Archives for 2017

Kafka Donation Helps Improve Cardiac Rehab Education

OAHS Cardiac Rehab Coordinator, Kelly Kallhoff, RN, recently began to develop a new education program to better educate our patients on how the heart works, various cardiac procedures, the purpose of Cardiac Rehab, and other ways to be heart healthy. In her research, she discovered some video resources that touched on all of those topics and were perfect for the program. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, she just didn’t have a convenient way to get those resources into the hands of her patients.  Dan Kafka was just beginning the Cardiac Rehab Program when this was beginning to develop. “Dan and I were chatting about the education portion,” said Kalhoff “and I stated that we are looking into getting an iPad but until then I was using my computer on wheels to view the videos.”  Dan ran into OAHS CEO Dave Rogers and expressed that he would like to donate an iPad to the Cardiac Rehab Department for the education program. Kalhoff stated, “Thanks to Dan’s generosity, now my patients can watch and listen to important information about leading a heart-healthy lifestyle all while exercising and strengthening their hearts.” 

10 Ways To Avoid Holiday Meltdowns

When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

  1. Acknowledge your feelings
    If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
  2. Reach out
    If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious, or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
  3. Be realistic
    The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
  4. Set aside differences
    Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
  5. Stick to a budget
    Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.

Try these alternatives:

  • Donate to a charity in someone’s name
  • Give homemade gifts
  • Start a family gift exchange
  1. Plan ahead
    Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
  2. Learn to say no
    Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
  3. Don’t abandon healthy habits
    Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.

Try these suggestions:

  • Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Incorporate regular physical activity into each day.
  1. Take a breather
    Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

Some options may include:

  • Taking a walk at night and stargazing
  • Listening to soothing music
  • Getting a massage
  • Reading a book.
  1. Seek professional help if you need it
    Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Open Enrollment

Please be aware that not all health plans are the same.

Some health plans may stop you from seeing your OAHS doctor.

Our patient financial services representatives are here to assist you in determining provider coverage.

Call 320-839-4096 with Questions

Why did you choose OAHS?

We chose to deliver our first baby at OAHS because we really liked the atmosphere at the clinic. And as soon as we met Dr. Stacy Longnecker, we knew we felt comfortable with her – with the staff and everybody there. 

Once it was time for baby to come, we were nervous, this being our first baby. But as soon as we got to the hospital, we knew we were going to be well taken care of. 

We felt comfortable and everything went smoothly. We had no problems and it was actually an enjoyable experience.  There were a lot of emotions going on, but I felt comforted and really well taken care of at OAHS.

Would I recommend OAHS to expecting or soon to be expecting parents? Yes, I would!

 

Lance and Alyssa Frogner of Milbank, SD, with baby Grayson

Why Did You Choose OAHS?

We chose OAHS because it’s the local hospital and because I knew of the good staff they have along with their providers – nurses, surgical team – everybody’s great. I just feel very comfortable there.

 During my first pregnancy, everything went completely normal and well – labor was a little rough, however, my provider and the nursing staff got me through it. Because I had a pretty traumatic labor, my provider recommended a C-section with my second baby. I felt 100% confident in his judgment, so we did the C-section with the second. It was a terrific experience from start to finish. I have zero regrets with having the C-section.

 Would I recommend OAHS to expecting or soon to be expecting parents? Oh I would for sure recommend OAHS. Some people think it’s such a small town hospital it makes people hesitant. I can’t stress enough –  they are so comforting, start to finish.

And if I have a question for my doctor, I send a message on my chart and receive a quick response.

 These are the best times of your life, but also very nerve racking times. Everyone at OAHS does a good job reassuring you and being there for you from start to finish. And even for years after during well child checks and anything that comes up after baby is born.

Melanie and Drew Martig
Kids: Brock and Reegan, plus one on the way in Sept!

Dr. Robert Ross’ 40th Anniversary celebration

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Why Did You Choose OAHS?

Dr. Bob Ross has delivered all of my kids and will be delivering #4 as well.

OAHS is a great hospital. All 3 of my births have gone really well – I had great experiences with all of them. The nurses were great, the rooms are great – very clean and nice, and I love the spa tubs!

It’s nice – when you’re from a small town, you tend to know everyone and I take comfort in that. Everyone was so easy going. They made me feel really comfortable.

 Would I recommend OAHS to expecting or soon to be expecting parents? I would – definitely!

Katie and Tony Weber
3 children + one on the way- Kylie 4, TJ 2.5, Kipton-1.5, and baby due in July

 

Sanford Health Network Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Chloe Campbell of Wilmot, SD. Chloe was recently chosen as the winner of a $2000 Sanford Health Network Scholarship. Chloe is enrolled in practical nursing at Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD, and has goals to be full time as an RN in a rural hospital or an OB nurse. “In this career path, I understand that I will have daily challenges, but yet the reward of being prepared to care for people in their time of need will be worthwhile,” said Cambell.

Pictured presenting Chloe her scholarship is Natasha Hynnek, one of our own clinic nurses. Recently Chloe was working as a student in our clinic when Natasha received an email announcing the opportunity for a Sanford Health Network Scholarship. Natasha encouraged Chloe to apply and, sure enough, she was chosen as the winner.

2016 Stork Review

We are thrilled to make the Stork Review available digitally for the first time.

Please click the link below to view the 2016 Stork Review!

2016 Stork Review

2016 OAHS Christmas Baby

Introducing Ellecyn Ann, the 2016 OAHS Christmas Baby.

Ellecyn Ann was born December 27th at 8:24 am to Ryan and Jodi of Appleton, MN. She was 20 inches long, weighed 7lbs 15oz, and was delivered by Dr. Stacy Longnecker. Pictured here with mom, dad and her big sisters, Harper and Ainsley. Congratulations!

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