OCAHS News

ORANGE CITY AREA HEALTH SYSTEM NOW OFFERING DERMATOLOGY CLINICS

Orange City Area Health System is now offering Dermatology services in its specialty/outreach clinic. Raymond Kuwahara M.D. of Tri-State Specialists is accepting patients at the Orange City clinic beginning July 11 from 8:30-11:30am. Dr. Kuwahara is Board Certified in Dermatology, a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Kuwahara practices general dermatology with interests in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, as well as acne, warts, and other diseases of the skin. He completed his undergraduate and masters degree at the University of Washington in Seattle, followed by his medical degree from Hahnemann School of Medicine (Drexel University) in Philadelphia. For appointments call 712-224-8677.

All activities still on track, with something for all ages

The Family Safety Fair scheduled for May 1 in Orange City has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 8, from 4-7pm in the downtown Windmill Park due to the weather forecast. All of the activities and attractions will be on hand as publicized. For a complete list of activities and an updated schedule please visit ocHealthSystem.org/educational-programs. The Family Safety Fair is sponsored by Orange City Area Health System, the City of Orange City, and the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.

Mineral sanitizer enhances swimmer comfort

The two exercise pools and the warm-water therapy pool at Orange City Area Health System have recently changed to a saline-based sanitizing system. The sodium chloride solution provide a comfortable swimming environment, minimizing eye and skin irritation and reducing the unpleasant chlorine smell. In addition to user comfort, the new system is safe and sustainable. The low salinity environment — nearly identical to human tears — is produced on site, generating 58% less plastic waste than traditional plastic drum pool sanitizing systems, and requiring 50% less acid than the traditional form of chlorine to maintain optimal water pH levels. The two exercise/lap pools, located in the health system’s Aquatic Center in the Medical Office Building on the Orange City campus, offer low-impact cardiovascular exercise in a comfortable 84 degrees. They feature an adjustable current to swim or walk against. The pools are available to the public by reservation, Monday-Saturday. Approximately 250 members currently utilize the health system exercise/lap pools. An additional warm-water therapy pool is used for physical therapy by Therapeutic Health Services, also located in the Medical Office Building. For more information see ocHealthSystem.org/aquatic-center.

Health system offers two dates, May 29 and 31

Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) is offering a choice of two sessions for its Babysitting Class, for those who have completed fifth grade: Wednesday May 29 and Friday May 31, from 9am to 3pm in the lower level of the health system’s main campus at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. The class, co-sponsored by OCAHS and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, includes child development, first aid, nutrition, and presentations by local professionals. Participants are asked to bring a teddy bear or doll. Cost is $20 and includes snacks, lunch, and all materials. Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required by Thursday May 23 by calling the OCAHS Education Department at 737-5260 or online at ocHealthSystem.org/educational-programs.

Consider becoming a Hospice Volunteer!

Orange City Area Health System Home Health & Hospice is seeking volunteers to be part of its Hospice program. “There are many ways to become involved with Hospice,” explains Kim Jansma, Orange City Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. “By volunteering you will touch and enrich many lives, including your own.” According to Jansma, some volunteers have the opportunity to make home visits that includes helping with household tasks, caring for children, running errands, playing games, and preparing meals. Other volunteers serve by helping in the office with mailings, filing, and working on various special projects. Finally, there are volunteers trained to work with bereaved families, offering support and encouragement through a very difficult time in their lives. “To help make this experience truly rewarding for both the volunteer and the patient,” explains Jansma, “the Hospice team works with each volunteer to help assess interests and skills before placement with a patient.” Volunteers in Hospice find it personally gratifying, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally meaningful to assist those in need at a critical point in their lives, reports the Hospice Foundation of America. Many of the volunteers are introduced to hospice care through the death of a family member and understand firsthand its value, but nearly 20% of volunteers are new to hospice. If you are interested in learning more about becoming trained for this valuable experience, please call Kim Jansma, social worker/volunteer coordinator, Orange City Home Health and Hospice, at 737-5279. For more information about Hospice, visit ocHealthSystem.org.

Popular park event expands with additional activities, attractions, and hands-on learning for all ages

The public is invited to a fun-filled evening of activities for all ages at the Family Safety Fair, Wednesday May 1 from 4-7pm in Windmill Park in downtown Orange City. Some of the special attractions include: the Fire Safety House; bicycle safety (bring your own helmet; free helmets will be given as needed); Molly the Sioux County Sheriff K-9 Unit doing a vehicle search demonstration; the Sanford/Great Plains Zoo Express; a giant inflatable walk-through Sanford “AmeriHeart”; car seat safety checks; Mercy Air ambulance; “Distracted Driving” simulator (must be at least 14 to “drive” this high-tech simulator); an air bag demonstration; Double V pony rides; “Ask the vet” by Revival Animal Health (bring your leashed pets to the park for a treat!); and more! Plus … visit the tent featuring fun and educational, hands-on activities sponsored by the Governor’s Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) initiative. And you can feed the family in the park — Don’s Food Center will be selling hamburgers and walking tacos. 

The Family Safety Fair is sponsored by Orange City Area Health System, the Orange City Chamber of Commerce, and the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. For a complete list of attractions and activities, visit ocHealthSystem.org/educational-programs. Rain date is May 8.

Note: The Household Hazardous Waste collection trailer will be on site during the Family Safety Fair to accept items including solvents, caustic household cleaners, pesticides and herbicides, and paints. See orangecityiowa.com for a list of acceptable items.

Six-week “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class schedule for April/May

Are you a caregiver? Feeling stretched? Putting your own needs on the back burner? Caregiving can be physically, emotionally, and financially stressful. “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is a six week class designed for the caregiver’s well-being, while helping with tools to provide quality care for loved ones. The class, sponsored by Orange City Area Health System, ISU Extension and Outreach, and the Senior Companion Program of Lyon, O’Brien, Plymouth, and Sioux counties will be held consecutive Thursdays April 18-May 23 from 5-7:30pm in the lower level of the health system’s main campus at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. The cost is $30, and includes a light meal and materials (caregivers book is valued at $25). Senior Companion assistance is available for loved ones during class time if requested. Class size is limited. Registration deadline is April 15.  You may Register Here or call 712-476-2627.

March 22 event raises funds for health system, features trivia and other contests

There are tickets available for individuals and 8-person teams for Orange City Area Health System’s Trivia Night FUNdraiser, Friday March 22 at Sioux Golf & Country Club in Alton. Tickets are $20 each and include an appetizer/dessert buffet, one drink coupon, and lots of prizes and drawings. Doors open at 6pm, and trivia begins at 7pm. Tickets are available at the health system’s ER desk. Call Mary Plathe, OCAHS Manager of Volunteer Services, at 737-5349 to reserve a table or be joined with a team. Proceeds directly benefit patients and families served by OCAHS.