Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to announce Teerza Misner, RN, as the latest recipient of its prestigious DAISY Award for nursing excellence. The DAISY Award honors nurses who go above and beyond in delivering extraordinary care, as nominated by patients and their families. Riverwood participates in the national DAISY Foundation program, which celebrates the compassion, […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin has been recognized as a Comprehensive Advanced Life Support (CALS) Hospital, joining an elite group of facilities dedicated to excellence in rural emergency care. This designation reflects Riverwood’s commitment to high standards in staff training, use of state-of-the-art technology, and adherence to CALS principles. “Riverwood first received this designation in […]

Fireworks are a staple of many July 4th celebrations, lighting up the night sky with dazzling displays. However, they can also pose serious safety hazards if not handled properly. Each year, thousands of injuries—many involving children—are caused by fireworks. Dr. Jessica Hodson, emergency medicine physician at Riverwood, advises, “On behalf of our Riverwood emergency team, […]

At just 15 years old, Ava Horbacz knew she wanted to become a Radiologic Technologist. Today, six years later, she’s living that dream as a Radiology Tech at Riverwood Healthcare Center. Ava began her journey while attending McGregor High School, taking college-level classes in 10th grade to prepare for a future in radiology. “My first […]

Although Minnesota is widely known for its cold winters, extreme summer heat can also have a serious impact on our health. Hot and humid days can lead to dangerous heat conditions that range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. Heat-related illness occurs when the body is unable to get rid of excess heat and maintain […]

Water activities on area lakes or rivers are a favorite pastime for many, especially during the summer. However, water safety is critical. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among young children. With awareness and proper precautions, these tragedies are often preventable. Preventing drowning starts with supervision. Constant, undistracted supervision is the most […]

Lower back pain has made Michele Plagman a frequent visitor to Riverwood Healthcare Center, where she has received interventional pain treatment and physical therapy. “I developed sciatica pain in my lower back in fall 2023. Sitting for any period of time became difficult; eventually, I was only comfortable lying down or standing,” Plagman recalls. “Physical […]

June is Men’s Health Month—a perfect time for men to take charge of their well-being through preventive care and routine health screenings. Proactive health management can detect and address issues early, when they’re most treatable. Essential cancer screenings for men Colon cancer screening saves lives by detecting cancer early or finding polyps that can be […]

As outdoor activities increase during warmer months, so do the risk of tick-borne diseases. Among the most common in North America are Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, both transmitted primarily through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). “Awareness, prevention, and early treatment are key to avoiding serious health complications,” explains Dr. […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Kelsey Morinville to its Anesthesia team at the Aitkin hospital. Morinville brings nine years of experience in nurse anesthesia, having practiced at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho, as well as the Twin Cities metro area. Her clinical expertise spans several specialty areas, […]

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) provide excitement and versatility for outdoor enthusiasts, but they also come with inherent risks. Understanding ATV safety and practicing awareness while riding is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Dr. David Taylor, chief medical officer and emergency medicine physician at Riverwood comments, “ATV awareness is essential for enjoying the thrill of off-road […]

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of Americans and often limiting their ability to stay active and enjoy daily life. At Riverwood Healthcare Center, our orthopaedic experts are here to help patients manage joint pain and get back to doing what they love. “Osteoarthritis is often referred to as ‘wear and […]

Aphasia affects each person differently—but one point is clear: it’s a loss of language, not intelligence. “There are varying degrees of aphasia,” explains Speech-Language Pathologist Amanda Bostrom at Riverwood Healthcare Center. “Some people struggle with finding the right words, while others may have more difficulty understanding speech, reading, writing, or spelling. It affects everyone in […]

When Mary R. began experiencing severe back pain during her winter stay in Texas, she knew she needed to return home to Minnesota and reconnect with the spine care experts at Riverwood Healthcare Center. A quick call to Riverwood’s Spine Care Clinic set her treatment journey in motion. Mary flew home on a Wednesday, had […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to celebrate its exceptional team, recognized with four awards at the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) Spring Innovation Forum Award Ceremony. These awards highlight Riverwood’s unwavering commitment to innovation, community engagement, and high-quality patient care. Angela Harmon, RN, ED Supervisor, was honored with the Nursing Excellence Award for her outstanding leadership, […]