Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – What you need to know

Welcome to our page about the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19). We will use this site to keep you up to date on the preparations being taken at Ortonville Area Health Services and Fairway View Senior Communities as well as any important local information we feel you should know about. Please bookmark this page to continue to see the latest local updates.


Thursday, September 17th, 2020

On Monday, September 14th, all of our 160 FWV staff and contracted staff who serve our residents at Fairway View Senior Communities completed our first round of COVID-testing as required by Medicare. We are pleased to share that all 160 staff members tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19. This is wonderful news! We are so appreciative of all that our staff gives of themselves to serve and protect our residents. Thank you to everyone in our organization and community who continues to take the necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID and protect our seniors and those most vulnerable.

The next round of weekly testing, as required by Medicare, will take place on Monday. Per Medicare, effective September 2nd, all 15,600 nursing homes, serving 1.5 million residents across the United States, are required to test all staff for COVID-19 at least one time per month to at most twice per week based on the positivity rate in our county.


Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

OAHS CEO was on KDIO this morning and shared the latest updates on COVID-19 in our area.


 

Monday, March 23rd, 2020

Due to COVID-19 and the push for social distancing most insurance coverages are allowing you to have a telephone or video visit instead of an in person visit (coinsurance and deductible apply). If you are concerned about having an in person visit please call 320-839-6157 to see if you would qualify for a telephone or video visit. Ortonville Area Health Services is dedicated to providing you and our community quality care in a safe and appropriate manner.

First reported cases in Big Stone and Lac Qui Parle counties.


Sunday, March 22nd, 2020

Message from the Medical Staff at OAHS:
We have been hearing from some of you tonight about concerns and worries. OAHS is committed to keeping our communities safe. We are prepared, we have a plan, we will take care of you. There are some things that you can do to help us. First is if you have fever or cough or shortness of breath please call your healthcare provider to discuss whether you need to come in to be seen. Keep in mind even if we test you today it may be several days before we have the result. For most patients the test result does not change the recommended course of action which is go home and self-isolate yourself. Second, please maintain social distance, there are sound reasons why we recommend it. Third, try and limit your exposure by only taking necessary trips outside your home. Keep in mind the more you interact with the public, this increases your chance of infection. When you go to the store and open the door or touch other objects think about the number of people who could have touched that object over the previous 3 hours. Lastly, practice good hand washing or use of hand sanitizer. Again, we are prepared, we have a plan and we will take care of you, please help us in this mission.

The OAHS Medical Staff

 

Community Call to Action……Can You Sew Us these Masks?
We may have a long battle with COVID ahead and we need to think ahead when it comes to protective masks. Tag someone who lives in our area or reach out to them by phone who can sew us some masks.
Comment or PM us if you can help.
https://www.sewgoodgoods.org/face-mask-covid-19


THURsday, March 19th, 2020

OAHS CEO Dave Rogers and Twila Mursu PMHNP gave updates on COVID-19 and shared tips on maintaining good mental health through this this trying time.


Tuesday, March 17th, 2020

Today Jon Rogers was on KDIO to give an update on COVID-19


Monday, March 16th, 2020

NEW VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

 

 

 

 


Friday, March 13th, 2020

For the safety of everyone at Fairway View Senior Communities, beginning today March 13, 2020, visitors will no longer be allowed on the Fairway View Campus.

For more information please call 320-487-4398.

 

If you have concerns about the symptoms related to COVID-19 or the flu, we ask that you please give us a call at 320-839-6157 before you come in for an appointment. Calling ahead allows us to ask additional questions to help direct you to the proper course of action.

For more information on COVID-19 please click the link below.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Do you know the proper way to put on a mask?

Put on the N95 respirator.

  1. Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor.
  2. Place the N95 respirator on your face covering your nose and mouth.
  3. Pull the bottom strap up and over top of your head, and put it behind your head below your ears.
  4. Take the upper strap and put it behind your head towards the crown of your head.
  5. Mold the nose piece of the respirator over the bridge of your nose to obtain a tight seal. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wearing a respirator.
  6. Perform a fit check to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.

