Diabetes Self Management Education held in March and April

Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) will be holding Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME) courses in March and April in the Patient Education Room in the health system’s main campus. “Diabetes Basics,” by Shannon Beaty, RN — OCAHS Diabetes Educator — will be held on March 7 from 3-5pm and again on April 4 from noon-2pm. “Diabetes and Diet,” presented by OCAHS Dietician Colleen King, will be held March 14 from 3-5pm and April 11 from noon-2pm. These classes are for newly-diagnosed Type II patients, or anyone looking for a refresher course. Contact Beaty at 737-5289 for more information.

Health System Auxiliary 18th annual Spring Fling luncheon March 29

The Auxiliary of the Orange City Area Health System is hosting its 18th annual “Spring Fling” salad luncheon and program on Tuesday March 29 in the lower level of the health system’s downtown campus at 400 Central Avenue in Orange City. Serving begins at 11:30, with the program following from noon to 1pm. This year’s program is “A Fresh Start for Spring,” presented by Jen Vogel. Cost is $6 per person, with all proceeds going to the health system to directly benefit patients and families.

Consider becoming a Hospice Volunteer; training offered in April

Orange City Area Health System is seeking volunteers to be part of its Hospice program, and is offering a three-session training in April.

Hospice Volunteer Training is Monday April 11 from 6-9pm, Thursday April 14 from 6-9pm, and Saturday April 16 from 9am-noon in the lower level meeting room at the health system’s downtown campus at 400 Central Avenue NW in Orange City.

“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, volunteers will have the opportunity to make home visits, serve in the Hospice office, or work with bereaved families. “To help make this experience truly rewarding for both the volunteer and patient,” explains Jansma,, “the Hospice team works with each volunteer to help assess interests and skills before placement with a patient or family.”

Those interested in learning more about this valuable experience — or to sign up for the three-session training — are asked to call Kim Jansma, Orange City Home Health and Hospice, at 737-5257.

Concerned about prediabetes? Considered borderline diabetic?

Orange City Area Health System is offering a Prediabetes Class on Tuesday, March 29, from 5-7pm in the lower level meeting rooms at the health system main campus at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. The class is taught by Shannon Beaty, RN — diabetes educator and cardiac rehabilitation nurse manager for the health system — and Colleen King, RD. Prediabetes is a condition in which one’s blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become type 2 diabetes, according to Beaty. “Progression to type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable, however,” she explains. “This class will help you learn how to prevent diabetes.” The cost to attend the class is $25, which includes a meal from the Puddlejumper Grille. Pre-registration is required by calling 737-5289 or online at ocHealthSystem.org, classes and events.

Orange City Home Health & Hospice is offering a Grief Support Group five consecutive Thursday afternoons from March 3 through March 31 from 1-3pm at Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community in the family visiting room in Orange City. Bereavement support groups offer a safe place and supportive environment for those who are grieving a recent death, to talk about their feelings of loss. The five-week program provides directed group support within an educational format. There is no cost to attend the Grief Support Group, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

Pre-registration is required by February 28. Call Orange City Home Health & Hospice at 712-737-5279.

EXPECTING? OR TRYING TO ACHIEVE – OR AVOID – PREGNANCY?
Orange City Area Health System is hosting a special evening entitled “Baby … or No Baby?” on Thursday, March 3. This casual and informative event features presentations by two of the health system’s OB/Family Practice physicians, Harrison Hanson, M.D., and Cynthia Pals, M.D. Doors open at 6:30, when light refreshments will be served. Dr. Hanson will present on Fertility Care, a scientifically based method of natural family planning, starting at 6:45. Dr. Pals will talk about Preparing for and Enjoying a Healthy Pregnancy, beginning at approximately 7:30. The presentations will be held in the Specialty Clinic Waiting Area of the health system’s main campus at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is requested by February 28 by calling the OCAHS Education Department at 712-737-5260 or registering online at ocHealthSystem.org, Classes and Events.