Subject: January Newsletter: Healthy New Year!

Local COVID-19 Infections on the Rise; What Tests to Use and How to Get Tested

As the number of COVID-19 infections is surging locally, local healthcare entities are getting numerous questions about what tests should they use and how to get tested. Unfortunately, testing supplies are limited; which means they can be challenging to find. Just this week the federal government announced that each household can order up to four at-home test kits. To order yours, go to this website: www.covidtests.gov. Meanwhile, free at-home testing kits can also be picked up in Spencer Hospital's emergency department and local pharmacies are trying to keep supplies available. If you have COVID symptoms and are a patient of Avera Medical Group Spencer, contact the clinic for an appointment.

COVID-19 Testing Options

Educational Funding Available for Local Healthcare Students - March 31st Deadline

Applications are now being accepted for the Bennie B. and Ernestine F. Shine Scholarship, Adam J. Anderson Scholarship, and the Cornwall Loan Program. All programs are designed to help area students pursue healthcare careers.

The application deadline for both the Shine Scholarship, the Adam J. Anderson Scholarship and Cornwall Loan is March 31, 2022. Recipients will be notified of their award in May. Students interested in applying for the scholarship or loan program should contact Danelle Stumbo, Human Resource Development Director at Spencer Hospital, 712-264-6623.

Scholarships & Loans

Spencer Family Welcomes First Baby of 2022!

Jaden and AJ Parish of Spencer, Iowa welcomed the first baby born at Spencer Hospital in 2022! Their sweet baby girl, Rylee Joyce Parish, was born on January 3 at 5:36 pm.

Rylee Joyce weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20.25 inches long. Rylee will be joining her older sibling, Saylor Parish (19 months) at home soon. Grandparents are Cleone and Glenn Rouse of Spencer, IA and Marvel and Tim Parish of Wichita, KS.

First Baby of 2022

From Abigail to Zander, 200-plus Babies Born at Spencer Hospital in 2021

Just over 200 babies were born at Spencer Hospital in 2021, with girls out-numbering boys by nine babies. Names for these new area residents range from A to Z, starting with Abigail, Adalyn and Adriel and concluding the alphabet with Wrenley, Wylie and Zander.

"It's always fun to learn the names parents select for their babies, which often come with a story of why the name was picked or it's simply because the family likes the name," commented Jeannette Hasley, Spencer Hospital Birth Center Director. In 2021, the baby names at Spencer Hospital reflect a mix of traditional and unique, with very few duplicate names.

Babies from A to Z

Get a SMART Start to Your 2022 Nutrition Goals!

With a new year upon us, many people are trying to start fresh with healthier eating habits. Unfortunately, often these habits don’t last, and by Valentine’s Day, well-intentioned new habits have bit the dust.

Spencer Hospital registered dietitian, Darlene DeWitt provides smart tips for sustainable, healthy dining in her latest blog, continue reading for more info.

2022 Nutrition Goals Blog

10 Things to Do For YOU This Year

Are you looking to press the reset button on your health for 2022? How you approach a lifestyle change determines how successful you will be at accomplishing this goal. In our recent blog, we go over 10 key steps provided by the American Heart Association for evidence-based dietary guidance to promote cardiovascular health as well as other small changes that promote healthy new behaviors.

Lifestyle Changes for 2022