Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital

07/25/2025

07/17/2025

Steve Epping is grateful for every day after his lung cancer was caught early. Doctors found a small tumor just one year after his first annual lung screening came back clear. Because of this early detection, Steve is now cancer-free. Learn why screenings like these are crucial for beating the disease and the advice Steve has for others in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://heyor.ca/Lk6iUr.

07/16/2025

Cancer screening guidelines help women take control of their health by making sure they're taking the right tests at the right time. This early detection can save the life of you or a loved one. Learn which screenings you should talk to your provider about at https://heyor.ca/d38Wnv.

07/16/2025

Feeling guilty about calling in sick? You're not the only one. While a strong work ethic is admirable, so is protecting your coworkers from unwanted germs. Learn when it's okay to stay home and when you're safe to tough it out at https://heyor.ca/D94Mhk.

07/11/2025

We are spreading the word that healing starts with full stomachs. 🍎 This week, Avera's Wellness Pantry program expanded into several more clinics and appeared on the cover of this month's MED Magazine. The program provides local families with emergency food bags to help fight food insecurity in Parkston and Sioux Falls, SD.In collaboration with Feeding South Dakota, Avera Research Institute and Avera's Community Partnerships program, the pantries are funded by grant dollars from the federal Healthy Start grant to improve maternal and infant health.

07/11/2025

You'll be a big winner with this herbed roast chicken dinner! 🍗 This simple and savory recipe brings a boost of flavor with just a few fresh ingredients at https://heyor.ca/i1NjTt.

07/10/2025

Greg Horn has a grip on his carpal tunnel syndrome just two weeks after surgery. 🖐️ He's back to hands-on work after doctors found a treatment option that was perfect for him. Learn how personalized treatments are helping carpal tunnel sufferers bounce back faster than ever in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://heyor.ca/huFyr9.

07/09/2025

When most people add a little green to their diet, it usually means a salad, but adding herbs to your meals can boost the flavor and health benefits.
🌱 Sage can improve your mood and memory.
🌱 Oregano can support healthy cholesterol levels.
🌱 Parsley can help protect against cancer and heart disease.
Learn the herbal options that can help your health and how to incorporate them into your menu at https://heyor.ca/JBppPN.

07/08/2025

Beating the heat and preventing injury is essential to keeping up with summer fun. ☀️ Milissa Podoll, the Trauma Coordinator at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen, SD, shares tips for staying safe during a day in the sun and avoiding a trip to the ER at https://heyor.ca/ydsGwx.

07/04/2025

Independence Day or Fourth of July?
Congress originally called the holiday "Fourth of July," not Independence Day. That name stuck even though the U.S. actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776. We celebrate on the 4th because that's when the Declaration was ratified. No matter what you call it, take a moment to honor those who gave their life or put their life on the line to protect our freedom. Happy Independence Day!

07/03/2025

When Pat Lloyd faced the final chapter of her husband Craig's life, she turned to hospice care for comfort and guidance. With the help of a compassionate team, she and her family were able to focus on meaningful moments. Learn how hospice care helped bring dignity and support during a difficult time in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://heyor.ca/3aMc0E.

07/02/2025

Cravings don't have to deter your nutrition goals. With the right tools, you can stay on track and still enjoy what you eat. Learn simple ways to curb those snack attacks and fuel your body with what it needs at https://heyor.ca/m6qk5n.

07/01/2025

Summer may be far from over, but it may be time to kick-start your child's training for fall sports. Derek Ferley, Director of Sports Science and Research at the Avera Human Performance Center, shares when is the right age to start sports training and how parents can get involved at https://heyor.ca/7qiaQ6.

06/11/2025

June is Men's Health Month, and it serves as a reminder that prevention starts with action. If you or a man you love has been putting off important cancer screenings, now's the time to get them scheduled. Dr. Mary Lee Villanueva, an oncologist with Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton, SD, shares why early detection matters more than ever at https://heyor.ca/eeAJBl.

06/11/2025

Medicaid is a vital lifeline for millions of individuals and families, providing essential health coverage and advancing health equity in our communities. We urge Congress to prioritize strengthening and protecting Medicaid, ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us, can access the care they need. Learn how you can support Medicaid at https://hubs.li/Q03k8qJ_0.

06/05/2025

With measles cases confirmed in South Dakota and surrounding states, we encourage you to understand what this highly infectious disease can mean for you and your loved ones:
• People who are not vaccinated are at highest risk of contracting measles.
• If someone has a known exposure to measles, or is experiencing any of the symptoms, please call the clinic or the ER and inform us before coming in so we can work with you to avoid exposing other patients and visitors.
Many of the common questions we receive about measles are answered at the link. Knowledge is power. Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself about this growing concern.

05/30/2025

If you often have a running list of things to do in your head, it may be time to check your mental load. Having too much on your plate can have a considerable impact on your mental and physical wellness. Learn how you can determine if your mental load is too heavy and when it may be time to seek outside help at https://heyor.ca/CSpeuu.

05/27/2025

Next class is this Friday (30th) at 7pm. Come and join us!

Did you say Line Dancing? Why, yes I did! You won't want to miss this evening of fun. Grab a partner and get ready to learn some new dance moves! May 22nd and 30th. See the flyer for more information.

05/22/2025

The Nutrition Facts label can be your road map to a healthier diet. Learn which numbers you should pay attention to on your next grocery trip and what all of it means for your nutrition at https://heyor.ca/0kKT9Y.