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Burgess Health Center was named 2018 Employer of the Year as part of Monona County Economic Development Partnership’s (MCEDP) business recognition program. Burgess was nominated by community leaders and chosen as the award recipient by the Board of Directors for MCEDP.

Burgess has been providing health care to the Monona County area since 1963 and employs a diverse group of professionals, including those with extensive clinical degrees and those in nonclinical support positions. Burgess is one of the leading employers in the area, employing approximately 260 people and offering attractive benefits, including competitive salary, generous PTO, health plan, 403(b) with company match, professional development, tuition assistance, and health club membership discounts.

“On behalf of MCEDP, I congratulate this year’s Major Employer of the Year Award winner, Burgess Health Center, for their demonstrated commitment to partner with local workforce and education partners in support of the local economy,” said MCEDP Executive Director, Jessica Carrier. “Preparing our future healthcare workforce is crucial, and I commend Burgess for their innovative and valuable work.”

Burgess is actively involved with Monona County’s workforce initiatives by means of a partnership with MCEDP. Burgess also is an active community partner with various civic and community organizations. Through the Burgess Auxiliary organization, scholarships are awarded each spring to area high school seniors and first-year college students that wish to pursue a career in a health-related field. Burgess’s support of the county workforce system aligns with its mission to continue improving the quality of
life for the people and communities they serve by providing excellent healthcare and exceptional patient experience.

Monona County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) is a public-private partnership dedicated to helping Monona County employers, workers, and communities prosper economically.

Constant exposure to stress can leave you mentally and physically depleted. Feeling helpless in the face of insurmountable problems can rob you of the energy to even care, let alone solve them. The resulting exhaustion, known as burnout, causes you to lose motivation and interest in whatever undertaking may have led to the condition. Here are some strategies to help avoid burnout.

Turn to Others

One of the quickest ways to relieve stress is to talk to someone, especially face-to-face. Even if they don’t know how to fix your problems, it’s comforting to share them with someone who will listen. The best choices are family and friends since they are less likely to feel burdened and will probably want the best for you. Confiding in someone also has a way of strengthening the existing bond.

Reframe Your View of Work

The best remedy for burnout is to switch careers and find something more rewarding. However, this isn’t always possible and you may need your job to stay afloat. It may help to focus on the impact your job has on the lives of others, especially if it provides needed products or services. You can also choose to focus on whatever aspects of the job you do enjoy, even if it’s sharing laughs with your coworkers. Remember that your experience at work is partly the result of the attitude with which you approach it.

Take Time Off

The value of a much-needed vacation should not be overlooked. The more hours you work, the more quickly your energy stores will be depleted and the less time you’ll have to recover before you’re back at work again. No matter how young you are, you won’t be able to keep this up indefinitely. If you’re not due any vacation time, use up your sick days or request a leave of absence. The point is to take time away to relax and recharge, before returning to the grind.

Reassess Your Priorities

Burnout indicates that something in your life is out of balance. Maybe you’ve neglected your hopes and dreams while ascending the career ladder. Maybe you’ve neglected your family. This can be an ideal time to begin setting boundaries and learn to say “no” to unreasonable demands on your time. Don’t be afraid to turn off your phone and quit checking your email after hours. Spend more time pursuing hobbies that feed your creative side, taking care of your health and getting enough sleep.

Exercise

You may not feel like exercising when you’re burned out, but it may be what your mind and body need. It’s one of the best ways to combine stress and improve your mood. All you need is 30 minutes per day to begin feeling better, both physically and mentally. If you can’t get in the entire half-hour at once, break it up into 10 or 15-minute sessions. Any type of exercise is beneficial, so don’t be discouraged if all you have the energy for is walking. Consistency is what’s really important.

