Avera St. Luke's News
Find information here about Avera St. Luke's monthly classes and meetings in Aberdeen, SD, and in area towns we serve, as well as the latest wellness programs, screenings, educational seminars, news and other programs designed to help you “to be well." Go to Classes & Events for more details on all our classes.
Ice cream for treats, then swing tunes beat
Come enjoy cool treats at a summer ice cream social hosted by Avera St. Luke’s PrestigePLUS, then listen to guest soloist Maria McDermott Morton with songs from the 1940s and 1950s, as well as some newer swing tunes at the Aberdeen Municipal Band concert on Thursday, July 16, at Melgaard Park.
The ice cream social starts at 7:30 p.m., and everyone coming to the concert is invited. The music will begin at 8 p.m., featuring Aberdeen native Morton. She’s a talented vocalist who sang with the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band “Looking Glass” while stationed at Offut Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb.
PrestigePLUS members are urged to bring their membership cards to be eligible for prizes that will be given away during the concert. Anyone age 55 and up can become a PrestigePLUS member. A membership table will be available for sign-ups during the ice cream social, so bring your friends. Lifetime membership is only $5, and includes newsletters and special social events.
People attending the band concert are urged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, but some seating is available. The summer social and concert are sponsored by Avera St. Luke’s and the Aberdeen Parks , Recreation and Forestry Department.
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Dr. Yoo board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation
Jae Yoo, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with Avera Physical Medicine Specialists who works with patients at Avera St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center , has received certification from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
ABPMR board-certified specialists are leaders in their field because they voluntarily participate in lifelong learning to keep their skills and knowledge current. They demonstrate their commitment to quality clinical outcomes, patient safety and a responsive, patient-centered practice.
Dr. Yoo, who came to Aberdeen about a year ago, graduated from the Catholic University of Korea, where he received both his bachelor of science and medical degrees. He completed residencies in neurology at St. Mary’s Hospital in Seoul, South Korea , and in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Montefiore Medical Center at University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He also served as medical officer for the 52nd Division, Capital Defense Command Center in South Korea from 2001-04.
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Avera St. Luke’s receives accreditation as CME provider
Avera St. Luke's has been awarded full accreditation status as a Continuing Medical Education provider from the South Dakota State Medical Association. Accreditation is based on self studies, interviews, a review of the hospital’s programs, and a summary of its CME activities. The accreditation is for four years.
“This accreditation helps Avera St. Luke's to assure physicians that our CME programs will be useful in maintaining their clinical competence and in incorporating new knowledge to improve quality medical care for patients and their communities,” said John Fritz, vice president of Medical Affairs. “It also gives us tools to ensure that these educational programs are presented free of commercial bias.”
The South Dakota State Medical Association is a professional organization of more than 1,900 members, including physicians, members and medical students dedicated to protecting the health care interests of patients and enhancing the effectiveness of physicians throughout South Dakota. The SDSMA’s mission is to promote the art and science of medicine, protect and improve the health of the public, and provide leadership and advocacy in the field of quality health care.
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Three Avera clinics move to Avera Dakota Medical Square
Two Avera medical practices in Aberdeen, Avera Podiatry Specialists and Avera Orthopedic Specialists, have moved from Physicians Plaza to the main floor of Avera Dakota Medical Square, 815 First Ave. S.E.
Avera St. Luke’s Business Health Clinic has also moved to Avera Dakota Medical Square' s first floor.
Dr. Mark Harlow, MD, FACS, of Avera Orthopedic Specialists, is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in orthopedics and sports medicine. Dr. Chad Stapp, DPM, of Avera Podiatry Specialists, specializes in podiatric medicine and treatment of the foot. Both specialty clinics are part of Avera St. Luke’s Clinic Division and Avera Medical Group. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. weekdays. Their phone number, (605) 622-2570, and fax number, (605) 622-2571, will remain the same.
Avera St. Luke’s Business Health team helps employers find customized solutions to health needs in the workplace. Marie Quaschnick, a certified nurse practitioner, provides services to the area business community through Avera St. Luke’s Business Health Clinic. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. For more information, contact Business Health at (605) 622-5858.
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‘Compassionate Parents’ support group
Compassionate Parents, a support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child, meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in Aberdeen at Avera St. Luke’s Education Center, 709 Sixth Ave. S.E.
The support group offers friendship and understanding, promotes positive resolution of grief experiences, and fosters physical and emotional health after the death of a child. Parents, grandparents, family members and friends are invited to attend and learn ways to cope with feelings associated with their loss.
For more information, call Marge Holland, RN, or Judy V. Toennies, RN, at (605) 622-5552 or contact Avera St. Luke’s Education Department at (605) 622-5588.
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Free immunization clinic changes schedule
The free Childhood Immunization Clinic sponsored by Avera St. Luke’s and the Childhood Immunization Coalition will no longer be held on the third Saturday of each month at Avera St. Luke’s Education Center.
There will be special free clinics offered periodically in the future. Be watching for announcements about when these immunization clinics will be held. For more information, call Avera St. Luke’s Pediatric Unit at (605) 622-5551.
