Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Winter Session of Core4 Registration is Now Open!
With a new year beginning, it's the perfect opportunity to begin following a healthier lifestyle!
Change your lifestyle, change your eating habits, change your attitude and change your life! Classes start Tuesday, January 14th with weekly one-hour session to be offered each Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. Register on or before January 6th and receive $20 Early Bird discount.
Core4 by Sodexo is based on the principle that effective weight management isn’t just about losing pounds. It’s about gaining a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle. During this twelve-week program, our Registered Dietitians will focus on boosting your overall health, relying on proven scientific methods to train you to improve your eating habits, lifestyle, and activity choices- for good!
The 12-Week CORE4 Schedule: 
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- Week 1: Individual Appointment with a Registered Dietitian
- Week 2: Getting Started
- Week 3: Taking Control - Behavior Modification
- Week 4: My Plate Portion Sizes and Label Reading
- Week 5: Meal Planning and Dining Out
- Week 6: The Power of Exercise
- Week 7: Chosing Wisely - Fat, Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Week 8: Chosing Wisely - Carbohydrates and Fiber
- Week 9: Chosing Wisely - Protein, Stress, Sleep, Hydration
- Week 10: Chosing Wisely - Vitamins and Minerals
- Week 11: Grocery Store Tour
- Week 12: Moving On
Session Meeting Times and Locations:
There are two sessions available so that you can choose which one best suits your schedule. Each class will be one hour long.
- Sessions start on Tuesday, January 14th
- Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m. or Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m.
- All classes will be held in the West Conference Room
The program is limited to 10 attendees per session, so be sure to get registered soon before they fill up!
Additional Details
To enhance your Core4 experience, we are now offering the use of the PLHS Cardiopulmonary Rehab gym with healthcare staff assistance. More information will be shared at the first Core4 class.
Body Composition Analysis (BCA)
This analysis is based on an individual’s personal information using weight, height and age. The BCA shows the composition of your body in terms of fat, muscle, and water content. This can help you concentrate on losing body fat and increasing muscle mass instead of just focusing on losing pounds. A body composition analysis is completed at the beginning and the end of this 12 week program.
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Monday, December 16, 2024
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Contribution Supports Watertown Cares’ Mission to Address Homelessness
WATERTOWN, S.D. – December 16, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) presented a $50,000 contribution to the "Sam Off the Streets" campaign, spearheaded by Watertown Cares to support operational costs for 612 Flats, an emergency housing facility in Watertown which also provides case management for those experiencing homelessness.
PLHS initially pledged up to $25,000 in matching funds, successfully inspiring community giving alongside the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s $11,000 challenge grant. At the campaign’s conclusion, Prairie Lakes generously contributed an additional $25,000 to further strengthen this vital initiative. In total, the campaign was able to raise over $110,000 for Watertown Cares.
“The success of this campaign underscores our unwavering commitment to community health and well-being,” said John Allen, CEO of PLHS. “Emergency housing is a critical component of a healthy community, and we are proud to support this life-changing effort.”
The campaign featured Watertown Cares Board Member Sam Mooney camping in a tent for 36 hours, raising awareness about homelessness. Thanks to overwhelming community support, the campaign exceeded its goals and highlighted the collective power of local organizations working together.
"Watertown Cares is grateful for the generous contribution and partnership in this vital mission,” said Beth Lalim, Executive Director of Watertown Cares. “It will make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness. Together, we are building a community of care and compassion."
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that address critical needs and support vulnerable populations in the Watertown region.
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Saturday, January 25, 2025
The First Prairie Lakes Health & Wellness Expo: What to Expect! Featured
Join us on Saturday, January 25th for our first community-wide Health & Wellness Event at the Codington County Extension Complex.
Men and women of all ages are invited to visit with 30+ of our departments to gather information, enjoy educational activities, and pick up various treats and promotional items. The goal of this year's event is to provide actionable advice and information that you can put to use right away to improve the health of either yourself or your loved ones. Providers will be on hand throughout the event to connect with our community members, answer questions, and provide education on medical trends, concerns, or advancement in their area of expertise.
