• The CDC provided updated guidance this past week that provides recommendations on mask use and testing in certain areas for both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.
•  There has been a recent increase in virus activity in Ida County along with the presence of the more transmissible delta variant.
• Every Iowan should remember that the most important thing we can all do is get vaccinated. Vaccination helps to limit the spread and severity of this virus.
• In addition to vaccination, public health continues to recommend the use of other mitigation approaches including staying home when you're sick, washing your hands, and using facemasks and social distancing as a layered approach to make virus spread less likely.
•  Vaccine supply in the state is stable and vaccines are readily available.
• Iowans with questions about the vaccine should reach out to their health care provider or local public health.
• The public health best practice recommendations and CDC information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Cancer is the leading cause of death across the globe, accounting for 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone. Statistics indicate that more than 20 percent of those deaths were due to lung cancer, making it the most deadly cancers in the world.

Early detection is often essential to surviving various forms of cancer, and lung cancer is no exception. In fact, the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed before the cancer has spread rises from 18 out of every 100 to 55 out of every 100. With so much at stake, it pays for men and women to learn the signs and symptoms of lung cancer.

Recognizing the signs of lung cancer involves both learning about its potential symptoms and identifying risk factors. Symptoms do not typically manifest themselves in the early stages of lung cancer, though there are some classic symptoms that should be discussed with a healthcare provider if they appear.

 Those symptoms include:

·                     Persistent cough: This is especially concerning for people who cough up rust-colored sputum

·                     Shortness of breath

·                     Hoarseness

·                     Chronic bronchitis

·                     Chest pain

·                     Unexplained weight loss

·                     Bone pain

These symptoms are not generally a cause for concern by themselves, but doctors may still recommend patients who experience them be tested for lung cancer.

Understanding lung cancer risk factors is another important step men and women can take in the fight against this deadly disease. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, but a growing number of people who have never smoked are being diagnosed with lung cancer. So even non-smokers are at risk of lung cancer, which might come as a surprise to those who have never used tobacco. People who have any of these risk factors should speak with their healthcare provider to determine if screening for lung cancer would be in their best interest.

·                     Exposure to second-hand smoke

·                     Exposure to radon gas

·                     Exposure to asbestos

·                     Exposure to other carcinogens, such as chromium and nickel

·                     Air pollution

·                     Arsenic in drinking water

·                     Previous radiation to lungs

·                     Personal or family history of lung cancer

Lung cancer can affect anyone, even people who have never smoked. If you have any of the symptoms discussed above or concerns, talk with your healthcare provide to see if you are a candidate for CT lung cancer screening at Horn Memorial Hospital.

Horn Public Health administered 2,710 doses of COVID Vaccine over the course of three months.  This would not have been possible without the repeated help of volunteers, commented Rebecca Burns, Public Health Coordinator.  The limited vaccine supply required volunteers to assist with over 20 clinics.  We are very appreciative of everyone that stepped in to help us provide these clinics, including St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, and Lohff-Schumann Memorial Community Center in Holstein for allowing us to use their space.   We are pleased that we have been able to reach this many in our community, but we still have work to do in regards to educating our community and continuing to make the vaccination available.

Volunteers present: Deb Cosgrove, Linda Klotz, Lori Volkert, Lori Forneris, Katie Clausen, Connie Ludvigson.  

Absent from the photo were: Deb Krager, Sharon and Dale Wellendorf, Jo Hayes, Kathy Henrich, Becky Ricklefs, Mikka Belson, and Pam Shever.

Ida County Public Health will offer COVID-19 vaccinations through the Horn Community Health Office beginning Thursday, May 6.  The Moderna Vaccination will be given on May 6 and 13 as well as June 3 and 10.  The Johnson & Johnson Vaccination will be given on May 7 and 10.  Additional dates will be added as needed.  Please call 712-364-7311 to schedule your appointment.

                 (Ida Grove, IA) “ Dr. Michael Luft and Sara Luft, ARNP announce the sale of their practice, the Ida Grove Family Health Center, to Horn Memorial Hospital (HMH).  The purchase was unanimously approved at the HMH Board of Trustees meeting on Monday evening, April 26. The sale will conclude at the end of May and the Ida Grove Family Health Center will officially be closed at the end of business day on May 28^th.

                Dr. Luft noted the sale came about after a significant amount of consideration and discussion with his wife, Sara, and family over the course of the past few months. 