Fix Your Diet

What you get out of your body is the direct result of what you put into it. Your energy levels and mood will reflect this the most. Refined carbohydrates, sugar, and caffeine can lead to crashes as the day goes on. Hormones and preservatives are known to adversely affect people’s moods. Cut back on these foods, along with alcohol and nicotine, which can increase anxiety levels. Seaweed, flaxseed, and salmon are all rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Working them into your diet can help boost your mood.

There may be other things you can do to avoid burnout, but these tips cover the basics. Good health, a reassessment of your priorities and an honest conversation with loved ones will help ensure that you can make those decisions. If you do have to quit your job or move to another city, you’ll be able to do so from a position of strength.

 

Holidays are the biggest time of the year for spending, traveling, and eating. It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos of things to do and conveniently wave activities like exercise and diet out the window. Here are a few tips to staying healthy during the torrent of family and friends without sacrificing health and happiness.

Go for green. This can be as easy as adding an extra helping of green beans or salad to your plate or signing up to bring a side of vegetables at a family potluck. Maximizing color–specifically green–to your diet is the first step towards a healthier you.

Balance your plate. Eating healthy doesn’t have to (nor should it) mean eating only greens at every meal. The USDA’s My Plate program recommends half of your plate consist of fruits and vegetables and the other half, grains and protein. Dairy should be a small side portion if consumed at all, though calcium is easily obtainable from leafy greens and soy-rich foods like tofu and soybeans. Sticking to a solid ratio ensures that you won’t go without favorites like potatoes and stuffing while still getting plenty of goodness.

Watch liquid calories. Although one glass of red wine a day can be beneficial, beer, wine, and most liquors contain more calories than you might think. For example, a glass of red wine sits at about 125 calories, while a bottle of beer is about 115. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have a few drinks over the course of a night, but always (especially with alcohol) keep an eye on your consumption. Moderation is key.

Monitor portion size. The best way to limit food cravings and overeating is to eat small meals throughout the day. Take a few minutes while getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner to take a break and snack on pecans, fruit, or whole wheat crackers. Eating throughout the day can prevent bingeing at meals and will keep you satisfied for longer.

Get up and move. Although it might seem like there’s no time to breathe let alone exercise, even just taking fifteen minutes a day can generate endorphins that boost your mood. It doesn’t just have to be you getting exercise either. Get the family out on a walk with the dog or throw a ball around between dinner and dessert. Don’t let a little cold trap you or your family inside.

Finally, these tips aren’t hard rules. The root of a healthy lifestyle is moderation. You don’t have to limit calories, nor should you push yourself to get up and run every day unless that’s what you want to do. Staying healthy is just one step to retaining energy and happiness in the busiest time of the year.

Well, it looks like the cold/flu season is fully upon us.  I think we are in for a wild ride this year.  We all know the usual recommendations for preventing influenza; wash hands, stay home if you are sick, cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve, drink plenty of fluids and get enough sleep.  Being well hydrated will make sure that your mucous membranes, such as nasal passages are not dried out.  If they are dry, it is much easier for a virus to enter the body.  Getting enough sleep or rest will make sure that you are not run down, which would make it easier for a virus to take hold.

No Flu Vaccine?

What about if you can’t get or don’t want to get the Flu vaccine?  Natural Creations has a product that I like and use with my family called Influenzinum 1M.  It is a homeopathic version of the flu shot.  You take it daily for 3-7 days, then once monthly through influenza season.

Ok, ok, but what else can we do to prevent or maybe even treat this?  Well, make sure that you are getting sufficient Vitamin C, Zinc and Selenium.  These three are essential for proper immune function.  Vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, is also essential.  Most people want to get about 2000 units daily, and if starting to get sick, may increase to 4000-10,000 units daily for 3-5 days.

A good probiotic, such as Enterobiotic, once daily is important.  The good bacteria are one of our first defenses and are especially important if you have been on antibiotics.  The good bacteria won’t fight off a virus but can help make sure that you don’t get another infection on top of or after the flu.

Support that Immune System! 

