The Riverwood Healthcare Center diabetes self-management education program in Aitkin, Minn., has been awarded continued Recognition status from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Riverwood’s program was originally recognized by the ADA in 2005. The ADA Education Recognition effort, begun in 1986, is a voluntary process that assures that approved education services have met the National […]

If you could pick a food that is jam packed with health benefits, what would it be? Try blueberries. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Antioxidants are compounds that protect against cell damage that occurs naturally with age, chronic sun exposure, environmental toxins […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Heather Benedett has joined the social services team. As a licensed social worker, she works with hospital patients, families and the medical staff to coordinate discharge planning and connect patients with community services as needed. “Heather brings extensive social services experience and knowledge to this position,” said […]

During the summer months in Minnesota, lots of fun activities draw us outdoors during hot, sunny days. However, spending more time in the sun can increase your risk for skin cancer. Stay safe with these sun protection tips: Limit the amount of time in the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm—when the sun’s rays […]

By Kelsey Guthmiller, Trauma Program Manager at Riverwood Healthcare Center Heat-related illnesses can occur rapidly during hot summer days and be life-threatening in some cases. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness. People suffer from heat illness when their bodies are not […]

A year after having shoulder surgery at Riverwood Healthcare Center, Patti Erlandson is feeling great. After working for more than 30 years as a registered nurse, she retired early at age 62 because left shoulder pain interfered with her nursing job duties. Patti shares her outstanding treatment experience and outcome. “I had trouble hanging IV […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center was recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health during the 2023 Minnesota Safety and Health Conference in May. The organization is one of 210 employers to be honored through the awards program, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. “Congratulations to Riverwood Healthcare for their hard work, attention and dedication to safety,” […]

By Kelsey Guthmiller, Trauma Program Manager at Riverwood Healthcare Center With the start of the summer season and spending more time outdoors, the incidence of tick bites and fish hook injuries in our area explodes. Here are some safety tips for both. Tick bites prevention Before you go outdoors, know where to expect ticks. Ticks […]

  Riverwood Dietitians Megan Perpich and Melissa Simons share these tips for healthy grilling with fruits and vegetables. The hot summer months are usually accompanied with backyard barbeques, which are not just for grilling meat. Try adding fruits and vegetables to the BBQ menu. Adding fruits and vegetables not only adds color to your meals […]

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 has purchased the McGregor Pharmacy, effective April 20, 2023, offering pharmacy customers the same location and enhanced, high-quality services. “We’re excited to extend our pharmacy services to the McGregor community,” says Spencer Page, director of Riverwood’s Pharmacy Department. “Pharmacy customers can expect the same caring and personalized approach to services that Riverwood provides […]

Each year, the month of April is dedicated to the observance of Esophageal Cancer Awareness and education regarding the risk of Esophageal Cancer posed by persistent heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease.) Adenocarcinoma is increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer in the U.S. Only one in every five esophageal cancer patients survives […]

April is Organ Donation Month, a great time to share a story about an Aitkin woman in need of a kidney and a brother who donated his kidney to her. JoAnn Paulsen Guthmiller, mother to Riverwood’s Emergency Department Supervisor Kelsey Guthmiller, RN, shared comments on the awesome experience of getting her brother’s kidney. “Who would […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Jenny Vogel as clinical informatics manager in the Information Technology Department. Vogel’s key responsibilities include oversight of the Clinical Informatics staff, providing direction, coordination and collaboration as it relates to the electronic health record (EHR). She works to integrate nursing science, computer science and information science to manage […]

When you or a family member has a new acute illness, Riverwood Healthcare Center offers quick access to prescription medications via the InstyMeds Dispenser, an automated prescription dispensing cabinet, which is located in the family waiting lobby next to the emergency room. This is a good option for patients who are being treated in the […]