For us, the decision came down to, ˜whats best for our patients and our family? Dr. Luft said. We really wanted whats best for the patients. This has been a very emotional and difficult decision because the Ida Grove community and Horn Memorial Hospital have been a part of our family for the last 21 years, and those relationships will always be dear to our hearts.

Glen Winekauf, HMH CEO, said Dr. Lufts departure from our community is a great loss, but we understand his reasoning and wish him and his family the very best on his future endeavors. 

We are pleased to retain Nurse Practitioners, Joey Hoefling, an Odebolt native and Jacqueline Ellison.  The transition of their practices to Horn Physicians Clinic will provide a continuity of care for many patients that have received medical services from the Ida Grove Family Health Center in the past.  Both Mr. Hoefling and Ms. Ellison will begin seeing patients on June 14^th in the HPC Ida Grove office, Winekauf said.

Vaccine brand for April 8 and 21 COVID-19 clinics is Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).  April appointments are now open to anyone 18 years and older who wishes to receive COVID-19 vaccine.  Additional appointments have been added.  April 8th clinic is held from 3 p.m. “ 6 p.m. and the April 21 clinic is 3 p.m. “ 5 p.m.  Both clinics are being held at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ida Grove “ BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

You can schedule an appointment one of two ways:  online at www.hornmemorialhospital.org (most efficient method) or by calling 712.364.7356.  Call Line hours are limited to Monday “ Friday from 9 a.m. “ 4 p.m.

Face masks and social distancing are required.  If you are not feeling well or are under quarantine please cancel your appointment. 

Remember to wear a shirt that makes your shoulder easily accessible and arrive at the time you are scheduled.

Additional appointments may be added depending on demand and availability of vaccine, and clinics may be postponed depending on availability of vaccine.  

Ida County has set two additional dates for COVID vaccine clinics.  At this time the vaccine brand is unknown.  Clinics will be held on April 8 and 21 from 3 p.m. “ 4 p.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ida Grove “ BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Scheduling will open at 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 18.  You can schedule an appointment one of two ways:  online at www.hornmemorialhospital.org (most efficient method) or by calling 712.364.7356.  Call Line hours are limited to Monday “ Friday from 9 a.m. “ 4 p.m. beginning Thursday, March 18.

Eligible recipients for the April 8 and 21 clinics will include the addition of those age 64 and younger with certain underlying medical conditions that are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19.  Adults with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness: cancer; chronic kidney disease; COPD; down syndrome; heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies; immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant; obesity; severe obesity; pregnancy; sickle cell disease; smoking; type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Adults with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness: asthma; cerebrovascular disease; cystic fibrosis; hypertension or high blood pressure; immunocompromised state from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines; neurologic conditions, such as dementia; liver disease; overweight; pulmonary fibrosis; thalassemia; type 1 diabetes mellitus.  Those eligible continue to include previous phases, Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tiers 1-5.

Face masks and social distancing are required.  If you are not feeling well or are under quarantine please cancel your appointment. 

Remember to wear a shirt that makes your shoulder easily accessible and arrive at the time you are scheduled.

Times may be expanded depending on availability of vaccine each week, and clinics may be postponed depending on availability of vaccine.

The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) recently recognized the stellar examples of influenza vaccination mandates in healthcare settings, and Horn Memorial Hospital was 1 of 18 Iowa hospitals recognized in the IAC Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll.

The Influenza Vaccination Honor Roll represents the champions who have taken the lead in influenza vaccination within their organization.  To be included in this honor roll, organizations must mandate influenza vaccination for employees as well as include serious measures to prevent transmission of influenza from unvaccinated workers to patients.

The Horn Leadership Team believes the best way to prevent transmission of influenza to our patients is to mandate vaccination of healthcare personnel. Horn applied for and was inducted into the Honor Roll for their 2020 Influenza Vaccination completion percentage.  Angie Frank, Employee Health Nurse, submitted the information by answering questions about the policies and mandates in place at Horn Memorial.   Angie commented, I am so proud of our staff! They are not only helping protect one another, they are helping protect our patients as well.  We are very proud of this accomplishment! 

The Iowa Department of Public Health recently announced that individuals 64 and younger with underlying medical conditions as listed in this link are eligible to receive the COVID vaccine https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. However, at this time, Horn Public Health will continue to focus on Phase 1B, tiers 1-5, for the March 17, 24 and 31 clinic dates. 

When we are able to move into the other populations, such as people with underlying health conditions, announcements will be made through Facebook, www.hornmemorialhospital.org, and the local newspapers. Please continue to be patient as vaccine demand continues to be greater than supply.

