Kathy’s Story: From Post-Surgical Weakness to Functional Mobility

A group photo taken in the Rockwell City Physical Therapy department at Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics shows Kathy Hammen seated on a NuStep exercise machine on the left and Jill Birks standing beside her on the right. The setting is a clean, professional rehabilitation space with exercise equipment visible, reflecting a welcoming and supportive environment focused on physical therapy and patient recovery.

For Kathy Hammen, orthopedic and spine challenges have been part of life for many years. She has undergone both knee replacements, four back surgeries, and a left shoulder replacement.

Before her most recent spinal surgery, even walking had become a struggle.

“I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, and my quality of life just wasn’t there anymore,” Kathy said.

Long before surgery, Kathy began working with Jill Birks, PT, MSPT, ATC, and the physical therapy team at Stewart Memorial in Rockwell City. Together, they focused on preparing her body for surgery and setting realistic goals for recovery.

“They helped me set goals and gave me things to work on before surgery,” Kathy said. “They send home exercise programs so I’m able to do my homework. It helps me know what I need to do to keep myself healthy.”

Following an extensive thoracic and lumbar fusion, Kathy faced unexpected setbacks. She became very weak after surgery and suffered a fall at home that resulted in a fractured knee. After spending time in a nursing facility, she returned home wearing a knee immobilizer and a back brace while relying on a walker for mobility.

While the surgery relieved much of her pain, recovery presented new challenges.

“After surgery your pain is gone, but then you realize how much you have to relearn,” Kathy said.

The biggest obstacle was rebuilding strength.

“The weakness and lack of strength were the hardest parts,” she recalled.

Physical therapy focused on helping Kathy regain the skills needed for everyday life. Sessions included strengthening exercises, balance and mobility training, and functional movements that would allow her to safely return to daily activities.

Through more than 30 physical therapy visits, Kathy steadily improved her strength, confidence, and independence. Today, she can walk most distances without an assistive device but may use a cane or walker for longer distances.

“Kathy was so incredibly weak from limited mobility for an extended time before surgery,” Jill said. “Progress toward her goals was slow but steady. We progressed from simple seated and lying exercises to standing activities and eventually to dynamic balance exercises. Strengthening her whole body was necessary for her to reach her full potential.”

Most importantly, Kathy has been able to return to activities that bring her joy.

“One of my goals was to get back to doing the things I enjoy most, playing fetch with my rescue dogs and working in my garden,” Kathy said.

“When I had my shoulder replaced in March, I was so worried about my arm that I didn’t think about anything else. You don’t realize how connected the entire body is.”

Kathy credits the physical therapy team for helping her navigate each stage of recovery.

“Everything they do helps me. Sometimes it takes my entire therapy episode to accomplish my goals,” she said. “They do know their stuff down here, and I am very thankful for that. They are good to me from when I walk in to when I walk out.”

For Jill Birks, PT, MSPT, ATC, and the rehabilitation team, Kathy’s journey reflects the power of preparation, perseverance, and personalized care. Through dedication and hard work, Kathy has regained much of her independence and continues making progress toward the life she wants.

“Kathy’s positive attitude has made her a joy to work with,” Jill said. “A lot of people with her challenges would have given up. Kathy’s results are proof that hard work pays off.”

Speech Therapy for Infant Feeding and Swallowing at Stewart Memorial

Did you know speech therapy can help babies with feeding and swallowing challenges?

At Stewart Memorial, our speech-language pathologists work with infants who have difficulty breastfeeding, bottle feeding, coordinating sucking and swallowing, or transitioning to new feeding stages. Feeding is one of the earliest and most important developmental skills, and when challenges arise, early support can make a meaningful difference.

Feeding concerns can impact a baby’s growth, nutrition, and overall development. Difficulties may show up as fatigue during feeds, coughing or choking, difficulty latching, poor weight gain, or frustration during feeding times. Through specialized pediatric feeding and swallowing therapy, our team helps identify underlying challenges and provides personalized support to help babies feed safely and confidently.

