December 2017
Your community. Your health. Your life.
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Sharing Christmas Spirit
In keeping with the spirit of fellowship during the holiday season, Floyd Valley Healthcare would like to invite our neighbors to share Christmas dinner with us.  Dinner will be served on December 25th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  in the FVH Cafeteria.  We recognize that your family may be spread over many miles and getting together may be difficult, so we invite the community to join our family.
 
Kathy Massey, Dietary Manager, said, "In a tradition that started over 17 years ago,  we would like to invite those who would otherwise be alone to share dinner with our staff.  If you would like to join us, we ask you to notify the Floyd Valley Dietary Department at 546-3395 or 1-800-642-6074 ext. 3395 by December 22nd."
 
In addition, we know there are community members that like to be involved with holiday events.  More hands certainly make events more successful and satisfying for all involved.  We will gladly accept volunteers to help serve this wonderful meal.  Please also contact Kathy to volunteer your time if you can help us with this fun-filled event.
7 Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress
While some may enjoy the hustle and bustle the holidays bring, others just get lost in the shuffle.  Katie Arkema, LMFT with Plains Area Mental Health, suggests these seven tips to keep your holidays merry and bright.
  1. It may sound simple, but slow down and appreciate the small thing in life.  Whether it is your health, having the essentials, family, friends or employment - be thankful for what you have.
  2. Don't be too proud to ask for help.  While some may see this as a sign of weakness, it may make you stronger by opening your mind to new ideas and experiences.
  3. Laughter may just be the best medicine!  Having a healthy sense of humor helps us alleviate stress and regulate our sense of well-being.  Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself!
  4. Learn to listen to what is being said, not just simply hearing it.  Active listening helps us form meaningful relationships. Put down your phone, shut off the TV and connect face-to-face about your day.
  5. Invest time in yourself by pursuing a hobby.  Working with an interest we love gives us a sense of pride and confidence. It isn't the work that matters, it is the uniqueness gained by a hobby.
  6. Practice self-calming techniques when your stress is on the rise.  Techniques can vary by person, but common choices to decompress include listening to calming music, picking up your favorite book or exercising.
  7. This one's important! Making sure you get adequate rest.  Sleeping 8 hours at night can help ensure both mental and physical health.


What's the Buzz?
Rhonda Schreier and Laura Weiler, Floyd Valley Community Health, test out their ne Buzzy®  to be used for immunizations.
If you are coming to Floyd Valley Healthcare for an immunization or blood draw, you may hear a little buzz to help you.  Through a generous donation from the Le Mars Kiwanis, FVH was able to purchase Buzzys® for our pediatric patients (though some older patients may appreciate it as well).  Buzzy® is a device that provides natural pain relief in seconds.  Its patented combination of cold and vibration controls sharp pain for many patients. It is highly effective for immunizations, lab draws, IVs and more.

This cute little bee is now available for use in the Emergency Department, Floyd Valley Clinics, Floyd Valley Community Health and the inpatient floor.  It is perfect tool to relieve pain in addition to easing the fear for patients 4 years and older.  If you have a fear of needles, "bee" sure to ask about Buzzys® at your next visit!