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 […]

A healthy heart is the cornerstone of overall well-being. One of the most impactful ways to nurture cardiovascular health is through mindful food choices. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet can significantly contribute to quality of life. Fatty Fish for Omega-3 Incorporating fatty fish like salmon and sardines into your diet provides an abundant source […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Nurse Practitioner Laura Biewer of the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHI) has joined the cardiology provider team. Specializing in cardiovascular and preventative cardiology, Biewer will work closely on patient care with Dr. Peter Stokman and Dr. Tim Dirks, MHI cardiologists who have been offering care at […]

February is not just the month of love. It’s also Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health. Riverwood Healthcare Center is taking this opportunity to share some practical tips for maintaining a strong heart. Nutrition, exercise and stress management all play a role in promoting cardiovascular well-being. The importance 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 participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by a patient for their extraordinary act of compassion or a relationship that they have created with a patient that truly made a difference.  The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform […]

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 […]

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. It is a significant global health concern, but with advancements in medical science, early detection, and appropriate treatment, the prognosis has improved significantly. Learn about how cervical cancer is detected, the importance of […]

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 […]

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.   […]