Our approach is family-centered and collaborative. In some cases, speech therapy works closely with lactation services to support breastfeeding goals and overall feeding success. This teamwork allows us to address both the functional and medical aspects of feeding so families receive well-rounded care tailored to their baby’s needs.

Early evaluation and intervention are key. When feeding concerns are addressed early, babies often experience improved comfort during feeding, better nutritional intake, and stronger developmental progress over time.

If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding skills, swallowing, or oral motor development, Stewart Memorial is here to help.

Welcome to Stewart Memorial Dr. Reed Smith

Reed Smith, DPM, joins Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics this July, bringing a combination of advanced surgical training, a passion for rural healthcare, and a story that comes full circle.

Raised in Carroll, Iowa, Dr. Smith grew up understanding the importance of community and connection. His interest in medicine was shaped early on by watching his father, Dr. Josh Smith, serve patients as a general surgeon, an experience that helped guide his path into healthcare. That path eventually led him to podiatry, where he found a unique balance between clinical care and surgical treatment. During his training, he became especially drawn to the meaningful impact that foot and ankle health has on a patient’s quality of life and the ability to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Dr. Smith completed his surgical residency at AdventHealth East Orlando, where he trained in a high volume, diverse environment. His experience includes reconstructive surgery, trauma, wound care, and limb salvage. He looks forward to bringing that comprehensive training to a rural setting where access to specialty care can be limited.

At Stewart Memorial, Dr. Smith will provide podiatry care independently while also working alongside his father in the wound care clinic. Together they will treat patients with wounds below the knee, creating a collaborative approach that strengthens care for the region.

“It is an honor to be working alongside my father within the wound care clinic team,” Dr. Smith said. “There is a strong foundation of professional respect, and I believe our collaboration will help provide high-quality, comprehensive care.”

For his father, the opportunity is both meaningful and impactful for the community.

“Working with my son, Reed, will be a great and unique experience for me,” said Dr. Josh Smith. “His experience and knowledge will be a great asset to our community.”

Together, their partnership brings both experience and new perspectives to patient care, helping ensure more consistent and coordinated services for those needing podiatry and wound care.

Dr. Smith is especially passionate about patient education and early intervention. He encourages patients not to delay care, even for concerns that may seem minor, and emphasizes the importance of specialized treatment for conditions like diabetic foot wounds.

“My philosophy on patient care begins with an emphasis on education, communication, shared decision-making, and collaboration,” Dr. Smith said. “I believe patients achieve the best outcomes when they understand their condition and are actively involved in their treatment plan.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Smith enjoys working out, golfing, and spending time with family. As he begins this next chapter, he looks forward to building relationships and expanding access to high-quality care close to home.

With Dr. Smith’s arrival, Stewart Memorial continues to strengthen its commitment to providing compassionate, specialized care while meeting the growing needs of the communities it serves.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Employees Donate $1,926 to Support Community Swim Lessons

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics employees have come together to donate a total of $1,926 to support swim lessons for families in the community.
Each community, Lake City and Rockwell City, received $963 to help offset the cost of swim lessons for children. These funds will help make it easier for families to enroll, giving more kids the chance to learn an important life skill that builds confidence in and around water.
For many families, swim lessons can feel like an extra expense that gets put off. This support helps remove that barrier, making it possible for more children to participate, gain water safety skills, and feel more comfortable in and around pools and lakes.
“This is about giving kids the chance to feel safe and confident in the water,” said Linn Block, chief executive officer at Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “Our employees wanted to support something that directly impacts families in a meaningful, everyday way.”
The donation was made through the organization’s Casual for a Cause program, where employees contribute each week to support local needs across the region.

Rockwell City Clinic – Temporary Access Update

Please be aware that road work is taking place outside the Rockwell City Clinic.
During this time, patients will not be able to enter the clinic or pharmacy from Warner Street. All access to both the clinic and pharmacy will be available from Brower Street only.
We understand changes like this can be inconvenient and appreciate your patience while work is completed in the area. Our team is here to help if you have questions or need assistance finding your way for your visit.

