News

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.

Onawa, IA – Burgess Health Center is pleased to announce the addition of therapist, Lia Clausen, LMHC to our Mental Health Department. She joins the dedicated staff and doctors in Onawa and Mapleton, providing quality care you can believe in.

Lia brings 9 years of experience working with children, adults, families, and couples and is trained in PCIT, CBT, and EMDR.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in Family Services from the University of Northern Iowa, she attended Walden University to attain her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

She grew up in Nashua, IA and currently lives in Ida Grove. In her spare time, Lia enjoys spending time with her children and husband.

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The National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) announced that Burgess Health Center’s Michele Kirkendall, registered dietitian, and Sue McLaughlin, registered nurse, have renewed their Certified Diabetes Educator® (CDE®) status. Being certified demonstrates they possess the distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care for people with diabetes. Currently, there are over 19,500 diabetes educators who hold NCBDE certification.

Kirkendall and McLaughlin educate through a diabetes support group and also a diabetes self-management plan. These programs offer an experience for diabetes patients to learn how to live successful and fulfilling lives while managing their diabetes. They also provide specialized outpatient programs for children and teens, women with gestational diabetes and adults.

Diabetes is a disease that will not go away—but it can be managed by taking the proper and necessary steps to control it. For more information please call 423-9268.

House numbers are not only convenient for finding addresses but necessary for emergency responders to locate those in need. Minutes matter so be sure that fire, ambulance, and police personnel can quickly find your address.

Burgess Health Center’s ambulance drivers are equipped with many tools to shorten their arrival time. However, house numbers are imperative for a quick reference. The harder it is to find the numbers, the longer it will take emergency personnel to arrive at the scene.

Take a moment to drive around after the sun has gone down and try to find a particular address that is unknown to you. It is not very easy. Emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time – including during a blizzard or in the middle of the night.

Area residents are encouraged to take a few moments to install house numbers or examine existing house numbers. According to the Live Safe Foundation, here are some of the basic requirements:

• Must be Arabic numerals. Fancy numbers or numbers that are spelled out may be aesthetically pleasing but are very difficult to read from the street.
• Need to be a minimum of four inches high and in a contrasting color to their immediate background. Brass or bronze numbers are difficult to see.
• Must be displayed on the front of the dwelling and visible from the street.
• If the dwelling is located more than 45 feet from the front lot line, the number should be displayed on a gate post, fence, mailbox, or another appropriate place that will make it visible from the street from all directions.
• Cannot be obstructed by shrubs, trees, decorations, etc.

Do your part to help yourself and have your house numbers displayed near the front door, under a light in a size and color that is easily visible from the street. And if you live in a rural area maintain your house number sign that is near your driveway. Don’t let it get covered with snow this winter.

If the numbers on your house are not visible or easy to read, it will take emergency personnel longer to reach you. Those extra minutes spent trying to locate a property can mean the difference between life and death, so take the time now to be sure your house numbers may be seen from the street.