 

Thursday, March 12th, 2020

Click below to listen to today’s KDIO interview with Dr. Al Ross, Clinic director, Liz Sorenson, and OAHS CEO, Dave Rogers as they discuss Coronavirus and how it is affecting Ortonville Area Health Services and Fairway View Senior Communities.


Wednesday, March 11th, 2020

For the safety of the tenants and residents of Fairway View Senior Communities, Donnie’s Diner is closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience, but the health of our seniors is our number one priority.

Please click the link below for tips from the CDC on what you can do to help keep your household ready.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/checklist-household-ready.html

There is a lot of misinformation currently circulating. Click here for the CDC’s list of COVID-19 FAQs.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/faq.html


Monday, March 9th, 2020

The Ortonville Area Health Services Coronavirus Response Team is meeting twice weekly to discuss the information we are collecting from state and national sources regarding data on the spread of coronavirus and recommended actions to take. We are particularly concerned about the health and wellness of our seniors and persons of all ages with chronic illnesses. Beginning Tuesday, March 10th, we will be implementing additional screening questions for patients with appointments at the clinic and hospital. Fairway View Senior Communities continues to discourage visitors who have symptoms of the illness. FWV is also informing groups that host meetings on-site that they will have to find an alternative meeting place for the near future.

This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. The risk may change daily and so will our level of response. We recommend that community members turn to the CDC for reliable information and direction regarding Coronavirus. We will routinely post updates on this page regarding precautionary measures we are taking at our hospital, clinic, home health, and senior community.


The one overarching message we want to pass along is that we are looking to the CDC as our one source of truth when it comes to COVID-19 information. Below you will find a link to their website.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

 

 

 

2019 Stork Review

 

2020 OAHS New Year’s Baby

Welcome, Drake Taylor, our 2020 New Year’s Baby! He was born to Kelcey, Taylor, and big brother Bentley of Beardsley, MN. Dr. Stacy Longnecker delivered Drake on January 15, weighing 9lbs 2oz and measuring 20.5″ long.
Happy New Year!

2019 Christmas Baby

It was a very special Christmas for OAHS and Kayla & Josh as they welcomed Lynken Zachary, the OAHS 2019 Christmas baby. Lynken Zachary was born December 27th at 4:10am weighing 7lbs 13oz and measuring 20″. Lynken joins siblings Joshua (15), Ashton (14), Treshawn (11), and Brianna (9).

Dr. Grant Botker provides coverage to Sanford Wheaton Hospital & Clinic

Ortonville Area Health Services is pleased to announce that Northside Medical Clinic Physician Partners have signed an agreement to provide Physician coverage in the Sanford Wheaton Hospital & Clinic one day per week beginning in January. “We are pleased to put our good fortune in recruiting physicians to our area to good use in helping out our neighbors to the north,” said OAHS CEO David Rogers. Dr. Botker will begin outreaching there in January.
His addition will further improve access to care. Botker received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota. He completed his residency in family medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore. He is board-certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. He also completed an obstetrics fellowship at Altru Health Systems in Grand Forks, ND.
He specializes in family medicine, including prenatal care for OB patients.
Dr. Botker will see patients at Sanford Wheaton Clinic and is accepting new patients. Please call 320-563-8226 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Amanda McMahon Joins Ortonville Area Health Services

Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) is pleased to announce that Amanda McMahon, MD has joined Northside Medical Clinic and will begin seeing patients in January.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. McMahon to the provider group and medical team here at OAHS,” said Clinic Director Liz Sorenson. “She has a strong passion & understanding of what it takes to provide whole-person & family care. Her top-notch clinical training as a Family Practice physician will only enhance the already talented group of medical providers. We are excited that Amanda & Adam have decided to make the Big Stone Lake Area the place they want to call home and raise their family.”

Dr. McMahon received her Medical Degree in 2016 from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Additionally, she completed her Family Medicine Residency this summer through Altru Health System in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

“My favorite part of being a doctor is being able to build relationships with my patients and their families,” said Dr. McMahon. “I am excited to be back in my hometown where I can serve my community and have the privilege of getting to know my patients on a more personal level to provide the best health care possible.”

 

For more information on Ortonville Area Health Services or to schedule an appointment with Amanda McMahon, MD please contact 320-839-6157.

Choosing the Best Insurance

Health Insurance?

