Winter Health Guide 2015

WINTER HEALTH GUIDE JANUARY 21, 22, & 23

2015

Winter Health Guide

2

January 21, 22, & 23, 2015

WINTER HEALTH GUIDE JANUARY 21, 22, & 23

2015

Exceptional Care... Close to Home.

Winter Health Cover 2015 LB

Published by: St. Peter Herald 311 S. Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, MN 56082 507-931-4520 • Fax: 507-931-4522 Le Sueur News-Herald 101B Bridge Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-3332 • Fax: 507-665-3334 Le Center Leader 62 East Minnesota Street, Le Center, MN 56057 507-357-2233 • Fax: 507-357-6656 Waseca County News 213 2nd St. NW, Waseca, MN 56093 507-835-3380 • Fax: 507-835-3435 Publisher: Julie Frazier www.stpeterherald.com •www.lesueurnews-herald.com www.wasecacountynews.com • www.lecenter.com Cover Design: Lauren Barber Ad Design: Mary Jo Blanchard, Nikkie Gilmore. ©2015

We are here for YOU. At River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic, we consider it a privilege to serve the healthcare needs of you and your family.

River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic 1900 North Sunrise Drive, St. Peter (507) 931-2200 | (507) 934-8480

River’s Edge Clinic - Le Center Opening Soon!

200 East Bowler Street, Le Center (877) 355-8450

Clinic Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Urgent Care: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm M-F 10 am - 4 pm Weekends & Holidays

RiversEdgeHealth.org

January 21, 22, & 23, 2015

Winter Health Guide

3

The bare facts on frostbite: better to prevent it than treat it

By River’s Edge Hospital

On Jan. 6, 2014 Gov. Mark Dayton ordered all schools be closed due to extreme cold temperatures that blanketed the state.

Fast forward one year later and Minnesota is again facing double digit air and wind chill temperatures for much of this week. When wind chill values are 20 to 40 below zero are forecasted it is time to think about protecting yourselves, children and pets from frostbite.

The temperature the morning of Jan. 5, 2015 was -11 and with the wind chill it felt like -25. Kids headed out the door with extra layers to keep them warm while waiting for the bus and plumes of exhaust filled the air as cars were warmed for the chilly drive to work.

While bundling up when you know you have to be outside is a good idea, it is important to note that frostbite can occur within

30 minutes when temperatures are as low they were on Monday.

Dress in layers and go inside immediately if you get wet.

There are three degrees of exposure – frostnip, superficial frostbite and deep frostbite. People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are at increased risk for frostbite. Certain medications also increase the risk.

“Superficial frostbite results in very little tissue loss and heals quickly with little to no need for medical treatment. Deep frostbite has greater consequences; one can expect significant tissue loss and often results in amputations to manage the injury. Do not rub the skin and do not pop blisters,” said Carrie Lager, manager of Emergency Services at River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic in St. Peter.

Frostbite most often occurs in areas furthest from the body’s core – fingers, hands, ears, nose, feet and toes. It be-

gins when blood vessels in the affected area begin to contract, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the area. Loss of feeling in the area occurs then color changes – pale to blue –will begin.

“Avoid alcohol before going out in the cold weather or during as it may keep you from recognizing the symptoms of frostbite,” Lager said.

Treatment of frostbite includes a physical exam of the exposed area. In some cases the patient is admitted to the hospital for observation. Warming

of the exposed area is done by placing the frostbitten area in warm water (100-105°F). In 3-5 imaging of the area is done to identify any tissue damage after rewarming.

If getting immediate medical attention is not an option, get out of the cold as quickly as possible and, if there is no risk of refreezing, warm the area in warm water to thaw the exposed area. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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We create home for older adults, wherever they choose to live.

The Ecumen St. Peter team is proud to provide independent living, assisted living, memory and respite care at Ecumen Prairie Hill, and assisted living at Ecumen Sand Prairie. We’d love to meet you.

Please call Lisa at 507-484-2203 for a tour or more information.

Ecumen Prairie Hill 1305 Marshall Street St. Peter, MN 56082

Ecumen Sand Prairie 700 Knight Street St Peter, MN 56082

www.ecumenstpeter.org

Front row: Nicki Rehnelt, Housing Director; Darcy Beranek, RN, Clinical Director; Melanie Marti, RN, Sand Prairie. Second row: Becky Tapper, Sand Prairie Life Enrichment Coordinator; Janet Geisler, Life Enrichment Director; Rachel Hauschild, Human Resources Representative. Third row: Joyce Wilcox, Sand Prairie Food & Beverage Manager; George Willis, Prairie Hill Food & Beverage Manager; Lisa Hofferbert, Sales & Marketing Manager. Fourth row: Doug Mehlhaff, Environmental Service Director; Tami Brandt, Business Office Manager

Winter Health Guide

4

January 21, 22, & 23, 2015

Winter superfoods for WINTER HEALTH CARE: Fight influenza, other viruses by staying home when ill optimal health Illnesses seem to peak during the winter months. A tappedout immune system as well as dry, cold air may encourage the spread of common viruses and bacterial infections more easily.

