Keep Moving Strong: Why Foot Health Should Be a Priority

Your feet carry you through every part of your day, often without a second thought. From standing and walking to staying active, they play a key role in your overall health. National Foot Health Awareness Month is a great reminder to pay attention to the health of your feet and take steps to care for them properly.

How Your Feet Impact Your Health

Your feet are designed to support your body, absorb impact, and keep you balanced. Because they handle so much daily stress, even minor discomfort can turn into larger issues over time. Foot pain or instability can also affect how you move, sometimes leading to strain in your knees, hips, or back.

When foot health is overlooked, common conditions such as heel pain, joint changes, or complications related to diabetes can develop. Addressing concerns early can help prevent more serious problems and keep you moving comfortably.

Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

Caring for your feet does not require major changes. A few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your foot health:

  • Choose shoes that fit well and provide proper support for your daily routine
  • Keep your feet clean and dry to reduce the risk of irritation or infection
  • Stay active to promote circulation and overall strength
  • Stretch your feet and ankles to maintain flexibility
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
  • Pay attention to any pain, swelling, or changes and address them early

Support Close to Home

If you are dealing with ongoing foot concerns, getting the right care is important. Stewart Memorial offers Wound Care services to help treat and manage complex foot conditions, including those that may be slow to heal.

In addition, podiatry services will be coming in Summer 2026 with Dr. Reed Smith. This will expand access to specialized foot care, making it easier for patients in our community to receive the treatment they need without traveling far.

Take the Next Step

Healthy feet help you stay active, independent, and comfortable in your daily life. By taking small steps now and seeking care when needed, you can prevent more serious issues down the road.

If you have questions or concerns about your foot health, the team at Stewart Memorial is here to support you every step of the way.

Stewart Memorial Wound Care Center Earns Dual National Recognition

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to share that its Wound Care Center has received two prestigious achievement awards from RestorixHealth for the July–December 2025 evaluation period.

The center was honored with the Clinical Distinction Award, which recognizes wound centers that meet or exceed national healing benchmarks. During this period, Stewart Memorial’s Wound Care Center achieved a median Days to Heal of 32 days and a Healing Percent of 92%, demonstrating strong clinical outcomes and an unwavering commitment to evidence-based care.

In addition, the center received the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award, presented to wound centers that meet or exceed a national patient satisfaction benchmark of 96%. This recognition reflects the team’s dedication not only to advanced healing techniques, but also to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

“We are proud to be recognized for the quality of care our wound center provides to patients each day,” said Kendra Tiefenthaler, Area Program Director. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to patient experience and optimized outcomes, which can only be accomplished with the effort and dedication of our center staff and providers and the continued support of the hospital.”

Stewart Memorial’s Wound Care Center offers advanced treatments for patients experiencing chronic or non-healing wounds, helping individuals heal faster and return to daily life with improved health and confidence. These national recognitions highlight the hospital’s ongoing commitment to restoring health, improving quality of life, and ensuring access to specialized wound care close to home.

Patient Spotlight: Joe Robertson Shares His Journey to Healing at Stewart Memorial Wound Care Center

For Joe Robertson, seeking treatment at Stewart Memorial Wound Care Center was a decision driven by both convenience and trust.

“It was close to home, and I knew I’d get quality care,” Joe shared. That instinct proved right from his very first visit, where he described the experience as “positive and informative.”

Joe began his wound care journey with concerns familiar to many patients—fears that healing would be slow or that he might never regain his independence. “The hardest part was the beginning—feeling like I couldn’t do things for myself,” he recalled. But with the compassionate support of the Stewart Memorial team, Joe says those worries quickly began to fade.

“I felt very supported along the way,” Joe emphasized. “Everyone helped educate me and overcome this. Things are amazingly better now—my quality of life has improved so much.”

Joe’s wounds have made remarkable progress, and he credits the team for not just delivering medical care, but for empowering him through education and encouragement. “I feel really good about my recovery and my future,” he said.

When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting their wound care journey, Joe didn’t hesitate. “Follow the rules and do what needs to be done,” he said. “I would recommend wound care services because they are very knowledgeable and help you learn and understand things. They work hard to make recovery fast and effective.”

At Stewart Memorial Wound Care Center, stories like Joe’s inspire our team every day. We’re honored to walk alongside our patients as they heal and regain their independence—step by step, day by day.

About Stewart Memorial Wound Care
Stewart Memorial Wound Care provides advanced wound healing treatments in a compassionate, patient-focused environment. Our expert team uses evidence-based therapies and personalized care plans to help patients achieve better outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Stewart Memorial Hosts Interactive Career Day for Local High School Students

On May 2, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital welcomed 25 students from three area high schools-Glidden-Ralston, Manson Northwest Webster, and Southeast Valley-for an engaging and hands-on Interactive Career Day aimed at sparking interest in healthcare careers among students in grades 9-12.

The event offered students an in-depth look at a wide range of career opportunities within the medical field. Throughout the day, participants rotated through various hospital departments including the operating room, obstetrics, outpatient infusions, wound care, laboratory, radiology, emergency services, rehabilitation, dietary services, and information technology.

Interactive, hands-on learning was a key highlight of the event. Students practiced suturing techniques, administered IVs and injections, explored the labor and delivery process, and even X-rayed pig legs in the radiology department. These immersive experiences provided a realistic glimpse into clinical procedures and the vital roles healthcare professionals play every day.

“It was a privilege to engage with such motivated and curious students,” said Ashley Mork, nurse education director. “We hope this experience helped them envision future opportunities in the medical field and inspired them to consider a career in healthcare.”

Stewart Memorial remains committed to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals by offering immersive learning experiences and cultivating early interest in medical careers. Plans are already underway to host another Interactive Career Day this fall.

Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Receives Dual Recognition with Clinical Distinction and Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Awards

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce that its Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic has received dual recognition, earning both the Clinical Distinction Award and the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award from RestorixHealth. These prestigious awards acknowledge wound centers that meet or exceed national quality benchmarks over a set period of time.

The Clinical Distinction Award recognizes wound care centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by surpassing clinical benchmarks, while the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award honors centers that deliver superior performance in overall patient satisfaction.

“The Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is pleased to be recognized for our dedication not only to healing but also to patient satisfaction,” said Josh Smith, DO, Medical Director of the Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic. “We are proud to be a recipient of an award that recognizes the work of our staff as both a health care team and patient champions.”

The Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is committed to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in patients with non-healing wounds. By integrating traditional and advanced therapies, the clinic accelerates the healing process and provides the best possible care for patients dealing with chronic wounds.

With a team of clinicians specially trained in wound care, the clinic ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. Advanced wound care techniques and a team-based approach are key to providing the most effective treatment for even the most challenging wounds.

Located at 1301 W Main Street in Lake City, Iowa, the Stewart Memorial Wound Care Clinic is open on Tuesdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For more information, please call 712-464-7299.