We have partnered with several area agencies to pull together numerous health & wellness resources within the community:
- City of Watertown: Watertown Fire Rescue, Watertown Police Department, and Watertown Park & Rec offering demonstrations and a variety of community engagement activities
- Human Service Agency: providing contact information for additional area resources
- Community Blood Bank: The Blood Mobile will be on-site to hold a community blood drive (Reserve a Donation Time)
- Update: All donors will receive a $15 Hy-Vee Gift Card!
Our event will also provide a series of small-group educational seminars covering a broad range of topics.
Breakout Session Schedule*:
- 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- "Know Your Risk Factors: Heart Disease" with Dr. Ravi Kalaga, Interventional Cardiologist (Cardiac Cath Lab/Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic)
- "Movement is Medicine" with Faith Tyler, Athletic Trainer (Sports Medicine)
- 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- "Don't Wait Until the End to Discuss Advanced Directives" with Dr. Jon McAreavey, Family Medicine (Primary Care)
- "Men's Health Matters" with Joe Bretschneider, PA-C (Prairie Lakes Urology Clinic)
- 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- "Move Your Body!" with Dr. Dan Reiffenberger, Chief Medical Office and Family Medicine (Primary Care)
- "Controlling Your Diabetes" with Amanda Janisch, PharmD
- 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- "Mind Your Mood: How to Cope with Seasonal Depression" with Lindsey Barthel, DNP (Primary Care)
- "Stepping Into Health: How to Care for Your Feet" with Dr. Eric Woolley, Podiatrist (Prairie Lakes Podiatry Clinic)
* Schedule subject to change
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, January 25th
- Time: Doors Open at 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Codington County Extension Complex
- Free event
- No pre-registration necessary
- Light refreshments to be provided
What's In It for Women:
- Car seat safety checks and introduction of the new Prairie Lakes Baby Café from Maternal Child Health
- Sun light damage checks at Dermatology
- Preventative Screenings checklist available at the Cancer Center table
- Learn about Convenience Care and how we can make caring for your family even easier
- And much more
What's In It for Men:
- Carpal tunnel - what it looks like and how it can be avoided from over use
- Find out how to chose the right work boot
- Prostate health information from Urology
- "Know Your Numbers" reminder card from Cardiology
- And much more
What's In It for Kids:
- Bike Rodeo
- "Kids Zone" Activity Corner
- Watertown Fire Rescue obstacle course
- And much more
Registration not required!
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Monday, December 09, 2024
Prairie Lakes Baby Café Coming January 2025!
Prairie Lakes Maternal Child Health is excited to introduce the new Prairie Lakes Baby Café - a free and informal breastfeeding support group offering ongoing professional lactation care and intervention. The Baby Café will be available every Tuesday starting January 7th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the MCH (Labor & Deliver) waiting area.
The Prairie Lakes Baby Café is a welcoming space for expecting and new moms to connect. They can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages while receiving guidance from certified lactation counselors. Whether you need help with latching, baby weigh-ins, or simply want to share experiences with other moms, the Baby Café is here to support all moms on their baby journey. No appointment is necessary—just drop in!
Understanding the Benefits, Challenges, and Basics of Breastfeeding
Baby Café USA is a nationwide, non-profit organization coordinating a network of licensed U.S. Baby Cafés. Communities across the U.S. are implementing the Baby Café model in efforts to reduce health disparities and help mothers realize their breastfeeding goals.
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Thursday, December 05, 2024
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System to participate in American Heart Association initiative to expand and enhance stroke care
Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative will support quality of care across the full stroke system
WATERTOWN, S.D. – December 6, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has committed to participation in Mission: Lifeline Stroke, a statewide initiative of the American Heart Association to strengthen the full spectrum of stroke care across South Dakota.
Mission: Lifeline Stroke focuses on connecting all components of acute stroke care into a smoothly integrated system that reinforces the use of evidence-based guidelines to timely and effectively treat stroke patients. It brings together hospitals, emergency medical services and first responders, rehabilitation facilities, communications and regulatory agencies, and state and local government to forge a proactive system of stroke care that saves and improves lives.
“This will be especially impactful in rural South Dakota. Stroke treatment is time-sensitive, so getting patients the proper treatment faster, is crucial,” said Joani Guzman, program consultant for the Mission: Lifeline Stroke South Dakota initiative. “So many South Dakotans live in rural areas where access to neurologists is limited to telemedicine. Every minute saved in stroke treatment can directly improve survival and recovery rates.”
