News
Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital is dedicated to keeping the public abreast of what is happening at the hospital. The following list of archived news articles have been released to the media.
(Please note the information published in the articles was current as of the released date.)
When Detected in its earliest stage, breast cancer can be successfully treated.
October 7, 2008
Every three minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 American women will die from the disease in 2008. The good news is that early detection saves lives and increases treatment options. To protect yourself, you must know your risks and be proactive.
Avera hospitals throughout the region are offering you a chance to take a FREE online Breast Cancer Assessment at www.AveraBreastCancerCare.org .
Aside from gender, family history, or previous breast biopsy, age is the most important factor impacting a woman's risk. That's why we want you to take the first step to better health by learning your risk for breast cancer today.
It may be surprising, but did you know that as many as 70 to 80 percent of all women who develop breast cancer have no known family history of the disease? In fact, breast cancer often begins as a "silent disease" with no apparent signs or sympotms and goes undetected unitl it has grown and spread.
Let's face it. When you have a free minute you're probably not thinking about breast health or your next mammogram. Chances are you already know that you should get regular screenings. But are you? Only 40 to 50 percent of all women age 40 or older who should have an annual mammogram actually do.
When you take the assessment, your results will answer these key question and many more:
"What is my risk of breast cancer?"
"What are the factors that most influence my risk?"
"What can I change in my life now to reduce my risk?"
This assessment is offered by Avera as a community service as part of our commitment to improving the health of women throughout the region. You dcan rest assured that the privacy of you personal health information will be protected.
Give yourself the gift of health and well-being. Think about it. One in eight area women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It might be your mom or sister. It might be your friend or neighbor. Or it might be you. Log on to www.AveraBreastCancerCare.org and take your free assesment now.
Avera Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital Physical Therapist Earns Doctorate Degree
June 24, 2008
Gale Anderson, a physical therapist and director of rehabilitation services at Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital (Avera Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital) recently earned a Doctorate degree in physical therapy from the University of Des Moines College of Health Sciences.
During the graduation ceremony, which was held May 24, 2008, Anderson was also inducted into the Alpha Eta Society an honor society for students maintaining a grade point average of 3.8 or higher. The society recognizes students who display a high professional promise and service. Typically less than 20 percent of graduates are eligible for the honor.
“I am very proud of Gale’s dedication and determination in pursuing and completing this advanced degree,” said Janice Schardin, RN, BSN, administrator for Avera Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital. “The knowledge and experience she has gained through this program will most certainly benefit our patients as well as her fellow co-workers.”
Anderson plans on using the advanced doctorate degree to enhance patient treatment and education at Avera Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital along with broadening health promotion and prevention to residents in the area.
Anderson earned a bachelor of science in physical therapy from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. She is licensed by the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners and is a member of the national and state American Physical Therapy Associations.
Anderson began her career at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre and became manager of the rehabilitation department. In 1986, she moved to the De Smet area and worked at the Kingsbury County Hospital in Lake Preston until the facility closed. She has consulted at area nursing homes and school systems.
She developed the first physical therapy program at Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital in 1992 and continues to serve the facility and also provides physical therapy consulting to area school districts. To complete the doctorate program at DMU, Anderson participated in an 18-month intense online education program augmented with an onsite course on manual therapy techniques.
