Despite the fact that heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States, the rates of both hospitalizations and deaths from heart disease have declined in the past two decades.

According to a recent study, heart failure and stroke hospitalizations have declined about 30-40%. Results also showed that people who were hospitalized for a heart attack or unstable angina, have a 23% lower risk of dying within a year.

According to study researcher, Dr. Harlan Krumholz; a professor of medicine at Yale University said, “Interestingly, these improvements happened in a period when there were no real ‘miracle’ clinical advancements.” He credits the improvements to “Huge strides in lifestyle, quality of care and prevention strategies for cardiovascular health.”

Lifestyle changes like decrease in smoking and emphasis on heart-healthy behaviors have helped in the decline, along with early treatment of things like high blood pressure. While every year 600,000 Americans die from heart disease, the CDC and researchers believe by continuing these trends and improving treatment and prevention, heart disease will only continue to decline.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System announces the opening of the Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic on Monday, August 25 and welcomes full time ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Jered Mancell, to the medical staff.

“We are excited to bring full-time ear, nose and throat care back to Watertown,” said Jill Fuller, CEO of Prairie Lakes. “The availability of specialty services locally greatly benefits people living in Watertown and surrounding communities. Easy access to full-time specialists means patients can receive the care they deserve close to home.”

Otolaryngologist, Dr. Mancell, provides diagnosis, treatment and surgical services for patients with conditions effecting the head, neck, sinuses, ears, nose and throat.  Common conditions he sees include hearing loss, balance problems, sleep apnea, snoring, tonsil and thyroid disorders, sinus infections and cancer of the head, neck and skin. Dr. Mancell treats children with persistent ear, nose, throat and allergy conditions. He also provides botox, injectable fillers and facial plastic surgery.

“I am committed to providing patient centered healthcare. I believe care begins with listening to each patient’s needs, providing education and including the patient in the decision making process,” said Dr. Mancell. “I strive to treat the root cause of a patient’s problem, rather than masking symptoms with temporary treatments.”

Mancell received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Miss. He completed a residency in otolaryngology-facial plastic surgery at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, Mich.

The Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic is located in the lower level of Mallard Pointe Surgical Center at 1201 Mickelson Drive in Watertown. Patients can now make appointments by calling the clinic at 605-882-7740 or toll free at 855-215-5327.

Yellow Rose Week was celebrated in northeastern South Dakota June 2-6, 2014. Yellow Rose Week is the primary means of financing the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund (SJMF), a service of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. The SJMF provides grants to people in northeastern South Dakota and western Minnesota with life-threatening illnesses who are in need of financial assistance due to a medical crisis. Grants assist with the cost of medications, transportation, rent, heating assistance and groceries. Since its inception in 1999, the SJMF has provided approximately $250,518 through 523 grants.

Suzanne Jacobson spent her adult life as a physician’s assistant positively impacting the lives of many through her care. She lost a battle with cancer in 1998. Her family and friends established this fund to honor her legacy by helping people facing major medical financial stresses.

Volunteers in Watertown, Sisseton, Milbank, Clark, Kranzburg, Waverly and South Shore raised $24,060 for the SJMF by selling yellow roses during Yellow Rose Week, an increase from last year. Others who contributed to the success of Yellow Rose Week included Hy-Vee, Crawford Funeral Chapel, DQ Grill & Chill, Thrivent Financial, Cherry Berry, Mary Donegan and the many businesses who sold yellow roses to customers.

“Volunteers sold nearly $1,000 more in roses this year,” said Alison Gilbertson, Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. “We applaud the hard work and positive outcomes of the volunteers. Their efforts are a direct reflection on the number of people who benefit from grants provided through the SJMF. Every dollar raised will remain in our region to fund grants for needy individuals.”

The SJMF accepts donations year round. All donations are greatly appreciated. To donate or to learn more about the SJMF or the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, please call 605-882-7631.

Lung cancer is becoming one of the deadliest cancers in America. Here are some startling facts from the World Health Organization concerning lung cancer.

1. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in both men and women

2. Lung cancer attributes to 1.37 million deaths annually.

3. In 1987, lung cancer surpassed breast cancer and become the #1 cause of cancer deaths in women.

4. Lung cancer causes more deaths than the 3 most common cancers combined (colon, breast and pancreatic).

5. Smoking contributes to 90% of lung cancer deaths.

6. Non-smokers have a 20-30% greater chance of developing lung cancer when exposed regularly to secondhand smoke.

7. 90% of lung cancer cases come from smoking, 10% are from radon causes.

8. Lung cancer has a 5-year survival rate of only 15%.

9. Nearly 375,000 people in the US are living with lung cancer.

10. Causes of lung cancer have been declining in men, but increasing among women.