Dave Lahr did online research to find the best robotic-assisted hernia surgery option. Residing in St. Augusta near St. Cloud, he searched close to home first, but ended up choosing the Hernia Specialists of Minnesota at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, Minn., a 2-hour drive away. “I wanted to find a surgeon who would do […]

After nearly four decades of service, both Drs. Paul Severson and Howard McCollister will retire from clinical practice as program directors, at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, in July. “The stellar surgery legacy these two surgeons are leaving is tremendous,” said Riverwood CEO Ken Westman. “Their contribution to the development of surgical capacity and advanced […]

By Kelsey Guthmiller, Trauma Program Coordinator for Riverwood Healthcare Center The Minnesota Legislature recently approved the sale of delta-8 products in Minnesota, effective July 1, 2022. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two varieties. Delta-8 THC is one […]

Matthew Musto, D.O., will begin his post graduate advanced orthopaedic surgical training at the Minnesota Center for Orthopaedics located at Riverwood Healthcare Center on August 1. He comes to MCO from University Hospitals Regional Medical Centers in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as an Orthopaedic Surgeon the past five years. Dr. Musto is the first […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the addition of a new family physician to its medical staff. Dr. Chris Hughes will begin his practice in Aitkin in mid-August. He will offer the full spectrum of family medicine, including obstetric care and delivery, and do on-call rotations for inpatient care. Hughes earned his medical degree […]

During the week of July 25-29, construction work will begin on Riverwood Healthcare Center’s hospital and clinic expansion for surgical services in Aitkin. Riverwood will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Tues, July 26, at 4 p.m. This event will be held on the northeast side of the parking lot in the Healing Garden. The program […]

Show your support for kids with cancer during Riverwood Foundation’s July 22, 2022 Golf Charity Event at Minnesota National Golf Course in McGregor, Minn. Kristy McDowall has been through the unthinkable not just once but twice. First her two-year-old son Trevor was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The next four years were filled with fear […]

June is Men’s Health Month, a time for men to look at how to maintain their own good health. This includes screening for cancers, some of which men might not even know about and others that are uncomfortable for men to even think about.      Testicular cancer is a young man’s disease, striking as […]

Summer is finally here after a winter that seemed to last forever! Along with warmer weather comes many of us enjoying outdoor activities that carry some health risks. As you enjoy time outdoors, keep in mind these summer safety tips.  1. Use sunscreen. Our skin is the largest organ in the body and our first […]

Riverwood Dietitians Megan Perpich and Melissa Simons share these tips for making healthier choices while dining out. Over the years, dining out has become the norm and less of a special occasion. Dining out tends to be less healthy than home-cooked meals. Here are some tips for a healthier dining experience: 1. Have a plan. […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center has a new tool for diagnosing prostate cancer. UroNav® combines the benefits of a MRI with ultrasound to create a detailed, 3D view of the prostate. By allowing physicians to see the prostate in this way, they can identify suspicious areas, and then target them for biopsy. This increases the likelihood of finding cancer if it’s present. “The […]

With pandemic pressures, life changes and busy work schedules today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. Riverwood Healthcare Center is hosting a virtual forum via Zoom called “Mental Health Matters: Taking Time for Self-Care” on Thurs., May 26, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. This program will include […]

Did you know that most strokes are preventable? A large percentage of the ones that happen are treatable with the right care, right away. It’s a matter of knowing what to do, taking action and spreading the word so that others may learn. The acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. can help you recognize stroke symptoms: B – Balance: Watch for […]

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, when interest in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment is high. Here’s a quick overview of the major types of skin cancer with links to photos of what they look like. “Screening for skin cancer is very important,” said Dr. Don Hughes, family physician at Riverwood Healthcare Center. “The […]

Riverwood Dietitians Megan Perpich and Melissa Simons have shared these tips on how to stay hydrated. With the return of summer and warmer temperatures, many of us will spend more time in outdoor activities. However, long periods of time in the heat can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion. Common signs of dehydration include fatigue, low […]