Prairie Lakes Healthcare System

02/21/2026

February is Cancer Prevention Month! Let this be the motivation you need to schedule your routine cancer screening - as we know, early detection dramatically increases the chances cancer treatment is successful.

Popular cancer screenings provided by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, depending on age and/or gender, include:

- Mammograms
- Colonoscopies
- Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA test)
- Low-dose Lung Cancer Screening
- Total Body Skin Screening
- Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap smear)

For a complete list of suggested cancer screenings by age and/or gender, and available vaccinations that can help to avoid certain cancers, click the link below:

https://www.prairielakes.com/medical-services-directory/preventative-screenings

Abby Gietzen, PA-C

02/21/2026

Your Total Joint Journey is designed to give attendees, along with their caregivers or coaches, the necessary tools and understanding of a total joint replacement. It will cover what to expect before surgery, during a stay at the hospital, and when the patient leaves the hospital.

If you're planning a total joint replacement surgery in the next couple of months, the Your Total Joint Journey class is right for you! Upcoming classes will be held from 12-1p in the Specialty Clinic conference room:

- Tuesday, Feb. 24
- Tuesday, Mar. 10
- Tuesday, Mar. 24

Click the link below to register today:

“Your Total Joint Journey” is recommended for patients considering or scheduled for total joint replacement surgery and their caregiver or coach. This education session is located in the Specialty Clinic Conference Room on the first floor of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic - best reached thro...

02/20/2026

We are excited to announce we have been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The Top 100 awards program celebrates outstanding performance annually among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. PLHS has received this award 11 consecutive years.

“Earning this recognition year after year for more than a decade speaks to the consistency, compassion and clinical excellence our staff bring to patients every day,” said John Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of PLHS. “We are proud to deliver nationally recognized care right here in rural South Dakota.”

Read the full press release here: https://www.prairielakes.com/news/releases/prairie-lakes-healthcare-system-named-a-top-100-rural-community-hospital-by-the-chartis-center-for-rural-health/

02/20/2026

Planning for a new baby is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many new things to learn. Our free Childbirth Class Series offers the perfect opportunity for new moms and their support person to learn from certified childbirth educators and have their questions answered.

Each three-week series will be held from 6:30 - 9 pm in the West Conference Room and will discuss what to expect during labor, delivery, and postpartum. We encourage new moms to register for a session 2-3 months before their due date.

Click the link below for upcoming sessions:

https://www.prairielakes.com/calendar/events/2026-childbirth-class-series/?calendardate=20260226183000

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Baby Gallery

02/19/2026

When looking for a heart-healthy recipe that's packed with protein, a smoothie is usually at the top of the list. Here are a few nutritious and delicious options that go beyond the basic fruit smoothie:

- use greek yogurt instead of regular
- mix in whey protein (or plant-based)
- add chia or h**p seeds
- don't forget the fiber!

Click the link below for even more great add-ins and substitutions to keep your smoothie game going strong:

https://www.mindful.sodexo.com/recipes/whip-up-a-better-smoothie/

Use our mix-and-match options for a satisfying, healthy treat that’s anything but boring.

02/18/2026

We have several AEDs around our facility - it's always good practice to become familiar with AEDs in your surroundings in case of emergency!

02/18/2026

Two more days to fill out the Codington County Child Care Survey. This survey is intended for those who utilize child care or plan to utilize child care in Codington County.

Take the survey here: https://sdstateoira.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Gu4qus5Bf4OzPw?Q_CHL=qr&fbclid=IwY2xjawQC1TZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJoOEJWRDY2aVZsb3IwVFFKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv1Oshwl3SxvPuQHIaiCYMyPEbpDnaoKUa7OoI7SyX21671sKIlbJz3-tHue_aem_rj5jy1VOvahuXojvdC9hXw

👶📋 Help Shape the Future of Child Care in Our Community

Codington Connects is inviting parents, caregivers, and community members to take our Child Care Survey to help identify the need for safe, accessible, and stimulating daycare environments for children in our area.

Your feedback will help business and community leaders work collaboratively to better understand and address child care needs across Codington County.

🗓️ Survey open January 26 – February 20
🎁 Complete the survey for a chance to win a $50 gift card

Your voice matters. Take a few minutes to share your perspective and help support children and families in our community.

👉 Take the survey today! https://sdstateoira.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Gu4qus5Bf4OzPw?Q_CHL=qr

02/18/2026

When it comes to your heart, every second counts. That's why we're here with the latest technology and compassionate care. Prairie Lakes’ cardiologists and highly trained clinical staff provide comprehensive heart care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our experienced team works together to give you the best outcomes. Close to home, when you need us most. Your heart is in good hands. Prairie Lakes Cardiology. When it matters most.

To schedule an appointment with the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic, call 605-882-7777 today - no referral necessary!

02/16/2026

Saving Lives in Our Community for 50 Years!

The Community Blood Bank "Blood Mobile" will be parked in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic parking lot on Monday, February 23rd, taking blood donations from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and then again from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

To schedule your donation appointment, either click the link below or call 605-331-3222.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

02/16/2026

Did you know something as simple as bottle feeding your baby while they’re on their back can cause ear infections? Or that sinuses aren’t fully developed until your late teens? This Kids' ENT Month, Dr. Jered Mancell, Prairie Lakes’ Ear, Nose, and Throat Physician, has answers for our questions relating to pediatric ENT conditions.

To read more, click the link below:

https://www.prairielakes.com/health-wellness-journal/posts/kids-ear-nose-throat/

Did you know something as simple as bottle feeding your baby while they’re on their back can cause ear infections? Or sinuses aren’t fully developed until your late teens? Dr. Mancell, Prairie Lakes’ Ear, Nose, and Throat Physician, has answers for our questions related to pediatric ENT condit...

02/14/2026

❤️ This Valentine’s Day, Show Your Heart Some Love ❤️

Knowing your heart health numbers is one of the best gifts you can give yourself — and the people who love you.

Do you know yours?
🩺 Blood pressure
🩸 Cholesterol
🍬 Blood sugar
⚖️ Body weight/BMI

These numbers help tell your heart’s story and can guide simple steps toward lifelong heart health.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the guesswork — and make knowing your numbers an act of self-love. 💕

📍 Schedule a heart check-up with our Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic team today. Call 605-882-7777 or click the link below for more information:

https://www.prairielakes.com/medical-services-directory/cardiology/

02/13/2026

At our recent Health & Wellness Expo, Nutritional Services provided an exceptional visual demonstration of the amount of saturated fat found in our favorite foods and simple swaps to create a healthier recipe. The information was so well received we've asked them to set up the demonstration again at our table this weekend at the Watertown Winter Farm Show.

Find us near the northeast entrance in the Fieldhouse to learn more. Not planning to attend the Farm Show? No problem - click the link below to find out more from Registered Dietitian, Megan Block.

Heart Health Month is a great time to take a closer look at everyday food choices and how small sustainable adjustments can support long-term heart health. One growing area of curiosity is dietary fat — especially saturated fats, which are naturally present in many familiar foods.