Every Fall, millions of Americans face the task of choosing a Health Insurance plan for the upcoming year. Choosing the best plan can be an extremely daunting task. With this in mind, we recently talked with Sally Stattelman, Clinic Nurse Manager at OAHS, to get a few tips to help you make the best choice. Thankfully, there are numerous resources available to help guide you through the process. If you have questions or are looking for assistance in choosing a Health Insurance plan, make sure to check out the list of resources that are linked below.OAHS Patient Financial Services – 320-839-4096Senior LinkAge Line® – (800) 333-2433Linda Kolb with Prairie Five – MNSure Navigator and Counselor – 320-839-2111

Posted by Ortonville Area Health Services on Thursday, October 24, 2019

 

Every Fall, millions of Americans face the task of choosing a Health Insurance plan for the upcoming year. Choosing the best plan can be an extremely daunting task. With this in mind, we recently talked with Sally Stattelman, Clinic Nurse Manager at OAHS, to get a few tips to help you make the best choice. Thankfully, there are numerous resources available to help guide you through the process. If you have questions or are looking for assistance in choosing a Health Insurance plan, make sure to check out the list of resources that are linked below.

OAHS Patient Financial Services – 320-839-4096

Senior LinkAge Line® – (800) 333-2433

Linda Kolb with Prairie Five – MNSure Navigator and Counselor – 320-839-2111

Sanford Health Network FAQs

Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement

The Pros and Cons of Switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan

MDH Rural Health Team Award – OAHS Obstetrical Team

 

Maria Botker, CNS, RN, Dr. Bob Ross, and Nicole Lovgren, RN pictured holding the Rural Health Team Award at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference on June 18, 2019.

Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) was awarded the Minnesota Rural Health Team Award for outstanding obstetric (OB) care at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference earlier this year. At a time when many small hospitals are no longer able to offer OB care, OAHS OB/ER has collaborated with local hospitals in Minnesota and South Dakota to provide high quality OB for their shared rural populations. OAHS, a Critical Access Hospital, is located on the border of Minnesota and South Dakota. Appointments are shared between facilities to fit the needs of pregnant women and telehealth allows for neonatal and obstetric care available at the push of a button. These partnerships allow for OB delivery of care that addresses the unique needs of women in their own rural settings. Congratulations!

 

Click here to view the acceptance speech delivered by Maria Botker, CNS, RN

 

Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Robert Ross

Dr. Bob Ross, with grandson Cane, pictured holding the Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference on June 18, 2019.

 

Dr. Bob was the recipient of the 2019 Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Bob joined the Ortonville medical staff in 1977 and hasn’t sat still since. In 1989, Dr. Bob and his partners formed the Big Stone Health Care Foundation. The Foundation, along with Dr. Bob and the entire Board’s vision, has provided health care opportunities to our community that otherwise would not have been possible. We thank Dr. Bob, his wife Mary, and their entire family for the sacrifices that have been made in order for him to be one of the leaders for his partners, the staff, and most importantly his patients. Congratulations, Dr. Bob!

Click here to read about Dr. Bob’s lifetime of success.

Click here to view Dr. Bob’s acceptance speech. 

 

Man Flu Outbreak

The Pulse Episode 1 – Sara Tollakson

The Pulse is a weekly segment where we sit down with OAHS staff members to learn more about the latest local healthcare news and some of the wonderful things they do on a daily basis. This week we sat down with OAHS Health Coach, Sara Tollakson, to learn more about her role as a health coach and the services she and her team provide.

 

National Nutrition Month continues with… Healthy Eating on the Run: A Month of Tips!

Oftentimes, people are looking for fast, easy and good-tasting foods to fit a busy lifestyle. Whether it’s carry-out, food court, office cafeteria or sit-down restaurant, there are smart choices everywhere. Here are 30 tips to help

you eat healthy when eating out.

