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...]
Dementia Caregivers’ 8-week Support Series to be held in Harmony
ACT on Alzheimer’s-Harmony in conjunction with Heartland Hospice will be offering a Dementia Caregiver Support Series in Harmony. This series of weekly gatherings will be held on Tuesday afternoons 2-3 p.m. starting on September 19, 2017, through November 7, 2017. This will be held at Clara House Senior Living facility’s community room at 355 Main Ave. North, Harmony, Minn. … [Read more...]
USDA announces funding availability to help low-income individuals and families buy or repair homes
AUSTIN, MN – USDA Rural Development has funding available for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. “Our housing staff will work one-on-one to ensure quality customer service for all applicants”, said Acting State Director Mike Navin. “To help prepare would-be buyers for this exciting step, USDA requires … [Read more...]
Melanoma awareness one step at a time
The facts: Melanoma, although not as common as others of similar characteristics, is unarguably the most serious as far as categories of skin cancer. Indeed, in 2017, an estimation of nearly 10,000 victims will meet their demise at the cost of the deadly disease in the United States alone. The goal: To educate of this ever-pestilent evil, as well as emphasize means in which … [Read more...]
Great need for quality child care in rural Minnesota
Human Services Assistant Commissioner Jim Koppel recently visited Cedar Mountain Cougar Childcare Center in Franklin, Minn., to emphasize the importance of quality child care, and highlight businesses and communities coming together to address the need for child care. “Without consistent, quality child care, children often struggle and are not prepared to enter kindergarten, … [Read more...]
New employee has four legs and a big heart
The newest employee at Hoff Funeral Home wasn’t able to fill out an application, but he still got the job based on his people skills and big heart. Charlie is a therapy dog. This special seven-month-old labradoodle joined the Hoff staff in April as “Chief Comfort Officer,” providing comfort to grieving families at Hoff locations throughout Southeast Minnesota. “We heard … [Read more...]
Summit Club offers fun travel opportunities for seniors
The F & M Community Bank Summit Club was first started over 20 years ago by bank employee Carol Bond and has been going strong ever since. When Bond retired three years ago, Brenda Reicks and Allison Whalen took over running the club for her. They’ve enjoyed building on what Bond started, but are also making it their own. “We put our own spin on it,” Reicks said. Being … [Read more...]
Popular sports for seniors
Age doesn't have to stop older men and women from enjoying their favorite sports. In fact, remaining active can improve physical and mental health. If a doctor has confirmed that it is okay to participate in sports, these activities can help men and women 50 and older enjoy friendly competition and physical activity. Fishing Fishing is more than just a leisurely day at the … [Read more...]