There are a number of herbs that can be taken to support the immune system.  One of the most well-known herbs is Echinacea.  Other herbs that have immune supporting/stimulating effects are Andrographis, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng), Astragalus, Ashwagandha, and Maitake.  A couple of herbs that are especially helpful with viral infections are elderberry and olive leaf.  Other nutritionals that may be helpful are Beta-glucan and Cordyceps.  Homeopathic remedies are designed to treat viral infections as well.  Some products that I like are Flu HP and Viral HP, Oscillococcinum, and Umcka.  Make sure when taking anything, to check with a professional who can instruct you on how much, how long and when to take it.

A few other things to consider that will help protect/support your immune system:  eat plenty of protein, but minimal red meat; avoid processed carbohydrates, such as white flour products; avoid excess sugar and artificial sweeteners.  Try to avoid stress, stress weakens the immune system.  Avoid crowds, it’s much easier to transmit a “bug”.  Keep toothbrush clean by rinsing with peroxide daily.

There you have it, my recommendations for preventing/managing the flu.  Hopefully, you won’t need to use any of these products, but it’s shaping up to be a long cold/flu season, so you may want to keep this info handy.

If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to call the Dunlap Pharmacy at 712-643-5162.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season.

– Dawn and the team at Dunlap Pharmacy

The public is invited to commemorate the holidays at the annual tree lighting ceremony for the Burgess Foundation Milestone & Guardian Angel Trees, Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Burgess Health Center lobby.

Following the lighting, Burgess Auxiliary will serve complimentary refreshments for all in attendance.

Personalized brass ornaments recognizing loved ones are remembered in a memorial or honorarium to the Burgess Foundation during the last year are placed on the nine-foot, frosted blue spruce Milestone Tree. The Guardian Angel tree honors Burgess staff members and volunteers recognized through the Guardian Angel program during the last year.

Commemorative gifts made to the foundation also observe births, graduations, anniversaries and the holiday. All commemorative gifts help to enhance the quality care provided at Burgess Health Center.

Click here for a donation card. For more information, contact Bart McDowell, director of Burgess Foundation, by emailing foundation@burgesshc.org or calling 712-423-9374.

 

Thank you to all who volunteered and attended the annual Burgess People Care Thanksgiving Dinner. Over 130 community members enjoyed a bountiful feast. Many friends used this as a gathering place so they wouldn’t be alone for Thanksgiving.

Volunteers started preparing for this event months ago so that it would a special occasion for all. This type of event needs a lot of dedicated helpers. Burgess employees donated many of the needed grocery items and made the delicious desserts. Cooks were peeling potatoes and making turkeys in their own homes on Wednesday night. The decorating crew was busy making the atmosphere festive at First Christian Church well before the first guest arrived. It was a team effort and the result was an amazing Thanksgiving for all involved.

Burgess People Care, an employee organization at Burgess Health Center, sponsors this event each year and relies on the generosity of employees, friends, family, and other community members to make it happen. The committee wants to thank the many volunteers and donors who work to keep Nancy Broer’s dream of a community dinner on Thanksgiving alive.

Photo: Linda Broer serving guests a Thanksgiving meal.

Rogene and Jean Pekarek are the honorary chairpersons at the 2018 Burgess Foundation Poinsettia Ball and Holiday Brunch.  The Brunch is Friday, November 30 at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church in Onawa and the Poinsettia Ball is Saturday, December 8 at WinnaVegas in Sloan starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Pekarek’s have been active supporters of the Burgess Foundation for over four decades. Jean supported Fern Garred in the creation of the Poinsettia Ball when it was first held in the Blencoe gymnasium 34 years ago.

These celebrations attract hundreds of supporters for fun, great food, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds this year will go toward the purchase of a new CT machine for the radiology department.

Reservations are $50 each for brunch and $75 each for the ball if purchased by November 19. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those wanting to contribute even more towards these incredible technological upgrades that will benefit many area residents.