Cardiovascular disease, including heart and stroke conditions, is the leading cause of death in the United States. The acute nature of strokes is particularly deadly and requires time-sensitive treatment to save lives and reduce lasting disability. Stroke is a leading cause of death in South Dakota, accounting for 393 deaths in 2022. Many more South Dakotans are living with stroke-related disabilities.
“When it comes to stroke, every second counts,” stated Shelly Turbak, Chief Nursing Officer at Prairie Lakes. “We are committed to quality patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines, and this initiative will allow our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help individuals who experience stroke recover better.”
For more information on the Mission: Lifeline Stroke project in South Dakota, visit https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/south-dakota/south-dakota-mission-stroke.
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Wednesday, December 04, 2024
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Watertown Area Community Foundation Partner to Address Homelessness in Watertown
Watertown, SD – December 4, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and the Watertown Area Community Foundation are joining forces to support Watertown Cares in its mission to fight homelessness in the community. Together, these organizations are announcing their backing of Watertown Cares’ latest awareness and fundraising campaign, SOS: Sam Off the Streets.
Watertown Cares, the nonprofit owner of 612 Flats, an 8-unit emergency housing facility near the intersection of Highways 212 and 81, has announced a creative campaign to shine a light on the urgent need for housing assistance in Watertown.
As part of the campaign, Watertown Cares Board Member Sam Mooney will spend 72 hours in a tent set up in the parking lot of Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, starting Monday, December 9, at 7 a.m. Mooney’s goal is to embody the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness while raising awareness and funds to support 612 Flats.
For every $1,000 raised by the community, one hour will be subtracted from Mooney’s time on the streets, although he has committed to staying outside for a minimum of 36 hours. Adding to the challenge, Mooney will have only his tent for shelter, with no other support provided. He will document his experiences on social media and during live interviews on KXLG Radio.
To amplify the impact of this campaign, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has provided a $25,000 challenge match, and the Watertown Area Community Foundation has contributed an $11,000 challenge grant. These matching funds will provide a $1 for $1 match of community donations up to $36,000, allowing supporters to make an even greater difference.
"Watertown Cares has been a lifeline for so many facing the hidden homelessness crisis in our community, stretching every resource to meet an overwhelming need. The stories of resilience and compassion we see every day remind us how critical this work is,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation.
I know that Watertown will come together to support this effort, ensuring we can continue to care for those who need us most."
The combined support of local organizations and community members underscores Watertown’s shared commitment to addressing homelessness with urgency and compassion. Together, this partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling a complex local issue and driving real change.
"At Prairie Lakes, we believe in the power of community and the importance of standing together to address critical needs. Supporting Watertown Cares in their mission to provide emergency housing aligns with our commitment to improving the well-being of our community,” said John Allen, President and CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. “We are proud to partner with the Watertown Area Community Foundation to make a meaningful impact and inspire others to contribute to this vital cause."
For more information on Watertown Cares and to contribute to the campaign, visit www.watertown-cares.org.
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Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Enjoy the Foundation Tree at the Annual Watertown Area Foundation Christmas Tree Fundraiser
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation was lucky enough to be selected to decorate a tree for all to enjoy – and they need your support by selecting their tree as your favorite!
Each year the Watertown Area Community Foundation randomly selects fifteen (15) area non-profit organizations to be featured in their “Oh, Christmas Tree” annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser as a way to raise awareness of the agency’s cause and provide them an opportunity to raise funds.
How the Voting Works
- Members of the community are encouraged to visit the Watertown Regional Library from now until December 31st
- Attendees can cast their vote for their favorite(s) tree(s) with a monetary donation
- Each $1 counts as one vote
- If paying via check, please make payable to Watertown Arean Community Foundation
- The Watertown Area Community Foundation matches the donations made to each organization up to $300
- On December 31st, the agency with the most “votes”, or dollars raised, will earn an additional $500 from the Watertown Area Community Foundation
Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 6:30 pm, the lights in the library are turned off allowing guests to enjoy the glow of the lighted trees.
The Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation Tree 
The Foundation tree was created using décor and trimming to reflect various aspects of our organization:
- Wheat Stalks: “The Staff of Life” represents our commitment to improving the health and quality of life of our patients, while recognizing the culture and heritage of our region
- Stethoscope: Healthcare
- Black Stars: PLHS Core Values
- Blue Velvet Ornaments: PLHS Departments (63)
- Gold Ornaments with Red Bows: counties in the PLHS service area (10)
- Lights: Hope & healing for our patients
- Gifts Undre the Tree: PLHF Funds (5)
- Give Hope (Christy Kinney Pay it Forward Fund)
- Give Shelter (Caring Club House)
- Give Help (Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund)
- Give Comfort (Hospice)
- Give Tomorrows (General Fund)
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Tuesday, November 26, 2024
National Influenza Vaccination Week: Reminder to Get Vaccinated!
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) runs December 2nd - December 6th!
This week is a critical opportunity to remind everyone 6 months and older that there's still time to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this flu season by getting their annual flu vaccine if they have not already.
CDC data shows that flu vaccination coverage was lower last season, especially among certain higher risk groups, including children. When you get a flu vaccine, you reduce your risk of illness, and flu-related hospitalization if you do get sick. This week is meant to remind people that there is still time to benefit from the first and most important action in preventing flu illness and potentially serious flu complications: get a flu vaccine today!
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is here to make it as convenient as possible by offering influenza vaccines at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Main.
Reminders about Influenza Vaccinations
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Please call ahead and schedule a vaccination appointment
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Cost is $0 (insurance will be billed)
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Both regular and high-dose vaccines are available
- Adults 65 and older should get the high-dose version for stronger protection. (The CDC estimates that 70 to 85 percent of flu-related deaths occur among people 65 and older.)
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests an influenza vaccine every year
Influenza and Children
The CDC warns that flu can be more dangerous than the common cold for children. Children younger than 5 years old—especially those younger than 2—and children of any age with certain chronic health conditions, are at higher risk of developing potentially serious flu-related complications. Parents can help children fight flu by getting themselves and their children vaccinated against flu each year.
- Talk to your child's doctor about the flu vaccine
- Get them a vaccine if you haven't yet
- Avoid people who are sick
- Cover coughs
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Tuesday, November 19, 2024
2024 Hope for the Holidays Memorial Service
The holidays can be a difficult time for families and friends remembering a lost loved one.
Prairie Lakes Hospice invites you to join us on Thursday, December 5th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Prairie Lakes Chapel for our "Hope for the Holidays" Memorial Service. 
Prairie Lakes Hospice will host this memorial service to remember those who have died, celebrate those who are living, and accept the changes and transitions that are occurring in our own lives.
The program will include a brief, nondenominational spiritual dedication. You will have an opportunity to honor your loved one’s name and receive an ornament, symbolizing transformation, love and hope.
This free event is open to the community.
To register, please call 605-882-7714.
For more information on Prairie Lakes Hospice and the services we provide, please call 605-882-7745 where somebody is always available to answer your call.
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Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Help Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance
What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs, like bacteria and fungi, develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global public health threat that is estimated to cause more than 1.27 million deaths around the world and nearly 35,000 deaths in the United States each year.
What can we do to prevent antimicrobial resistance?
Preventing infections in the first place is our first line of defense against antimicrobial resistance. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation, vaccination coverage, and access to quality health care can prevent infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Improving appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use is also critical. Appropriate use of antibiotic and antifungal drugs helps improve patient outcomes by optimizing the treatment of infections, avoiding drug-related side effects, and slowing the development of antimicrobial resistance.
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Monday, November 11, 2024
We're Celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week: Nov 10-16
National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week is an annual celebration recognizing the incredible contributions of NP professionals.
Named the #1 Best Job and Best Health Care Job by U.S. News & World Report, NPs can be found in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes and private practices. As clinicians who blend clinical expertise with an added emphasis on health management, NPs bring a comprehensive perspective to health care and continually rise to meet our nation’s health care challenges.