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Health Care Provider CPR classes
Avera St. Luke's offers Health Care Provider CPR classes for people who work in the health care field. The classes, which feature the American Heart Association standards, are offered the third Wednesday of each month in Aberdeen at Avera St. Luke's Education Center, 709 Sixth Ave. S.E.
First-time participants may choose between two sessions, offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 5 to 10 p.m. The class covers the practice of CPR in the healthcare setting for one- and two-man adult, child and infant CPR, obstructed airways instruction, use of the bag mask and the automatic external defibrillator. A fee of $60 covers all materials.
Health care professionals seeking renewal of their CPR skills may choose from several two-hour sessions during the day: 8 to10 a.m., 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. The fee for the two-hour renewal class is $30.
The deadline for registration is the second Wedneday of the month, one week prior to the class, since materials are mailed to participants in advance. To register, call Avera St. Luke’s Education Department at (605) 622-5588.
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Free blood pressure screenings
Avera St. Luke’s and Avera Mother Joseph Manor hold free blood pressure screenings in Aberdeen each month. Anyone needing transportation to any of these screening locations should call RIDE-LINE at (605) 626-3333 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at least one day prior to the screening.
The times and locations are:
First Tuesday: The Homestead, 9 to 10 a.m.
First Thursday: Fifth Avenue Apartments, 1 to 2 p.m.; Sherman Apartments, 2 to 3 p.m.
Second Wednesday: Bicentennial Apartments, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Third Tuesday: Aberdeen Area Senior Center , 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Fourth Wednesday: Avera Mother Joseph Manor, 1 to 2 p.m.
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Heartsaver/AED CPR classes
Avera St. Luke's offers HeartSaver/AED CPR classes for the general public, featuring the American Heart Association standards, on the first Wednesday of each month. These classes are available for new, first-time participants as well as people seeking to renew their CPR skills. HeartSaver/AED CPR are held in Aberdeen at Avera St. Luke's Education Center, 709 Sixth Ave. S.E.
First-time participants may choose either the morning session from 8 a.m. to noon or the evening session from 6 to 10 p.m. The four-hour class covers adult, child and infant CPR, obstructed airways, and the use of the automated external defibrillator (AED). A fee of $60 covers all materials.
Those who wish to renew their CPR skills can choose from several two-hour sessions throughout the day: 8 to 10 a.m., 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. Renewal class fees are $30 for all materials.
The deadline for registration is one week prior to the class, since materials are mailed to participants in advance. To register, call Avera St. Luke’s Education Department at (605) 622-5588.
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Walk for Wellness
The May meeting of the “Walk for Wellness” program featured the Spring Fling celebration in Aberdeen ’s Lakewood Mall Community Room, located between Radio Shack and Regis.
People who have walked more than 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 miles this year as participants in the program were awarded prizes at this special recognition event. Recipients of awards and the miles walked are:
- 100-249 miles: Robert Voss, Mary Amacher, Fran and Allan Monson, Dorothy Fettig, Jerry and Fran Lingor
- 250-499 miles: Victor and Beverly Klepetka, Beverly Voss, James and Yvonne Barr, Tom Piatz, David Blaedorn, Jeanette Brick, Ron and Kitty Eisenbeisz
- 500-749 miles: Fran and Wally Rutschke, Yvonne and Henry Hopfinger
- 750-999 miles: Larry Frost
- 1,500-plus miles: Ken Buechler
The “Walk for Wellness” program invites participants to use the controlled environment of Lakewood Mall for a regular, year-round walking program. A one-mile course has been measured out at the mall. Avera St. Luke’s and Lakewood Mall are co-sponsors of this program. Free monthly educational programs by health care professionals from Avera St. Luke’s are offered the third Thursday evening of the month, except for the summer months. For more information, call (605) 622-5533.
People interested in participating in “Walk for Wellness” may pick up a brochure at the Lakewood Mall office or the hospital. Those who participate will receive “starter packets” from the Cardiac Rehab Program at Avera St. Luke’s that contain information on the health benefits of walking, diet, stress, cardiac risk factors and stretching exercises. Packets are also available at Bur Mar’s Shoes at the mall. Before beginning a walking program, it is wise to consult your physician, especially when special medical problems exist.
Lakewood Mall is open to walkers from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Walkers are asked to log their miles, since special recognition will be given to participants when they reach their first 100 miles and each 100 miles after that.
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Diabetes Support Group
Avera St. Luke’s Diabetes Support Group is taking a break for the summer. Be watching for information next fall.
The Diabetes Support Group meets on the first Thursday of the month, except during the summer months. The Diabetes Support Group’s goals are to develop educational methods designed to give those who have diabetes a better understanding of their condition, to disseminate accurate information about diabetes to the general public, to educate the public on the importance of early recognition of diabetes and medical supervision of its treatment, and to provide an opportunity for individuals with diabetes to interact with others and share learning experiences. For more information, call (605) 622-5161.
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