When most people think of the library, they think of checking out books or movies. Medical equipment generally doesn’t make the list of options. But recently, the Preston Public Library joined the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart initiative, which means that patrons can now check out blood pressure kits from the library or check their blood pressure during a … [Read more...]
Help is Available for Minnesota Producers Facing Times of Stress MDA offers free, confidential tools to navigate farm challenges
St. Paul, MN For Minnesota farmers and livestock producers experiencing times of stress due to business and financial challenges, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) offers a reminder of free, confidential tools that are available to help. “From low commodity prices and extreme weather to continued threats like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Minnesota’s … [Read more...]
Mental Health in Local Schools
Across the nation, there has been a growing concern in schools about student and staff mental health. Six of our area schools shared how they are approaching the challenge of mental health needs – Chatfield, Lanesboro, Caledonia, Houston, Kingsland and Rushford-Peterson. At Chatfield, state money was used for additional staff to help with mental health issues. The high … [Read more...]
Gina Lindeland’s Battle with Trigeminal Neuralgia
When Gina Lindeland went down to her mom’s apartment in early February 2013 crying, screaming in pain and holding her jaw and ear, neither woman had any idea what was wrong with Gina nor had they ever heard of Trigeminal Neuralgia. TN, sometimes called the suicide disease, is a rare disease that produces an electric shock like pain in the jaw to ear area of the face. Gina had … [Read more...]
Activities to Strengthen the Heart
The heart is a vital component of the human body. Without a functional heart, life is simply not possible. As with other muscles in the body, it is important to give the heart a workout to improve its strength and vitality. Intermountain Health says an individual who dos not exercise is more than twice as likely to get heart disease as someone who does. UCI Health says heart … [Read more...]
Red Cross: Donation Shortfall May Impact Blood Supply
The American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations in the first two months of the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels. Right now, the Red Cross especially … [Read more...]
Red Cross needs help to avert a blood shortage
After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage. When a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood in the weeks ahead, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on. Right now, the Red Cross especially … [Read more...]
Early birthday present changes Ann Thacher’s life
Ann Thacher of Bristol Center (west of Harmony) received an amazing gift for her birthday this year. “It was like an early birthday present,” she said. On April 26, the week of her birthday, she received a phone call that would change and save her life. “When they called and said, you got a kidney, I was kind of in shock.” Thacher had waited four years for that call. On May 17, … [Read more...]
One step toward hope
Fillmore County towns are eager for the opportunity to host Relay for Life. Earlier Relay for Life events in Fillmore and Houston Counties were a joint venture; one year in Fillmore County, the following year in Houston County. Houston County no longer holds a relay event. Host communities must commit to hosting the event two years in a row. This is Fountain’s second year … [Read more...]
Heroes needed now: Give blood or platelets
The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy a safe and fun Fourth of July, which includes ensuring a strong blood supply for patients in hospitals across the country. There has been a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks, and the upcoming holiday could put a further strain on donations, as millions celebrate with family vacations and other seasonal … [Read more...]