As a reminder “ upcoming clinic dates for the Moderna COVID vaccine will be held on Wednesdays, March 17, 24, and 31 from 9 a.m. “ 11 a.m. at the Lohff Schumann Community Center in Holstein for Phase 1B, tiers 1-5 “ BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Scheduling will open at 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 11

You can schedule your appointment one of two ways:

1) Online at www.hornmemorialhospital.org (this is the most efficient method) or

2) Call 712.364.7356. Call Line hours are limited to Monday “ Friday from 9 a.m. “ 4 p.m. beginning Thursday, March 11.

Ida County will hold Moderna COVID vaccine clinics on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, in Holstein and in Ida Grove.  Since last week, there has been a national push to further expand eligibility of older adults.  In response to this push, Iowa is expanding Phase 1B to include Iowans age 65 and over. 

Appointments WILL NOT be taken for these vaccination clinics.  If you fall within the eligibility to receive a vaccine and would like one, please attend one of the clinics listed below on February 2.  Numbers will be handed out at each clinic to match the amount of vaccine available.  Public Health will continue to schedule and announce vaccination clinics until eligible recipients in this group are vaccinated. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

**Please wear a shirt that makes your shoulder easily accessible.**

Lohff-Schumann Memorial Community Center in Holstein
7:00 “ 9:00 a.m.
Eligible recipients include PK-12 educators, Childcare Workers, Child Welfare Social Workers and First Responders. 
Please bring identification showing you are currently employed in this group.  We have a list of Ida County fire fighters.

9:00 a.m. “ 11:00 a.m.
Eligible recipients include individuals 65 years and older. 
Please bring identification with birth date.

St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Ida Grove
2:00 p.m. “ 4:00 p.m.
Eligible recipients include individuals 65 years and older. 
Please bring identification with birth date.

4:00 p.m. “ 6:00 p.m.
Eligible recipients include PK-12 Educators, Childcare Workers, Child Welfare Social Workers, and First Responders. 
Please bring identification showing you are currently employed in this group.  We have a list of Ida County fire fighters.

Routine Checkups are the Best Way 
to Stay on Top of your Health

Regular visits with a medical professional are an important part of a healthy lifestyle.  Too often people visit the doctor only when they are ill, as they may not realize just how essential well visits and physical exams are.

Routine checkups are the smartest way for people in all age groups to stay on top of their health, but they can be especially valuable for those age 50 and older. Regular checkups enable physicians to check current health against past visits, ensuring that any anomalies can be investigated and treated efficiently and promptly.  This can make the difference in slowing down the progression of a disease that has already developed or prevent something from becoming a full-fledged issue.

There is no hard and fast rules about how often seniors should visit health care providers.  Those who are in general good health may only require one medical checkup a year.  At this point vital signs will be checked, medications reviewed, and lifestyle topics discussed.  Providers may even recommend or discuss wellness lab tests.  Patients also can bring up any issues they may be experiencing, however insignificant they may seem.  Anything from sleep disturbances to memory loss to unexplained fatigue or pain can be addressed.  Sometimes getting everything out in the open and being reassured that theres nothing to worry about can be helpful.

Physicians are adept at asking questions to get a sense of how patients are faring in the world.  This may include topics that seemingly have no relevance to health but can be quite important.  A provider may ask about topics such as bathing or dressing.  Questions about social interaction or typical routines can paint a better picture of both physical and mental health.

The recommended frequency of doctor visits may change as health issues arise or if follow-up is need after a treatment plan, test results, or injury.  Some seniors may have to visit a provider once a week or once a month.  Doctors, nurses and therapists will design a regimen based on a patients current health needs.

The following are some compelling reasons to be diligent with provider visits.

• Patients will be less likely to forget about important screenings, like mammograms, prostate tests, cholesterol tests, and more.
• Frequently health issues can be silent and not noticed early on by a patient.
• Vaccines can be administered, as even adults need certain immunizations to stay healthy.
• Patients can discuss potential lifestyle changes, like going on a diet or taking up a new fitness regimen.

It is essential to follow through with healthcare provider visits, even if they seem redundant. Physicians may detect issues that warrant close observation.  Patients are urged to have an open dialogue with their doctors so they understand the reason behind health care visits and expectations in the future. 

Patients should take an active role in their health to improve their overall wellness and reduce their risk for illness.  Horn Memorial offers private pay wellness labs the first Tuesday of the month by appointment.  Perhaps its time to schedule your wellness labs and then schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss your results.  It is important to be proactive in your health to have the best quality of life.

