Health And Fitness

The Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS) recently recognized Dawn Stephenson, RN, CPPS of Vinton as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS).“Earning this credential attests to Dawn’s professional competency in patient safety science and application,” said Patricia McGaffigan, RN, MS, CPPS, President, CBPPS.

Protect yourself and your loved ones during the upcoming holidays(Vinton, Iowa) – With temperatures beginning to drop and Iowans spending more time inside, Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services are recommending flu and COVID vaccines to ensure the safety and well-being of those in our community.The indoor season presents unique challenges as enclosed spaces often help contribute to the increased transmission of respiratory viruses.

My name is Lesley Friedhoff.  I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Madison, WI; I also served as an Active Duty Psychologist in the United States Air Force for 6 years.  I am the sister-in-law of Stacie (Friedhoff) Marzen who resides in Vinton, IA with her family. The following is an essay I wrote and shared publicly on social media on what would have been my husband’s 44th Birthday on August 2nd, 2023.

Calling all LifeServers! We need immediate donations to boost the blood supply. Our local blood supply is critically low. Please book an appointment at our upcoming blood drive by clicking the link below.Virginia Gay Hospital and Vinton Community09/26/2023 (12:30 pm - 04:30 pm)502 N 9th AveVirginia Gay Hospital-Clinic Conference RoomVinton, IA 52349Each day hundreds of injured or ill hospital patients in Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska require blood transfusions.

The Gifts of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run Challenge, is a virtual event, that will be hosted by Virginia Gay Hospital. The challenge will take place throughout the month of October and is raising funds for Gifts of Hope and encouraging women to schedule their mammograms. The first 100 people to donate $15 will receive a handmade crocheted hat.

Are you a police officer, corrections officer, firefighter, emergency medical services clinician, emergency management coordinator, healthcare worker, death investigator, 911 telecommunicator, or any other high-risk professional who responds to emergency scenes?We know the traumatic incidents you encounter can take a toll on your mental and physical health over time.

As part of Suicide Prevention Month, Vinton Today is working with the Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition to share resources with the community. ---Vinton Counseling Services provides counseling and therapy services for anyone experiencing personal problems, relationship difficulties or family concerns. Common reasons for seeking help include: feelings of depression or anxiety; problems communicating effectively; concern about a child’s behavior; problems with alcohol or drug use; difficulties with anger, hostility or violence; suicidal thoughts; coming to terms with a difficult past; adjusting to stressful situations; concern over relationship issues.

We know that life can be difficult sometimes.You may be feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, have thoughts of suicide, or other feelings. There are no qualifications for a “crisis” to talk to our crisis counselors. We are here to help you with anything you don’t want to or can’t handle alone.A crisis can include:feelings of anxiety or depressionthoughts of suicide or self harmdifficulty with relationships, including parent-child and intimate partner relationshipstrouble managing life responsibilities, roles or expectationsstress about financial hardshipsdifficulty handling death or lossand moreWe can help you through a crisis, or aid you in supporting a loved one, co-worker or even a stranger through a difficult time.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The NPRM was posted by the Federal Register for public inspection on Aug. 7, 2023 and published in the Federal Register on Aug. 11, 2023. The NPRM is available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/11/2023-17041/regulations-to-implement-the-pregnant-workers-fairness-act.

The 1st Annual Benton County "Out Of The Darkness" Awareness Walk will be held at the Benton Community MS/HS Track & Field Complex located at 600 1st St. Van Horne.Please join the Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition in our 1st Annual Benton County "Out of the Darkness " awareness walk on  September 10 from 7-9:00 p.m.The 2 mile walk is on a both wheelchair & stroller accessible track.