Category: Medical News

Colorectal Cancer Screening: 45 is the new 50!

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colorectal cancer screening

Prevea Health and its Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospital partners in Eastern Wisconsin are reminding all about the importance of colon cancer screening as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its guidelines for colon cancer screening.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colon cancer, and adults age 76 to 85 ask their doctor if they should be screened. Previously, it was recommended adults begin colon cancer screening at age 50. The reduction in age from 50 to 45 is in part due to new findings from USPSTF that an estimated 10.5% of new colorectal cancer cases occur in persons younger than 50 years. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death for both men and women, with an estimated 52,980 people in the U.S. projected to die of colon cancer in 2021.

Colonoscopy, one of the most common and effective ways to screen for colon cancer, is provided by Prevea Health gastroenterologists at four hospitals throughout Eastern Wisconsin: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls. To schedule a colonoscopy with Prevea Health in Green Bay and Oconto Falls, please call (920) 429-1700; and in Sheboygan, please call (920) 457-4400.

“The earlier we can detect any signs of colon cancer that may be present or in its pre-cancerous stages, the better chance we have of eliminating it and keeping you healthy,” says Dr. Chaitanya Pant, gastroenterologist at Prevea Health. “To anyone who may be postponing their colonoscopy, please, do not delay this important care any longer. The Prevea Digestive Health team and its HSHS hospital partners are prepared to get you the preventive care you need in the safest, most comfortable way possible.”

While most insurance carriers are approving colonoscopy coverage beginning at age 45, patients are highly encouraged to check with their insurance carrier to verify coverage. Increased risk patients may need earlier and more frequent screening depending upon recommendation by a health care provider.

People at an increased risk for colon cancer include:

  • Those with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
  • Those with a personal history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer
  • Those with chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

In addition to regular screening for colon cancer, you may also be able to lower your risk by:

  • Avoiding foods high in fat
  • Adding plenty of vegetables, fruits and other high-fiber foods to your diet
  • Exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight
  • Not smoking
  • Drinking alcohol only in moderation

Warning signs of colon cancer can include:

  • Blood in or on the stool
  • Recurrent shifts in normal bowel habits such as experiencing diarrhea or constipation for no known reason
  • Thinning of the stool
  • Increases in stomach discomfort (bloating, gas, fullness and/or cramps that last more than a few days)
  • A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
  • Weight loss for no known reason
  • Constant and unexplained fatigue

For more information about colon cancer screening, prevention, and treatment, please click here.

Keeping Schools Healthy

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Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality and Economic Lift (TRAVEL) Stimulus Grant

The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce was awarded a Tourism Relief to Accelerate Vitality and Economic Lift (TRAVEL) Stimulus Grant. Part of the operations use must support COVID-19 safety precautions and equipment to public-facing facilities. The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce purchased 28 boxes of hand sanitizer to deliver to our local businesses in an effort to keep consumers and employees safe. The remaining boxes were donated to the local schools to keep schools’ students and staff healthy.

Pictured is Dean Hess, Superintendent of Oconto Falls School District and Colleen Hillberg, Secretary at Oconto Falls Elementary School, receiving 2 cases of hand sanitizer.

Bond Foundation Grants $50,000 to Nurse’s Nook in Oconto County

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HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce a grant from the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation, Inc. that will support the Nurse’s Nook program in Oconto County.

Nurse’s Nook, a program of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, provides aid to children and families in need in all five school districts in Oconto County. The program provides aid such as food, personal hygiene products, clothing, medical supplies/devices and transportation assistance for medical appointments.

“As a rural health care provider, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital recognizes that these Oconto
County students are not just local children – they are our patients,” said Chris Brabant, President and CEO, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. “Continued action is necessary to meet their basic health care needs. Addressing these needs provides youth with increased opportunities to learn and succeed in school, and become healthy, contributing community members.”

The Bond Foundation has granted $50,000 this year to enhance the efforts of Nurse’s Nook.

“We are immensely grateful to the Bond Foundation for their generous support of this program which is critical to the health and well-being of so many throughout this region,” said Brabant.