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics Names Jim Lewis as June Path to Excellence Awardee

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics is proud to recognize Jim Lewis, CRNA, as the June Path to Excellence Award recipient, honoring his dedication to patient care, teamwork, and commitment to providing safe, high-quality anesthesia services.
Lewis joined Stewart Memorial in 2021, bringing more than a decade of anesthesia experience from North Dakota. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began seeking an opportunity closer to family and was drawn to Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics for its strong sense of community and the opportunity for close, collaborative, one-on-one patient care.
“I was really drawn to the community atmosphere here and the opportunity to work closely with everyone involved in patient care,” Lewis shared. “It’s a place where teamwork really matters, and that stood out to me right away.”
Since joining the organization, Lewis has seen the anesthesia department continue to grow and evolve, with expanded services and ongoing development of clinical operations. Through these changes, he has remained focused on adaptability while maintaining a strong commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care.
Lewis emphasizes a team-oriented approach in his daily work, highlighting the importance of collaboration across departments, including anesthesia and Pain Solutions. He also stresses the value of clear, open communication among care teams to ensure patients receive coordinated, safe, and effective care.
“Good communication across all areas of care is essential,” Lewis said. “When everyone is working together and staying aligned, it directly improves the patient experience and helps ensure safe outcomes.”
One of the key experiences during his time at Stewart Memorial has been working closely with leadership and colleagues to support consistent, high-quality anesthesia coverage while integrating new team members into the department. He notes that this collaborative environment has helped maintain continuity of care and foster a strong, positive workplace culture.
He credits his colleagues and leadership team for their support and collaboration, including Jordan Blackwill, CRNA; Ragina Rowen, RN; Linn Block, CEO; Ann Lengeling; Jim Henkenius, CFO; and Melissa Wallace, CCO, for their shared commitment to maintaining strong teamwork and organizational goals.
When asked what keeps him motivated, Lewis pointed to the impact of his work on patients.
“At the end of the day, it’s about helping people through surgery safely and making a stressful experience a little easier,” Lewis said. “Being part of that process and knowing you can make a difference is what keeps me motivated.”
Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics congratulates Jim Lewis, CRNA, on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued commitment to excellence, teamwork, and compassionate patient care.

Confidence, Recovery, and a Return to What Matters

After a series of unexpected cardiac events, Barry Stevens found himself facing a long road to recovery. What began with an emergency room visit in November for an atrial flutter quickly led to multiple procedures, including cardioversion and two cardiac catheterizations.

“I had three stents placed on the left side of my heart,” Barry shared. “Then I came down with COVID, recovered, dealt with an infected tooth, and went back for a second procedure with three more stents on the right side.”

By February, his care team recommended Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation at Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics, a program designed to support recovery through monitored exercise and personalized education.

“They told me it would restore my confidence,” Barry said, “and that really stuck with me.”

He began the program in early March at Stewart Memorial, working closely with registered nurses Shelly Hammen and Sarah Mowrey. From the start, Barry felt at ease. “Within five minutes of meeting Sarah, I said, ‘We’re going to get along very well,’” he recalled.

Phase II cardiac rehab includes individualized exercise sessions, typically lasting one hour, two to three times per week, along with education on heart health, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and medication management. Each session is carefully monitored to ensure patient safety while building strength and endurance. For Barry, the program quickly became both a physical and personal challenge.

“It started out as baby steps,” he said, “but I told them, I want a challenge.”

That mindset created a strong partnership with his care team, often with a sense of humor mixed in. “I told them, ‘You haven’t made me sweat yet,’” Barry said. “They said, ‘Challenge accepted.’” With guidance and encouragement, he steadily increased his activity level, progressing from light walking to more intensive workouts. “It’s a good workout,” he added. “I started at a lower pace, and now I’m at a 6% incline and 3.5 miles an hour.”

What kept Barry motivated was a goal that meant a great deal to him – getting back to the mountains. “my goal was to go to Alaska in June and then to Colorado, I want to be able to hike.” he said. Having spent time near Rocky Mountain National Park in the past, Barry was determined to return and fully experience it. “We’ve been out there, and it’s beautiful,” he said. “I told them, we’ve got to do this.”

