Blog—May 14, 2025—9-10—Working on Wellness Wednesday

   Interesting scenario in our Working on Wellness Wednesday show. Shelly Johnson  of DakotAbilities---was one of the guests—and we talked about the projects they are doing that are so special. We talked about what has just happened--- they purchased land to replace their 16-person home dedicated to nursing and she helps us understand why the love to talk about that decision and the real need in this community. My discussion made me understand why Shelly has been doing this for some time

   It was in 1986---they opened a home dedicated to 24/7 marking their commitment to 24/7/365 nursing support.

   Appreciated being told the story—being a part of it—and as we told Shelly today—we will be happy to update when they need—it’s what makes this community so special.

   The arrangements will decrease spread of illness to the most vulnerable people, increase their ability to provide enhanced individualized daily support and medical care, people supported benefit greatly from the consistency and familiarity of staff and their surroundings. 

   And yes they are extremely appreciative and thankful for the donors who make the improvements possible: Money is being raised from individuals and businesses—every contribution made goes toward its intended purpose to cover the cost of constructions. 

   We talked with Sioux Falls Health Director Joe Kippley. We know he’s approaching his first anniversary—and it has been a joy to work with him—and promote how and what they are doing at the City Health Department.  

    We have been working in neighborhoods to help improve them----makes sense to me—and I’m sure makes sense to those people living and visiting there.

    We had invited two others to be part of the show----Working on Wellness---Senator Mike Rounds----who introduced the Bolstering Research and Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act, legislation to advance research for brain tumors and improve brain tumor treatment and care. 

    As Senator Rounds released to us and other media—“For me the fight against cancer is personal. When my late wife Jean was courageously battling cancer a few years ago—we were already seeing encouraging progress in the development of new treatment for many cancers. He firmly believes we are years, not decades award from seeing cures to many of the most deadly cancers. The BRAIN Act will allow us to continue capitalizing on the progress we have made so far by implementing programs and funding that will advance research and treatments for brain tumors.”

    We had invited the Avera Team to join us to brag a lot about the 37th Avera Race Against Cancer that had a record-breaking 7,747 participants, raising a record $765,00 to benefit local cancer patients across the Upper Midwest.

    The race took place last Saturday—May 10th—in the Avera System—with events here in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre and Yankton South Dakota as well Marshall Minnesota. 

    We were happy to pat them on the back—but would have liked for them to take a bow or two from our radio audience.

   Our Working on Wellness Wednesday Show understands how important those medical movements are---we appreciate people telling us in their own words what needs to be said. We understand Senator Rounds and even Avera for not being available----but our job to share with the audience—and we’ll continue to do that.

    Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—Streaming on line or just ask Alexa.

   Norm Anderson will share the podcast of the show---my job is to write the Blog—and schedule the guest, interview them—and make the story lines useful to our audience.

   Questions for me—Feel free to call/text at 605-728-BILL or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.