Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from serious illness during flu season. The flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and missed work, school, and other activities. Riverwood Healthcare Center is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics to the public by appointment at the […]
Craig Kampfer M.D., began his post graduate advanced orthopaedic surgical training at the Minnesota Center for Orthopaedics (MCO) at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin on Aug. 1. He comes here from his last duty station, Fort Cavazos in Texas, where he served in the Army as a general orthopedic surgeon at Carl R. Darnall Army […]
As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it can be tempting to hibernate indoors and put fitness on the back burner. However, staying active in the winter is essential for maintaining overall health, boosting mood, and keeping energy levels high. With the right mindset and resources, you can make movement a priority even […]
Good communication with her health care team and planning for her recovery in advance helped Martha Morin have a better patient experience with her second knee replacement at Riverwood Healthcare Center. Morin explains, “I talked to Physician Assistant Erin Mason on the orthopaedic team about how to avoid some of the difficulties I had with […]
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when women are reminded to get their breast health screenings. About 30 percent of all new female cancers each year are breast cancer. Breast cancer is most common in middle-aged and older women. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 can choose to […]
A new advanced imaging system just made its debut at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. The DynaCAD imaging system will be used for breast and prostate MRIs, which were previously unavailable at Riverwood. The biggest benefit of the DynaCAD software is that it provides the radiologist with the technology needed for reading and interpreting breast […]
When she is not caring for patients, Dr. Susan Moen, orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, enjoys rowing workouts with the Daisy Crew of the Brainerd Lakes Rowing Club. The Daisy Crew, a group of women from diverse backgrounds, comes together for an hour of rowing in a long, narrow […]
Introducing Riverwood’s New Podcast: Riverwood On Call We are thrilled to announce the launch of Riverwood Healthcare Center’s new podcast, Riverwood On Call. Hosted by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Taylor, this podcast will feature insightful discussions and interviews with our dedicated providers. Tune in to learn about common health issues and innovative treatments. […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Pre-operative Nurse Practitioner Brittany Howe, who began working in a new position in early June. Howe meets with patients scheduled for surgery, performing history and physicals, while working closely with anesthesia, surgeons, and primary care providers to make sure all necessary testing is completed and followed up on […]
Do you have uncontrollable urges to go to the bathroom? Do you need to get up to go multiple times during the night? Are you having difficulty emptying your urinary bladder or having frequent accidents? Learn more at a “Urology: Are you going to the bathroom too often?” program on Tues., July 23, 5:30 to […]
In mid-May, Vicki Johnson-Sherbrooke, who works in housekeeping for Riverwood Healthcare Center at its Garrison clinic, graduated with high honors earning a Deaf Studies Certificate at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The program covered the basics about American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Johnson-Sherbrooke, who moved from the Twin Cities to Aitkin in 2006, […]
There are many risks involved in operating a chainsaw. However, if you take proper precautions and adhere to safety guidelines, you can significantly minimize the risk of injuries. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a novice, it’s crucial to prioritize safety every time you pick up a chainsaw. Let’s dive into some essential tips for […]
May is American Stroke Month. Make sure your friends and family know the warning signs of a stroke. It could save the life of a loved one. Remember BEFAST to recognize stroke symptoms. Balance loss. Eyesight changes. Face drooping. Arm weakness. Speech difficulty. Time to call 9-1-1. With a stroke, calling 9-1-1 can save a […]
The month of April is dedicated to promoting Esophageal Cancer awareness and education around the risk posed by persistent heartburn or acid reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal cancer is deadly and is increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer in the United States. Only one in five esophageal cancer patients will survive five years […]
In memory of the late Roger and Sandy Wilson, the Wilson family of Aitkin created the Roger and Sandy Wilson Scholarship to help individuals better themselves. The fund is administered by Riverwood Foundation at Riverwood Healthcare Center. These scholarship funds are intended to ease the burden of tuition costs so that aspiring students or health care […]
March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is Beyond the Table. This is a time to recognize our team of registered dietitians at Riverwood Healthcare Center, Megan Perpich and Melissa Te Slaa. In their role as registered dietitians, they are food and nutrition experts, who are uniquely educated and trained to create a […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center, with the help of the Aitkin Farmers Market Hub and Aitkin County Public Health, was awarded the Minnesota Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) grant by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The LFPA program is a new grant from MDA to fund projects that buy local food, primarily from socially disadvantaged and […]
In a recent issue of Becker’s Hospital Review features Riverwood Healthcare Center CEO Ken Westman on its national list of “110 rural hospital and health system CEOs to know” for 2024. This list highlights 110 top executives from rural hospitals across the United States with three other Minnesota CEOs, President and CEO Karla Eischens of […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Accreditation for its laboratory services by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Riverwood underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Katie Pudas as the new Radiology Department manager. Pudas, former radiology technologist who served in the role of supervisor of the department for the past four of five years at Riverwood, manages the daily operations of the diagnostic imaging department to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory […]
It’s another special delivery at Riverwood Healthcare Center with the first baby of 2024 for Aitkin County. On Jan. 10, the hospital staff warmly welcomed beautiful Millie Lou, the first child born to Chloe and Chase Ahonen of Jacobson, Minn. Delivered by Nurse Midwife Megan Workman and Dr. Angela Faulkner, Millie weighed 7 lb., 8 […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Nurse Practitioner Tyler Zuk, who joined the primary care staff at its McGregor clinic in January. Growing up on a farm in Kettle River, Minn., Zuk earned his associate degree in nursing from Lake Superior College and went on to complete his master’s degree in nursing from Walden […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome a new member to its orthopaedic team in Aitkin, Nurse Practitioner Jeff Temple. With a wide array of clinical and surgical experience, Temple has worked in the orthopaedics field for more than 35 years, beginning his career as a surgical technologist in 1987. He has advanced training and […]
The holiday season, often portrayed as a time of joy, can also bring about stress and anxiety for many. Almost two-thirds of people with mental illness feel the holidays worsen their conditions. However, it is important to remember we have more control than we think we do. Prioritize your mental well-being It’s easy to […]
As winter blankets our surroundings in a serene layer of snow, the task of snow removal becomes a necessary yet potentially hazardous activity. Whether you’re shoveling by hand or using a snow thrower, safety should be the top priority. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you stay injury-free and enjoy the winter wonderland responsibly. […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is excited to announce in January 2024 a transition to a new electronic health records (EHR) system. This transition will allow Riverwood patients to be more active in their health care journey through an increased ability to manage multiple aspects of their health care online through their MyChart account. Patients will have […]
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has awarded Riverwood Healthcare Center with the 2023 Minnesota Rural Health Team Award for its work in identifying the social determinants of health among its patients and creating community partnerships to address those needs. Riverwood was one of four Minnesota health organizations and individuals recognized by the MDH Office […]
Since 1984, the Riverwood Auxiliary has annually honored and memorialized the loved ones of area residents with the Lights of Love program, including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the lobby of the hospital. This year’s ceremony will take place on Sun., Nov. 19, at 1:00 p.m. in the hospital lobby. A short program will […]
On Nov. 2, Riverwood Healthcare Center honored 46 employees and retirees who have celebrated milestone anniversaries or retirement in the past year at a special dinner at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Their collective years of service total 880 years! Riverwood CEO Ken Westman opened the program with a warm welcome for the employees and retirees […]
Quitting smoking or tobacco use isn’t easy. It takes time and a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Some smokers choose the Great American Smokeout event on the third Thursday in November as their day to start the journey toward a smoke-free life. On Nov. 16, join thousands of smokers across […]