For a better understanding of the important role of a Nurse Practitioner, here are some fun NP facts:
- 88% of NPs are certified in an area of primary care and 70.3% of all NPs deliver primary care
- 45.6% of full-time NPs hold hospital privileges
- 96.2% of NPs prescribe medications
- The majority of full-time NPs (56.9%) see 3 or more patients per hour
At PLHS we are lucky to have eleven (11) excellent NPs in our family that provide exceptional care and service to our patients each and everyday:
Our team of employed APPs (Advanced Practice Provider) includes 14 Physician Assistants and 11 Nurse Practitioners. National Physician Assistant week was October 6-12, 2024! We like to celebrate all of our wonderful APPs.
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Monday, November 11, 2024
Prairie Lakes is Launching a New Podcast!
We have exciting news... Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is launching a podcast!
Starting Wednesday, November 13th at 10:00 a.m. we will be uploading new episodes to our "Hear From Experts, Here for You!" podcast. Episodes can be found on our YouTube channel, on our website, and on our social media channels. We encourage you to take a listen and like, share, and comment on our videos to help us create a useful health & wellness resource that is here for you!
Episodes have been created by converting recent radio interviews into a format we can more easily accumulate them and share them. Over the past several months, many of our healthcare providers have shared valuable and important health & wellness information to the public via live and pre-recorded interviews on local radio stations KXLG and KWAT.
The development of "Hear From Experts, Here for You" was to further our commitment to our mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities we serve. What better way to make a positive impact than to delve into important health topics with our health experts that are right here in our community taking excellent care of our patients each and every day.
Our first episode features Dr. Joni Buechler, Radiation Oncologist from the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center as she shares information about Prostate Cancer with KXLG listeners. Listen to the first episode below and make sure to follow our social media channels to catch new episodes as soon as they become available.
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Friday, November 01, 2024
New PLHS Health & Wellness Expo Coming Soon! Featured
Join us on Saturday, January 25th at the Codington County Extension Building as we present our new annual health event - the Prairie Lakes Health & Wellness Expo!
After many years of producing Ladies Night Out, we are reformatting our annual health education event to better serve our entire community - both men and women and people of all ages. The new Health & Wellness Expo will be dedicated to offering interactive education which attendees can immediately put to use to improve the health and wellness of both themselves and their families.
What to Expect:
- Blood Drive with the Community Blood Bank "Blood Mobile" onsite
- Informative health & wellness classes
- Interactive demonstrations from over 35 medical specialties and services
- Actionable tips and lessons to help you improve you and your family's wellbeing
- Children's activity area
- Health screenings
- On-site appointment scheduling
- Promotional items
- Nutritional sampling
Ultimately, this event is more closely aligned with both our mission to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve and our vision to become to keystone of the community.
This will be a free event open the entire community and surrounding areas, no registration is required.
Much more information will be provided in the coming weeks. In the meantime, mark your calendars - we look forward to seeing you on Saturday, January 25th.
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Friday, November 01, 2024
Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Hosts Public Vaccination Clinic on Monday, Nov. 11th
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will be offering an Influenza and COVID vaccination clinic at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Main on Monday, November 11th.
Public Vaccination Clinic Event Details:
- Date: Monday, November 11th
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Walk-in service available
Influenza Vaccine
- Cost: Influenza: $0 (insurance will be billed)
- Doses Available: Regular and High-Dose
COVID Vaccine
- Cost: To be determined by your insurance provider
- Doses Available: Adult and Pediatric
RSV Vaccines
We will not be offering the RSV vaccines at the vaccination clinic at this time, but if patients would like to receive a vaccination, they may schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
How Often Should You Get All Three Vaccines? 
Influenza: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests an influenza vaccine every year, ideally by the end of October. Reminder: Adults 65 and older should get the high-dose version for stronger protection. (The CDC estimates that 70 to 85 percent of flu-related deaths occur among people 65 and older.)
COVID: It is now suggested that a COVID vaccination is most effective when received each fall as the virus has developed into a more seasonal pattern. It’s recommended that everyone 6 months and older get the newly updated shot, which provides better protection against the virus variants that are currently circulating.
RSV: The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for all adults over 75 years old, or adults 60-74 who are at higher risk of developing severe RSV. There are also two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: either a maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth. The RSV does not need to be administered every year - the CDC recommends a single dose and then further evaluation to determine if additional vaccinations are necessary.
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We can help you find a doctor. Call 605-882-7000 or search online.