Country Knot will entertain during the Brunch. Guests at the Ball will enjoy the music of DJ Jimy Mac and comedy and magic of Jeff Quinn. This year’s theme is “Kicking up our Heels”.  Contests at the Poinsettia Ball will include highest and most unique heels and craziest socks and best tie.

This year’s auction items include two tickets to The Ellen DeGeneres Show with a $500 travel voucher, autographed sports memorabilia, overnights stays, casino packages, and dozens of other items.

Those who would like to attend an event or be a sponsor can fill out a form available online at www.BurgessHC.org. For more information, email Foundation@BurgessHC.org or call 712-423-9374. Follow the Foundation Facebook page for more information.

Burgess Hospice of Onawa, Iowa is pleased to share that the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa honored volunteer Cathy Stephens of Onawa, IA. She was recognized for her efforts as a hospice volunteer with a local family.

Stephens has been a hospice volunteer for four years and has gone above and beyond in her work. Not only does she companion patients on their end of life journeys, but she also makes prayer and pocket shawls, volunteers to help with community events and helps with administrative tasks.

Cathy is a wonderful advocate for hospice as she has had family members utilize the program and knows the value of the hospice care. Burgess Hospice is grateful for all that Cathy does. She is truly a wonderful volunteer!

 

The dog days of summer have given way to the changing leaves and cooler nights of autumn, and pretty soon the winter season will be here in earnest. That winter weather will bring snowstorms and icy roadways, but there is another danger lurking behind the scenes.

The winter season is also prime time for the flu, and every year thousands of people die from the disease. And while many of those deaths are related to compromised immune systems and underlying illnesses, influenza can also be deadly for those who are in otherwise perfect health.

So before flu season arrives, it is important to protect yourself whenever and however you can. Here are 10 ways to protect yourself this flu season.

1. Get a flu shot. It may not provide perfect immunity, but a flu shot is an essential first line of defense. Get your annual flu shot early in the season, so you can enjoy long-lasting protection.
2. Wash your hands often. Hand washing is a vital line of defense, not only against the flu but for the common cold and other illnesses as well. Wash your hands several times a day, using soap and hot water.
3. Eat a healthy diet. The healthier you are, the easier it will be for your body to fight off the flu. You should always eat a healthy diet, but taking good care of yourself is even more critical during flu season.
4. Get plenty of exercise. Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Flu season gives you another excuse to hit the gym, so grab your workout clothes and get going.
5. Quarantine yourself. If friends or family members are sick with the flu, put yourself in quarantine. Isolating yourself from flu sufferers will reduce your chances of catching the disease.
6. Avoid touching your mouth and nose. Those airborne flu particles must enter your body before they can make you sick. Touching your hands to your nose and mouth could give the flu virus a way in, so keep your hands at your side – and wash them often.
7. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. It is easy for infection to spread during flu season, so protect yourself and others by covering your mouth and nose.
8. Track the spread of the flu. Once the flu begins to spread, it can move quickly, so keep your eyes open and watch for updates from the CDC and other governmental agencies. If the flu is widespread where you live, it is time to redouble your efforts to stay well.
9. Get plenty of sleep. Insomnia can sap your immune system and leave you vulnerable to colds and flu, so do what you can to get a good night’s sleep. From avoiding caffeine in the evening to banishing screens from the bedroom, there are things you can do to improve your sleep quality and reduce your odds of getting sick.
10. Ask about antiviral drugs if you get the flu. If you think you have the flu, it is important to see your doctor right away. Antiviral drugs can shorten the duration of certain flu symptoms and reduce the risk of a serious complication. These drugs must be taken quickly, so see your doctor at the first sign of illness.

Flu season will be here before you know it, and now is the time to get ready. Once it gains a foothold, the flu virus can spread quickly, so the sooner you start protecting yourself, the better off you will be. The 10 tips listed above can help you protect yourself and your family from this serious and at times life-threatening viral illness.