It is estimated Nurse’s Nook is utilized by students and families at participating schools more than 750 times each week. In addition, Nurse’s Nook distributes an average of 193 food bags each week. This helps families cover their weekend meals and improve the health and nutrition of children.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

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Stroke, a disease that affects arteries leading to and within the brain, is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association. A stroke can happen to anyone at any age – men and women of all ages and races.

In 2020, HSHS St. Vincent and St. Mary’s hospitals in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls treated more than 600 people for stroke.

“Stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by either a clot or a break in a blood vessel, and so it is critical someone experiencing a stroke receive treatment as soon as possible,” said Dr. Alison Nohara, a Prevea Health neurointerventional radiologist at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital – a certified comprehensive stroke center and leader in stroke care in Green Bay. “The longer someone waits for treatment to restore blood flow back to the brain the greater risk they face for disability or death. In fact, one million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing risk of brain damage, permanent brain disability or death.”

Signs and symptoms of stroke can include: sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance; and sudden severe headache without a known reason. An easier way to remember stroke signs and symptoms is to think of the phrase/acronym, BE FAST:

B – Balance difficulty
E – Eye changes
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech slurred
T – Time to call 911

Dr. Nohara further explained these symptoms, as well as other important information about stroke in a recent episode of Prevea Health’s podcast, Plug in to Health which is available on all major podcasting platforms or at www.prevea.com/podcast. Look for the episode titled, “Recognizing Stroke: BE FAST!”

Studies show patients who arrive in the Emergency Department within the first three hours of stroke symptoms have better outcomes and less disability than those who delayed care. Always call 911 if a stroke is suspected. HSHS hospital emergency department locations in Eastern Wisconsin:

HSHS St. Vincent Hospital
835 S. Van Buren St., Green Bay

HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center
1726 Shawano Ave., Green Bay

HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital
3100 Superior Ave., Sheboygan

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital
855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls

There are numerous risk factors for stroke including age, genetics, gender and race, which cannot be controlled. However, there are several factors that increase the risk of stroke and can be controlled, including: Smoking, high blood pressure, alcohol consumption and illegal drug use, stress, diabetes, obesity, inactivity, unhealthy diet and abnormal cholesterol.

For more information, please visit: www.prevea.com/stroke

National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18-24

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National Volunteer Appreciation Week

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18 – 24, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls recognize the hard work, dedication and compassion of their volunteers.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on our ability to welcome volunteers into our hospitals much of last year, our volunteers have done an incredible job in assisting our ministries and patients from afar,” said Mary Ann Brunette, Volunteer Services Manager for HSHS hospitals in Eastern Wisconsin. “We are deeply grateful to each and every one of them.”

In 2020, HSHS hospitals in Eastern Wisconsin had 350 volunteers dedicate 12,771 hours to our ministries:

  • HSHS St. Vincent Hospital had 149 volunteers put in 4,304 hours
  • HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center had 88 volunteers put in 3,486 hours
  • HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital had 80 volunteers put in 3,856 hours
  • HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital had 33 volunteers put in 1,125 hours

Volunteer efforts include patient screening and wayfinding; working in the hospital gift shops; filing; sewing pillows for heart patients; knitting prayer shawls; and making baby hats, blankets and chemo caps for patients.

“We are incredibly blessed to have dedicated volunteers that partner with us to bring health, healing and hope to our patients,” said Mary Ann. “Volunteers bring joy to our patients and to all of us daily!”

All four HSHS hospitals in Eastern Wisconsin welcome new volunteers to join their ministries. Those interested in volunteering for the following hospitals should contact:

Mobile Mammography Unit to Make Regular Visits to Oconto Falls

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Mobile Mammography travelling to HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital

The city of Oconto Falls and its surrounding communities will soon have greater access to breast health screenings thanks to mobile mammography that will be offered on the campus of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.

Starting Friday, April 2, a mobile mammography unit will travel to the HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Oconto Falls Health Center located at 835 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls. It will return to this location on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Fridays of each month and the 2nd Monday of each month. Appointments will be available between 8:40 a.m. and 2:40 p.m.

The unit, fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), is equipped with mammography technology that has the capability to provide 3-D and/or digital images. It also features two changing rooms and a waiting room and is staffed by a registered mammography technologist.

