October 2015
Your Community. Your Hospital. Your Life.
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Because We ALL Can Handle
a Little Squeeze!
It is that time of year that we paint October pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. This year we ask that there be a renewed effort to get all those that are due for a mammogram in and screened! Even though screening guidelines recommend all women receive a screening mammogram by the age of 40 (earlier if you have a family history), the American Cancer Society statistics report that women 40 years and older receiving their mammogram has plateaued at 67%.
Schedule your mammogram in a month that has special meaning for you; whether it is October, your birthday month or a birthday of a loved one. Each year, over 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer. Early screenings along with improvements in screening and treatments have been linked to lowering the death rate from breast cancer, down 34% since 1990.
If there is a financial barrier to receiving your mammogram, please contact the Radiology Department at Floyd Valley Hospital. Through generous donors in our service area, there is financial assistance for those that are underinsured or uninsured. Please take that first step and get your mammogram scheduled today by calling (712) 546-3394 or (800) 642-6074 x3394. And remember, we all can handle a little squeeze!
The Flu and You
The United States has been exposed to new community health threats including most recently, Ebola. While the immediate concern from this disease has passed, diligence is still required for other seasonal threats. Many Americans underestimate the devastating effect of influenza each year. Flu season can hit anywhere between October through May and can vary in intensity each year. Annually, there are deaths from the flu and flu-related illnesses, hospitalizations, loss of work and school days and costs related to treatments.

The CDC urges that getting the vaccine is the single best protection from influenza. This year's vaccine covers four strains of influenza including two A and two B viruses.  All people 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine.  Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe influenza and their close contacts, including healthcare personnel and caregivers of children younger than 6 months.
 
People who should not be vaccinated include:
  • People who have had a life-threatening reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
  • People who have ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza previously.
  • Influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children less than 6 months of age.
  • People who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they recover before getting immunized.
 Both Floyd Valley Community Health and Family Medicine Clinics offer the public convenient opportunities for vaccinations. People that are healthy and are 2 - 49 years of age may be eligible to receive the flu mist. For others, the shot may be the best means of vaccination. For your health and those around you, please get your vaccination today!
Heads Up
Anthony Peyton, PT works
 through concussion protocol with Craig Schwartz.  Peyton has treated over 100 concussed  patients over the past 7 years.  This year alone
he has worked with 27 people from various events.
There has certainly been a lot of information in the media in regards to concussions in football. And by far, there is an increased risk of head injuries in football compared to other sports. But with collisions with other players or even the floor; volleyball, basketball and even cheerleading also have seen their share of concussions. Concussions can also occur in the general public because of a fall, car accident or any action that would create sudden motion that would cause the brain to "rattle" inside the skull.
Symptoms of concussions can be immediate, while others may not be noticed for days or months after the injury. Many patients do not recognize that they are experiencing symptoms or do not want to admit they are having some struggles. Sorting through the signs and symptoms of a concussion may be frustrating, so getting medical attention early can help ease the anxiety and get you back on the road to recovery.
Once diagnosed, patients are lead through a treatment plan by a trained physical therapist. Those suffering from a concussion may find it hard to do their normal daily activities, including homework, jobs, tolerating light and noise or relaxing. Rest is very important in the treatment plan as it allows your brain time to heal. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can last a few weeks to several months. Following your recommended treatment plan and not pushing themselves too hard and fast will be beneficial in returning to your normal lifestyle. 
714 Lincoln Street NE
Le Mars, IA 51031
712-546-7871
Floyd Valley Hospital