Margaret Curry Michelangeli, who lives in Rome, Italy, is the patient who likely traveled the longest distance in 2023 to have hernia surgery at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, Minnesota. Given her plans to visit her family in northern Minnesota, Margaret asked her sister, Kim, if she would check into the possibilities for hernia surgery […]

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’s clinics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor will be closed Mon., Dec. 25, and Mon., Jan. 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Same Day clinic in Aitkin will follow the same holiday closing schedule for Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Riverwood’s Saturday clinic in Aitkin will remain open […]

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 […]

Each year during Thanksgiving week, Riverwood Healthcare Center joins the national observance for promoting awareness of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to provide education and to connect those who are suffering from GERD to resources and care. Ten tips for curbing GERD symptoms during the Thanksgiving holiday include: Schedule an earlier meal. It’s best not to […]

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 […]

Kelly Anderson, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s surgical services provider team. Anderson brings more than 20 years of anesthesia experience, including 14 years at Regions Hospital’s, a Level I Trauma Center in St. Paul, Minn., and eight years with South Valley Anesthesia at Regina Hospital in Hastings. During her CRNA […]

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 […]

The Minnesota Department of Health has recertified Riverwood Healthcare Center as a Health Care Home. This means that Riverwood primary care clinics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor have met a set of rigorous standards to provide patient and family-centered care and will continue working to improve the quality, experience, and value of care. Health Care […]

Managing prescription medications can be time-consuming and complex. Now there’s an online tool called RxLocal that can help make the process easier. “Mobile apps like RxLocal streamline pharmacy service and communication, saving patients time and effort during a busy day,” explains Spencer Page, director of pharmacy at Riverwood Healthcare Center. The RxLocal app provides a […]

Heather Molenda, physical therapist, has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s therapy services team. Molenda’s prior experience includes working in physical therapy roles for 30 years in a variety of health care settings, including acute care, outpatient care, transitional care and homecare. She spent 16 years working with patients with complex conditions at MHealth Fairview University of […]