Health & Wellness Blog

Reduce the Risk of a Life-Changing Fall

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
A darting pet, hallway rug or late-night trip to the bathroom can quickly change from a nuisance to a life-changing fall experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of four older Americans fall each year, and a single fall doubles the chance of falling again.…

Get Stop the Bleed® Training Today and Learn to Save a Life

Tuesday, August 08, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Bleeding is the #1 preventable cause of death after a traumatic injury—it is important to be able to identify and intervene when there is life-threatening bleeding present. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System partners with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to provide Stop the Bleed® to the public in the Watertown…

Good Skin Practices for Sun Safety

Monday, July 17, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
From Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Dermatologist: There are many ways we are exposed to the sun during the day. It can be fun partaking in activities under the sun, but it is important to remember good skin care practices. One in five Americans will have skin cancer during their lifetime. I…

Beware of Heat-Related Illnesses

Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Now that we are in the middle of the warmest summer months, it’s important to understand the danger of prolonged heat exposure. Monica E., our Director of Emergency Medicine shares some helpful information. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body’s temperature gets too high as it fluctuates depending on the heat…

Understanding the Dangers of Leaving Children in Hot Vehicles

Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Since 1998, more than 900 children have died from vehicular heatstroke - an average of 38 per year - and 53% of incidents involve a parent or caregiver forgetting the child was in the vehicle.  Even on mild or cloudy days, temperatures inside vehicles can reach life-threatening levels. Watch the…

How to Avoid Salmonella Infection

Wednesday, July 05, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Food that is contaminated with Salmonella or other harmful germs usually looks, tastes, and smells normal. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent infection. Salmonella are bacteria that can make you sick  Salmonella can be found in a variety of foods, including chicken, beef, pork, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and even…

Open Water Summer Safety Checklist

Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Swimming in lakes, rivers, or even the ocean is a great summertime treat for children and families, but there are many additional dangers when swimming in open water. In order to ensure a healthy and safe summer for all, the Prairie Lakes Emergency Department offers the following Open Water Summer…

Dr. Jered Mancell and Physician Assistant Rachel Leiseth from Prairie Lakes ENT Clinic Answer Common Questions

Friday, May 26, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
There are often a lot of questions regarding Ear, Nose, and Throat conditions and discomfort. We recently sat down with Jered Mancell, Doctor of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, & Throat) and Physician Assistant Rachel Leiseth to answer some common questions in a series of short videos: Sinuses and Sinus Infection Is Sinus…

May is Blood Pressure Education Month

Tuesday, May 09, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Richard Howard, from the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic offers simple suggestions to raise awareness around hypertension. Hypertension, or “high blood pressure” is a very common condition.  It is estimated that approximately 45% of Americans have hypertension, and 1/5 Americans with hypertension are unaware they have it. Untreated hypertension…

Occupational Therapy Q&A with Tyler Rowland, OT

Thursday, April 27, 2023
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Q: How is Occupational Therapy different than Physical Therapy? A: Occupational Therapy focuses on helping people following an injury, illness, or surgery resume activities of daily living which could include: dressing, bathing, cooking, cleaning, or any activity a person would like to resume. Physical Therapy will also follow-up with patients…