Home News Saturday News, July 4th

Saturday News, July 4th

Floyd Valley Community Health Is Honored

(Le Mars, IA) — Floyd Valley Community Health (FVCH) was recently recognized as a 2019 Premier Performer by SHPBest. This is the fourth consecutive year that Floyd Valley Community Health has received this honor and was one of just four programs to receive recognition this year.

The annual SHPBest™ program was created to acknowledge home health agencies that consistently provide high quality service to their patients. With the largest Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS®) benchmark in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to identify and recognize organizations that have made patient satisfaction a priority and have been rewarded for their efforts with high marks on the HHCAHPS survey.

SHPBest award recipients are determined by ranking the overall score for all SHP HHCAHPS clients. The providers that rank in the top 5% receive the Premier Performer award. In addition, all award recipients must have scored better than or equal to the SHP national average for the period for each of the 5 publicly reported domains.

Tara Geddes, Community Health Manager adds, “This recognition is a direct reflection of the care and compassion Floyd Valley Home Health staff demonstrates to our patients each and every day. Our staff is committed to ensuring our patients meet their individual goals while in the comfort of their own home. We are very proud to have received the Premier Performer award for patient experience for the fourth consecutive year and are grateful to have the privilege to provide high quality home health services to our community.”

Floyd Valley Community Health

FVCH is committed to making your home and community a healthier place to live. Clients can receive home health services such as nursing care and therapy in the convenience of their home. Homemaker services are also available to provide help with activities of daily living to allow clients to stay in their home independently and safely. More information can be found at FloydValley.org or by calling (712) 546-3335.

About Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP)

Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) is a leader in data analytics and benchmarking that drive daily clinical and operational decisions. Our solutions bring real-time data to post-acute providers, hospitals and ACOs to better coordinate quality care and improve patient outcomes. Since 1996, SHP has helped more than 6,500 organizations nationwide raise the bar for healthcare performance. For more information, visit www.SHPdata.com and follow SHP on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter at @SHPdata.

 

 

COVID-19 Cases Top 30K in Iowa, 3 More Patients Die

(Des Moines, IA) — The number of COVID-19 cases in Iowa now tops 30-thousand after 389 more positive tests. Today’s cases increase the statewide total to 30-thousand-355. The Iowa Department of Public Health reports three more people died from coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 720. One-hundred-46 Iowans are hospitalized with COVID-19, 40 patients are in intensive care and 20 are on ventilators. More than 24-thousand patients are now considered recovered. There are 20 outbreaks currently reported at Iowa long-term care facilities.

 

 

ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Underway in Kossuth County

(Algona, IA) — Authorities in Kossuth County report no problems following the first night of the ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally. Some health officials and Algona residents were concerned about thousands of motorcyclist coming to the community during the pandemic. Emergency Management Coordinator David Penton says they’re paying attention to the number of ambulance calls – “and it’s been really quiet I think only one call.” The state has provided personal protective equipment including face masks and gowns for the three-day event. The ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally wraps up on Saturday evening.

 

 

Dubuque Police ID Victim of Deadly Shooting

(Dubuque, IA) — Police in Dubuque are identifying the victim who died Thursday night after a shooting. Officers say 25-year-old Curtis Smothers, Junior was shot in the chest and died at MercyOne Hospital. Investigators say city traffic cameras showed Smothers in a fight with another man following an argument. At one point the other man pulled a handgun from his waistband and shot Smothers. Authorities searched a building for the suspect. His name hasn’t been released.

 

 

Seven UNI Student Athletes Test Positive For Coronavirus

(Cedar Falls, IA) — The University of Northern Iowa says seven student-athletes tested positive for coronavirus. Those infected have been involved in workouts at U-N-I facilities. One staff member also tested positive. Officials tested more than 150 student-athletes and staff on the Cedar Falls campus. The weight room is closed for a deep cleaning over the holiday weekend while some voluntary workouts continue. A-D David Harris says the positive tests are “indicative that our screening protocols are working.” All student-athletes tested are required to self-quarantine and are not allowed back in U-N-I facilities while tests are pending.

 

 

Politicians Find It Difficult To Campaign In The Usual Manner Due To The COVID-19 Virus

(Des Moines) — The Fourth of July weekend is usually a time for candidates running for office to make appearances at parades and picnics. Most parades have been canceled out of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. University of Northern Iowa political scientist, Chris Larimer, says these kinds of Independence Day campaign appearances are USUALLY a good chance for candidates to make a good impression on voters in-person. But the pandemic has shifted the focus for campaigns.

Republican U-S Senator Joni Ernst’s bid for re-election is the most high-profile statewide race this year. Polls have shown her in a tight competition with her Democratic challenger, real estate executive Theresa Greenfield. She doesn’t have any public campaign events scheduled for today (Saturday). Senator Ernst did appear at a motorcycle rally in Algona and a boat parade in Clear Lake, on Friday.

 

 

Dietitian Offers Tips To Consider While Grilling Favorite Summer Foods 

(Red Oak) — As many of us fire up the grill during the holiday weekend, a southwestern Iowa dietitian urges everyone to follow the proper safety precautions. Emily Furst, a registered dietician at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, says the process to proper food safety begins at the grocery store.

If you transfer your raw burgers, brats, chicken and other meat products to a cooler, Furst says to make sure they stay below 40 degrees.

Furst says constantly washing your hands, as well as cleaning utensils like tongs, spatulas and grills is also a good safety measure. Using a separate meat thermometer is also recommended, even if the grill you are using already has one.

It’s recommended whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees as well as fish. Hamburgers and other ground beef products should be cooked to at least 160 degrees while all poultry and pre-cooked meats such as hot dogs should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. If there are leftovers, Furst urges we store and put away the food in a timely manner to prevent cross-contamination or food poisoning.

 

 

Fire Marshal Reminds People To Use Caution With Fireworks

(Des Moines) — Some fireworks outlets reporting increased sales as the number of community Independence Day celebrations and fireworks shows have dropped dramatically with concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. State Fire Marshal Dan Wood says if you decide to buy your own fireworks — you need to keep safety in mind.

There are all sorts of fireworks available from bottle rockets to complex launching devices that shoot several flaming balls into the sky. Wood says you should make sure you understand what a firework does and how to use it before setting it off.

Some other tips from the fire marshal: refrain from drinking alcohol before and while discharging fireworks. Keep spectators at least six feet away from lit fireworks. Always supervise children near or handling fireworks. Even simple products like sparklers can be dangerous – burning at up to 2,000 degrees.