Prevea Health, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital launched the mobile mammography unit in 2018 to provide residents in rural areas greater access to high-quality breast health screenings. The unit also currently travels to:

  • HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Gillett Health Center
  • HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Lena Health Center
  • HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Mountain Health Center
  • Prevea Marinette Health Center
  • Prevea Oconto Health Center
  • Prevea Pulaski Health Center
  • Prevea Seymour Health Center
  • Prevea Shawano Health Center
  • Prevea Kewaunee Health Center
  • Prevea Manitowoc Health Center
  • Prevea Plymouth Health Center
  • Prevea Luxemburg Health Center

Appointments in any of the above-mentioned communities, including in Oconto Falls, can be made now by calling (920) 496-4789. To learn more about the mobile mammography unit, and to watch a video tour of the unit, visit: www.prevea.com/mammo

All women should talk with their health care provider about the appropriate timing for screening mammograms, especially women who are age 40 or at high-risk. A schedule will be based upon an individual’s health. At age 40, any woman may wish to begin regular screening mammograms. By age 45, women should have a screening mammogram and continue to have one at least every other year.

Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls

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The Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls is providing COVID-19 vaccinations to all community members eligible for the vaccine under the vaccination prioritization guidelines set by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).

Currently, frontline health care personnel, residents in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, police and fire personnel and adults ages 65 and older are eligible for vaccination at the Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls.

Appointments are required and appointment availability is dependent on available vaccine supply that is provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Community members should not present to the hospital for vaccination without an appointment.

How to make an appointment
The fastest way to get an appointment scheduled for COVID-19 vaccination through Prevea Health is with MyPrevea. Visit www.myprevea.com to set up an account at no cost. You do not have to be a Prevea patient to sign up for a MyPrevea account. MyPrevea is also available as an app on any smartphone or other device.

If you do not have access or are unable to use the internet, we have a toll-free number dedicated to COVID-19 vaccination questions and information: 1 (833) 344 – 4373. (Please do not call the hospital directly to schedule an appointment.)

Having trouble, or still have questions?
Visit www.prevea.com/vaccine for information on Prevea Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic locations, how to create a MyPrevea account, how to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination and more.
For the latest on who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin, Prevea Health encourages everyone to regularly check the DHS website at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-about.htm

Winter weather reminder: Stay safe, don’t delay emergency care

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Winter is here, and snow has already covered much of Northeast Wisconsin. With more winter weather on the way, HSHS St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare Memorial Hospitals want to remind community members about some important safety tips to keep in mind.

“We see a variety of injuries and illnesses as a result from severe winter weather each year, including those from motor vehicle accidents on icy roads, over-exertion from snow shoveling, injuries from misuse of snowblowers, slips, falls and more,” said Dr. Angela Wright, emergency medicine physician at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay. “We encourage everyone to be safe as more winter weather approaches, but also want everyone to know that our HSHS emergency departments and medical providers are ready to care for you, 24/7, should you need us. Never delay emergency care – even amid a pandemic.”

Tips to prevent slips and falls:

  • Beware of wet, dark areas on the pavement. There may be thin, hardly visible layers of ice (black ice) on these spots as a result of dew or water vapor freezing. It is best to treat all pavement as slippery in cold temperatures.
  • Walk slowly and take short strides. Use handrails when walking up or down steps. Choose well-walked paths and avoid taking shortcuts, since these areas may not be accessible for snow or ice removal.
  • Keep your hands free and extend your arms while walking. Avoid carrying too much or placing your hands in your pockets. This will keep your center of gravity from decreasing and help to maintain balance.

Tips for safe snow shoveling:

  • Know if you shouldn’t shovel. Certain people should avoid shoveling snow. If you have a history of heart problems, you should avoid this activity. Click here for more information about the link between cold weather and heart attacks.
  • Dress appropriately. Wear light clothing in layers to provide both ventilation and insulation. To keep warm, wear a hat, gloves and thick socks. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.
  • Warm up first. Before you begin shoveling the snow, warm up your muscles for approximately 10 minutes by doing stretches or other light exercises.
  • Use proper equipment. Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
  • Lift snow correctly. Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, do it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Avoid bending at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once. Do it in pieces.
  • Avoid overexerting yourself. Be very careful not to overexert yourself as you work. Pace yourself and take breaks often. It’s a good idea to go indoors to warm up. Taking five to 10 minutes to relax gives your body time to rest. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending. If you feel pain or pressure in your chest, call 911.