Equally important to Barry was the environment at Stewart Memorial. “There’s no stress. Absolutely stress-free,” he said. “Everyone’s relaxed, laughing, and encouraging each other.” That supportive atmosphere played a key role in his recovery, helping him recognize an important turning point. “A few weeks in, I started pushing myself, sweating, and felt good doing it,” he said. “That’s when I knew it was working.”

Since beginning cardiac rehabilitation, Barry has lost more than 30 pounds, reduced his reliance on medication, and returned to the activities he enjoys most.

“I’m back to golfing, mowing, and doing everything I want to do,” he said. And with his progress, that goal of hiking in Colorado no longer feels out of reach. “Now it feels like I’ll be able to do that,” he said.

Barry credits the team at Stewart Memorial for helping him regain both his health and confidence. “They’re fantastic,” he said. “It feels like family when you walk in the door.” For others who may feel uncertain about starting cardiac rehabilitation, his advice is simple: “Just go with it.”

Signs Your Wound Needs Medical Care

Most minor cuts, scrapes, and injuries begin to heal within a few days and continue improving over the next couple of weeks. However, some wounds can become complicated or infected and may need medical attention. Knowing what to watch for can help you prevent more serious issues and support proper healing.

A wound that hasn’t healed after 2–4 weeks

If a wound is not showing clear signs of healing after about 2 to 4 weeks, it may indicate an underlying issue. This could include poor circulation, infection, or another condition that is slowing the body’s natural healing process. Chronic wounds should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the cause and the best treatment plan.

Increasing pain, redness, or swelling

Some mild discomfort is normal at first, but pain that worsens over time is a warning sign. Increasing redness or swelling around the wound may indicate inflammation or infection. If these symptoms are getting worse instead of better, it’s important to have the wound checked.

Drainage or odor from the wound

A small amount of clear fluid can be part of normal healing, but thick, yellow, green, or cloudy drainage is not. A foul smell coming from the wound is also a concern. These signs often point to infection and should be evaluated promptly.

Skin around the wound becoming warm or discolored

Healthy healing tissue should gradually improve in appearance. If the skin around the wound becomes noticeably warm, darkened, or discolored, it may be a sign of infection or reduced blood flow to the area. These changes should not be ignored.

Fever or signs of infection

A fever, chills, or feeling unwell along with a wound can indicate that an infection is spreading beyond the local area. This can become serious quickly and requires medical care.

When to seek care

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important not to wait. Early treatment can prevent complications and support faster healing.

If you’re concerned about a wound or slow healing, reach out to a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule a wound care appointment in Lake City, call the Stewart Memorial Outpatient Specialty Center at

(712) 464-7299

Signs of Dehydration: When to Seek Help

Water plays a vital role in nearly every function of the body. From regulating temperature to supporting circulation and organ function, staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health. While mild dehydration can often be treated by increasing fluid intake, severe dehydration can become a medical emergency.

Common Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Early symptoms may include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Dry mouth or dry skin
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Urinating less frequently
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Muscle cramps

Children and older adults may be at a higher risk for dehydration and may show symptoms differently.

When Dehydration Becomes Serious

Severe dehydration can affect the body’s ability to function properly and may require immediate medical attention. Warning signs include:

  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Extreme weakness
  • Fainting
  • Very little or no urine output
  • Inability to keep fluids down due to vomiting
  • Sunken eyes
  • Severe dizziness when standing

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, seek medical care right away.

Preventing Dehydration

Simple steps can help reduce your risk of dehydration:

  • Carry a water bottle and drink throughout the day.
  • Increase fluid intake during hot weather or physical activity.
  • Eat water-rich foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries.
  • Replace fluids lost through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Pay attention to thirst and urine color, aiming for pale yellow urine.

When to Visit the Emergency Department

Seek emergency care if dehydration is accompanied by:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe confusion
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Signs of heat-related illness
  • Symptoms that do not improve with fluid intake

We’re Here When You Need Us

The Emergency Department at Stewart Memorial Hospital is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide care for urgent and emergency medical conditions, including severe dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.