On October 25, 2020, Bomgaars held a night of festive fun and fall shopping just for ladies! This Ladies Night is a special event in support of local cancer centers and hospitals to raise awareness of womens health issues. This year the Ida Grove Bomgaars contributed $807.86 to Horn Memorial in support of womens health. Overall, the 94 Bomgaars locations contributed $65,861.66 to local cancer centers and womens health. THANK YOU for supporting Bomgaars and our local healthcare services.

Receiving the contribution in photo from left:  Myra Wessel, Ida Grove Bomgaars Store Manager, and Glen Winekauf, Horn Memorial CEO

Local public health employees have completed first-dose Moderna vaccination clinics for phase 1A, which included health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.  Public health clinics for second doses in Phase 1-A will begin on January 26, 2021.

On January 11, 2021 Iowas Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (IDAC) released their final recommendation for phase 1B priority populations.  The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) released the Phase 1-B Supplemental Vaccine Shortage Order on Friday, January 15, 2021.  Phase 1-B opens to the following priority populations on February 1, 2021. 

Persons aged 75 years and older, OR the following populations vulnerable to high risk of exposure or severity of illness:

·         Individuals with disabilities living in home settings whom are dependent on attendant care staff, and their attendant care staff, if not otherwise vaccinated under phase 1A.

·         Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated, including state and city or county operated facilities.

·         Staff of and individuals living in congregate settings, not covered by the first two bullets, including shelters, sober living homes, behavioral health treatment centers, and detention centers.  College dormitories shall not be included as part of Phase 1B.

·         Frontline essential workers in the food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing sectors who work in or live in congregate settings that do not allow for social distancing such as workers in a meatpacking or manufacturing production line or migrant workers who live in bunkroom-style housing.

·         PK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers.

·         First responders (e.g., firefighters, police officers, and child welfare social workers).

·         Inspectors responsible for health, life and safety, including those in hospital and long-term care settings, child, and food production safety.

·         Government officials, including staff, to ensure continuity of government, engaged in state business at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session.

IDAC asks that counties dedicate 50 percent of each vaccine allocation shipment to priority age populations (75 and older during Phase 1B).  Allocation of vaccine is based on US Census population data, proportionate to the county.  Counties continue to receive vaccine as they use previous shipments.  Phase 1C will not open until a certain percentage of the current priority population has been vaccinated within the state. 

Information on vaccination clinics will be forthcoming.  Please do not call public health to inquire about clinics.  You are preventing an already busy staff from moving forward with preparations.  Information about clinics will be released on the hospital website, hospital Facebook page, Ida County Courier, Holstein Advance, Reminder, with the assistance of businesses and other media sources.

Receiving contribution in photo from left:  Michelle Weber, HPC Clinic Director, Keith, Mapleton Bomgaars Store Manager, and Christina Davis, RN, Nurse Supervisor.

Ida County received their first shipments of the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine on December 22.  A total of 400 doses are available for healthcare workers as defined by Phase 1-A of the Vaccine Shortage Order effective December 14, 2020.  Horn Memorial Hospital will begin vaccination for their healthcare workers on December 29.  Horn Public Health will also begin to offer vaccine to healthcare workers not affiliated with Horn Memorial Hospital on December 29.  Long term care, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities in Ida County have been matched with either CVS or Walgreens pharmacies to provide and administer COVID-19 vaccine for their residents and staff.    

When the majority of those in Phase 1-A are vaccinated the State will allow vaccination of those in Phase 1-B, potentially early February.  Phase 1-B will include: persons age 75 years or greater, firefighters, police, corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, teachers and support staff as well as child care workers. 

In Phase 1-C, vaccine should be offered to persons aged 65-74 years, persons aged 16-64 years with medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 (cancer; chronic kidney disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies; immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant; obesity; severe obesity; sickle cell disease; smoking; type 2 diabetes mellitus; and pregnancy), and essential workers not previously included (transportation and logistics; water and wastewater; food service; shelter and housing; finance; information technology and communications; energy, legal, media, public safety engineers and public health workers).

During Phase 2 vaccine supply will likely be sufficient to meet demand for critical populations as well as the general public.  Ida County has been working with the health care providers in our county these last several months so they can offer the vaccine to their patients.  Public Health will also offer vaccine clinics for Phases 1-B, 1-C and 2.  Clinics are being planned through St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ida Grove, and Lohff Schumann Memorial Community Center, Holstein.  Dates will be set after public health is notified of each phase opening.  You can check vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you offering vaccine.     