HSHS emergency departments in Eastern Wisconsin:
HSHS St. Vincent Hospital – 835 S. Van Buren St., Green Bay
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center – 1726 Shawano Ave., Green Bay
HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital – 3100 Superior Ave., Sheboygan
HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital – 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls

smiling family during winter

National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 6-12

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national suicide prevention week

Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds, according to the World Health Organization.

Navigating a pandemic and national unrest may contribute to this troubling statistic, as fear and anxiety may overcome us as we’re trying to understand what’s happening around us.

As National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 6 – 12) approaches, HSHS St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare Memorial hospitals remind everyone that if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you should call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or dial 911.

Alyssa Van Duyse, an HSHS colleague and suicide prevention instructor certified by the national QPR Institute, says it’s important to not only take note of your own feelings during this uncertain time, but also of those around you.

“The word ‘suicide’ is still thought of as taboo – especially in the Midwest because we’re not so great at talking about our feelings,” says Alyssa. “That’s why it’s important to recognize the clues a person may be contemplating suicide.”

Four ways someone may tell you they are contemplating suicide:

  1. They give a direct verbal clue by saying something like “I’m going to end it all,” or “I wish I were dead.”
  2. They give a coded verbal clue by saying something like “I”m tired of life. I just want out,” or “I can’t take it anymore.”
  3. They exhibit behavioral clues like increased risk-taking, self-injurious behavior or drug or alcohol abuse.
  4. They should situational clues like being fired from a job, being diagnosed with a serious illness or being bullied or humiliated.

During QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention classes, Alyssa instructs participants to practice asking the question, “Are you thinking about suicide?”

“If you practice it, it won’t be so hard to ask if you ever have to ask someone in a real-life situation,” she says. “Also, sometimes people who are considering suicide are relieved if you ask because it indicates that someone noticed their struggle.”

For more information about how you can help someone struggling with mental health, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Helping Children Become More Comfortable With Wearing a Mask

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man covers the stuff toy with mask

Wearing a cloth mask, in addition to practicing physical distancing and frequent handwashing, plays a critical role in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital and Prevea Health offer the following guidance for parents and caregivers in helping children become more comfortable with wearing a mask.

Should all children wear a mask?

Children under the age of 2 should not wear a mask due to suffocation and choking hazards. In addition, parents of children with cognitive or respiratory impairments should exercise caution with masks for their children. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your child is healthy enough to wear a mask, it is important you consult with their primary care physician.

How can I help my child become more comfortable and/or less afraid of wearing a mask?

One of the most effective ways to help your child become more comfortable with wearing a mask is by being a role model. When you also wear a mask, and do so with a positive attitude, your child is likely to follow your lead! Here are some more helpful tips to help your children become more comfortable with masks:

  • Look in the mirror with your child while you each wear a mask, and talk about it.
  • Put a mask on a favorite stuffed animal.
  • Decorate the child’s mask(s) so they’re more personalized and fun.
  • Show your child pictures of other children wearing masks.
  • Draw a mask on their favorite book character.
  • Practice wearing the mask at home to help your child get used to it.

How can I talk to my child about wearing a mask?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that for children under the age of 3, it’s best to answer their questions simply in language they understand. If they ask about why people are wearing masks, explain that sometimes people wear them when they are sick, and when they are all better, they stop wearing them.

For children over the age of 3, the AAP recommends you focus on germs. Explain that germs are special to your own body. Some germs are good and some are bad. The bad ones can make you sick. Since we can’t always tell which are good or bad, the masks help make sure you keep those germs away from your own body.

Additional resources:

Dr. Josh Rankin, pediatrician at Prevea Health, recently shared these tips and much more on our most recent episode of Plug in to Health, Kids and Masking. Plug in to Health is a podcast produced by Prevea Health and available on major podcasting platforms such as Apple and Google Play, and at: www.prevea.com/podcast

Prevea Health has more resources dedicated to helping adults and children navigate mask-wearing, including: How masks work, how to clean cloth masks, avoiding fogging glasses and skin irritation, and debunking mask myths. All of these resources are available in one convenient location at: www.prevea.com/masking