VA Hospital Holds Healthy Living Fair

by Joel Young, Meteorologist/Reporter
January 11, 2013 6:52 PM


This year’s flu epidemic has all of us somewhat on edge this year when it comes to prevention, but for the healthcare experts at the Sioux Falls VA Hospital; that’s their primary focus throughout the year.

Friday, the hospital held its annual Healthy Living Fair for veterans and their families. By 7 a.m. Friday morning, experts were set up and ready to go.

Throughout the day, they were busy answering all sorts of questions, giving away items, and even demonstrating a variety of exercises that may lead to a healthier lifestyle.

“You know, a lot of veterans come here for medical therapy, but I think this is kind of an augmentation to that. It kind of adds to that,” says Brian Eggers, a veteran attending the event.  

For Eggers, the highlight of the event was the yoga class.

“My joint pain has been reduced greatly, and my flexibility. It builds up muscle tone as well, even though it’s not a real fast cardiovascular activity,” says Eggers.  

That’s not the only thing that brought Eggers and the many other veterans to this year's health fair. Many of them got their flu shot while browsing the displays.

Giving flu shots kept Brenda Stokke busy all day on top of answering questions.

“How is the flu transmitted? What can they do to prevent the flu with a good handwashing? The most preventable way of getting the flu is to get your flu shot,” says Stokke, a nurse at the VA Hospital.  

In fact, just keeping up with this year's active flu season has made preparing for today's event a challenge for Stokke.

Since the elderly are among the most vulnerable to the flu, she wants to have the most up-to-date information when answering questions.

“I had three deaths in South Dakota last week, but with the news this morning; I had to change it to seven. That’s a double of deaths in South Dakota in one week, which is kind of scary,” says Stokke.

No matter the topic, the healthcare experts at the Sioux Falls VA Hospital can rest assured knowing these veterans left with answers to all their questions, all thanks to their hard work.

The event, which was held in the 4th flood auditorium at the hospital, was open to all veterans whether they used VA services or not.