Call 712-737-5241 to schedule a free cataract screening during Cataract Awareness Month. FREE CATARACT SCREENING VISIT Dr. VandenBosch in our Ophthalmology Clinic is offering eye examinations FREE OF CHARGE to determine if you are a good candidate for cataract surgery.  Imaging If Dr. Vanden Bosch determines that you are a good candidate for cataract surgery, and you wish to proceed with this process, he will order Biometry Imaging to determine what type of lenses will work best for your needs (this will be billed through your insurance).  Formal Consultation  The next step will be to schedule a formal cataract consultation. If desired, we can complete this consultation the same day as your free screening following your imaging. At this visit, Dr. Vanden Bosch will discuss your Biometry Imaging and the cataract procedure with you. He will also use this time to review pre- and post-op instructions as well as information about

The Auxiliary of Orange City Area Health System gifted $50,000 to the health system from monies raised through fundraisers and hospital gift shop sales. This year’s donation is earmarked for landscaping enhancements at the Orange City hospital campus, including outside of the Surgical Center private exit, the healing garden near the outdoor patio dining, and the area between the health system’s pond and the PuddleJumper Trail. Pictured here is Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System, receiving the donation from the Auxiliary board.

-by Kim Goslinga, ARNP, Behavioral Health Clinic May is “Mental Health Awareness Month” and “Better Sleep Month”, both of which are important to our overall health and well-being. Mental health and sleep are closely interconnected and considered bi-directional. This means that poor mental health can cause sleep problems, and sleep problems can cause mental illness. Many mental health conditions have symptoms that make falling and staying asleep difficult. In turn, lack of quality sleep fuels the vicious cycle of worsening mental health → insomnia → worsening mental health → insomnia → worsening mental health….    Research has shown that people with poor quality sleep are up to 10 times more likely to develop depression than those who sleep well. Additionally, we know that sleep deprivation can cause: –  Decreased stress tolerance and difficulties coping with daily challenges. –  Worse anxiety and depression symptoms. –   Problems processing emotional experiences causing emotional dysregulation, mood swings, and irritability. – Impaired cognitive functioning resulting in difficulties

Sleep is an essential pillar to one’s overall health, even being stated by some that it is the foundation of health. Lack of sleep, especially over time, can wreak havoc on one’s physiological and cognitive functions. Studies show that for every 45 minutes of sleep lost is a 5-10% decrease in proper body function/performance. Learn about the sleep studies performed by SomniTech right here at Orange City Area Health System. Effects on the body due to lack of sleep … Cognitive Effects Physiological Effects Good news! Orange City Area Health System offers Sleep Studies. Learn more.

-by Dr. Dee Jay Donlin, Behavioral Health Clinic London psychiatrist, John Bowlby, suggested that attachment was “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings.”  Several other names have been given to this phenomenon, such as “bond” or “trust.” Bowlby suggested that the development of this attachment (or lack thereof) as a child, had a profound impact on ongoing behavior and relationships. Children who were securely attached were better able to explore autonomously and find comfort in their caregiver when stressed. This was thought to be the product of a sensitive and responsive caregiver who was able to adequately meet the child’s needs. Insecurely attached children were often not comforted or did not seek comfort from their caregiver when distressed.  Attachment theory doesn’t stop in childhood but continues throughout our lifespan, affecting expectations and trust in relationships. Much has been written these days about the eroding trust that people have in our society.

Some great pics shared by our fun and fabulous Cardiac Rehab nurse team … The first picture is our Very Important Patient (VIP) for the month of April, Jeff Halstrom. We chose Jeff as our VIP because of his hard work and dedication to choosing a healthier lifestyle. Jeff was a patient in our Phase II Cardiac Rehab program and completed 36 sessions. Jeff put his heart first and made changes over the past few months that have helped improve his energy and his ability to participate in more activities. Jeff faithfully attended his sessions and consistently made progress with the efforts he put forth toward bettering his health. “We’re proud of you Jeff!” The second picture is of two high school classmates, Tom Juhl (on the left) and Steve Tonsfeldt (on the right), who have not seen each other since their graduation, over 50 years ago!Cardiac Rehab brings friends

This week our EMS team “retired” one of our old ambulances. She ended her career at OCAHS with 228,290 miles, the equivalent of 2,932 transfers to Sanford or 94,288 trips to Prairie Ridge Care Center! Now our fleet of ambulances consists of these three, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and added patient comfort to ensure the very best in emergency care. (2022 Chevy/Road Rescue with 2,031 miles; 2020 Chevy/Road Rescue with 39,066 miles; and 2016 Demers with 120,731 miles.) Thank you for trusting Orange City Area Health System for everything from preventative care, wellness, screenings, birthcare, family medicine, and urgent care … to 24/7/365 emergency care.

Spring is a wonderful time of year!  It is when everyone wants to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather.  Maybe you are considering a new outdoor project, contemplating when to get the crop in the ground, planning and preparing your garden, or just enjoying some outdoor activities.   Spring makes us think of new life, flowers, and rain showers.  However, spring can also be a common time for injuries.  OCAHS trauma team would like to help keep you safe while you do the things you enjoy. Exercise and Sports With spring comes outdoor activities such as running, golf, bike riding, soccer, or going for a walk.  No matter what activity you enjoy, take time to get back in shape.  Be sure to stretch well before and after these activities to avoid common injuries like sprains and strains.  Also, do not forget to use your helmets and other safety equipment when

Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community was a busy place the afternoon of March 7, 2023, honoring our Veterans for their service and for being a part of the American Legion from both Orange City and Alton. Some of our veterans living at Landsmeer have been a part of the American Legion for 25, 60 and 75 years. Twelve residents were given a certificate of membership as a record of consistent loyalty to the American Legion. During the ceremony the new Post Commander, Kevin Huyser, was introduced, and the late Post Commander Arlyn Kleinwolterink was honored for his service and his family was recognized.

 Falls are one of the most common reasons for injuries and ER visits. Most falls are preventable. Use this checklist to make your home safer and help prevent falls.

Colorectal cancer screening truly is an opportunity to prevent cancer. It’s one of the only cancer screening tests that can prevent cancer by finding precancerous polyps and removing them before they become cancer. Screening can also find cancer early when it may be easier to treat. Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death for men and women. Each year, almost 53,000 people die of it in the United States. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Talk to your healthcare provider about what is right for you. Call us today at 712-737-2000. Dr. Dan Locker, General Surgeon, visits with our CEO Marty Guthmiller regarding the importance of colon cancer screening.