Everyone should continue taking protective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19:

●     Stay home if youre sick

●     Wash your hands often

●     Stay six feet away from others at all times

●     Wear a mask when you cant properly social distance from others

●     Recognize that older people and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart issues, and organ transplants have a much higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19

As we come closer to receiving COVID-19 Vaccine in our county, Horn Public Health reminds all residents the initial doses of vaccine will be limited and will be available to priority populations; prioritized according to guidance received from our state and federal partners.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued a Vaccine Shortage Order effective December 14, 2020 and shall remain in effect until rescinded by IDPH.  The conditions of the order state COVID-19 vaccine shall only be administered to individuals included in Priority Designation Phase 1-A, including: healthcare personnel serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work remotely, and long term care facility residents and staff.  We anticipate the delivery of COVID-19 vaccine for Phase 1-A prior to the end of the year, said Rebecca Burns, Public Health Coordinator for Ida County. 

According to IDPH, Vaccination Phase 1-B preemptively suggests vaccine be open to those listed in Phase 1-A plus assisted and independent living facilities and people 65 and older.  Emergency and law enforcement personnel, food packaging and distribution workers, teachers/school staff, childcare providers and adults with high-risk medical conditions who possess risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness may also be included.

During Phase 2, vaccine supply will likely be sufficient to meet the demand for critical populations as well as the general public.  Ida County has been working with the healthcare providers in our county these last several months so they can offer the vaccine to their patients.  When vaccine becomes available you can check vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you offering vaccine.     

Everyone should continue taking protective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19:

●     Stay home if youre sick

●     Wash your hands often

●     Stay six feet away from others at all times

●     Wear a mask when you cant properly social distance from others

●     Recognize that older people and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart issues, and organ transplants have a much higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be providing adult influenza vaccines to states to increase influenza vaccine coverage in the United States as a critical part of COVID-19 response to work. Increasing adult influenza coverage will result in a decreased strain on the nations health care system.  This one-time initiative for the 2020-21 influenza seasons allowed states to order adult influenza vaccine with availability of the vaccine expected to be from late October-January. The priority for this initiative seeks to immunize adults with no health insurance, who are under-insured or have limited access to influenza vaccine.  There is no charge for the flu vaccine.

There will be a limited supply available during our VFC Clinic October 13^th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and October 14^thfrom 9:00-Noon and 2:00-5:00 p.m. and by appointment only on October 19^thfrom 3:00-6:00 p.m. Please call ahead to Community Health at 712-364-7311.

 COVID-19 Death Confirmed in Ida County

The Ida County Department of Public Health today announced the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. The individual was greater than 80 years old.

We wish to extend our sympathy to this individuals family, said Rebecca Burns, Ida County Public Health Coordinator.  Ida County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to limit the spread and impact of this virus in our communities.

All residents should:

• Stay home as much as possible. Leave only for essential errands like groceries or getting medication. When you run these errands, send only one person from the household, if possible.
• Stay home when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldnt prevent you from your everyday activities).
• Wear a face covering when in public and practice social distancing when possible.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus or coronavirus.iowa.gov. and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

Now is the time to prepare for the flu season. Horn Memorial Community Health will be offering flu shot clinics. Please call our office at 712-364-7311 to reserve your time to receive the flu vaccine.  We will not be taking walk-ins this year, so please call ahead and schedule your time.  This will help eliminate a crowd of people at the same time.  We also require you to wear a mask when you come to receive your flu vaccine.  The following are the locations and time frames we will be offering the flu vaccine.

• Thursday, October 8^thfrom 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ida Grove Fire Station
• Thursday, October 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Battle Creek Fire Station
• Friday, October 16^th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at HMH Community Health Office
• Wednesday, October 21^st from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at HMH Community Health Office
• Thursday, October 22^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Holstein Fire Station

Horn Memorial raised $17,170 from the 2020 Membership Drive.  As earmarked, these funds were used to purchase 16 new mattresses for our Inpatient beds.  These mattresses provide our patients the comfort they need to rest and heal.  In following our vision, to have highly satisfied patients, updates such as replacing mattresses is vital for us to continue to offer comfort and care with a personal touch. Thank you to our community for your continued support. 

Present in the photo from left:  Kim Schreiber, RN, House Supervisor; Amy Miller, RN, Inpatient Director, and Jill Wingert, Health Unit Coordinator