News and Blog

How safe is your home from fall risks?

Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Did you know that 1 in 4 people aged 65+ fall each year according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)?  Scanning your own home is a good place to start, you can help make a difference! Ground-level falls are a common reason for a visit to the…

We're a Top 100 Hospital!

Monday, March 29, 2021
Published in News and Announcements
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was recently named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this 11th annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX®.…

Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Therapists to Rehab

Monday, March 22, 2021
Published in News and Announcements
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is proud to announce the recent addition of physical, occupational, and speech therapists to Rehabilitation Services. Mariko Oro, Speech-Language Pathologist, Haley Rowland, Physical Therapist, and Tyler Rowland, Occupational Therapist. Oro grew up in New York and moved to the area from Washington with her husband…

Farmer’s Lung

Monday, March 22, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
“Farmer's lung” is known in medical terms of as hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and can be compared to (but is different from) a severe allergic reaction.  There are other names for HP such as "bird fanciers lung ", “cheese washer’s lung” and “hot tub lung” -- the only difference is the…

How to Schedule a Colonoscopy

Friday, March 19, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
The American Cancer Society recommends those at average risk* for colorectal cancer to start regular screenings at age 45. A colonoscopy doesn’t take a lot of time, but this simple procedure offers a big payback: peace of mind. Colorectal cancer is deadly, but treatable if it’s caught early. The majority…

New Respite Lounge for Staff

Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Published in News and Announcements
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is excited to announce the opening of its first Staff Respite Lounge, an extension of programs Prairie Lakes has implemented for staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. This lounge was made possible by a $4,000 donation from the Watertown Rotary Club and a $3,000 donation and interior…

Collaboration: COVID Vaccine for School Staff

Sunday, March 14, 2021
Published in News and Announcements
Thank you to our Prairie Lakes team and community for working together - over 450 teachers received the Moderna vaccine on Friday, March 12! Follow the link to hear from Joyce Hallauer, a key staff member helping organize Prairie Lakes' vaccine efforts, and see a glimpse of the smooth process…

Cancer Discussion with Dr. Rao

Thursday, March 11, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
Dr. Vijay Rao, new Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center interviews with Mike Tanner, News Director at KWAT. Mike and Dr. Rao discuss how he became interested in caring for patients with cancer, cancer types and treatments, and general screening guidelines during this KWAT original available like a podcast…

Save the Date for BASH 2021

Monday, March 08, 2021
Published in News and Announcements
We can’t wait to get together again – that’s why Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) will be held on Saturday, September 11 at the Watertown Event Center. BASH 2021 will have an airy, fresh, and welcoming theme to encourage guests to…

Do I Need a Heart Screening?

Friday, March 05, 2021
Published in Health & Wellness Blog
A heart screening helps determine if you're at risk for heart disease. Heart disease is a broad term that includes numerous conditions. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is related to a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in…