The American Red Cross encourages people to share their good health this holiday season by donating blood for patients in need. Mike Healey’s son was born prematurely, weighing three pounds, and immediately needed blood. “I gave blood the next day and have done it 56 times since then,” he said. Though Healey’s son spent his first 49 days of life in the neonatal intensive care … [Read more...]
Two-time cancer survivor lives each day to the fullest
When Harmony resident, Mary Ann Johnson was told she had breast cancer in 2014, she couldn’t believe her ears. “I was feeling fine. It was a normal day and then you’re told you have cancer…you’re whole world changes in an instant.” After hearing the news, Johnson called her daughter, who immediately came from the cities to help her mom navigate through the maze of tests and … [Read more...]
Support cancer patients by giving blood with the Red Cross
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others. Mary Alice Donofrio gave blood for the first time in memory of her mother who received several blood transfusions while being treated for breast cancer. “I had no idea what to expect, but the experience was very easy and quite rewarding. … [Read more...]
How women can make mammograms more comfortable
Women can take various steps to make mammograms less painful. Mammograms help to detect breast cancer early, improving women’s prognosis as a result. Susan G. Komen states that mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening tool in use today. When women should begin getting mammograms remains open to debate. The American Cancer Society now recommends that women … [Read more...]
The role of exercise in cancer reduction
Cancer can strike without warning. Although there is no way to prevent cancer, there are certain measures people can take to help reduce their risk, and exercise is one of the more effective ways to do just that. The National Cancer Institute notes that there is substantial evidence to support the idea that higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower risks of … [Read more...]
Looking for Breast Cancer Awareness stories
To promote Breast Cancer Awareness, the Fillmore County Journal would like to publish stories of local people who have dealt with breast cancer and are willing to share their journey. If you know someone who currently has breast cancer or is in remission, please contact us by email us at news@fillmorecountyjournal.com or call 507-765-2151 by October 10. … [Read more...]
Harmony bloodmobile exceeds goal by three units
The blood drive held in Harmony on September 26, 2017, succeeded in collecting 52 units of blood which was three over their goal. There were 56 donors that presented and one first-time participant. Congratulations to these five donors who reached the following milestones: Richard Berg – 11 gallons, Fena Hershberger – two gallons, Averlene Marzolf – seven gallons, Jim Randa – … [Read more...]
911 Emergency; Be aware and prepared
It’s common for us to assume that in the face of an emergency we’d know exactly what to do. Children are taught how to call 911 and give the dispatcher the pertinent information and we assume that calls will be handled like the dispatch scenes depicted on television and in movies. What happens is often not that simple and involves more than we may realize. In late December … [Read more...]
Seasonal flu vaccinations available
Seasonal flu shots are encouraged for anyone age six months and older. This is also true for people who care for children under age six months and people with health conditions. Fillmore County Public Health is offering shots that protect against four flu types. Flu shots will only be available at 902 Houston Street, NW in Preston on the following dates: • Monday, October 9 … [Read more...]
Good Samaritan Society: Helping people live life to its fullest
Vickie Lynch has been doing her job for more than two decades. “I hadn’t planned on staying this long, but when you love what you do, why leave?” Lynch is the home care administrator for Good Samaritan Society Home Care in Preston, a faith-based organization that provides in-home health care services. “Good Sam,” as it called by Lynch and other employees, has been helping … [Read more...]