As a result, it’s important that men, women and children take every step possible to ward off sickness when the temperatures drop. Dietary changes can make a world of difference, and more and more people are including these proven superfoods in their winter diets. · Avocado: Avocado has high levels of essential fatty acids and vitamin B6, which is important in the biosynthesis of important neurotransmitters. Foods high in B vitamins may be able to counteract some of the symptoms of winter-related depression.

· Butternut squash: This food is packed with carotenoids, which are stellar antioxidants.

The starches in this squash also have been found to have antiinflammatory properties. · Chestnuts: Chestnuts are worthy of inclusion in anyone’s diet. Unlike many nuts, chestnuts are relatively low in fat but have high levels of protein. They’re also packed with vitamin C and B vitamins.

With the state in the midst of a particularly tough influenza season, health officials are urging Minnesotans to protect themselves and others by staying home when they are ill.

The latest weekly influenza report published by the Minnesota Department of Health shows influenza activity continuing at a high level in the state. Outbreaks in long-term care facilities are increasing, hospitalizations due to influenza remain high, and schools continue to see absences due to influenza-like illness. In addition, the state is dealing with a large number of norovirus outbreaks this winter. Since Nov. 1, 2014, 43 outbreaks have been re-

ported to the department, bringing the second biggest start to the norovirus season in 15 years, health officials said.

According to Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger, these illnesses can hit particularly hard among school kids and the elderly in long-term care facilities. One of the best ways to protect these more vulnerable groups is by keeping ill people home for the duration of their illness.

“Every winter we encounter problems with influenza outbreaks or other infectious disease in schools and long-term care facilities, but this year we seem to be getting hit harder than normal

by influenza and norovirus,” Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger said. “We know that some of this activity can be reduced if people stay home when they are feeling ill. It may not always be convenient, but it is an important step in reducing the spread of these diseases.”

Minnesotans can also do their part to slow the spread of diseases by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water for 15-20 seconds after coughing or sneezing in them, after going to the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. Also, you can protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated for influenza. It’s still not too late,

health officials said.

Influenza is a respiratory infection that tends to come on suddenly. Symptoms include sore throat, coughing, high fever, headache, muscle or body ache and fatigue. People who become severely ill with influenza-like symptoms should see a physician.

Norovirus, sometimes mistakenly referred to as “stomach flu,” can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches and mild fever. Symptoms usually last from one to three days, but most healthy people recover on their own.

· Pomegranate: This quirky fruit has vitamins C and K, folate and potassium and is a good source of fiber. Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing joint pain and preventing strokes.

Pomegranate may also help the body fight viruses. · Cinnamon: Cinnamon has high levels of antioxidants, and some studies point to cinnamon as a natural antibacterial agent.

Cinnamon also can help regulate blood-glucose levels, which is beneficial for those with diabetes. · Prunes: Now widely referred to as “dried plums,” prunes are an important source of boron, which could prevent osteoporosis. High in antioxidants, prunes help the body fight a variety of illnesses. · Cabbage: Cabbage may be a key element in the fight against cancer. Cabbage has phytochemicals that can protect the body against cancer-causing free radicals. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, which can stimulate a sluggish digestive system.

Minnesota Valley Health Center is excited to announce a new Electronic Health Records system that will be implemented on February 22nd, 2015!

Benefits include: Easy online communication to MVHC staff Ease of accessing your own medical records Standardized health charts

Watch for more information in the coming weeks.

We look forward to improving your overall experience at Minnesota Valley Health Center!

Connect with Minnesota Valley Health Center

Winter Health Guide

January 21, 22, & 23, 2015

5

Flu season hit Minnesota hard, continues to test health officials

By DANA MELIUS

dmelius@stpeterherald.com

As Minnesota influenza cases edge toward 1,000 hospitalizations for the 2014-2015 season, numbers appear to be slowing from the late December peak.

Confirmed state influenza cases nearly hit 300 for one week

in mid-December, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. That number dipped to just 77 for the first week of January, bringing the total of confirmed flu hospitalizations to 944.

Still, despite on-going concerns voiced by the department and regional health officials, that

overall number doesn’t yet reach the previous year total of 1,540.

The MDA office in St. Paul believes early warnings of the flu outbreak and attention throughout the state’s health industry helped slow the number of cases.

An early December press conference at South Central College in North Mankato brought

A December 2014 press conference at South Central College in North Mankato on the flu outbreak included (left to right): Mary Hildebrandt, Director of Nicollet County Public Health; Dr. Rich Peller, family physician at Mankato Clinic; Dr. Ruth Bolton, Urgent Care physician for Mayo Clinic Health System; Brad Krier, epidemiologist for the Minnesota Department of Health; and Eric Weller of the South Central Minnesota Health Care Coalition at South Central College. (Dana Melius/St. Peter Herald)

COLD & FLU HQ When cold or flu symptoms strike, we’re here to help you fight back.

• Over-the-counter & prescription remedies • Pain relievers & fever reducers • Cough drops & lozenges • Immune-boosting vitamins & supplements • Humidifiers, dehumidifiers & foot baths • Heating & cooling pads • Tissues, travel packs, pill cases & more Get pharmacist-recommended prevention & treatment tips!