 

  1. Think ahead and plan where you will eat. Consider what meal options are available. Look for restaurants or carry-out with a wide range of menu items.
  2. Take time to look over the menu and make careful selections. Some restaurant menus may have a special section for “healthier” choices.
  3. Read restaurant menus carefully for clues to fat and calorie content. Menu terms that can mean less fat and calories: baked, braised, broiled, grilled, poached, roasted, steamed.
  4. Menu terms that can mean more fat and calories: batter-fried, pan-fried, buttered, creamed, crispy, breaded. Choose these foods only occasionally and in small portions.
  5. Order the regular or child-size portion. Mega-sized servings are probably more than you need. For a lighter meal, order an appetizer in place of a main course.
  6. It’s OK to make special requests, just keep them simple. For example, ask for a baked potato or side salad in place of French fries; no mayonnaise or bacon on your sandwich; sauces served on the side.
  7. Hunger can drive you to eat too much bread before your meal arrives. Hold the bread or chips until your meal is served. Out of sight, out of mind.
  8. Think about your food choices for the entire day. If you’re planning a special restaurant meal in the evening, have a light breakfast and lunch.
  9. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. No more than one drink for women and two for men. Alcohol tends to increase your appetite and provides calories without any nutrients.
  10. Tempted by sweet, creamy desserts? Order one dessert with enough forks for everyone at the table to have a bite.
  11. Split your order. Share an extra large sandwich or main course with a friend or take half home for another meal.
  12. Boost the nutrition in all types of sandwiches by adding tomato, lettuce, peppers or other vegetables.
  13. A baked potato offers more fiber, fewer calories and less fat than fries if you skip the sour cream and butter. Top your potato with broccoli and a sprinkle of cheese or salsa.
  14. At the sandwich shop, choose lean beef, ham, turkey or chicken on whole grain bread. Ask for mustard, ketchup, salsa or lowfat spreads. And, don’t forget the veggies.
  15. In place of fries or chips, choose a side salad, fruit or baked potato. Or, share a regular order of fries with a friend.
  16. Enjoy ethnic foods such as Chinese stirfry, vegetable-stuffed pita or Mexican fajitas. Go easy on the sour cream, cheese and guacamole.
  17. At the salad bar, pile on the dark leafy greens, carrots, peppers and other fresh vegetables. Lighten up on mayonnaise-based salads and high-fat toppings. Enjoy fresh fruit as your dessert.
  18. Eat your lower-calorie food first. Soup or salad is a good choice. Follow up with a light main course.
  19. Ask for sauces, dressings and toppings to be served “on the side.” Then you control how much you eat.
  20. Pass up all-you-can-eat specials, buffets and unlimited salad bars if you tend to eat too much.
  21. If you do choose the buffet, fill up on salads and vegetables first. Take no more than two trips and use the small plate that holds less food.
  22. Load up your pizza with vegetable toppings. If you add meat, make it lean ham, Canadian bacon, chicken or shrimp.
  23. Look for a sandwich wrap in a soft tortilla. Fillings such as rice mixed with seafood, chicken, or grilled vegetables are usually lower in fat and calories.
  24. Build a better breakfast sandwich: replace bacon or sausage with Canadian bacon or ham and order your sandwich on a whole grain English muffin or bagel.
  25. Be size-wise about muffins, bagels, croissants and biscuits. A jumbo muffin has more than twice the fat and calories of the regular size.
  26. Try a smoothie made with juice, fruit and yogurt for a light lunch or snack.
  27. Refrigerate carry-out or leftovers if the food won’t be eaten right away. Toss foods kept at room temperature for more than two hours.
  28. Grabbing dinner at the supermarket deli? Select rotisserie chicken, salad-in-a-bag and freshly baked bread. Or, try sliced lean roast beef, onion rolls, potato salad and fresh fruit.
  29. Always eating on the go? Tuck portable, nonperishable foods in your purse, tote, briefcase or backpack for an on-the-run meal. Some suggestions are peanut butter and crackers, granola bars, a piece of fresh fruit, trail mix, single serve packages of whole grain cereal or crackers.
  30. For desk-top dining, keep single-serve packages of crackers, fruit, peanut butter, soup, or tuna in your desk for a quick lunch.

 

Amanda Berckes, MS, RD, LN
Registered Dietitian
Ortonville Area Health Services
(320) 487-4385
www.oahs.us



Authored by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics staff registered dietitian nutritionists. 
Source: Finding Your Way to a Healthier You, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U. S. Department of Agriculture.

 

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