to school on Monday, March 30, 2020. Rumors have circulated that students will finish their school year at home with online learning. As of March 19, 2020, at least 92,000 public and private schools … [Read more...]
Red Cross urges healthy individuals to give blood amid coronavirus concerns Low donor turnout could hurt U.S. blood supply
The American Red Cross strongly urges healthy, eligible individuals who are feeling well to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and prevent shortages as concerns about the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, rise in the U.S. Cold and flu season has already impacted the nation’s ability to maintain its blood supply. As the number of … [Read more...]
NAMI Southeast Minnesota and Zumbro Valley Medical Society bring safeTALK for agriculture communities to southeast Minnesota Suicide prevention training for agricultural communities
“Suicide rates for farmers are five times higher than the national average [and even] double the rate for military veterans.” NAMI SE MN and Zumbro Valley Medical Society are sponsoring safeTALK training workshops for the agricultural communities. People will learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention … [Read more...]
Coronavirus update from Fillmore County Public Health
March 3, 2020 – Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses common in both humans and many different species of animals. The current Coronavirus disease is called COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is believed to be spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes and by being in close contact of people with the illness. Coronavirus symptoms include: fever, cough, … [Read more...]
Be a hero for patients: Donate blood during Red Cross Month
The American Red Cross urges the public to join its lifesaving mission by giving blood or platelets this March in celebration of Red Cross Month. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urgently needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring. Every day, thousands of patients depend on blood donations to help save their lives – patients like Heath … [Read more...]
Cancer patients use more blood than those fighting any other disease
Patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease, using nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply. That’s why this February, the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time, ensuring loved ones have the strength and support to battle … [Read more...]
Oral health plays a big role in overall health
When you think of staying healthy, chances are proper nutrition, regular exercise, and annual checkups with our physician spring to mind. But what of your dental health? It’s more important than you think and the medical establishment is now pushing the importance of oral systemic health more than ever. “Oral systemic health is the connection between oral health and overall … [Read more...]
Emergency! Shrinking number of EMS volunteers
Emergency Medical Services — those professionals responding to crisis calls and both treating and transporting patients — are a vital part of our communities. So integral, we assume they’re just always there, willing and waiting in the wings when we need them. What happens though when there aren’t enough workers to do the job? In Fillmore County, these are volunteer-staffed … [Read more...]