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The department reports that involved individuals 65 years or many regional and state officials together to signal those early 81 percent of confirmed influ- older. The median age of those warnings. enza cases in the state this season hospitalized is 72. 3 years, But the state’s department of Continued ON page 6 health continues to sound alerts, as outbreaks in long-term care facilities have been increasing and hospitalizations due to influenza are still considered too high, according to the MDH report of Jan. 8.

In addition, the state is dealing with a large number of norovirus outbreaks this winter, according to the MDH. Since Nov. 1, 2014, 43 outbreaks have been reported to the state department, Deluxe Kitchenette Senior Living Apartments now available making it the second worst start at Ecumen Le Center! in 15 years, health officials said.

For a limited time, our new deluxe studios with kitchenettes According to MDH Commis- and private baths are now available. Monthy rent includes: three daily meals + snacks; utilities; housekeeping and sioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger, these illlaundry; 24-hour on-site trained staff; all activities and life nesses can hit particularly hard enrichment programs; and more! among elementary age students We are your source for assisted living and memory care. and the elderly in long-term care Call Mandy Filter today at 507-357-4104.

Ask about our special pricing. facilities. One of the best and simplest ways to protect these more vulnerable groups is by af175 E. Derrynane | Le Center, MN 56057 |507-357-4104 fected individuals staying home, www.ecumenlecenter.org the department said.

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Winter Health Guide

6

Flu Season

Continued from page 5

according to the MDH. School reports peaked in mid-December, as the holiday break helped curb additional numbers, according to the MDH. But reports from Minnesota school districts have number 619 to date this season, according to the latest department report.

State K-12 schools must report an outbreak of influenzalike illness when the number of students absent with such conditions reaches 5 percent of total enrollment or three or more students absent from the same elementary classroom.

Outside of the metro area and its 477 confirmed cases of influenza tops in the state, the central region (149) and southeast (140) were second and third in confirmed cases.

A fourth pediatric death linked to seasonal influenza was confirmed in early January by the department. However, MDH officials urge that there is no need to panic, for while the flu season

has been harsher than normal, there are no signs that these four deaths suggest a change in state procedures or action.

“Every winter we encounter problems with influenza outbreaks or other infectious disease in schools and long-term care facilities,” Ehlinger said. “But this year we seem to be getting hit harder than normal by influenza and norovirus.”

Influenza is a respiratory infection that tends to come on suddenly, reports the MDH. Symptoms include sore throats, coughing, high fever, headaches, muscle or body aches or fatique.

People who become severely ill with influenza-like symptoms are encouraged to see a physician.

Norovirus, sometimes mistakenly referred to as “stomach flu,” can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, body aches and mild fever. Symptoms usually last one to three days, but most healthy people recover on their own, according to the department report.

Ophthalmology Associates invites you to welcome Dr. Steven Anderson, MD, to the St. Peter and Le Sueur offices!

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January 21, 22, & 23, 2015

Did you know?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that roughly 30 percent of the population complains of chronic back pain in a given year. Lower back pain is a problem that plagues millions of people and can lead to lost hours of work, poor quality of life and reduced mobility.

In fact, according to Global Burden of Disease 2010, low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. People spend around $50 billion each year on back pain treatments.

One solution to back pain is to consult with a chiropractor. The American Chiropractic Association says chiropractic spinal ma-

A Practical Choice for your Life

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This procedure is not suitable for all patients, individual results vary and are not guaranteed, ask for details.

nipulation is a safe and effective pain treatment. It also can help return mobility and flexibility to the back. With addiction to pain medications such a prevalent problem in both the United States and Canada, chiropractic care may be a good first step to alleviate pain and discomfort in the back.

Ask about our new classes!

Call Today! 507-934-4604 100 Dodd Road, St. Peter www.anytimefitness.com

Open a Health Savings Account at Nicollet County Bank!

It just makes sense to save all the money you can. We can help. The Health Savings Account is opened for the purpose of paying medical expenses in conjunction with a high-deductible health care plan. (You may visit with your employer for more information.) See Tracey or Deb in Customer Service to open a Health Savings Account (HSA.)

Like us on Facebook!

220 South Third Street Telephone 931-3310 St. Peter, Minnesota

www.nicolletcountybank.com

January 21, 22, & 23, 2015

Winter Health Guide

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Soup for you! If you made a New Year’s resolution to eat better

in 2015, the Co-op is the place to shop. Oh, and our amazing Wellness Department has products that help you de-stress and relax after exercising!

Since 1979

228 Mulberry St. Peter, MN 56082 | stpeterfood.coop | Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. | EVERYONE IS WELCOME EVERY DAY.

Let’s Get One Thing Perfectly Straight Get the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted with the latest, fastest teeth straightening technology.

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Come see us first.

Same-day appointments available at the Mankato Clinic Daniels Health Center.

Are you or someone in your family not feeling well?

Call Daniels Health Center as early as 7 a.m. to make a same-day appointment. Convenient, extended hours are also available for routine check-ups, annual exams and child visits.

Call 507-934-2325 to make your appointment. � mankatoclinic.com

1901 N. Old Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter

Winter Health Guide

8

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