Tag Archives: Aitkin County
Screenings, wellness exams protect men’s health
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 […]
Navigate ATV trails safely
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 […]
Sage program supports access to cancer screening
Screening for breast and cervical cancer is vital to detecting cancer early when treatment is easier. Access to these cancer screenings is made easier through a program called Sage. Sage helps low-income Minnesotans who do not have adequate insurance to access breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic services (if screening tests are abnormal) and referral […]
Riverwood welcomes first 2025 baby
At Riverwood Healthcare Center, the new year began with a joyful celebration. On Jan. 3, the team proudly welcomed Aitkin County’s first baby of 2025, Marshall Kearns. Born to Lilly and Mitch Kearns of Aitkin, Marshall made his grand debut weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce, and measuring 20 inches long. A heartfelt thank-you to Dr. […]
A Passion for Coaching, Shaping Lives Both On and Off the Court
For Wade Zubke, Riverwood Business Informatics Manager, coaching volleyball was never part of the plan. But life has a funny way of redirecting our paths. Since 2016, Wade has balanced his career with his passion for coaching young athletes. It all started when his daughter, Brooke, expressed interest in joining her school’s 6th-grade volleyball team. […]
Riverwood to offer flu shots, Covid-19 vaccinations
Flu season is coming and getting vaccinated offers the best protection. The vaccine works to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill, including hospitalizations, pneumonia and death. Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer flu and Pfizer Covid-19 shots for the public by appointment at all three of its locations at these community clinics and times: Aitkin […]
Riverwood Auxiliary celebrates 70 years of service
In 1954, a dedicated group of women saw the need to support the new Aitkin Community Hospital, which opened its doors in January 1955 following a groundswell of support from residents and community fundraising. This year, the Riverwood Healthcare Center Auxiliary is celebrating 70 years of service to the hospital, clinics and communities Riverwood serves. […]
Golf charity event to raise funds for cancer care
Riverwood Healthcare Center and Foundation invite the public to the annual Golf Charity Event. Gather with family or friends for the 18-hole tournament golf charity event on Friday, July 12, at the beautiful Minnesota National Golf Course in McGregor. Proceeds from this year’s event will support Riverwood cancer care programs. These funds provide some relief […]
Riverwood welcomes new human resources officer
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Jessica Schmiesing as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and member of its senior management team. She is responsible for the overall human resources strategy, operations, and administration. Schmiesing grew up in Central Minnesota and graduated from Little Falls High School. She attended Hamline University, where she double majored […]
Riverwood gets grant to address hunger among seniors
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 […]
Riverwood welcomes first 2024 baby
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 awareness for women
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 […]
Nurse Practitioner joins Riverwood McGregor Clinic
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 […]
Get help to quit smoking
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 […]
Physical therapist joins Riverwood Healthcare
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 […]
Riverwood to offer Covid-19 vaccinations
The Covid-19 vaccine is now available locally, and Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer two public clinics where individuals may get both the flu and Covid shots the last week in October. McGregor Clinic: Wed., Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Aitkin Clinic: Thurs., Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 12 […]
Riverwood receives statewide award for community benefits
Riverwood Healthcare Center was recognized by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) for one of the outstanding community programs in Minnesota with its Riverwood Connects program. At the recent 2023 MHA annual meeting, Riverwood representatives accepted the award for exemplary achievement in community benefits for addressing social determinants of health with patients. MHA shared these comments […]
Riverwood connects patients to community resources
For those looking for community resources and don’t know where to begin, Riverwood Healthcare Center now offers two new ways to find support through Riverwood Connects. Find Help is an online tool to help locate community resources such as food, housing, transportation and more. To use this tool, go to www.riverwoodhealthcare.org and click on Riverwood […]
Lifesaving care makes difference for Hill City family
Riley Holm of Hill City and her mother, Laurie, say that early intervention by Riverwood Healthcare Center providers have saved her life multiple times. Diagnosed with biliary atresia as an infant, Riley had a liver transplant at 20 months old with complex healthcare needs over her 18 years of life. Hear from Riley and Laurie […]
Blood donation opportunity in Aitkin
Riverwood Healthcare Center is hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Fri., Oct. 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at First Lutheran Church in Aitkin. Schedule a blood donation appointment in several ways: Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code Riverwood Healthcare. “Riverwood Healthcare Center is committed […]
Riverwood 2022 flu clinics open
Flu season is coming and getting vaccinated can protect you and your family. The vaccine works to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill, including hospitalizations, pneumonia and death. Minnesota influenza outbreaks typically occur between December through April. Antibodies develop about two weeks after getting the vaccine. For the elderly and those with immuno-compromising diseases, […]
New family physician returns home to begin practice
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 […]
Riverwood to host mental health forum
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 […]
Why get an annual medical checkup?
If you feel great, you’re healthy, and you’ve never been diagnosed with a chronic illness or experienced a major medical issue, do you really need to make time for an annual check-up? The answer is a definitive YES. Like children and teens, adults of all ages can benefit from having regular physical exams, including men […]
Aitkin County Community Forum: COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination
The University of Minnesota Extension Office and College of Pharmacy have partnered with Aitkin County Public Health, Riverwood Healthcare Center, and GuidePoint Pharmacy—local providers of COVID-19 vaccine—to host a virtual forum on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination. The event will be held April 22, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Anyone who is interested may register online at: https://z.umn.edu/AitkinForum4_22 If […]
Riverwood Covid-19 vaccine clinics open to all
Riverwood Healthcare Center is now offering COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone age 16 or older, according to the latest Minnesota vaccine eligibility guidelines that became effective March 30. Riverwood is scheduling weekly vaccine clinics primarily in Aitkin with some clinics in McGregor as well. To accommodate working individuals and families, vaccine clinics will offer some extended […]
Vaccine eligibility opens to wider group of Minnesotans
There is more good news on the Covid-19 vaccine front. On March 9, Gov. Walz announced that the state will expand Covid-19 vaccine eligibility to the next two phases for Minnesotans. Among those now eligible to receive the vaccine in Phase 1b Tier 2 populations include Minnesotans of any age with specific underlying health conditions, […]
Covid-19 testing at Riverwood
Getting tested for COVID-19 is recommended if you are having symptoms outlined below or have been exposed to someone who has recently tested positive. Symptoms may include fever or chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat, headache, congestion or runny nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, new loss of taste or smell, […]
Riverwood continues COVID-19 vaccine distribution
During the month of February, Riverwood Healthcare Center will continue to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to those most at risk in the 65 and older group with a limited supply of vaccine, which fluctuates from week to week. To date, Riverwood has administered the first of two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to about 1,000 patients […]