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Unvaccinated? You can end the pandemic

… our careers to keeping you healthy. You are now among the community members most at risk for COVID-19 infection and related complications, including hospitalization and … always "yes." Both of us have been vaccinated, as have our family members. We know COVID-19 vaccines are safe and extraordinarily effective against severe … So please consider this humble request from a couple of local doctors to protect yourself, your loved ones and others. Choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. It's …

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Tom Waltz's continuation of care at Gundersen Boscobel

… pain or pressure, just weakness and shortness of breath.  Hospitalist Dr. Paul Mariskanish ("Dr. Paul") was on duty that day. The blood work he ordered indicated … with Nora Munson, Director, as well as Andrea Ryan, Registered Nurse. "I didn't know Nora or Andrea in advance. That's not what took me there. I'm just an 'in-town' … won't be coming here," Tom shared. Nora concurs. "It's not just what you do during your cardiac rehab. It's how you can maintain these lifestyle challenges six months …

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GundersenAIR flight crew embraces office in the sky

… partners, being on this flight crew is something they worked toward, assuming the risks of the job but also reaping its rewards.    To be considered for a job on … “The goal is, over a period of time, we become very similar in our skills and our knowledge,” Shockey said. “There’s nothing that Andy can do that I can’t do, and … said. “Taking care of people has its own rewards and makes you feel good about your job, but what drives me is tending to problems.”   For Shockey, a Decorah …

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Claudia and Ellen's story: A life-saving friendship

… returning home, Claudia began to complain of urinary tract infection symptoms. Knowing Claudia had previously been hospitalized with sepsis and was at high risk to become septic again, Ellen was immediately concerned.  After talking to the … some infections to other people.   What causes sepsis?  Infections put you and your family at risk for sepsis. When germs get into a person’s body, they can cause …

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Weight-loss surgery helps Coon Valley woman reclaim her health 

… System in La Crosse, Wis. The procedure is a type of bariatric surgery , also known as weight-loss surgery or metabolic surgery, that makes the stomach smaller.  … lower almost immediately. Recent research shows bariatric surgery may reduce the risk for certain types of cancers, too.  The health benefits of bariatric surgery … not a quick win,” Maggie says. “It’s something you have to work on for the rest of your life.”  Now having conquered most of her chronic health issues—along with some …

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The basics of clinical trials

… some uncertainty when you're thinking about a clinical trial. While it is true that your doctor will not know for sure how a particular clinical trial may work for you, there are specific … at Gundersen have often gone through the initial phase of study, which reduces the risk of the trial not working or being potentially harmful but does not entirely …

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Hydration Challenge

… 404search Hydration Challenge Nutrition   There's nothing better you can drink, for your body and health, than water! While it is best to consume at least half of your … and enjoy a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. Why test your well water? Did you know that bacteria can get into private wells through surface contamination, septic … Did you know that arsenic is a naturally occurring element and can increase the risk of developing skin, bladder, lung, and prostate cancers? It's important to test …

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How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19

… that cause common colds and the flu will mix with COVID-19 and make it difficult to know what’s making you ill. Gundersen's Infection Preventionist Megan Meller helps … Change in loss of taste or smell (more common with COVID-19) Am I at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 or flu? Let’s be clear: Both COVID-19 and flu … from a fever Use a cool mist humidifier to help ease congestion and coughing Prop yourself with 2 or 3 pillows to make it easier to breathe or sleep Limit the level …

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Breastfeeding tips for the holidays

… Here’s some advice from Gundersen's  experts in lactation to help you and your baby get through the holidays happy, healthy and breastfeeding.  Create a … consumed.  Protect yourself and baby  As with any gathering, there’s always a risk of bringing home a cold or other illness. If you do happen to get sick, it’s … milk supply issues, breast pump education, and breast milk donation.  Did you know?  In June, July and September 2022, Gundersen had an exclusive breastfeeding …

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Eat all the red meat you want! Wait...what?

… from seven countries looked at the link between red and processed meats and the risks of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. They published their conclusion … very low and that there is no need to cut back on red and processed meats. Now, I know what you're thinking: "I thought researchers said we shouldn't be eating red or … to get headline whiplash. I know I did when I saw this in the news. How to balance your red meat consumption To clarify, processed red meat includes any beef, pork, …

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Removing ticks: The right way and the wrong way

… most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can carry diseases, such as Lyme disease . Knowing what steps to take following a tick bite can reduce your risk of infection. Remove the embedded tick as soon as possible. The longer a tick …

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How to prepare for a clinical research study

… enrolling in a clinical study can further cancer research while also helping treat your cancer. Gundersen partners with the National Cancer Institute and academic … in the trial? What kinds of tests and treatments are involved? How will the doctor know if the treatment is working? How will I be told about the trial's results? How … my care? Is there someone I can talk to who has been in the trial? Questions about risks and benefits What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment? …

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How to prevent some cancers

… having mammograms at age 40, or earlier if there is a family history or increased risk. Clinical breast exams and self-exams should start at age 20. If you notice changes, it’s important to report them to your healthcare provider. Cervix: Women age 21 and older should have a Pap smear … cancer. Skin: Skin checks should be part of your regular routine at home. Get to know your moles and other spots and bumps. Changes in their number, size, shape, …

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Heart Valve Treatment

… clogged valves and repair the tissue at the base of the mitral valve. If one of your valves doesn't close, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive … aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This type of surgery means less pain, lower risk for complications and a faster recovery than open-heart surgery.  Leaders in heart care Need a second opinion? We know an opinion from a second expert is important. Call us if you or a loved one …