OB/GYN physician gains board certification

In December, Obstetrician/Gynecologist Christina Kramer, M.D., became Board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, demonstrating her exceptional knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality healthcare. To become Board certified, Dr. Kramer passed a written test that demonstrates she has obtained the special knowledge and skills required for medical and surgical care of […]

Mindfulness Training: Caring for Ourselves, Caring for Others

Feeling numb? Going through the never-ending demands of life with your emotional energy tank on empty? Join Mindfulness Coach Julie Anne Larkin on a journey to set your New Year’s intention to increase energy and vitality by reconnecting to the compassion and kindness that already exists within you. Riverwood Healthcare Center is offering “Mindfulness Training: […]

Riverwood welcomes family physician

Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Dr. Melissa Herbranson, family physician, to its medical staff, which now totals11 physicians, six nurse practitioners, one physician assistant, and one nurse midwife who deliver primary care in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor. She will practice primarily in Aitkin. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Herbranson with her passion for delivering rural […]

Riverwood welcomes family physician

Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Dr. Erik Bostrom, family physician, to its medical staff with nine physicians, seven nurse practitioners, one physician assistant, and one nurse midwife who deliver primary care in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor. He will practice primarily in Aitkin. “Dr. Bostrom is a perfect fit for our family medical team with his strong […]

Gala offers ‘back to the 50s’ night out

Enjoy an evening of fine dining with a “Back to the 50s” theme and live band, all to support health and healing in Aitkin and surrounding communities. Join Riverwood Healthcare for its annual Riverwood Gala on Saturday, September 17, at the 40 Club Convention Center in Aitkin. This event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will […]

Nurse takes on coordinator role for reflux patients

The Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce a new addition for the care team in Aitkin. Dawn Harcey has been hired as MRHC nurse coordinator at Riverwood Healthcare Center. In this role, she will help gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients navigate customized plans of care based on their specific symptoms and […]

Foundation announces Zilverberg scholarship recipients

Lisa Anderson and Adam Burke, nursing assistants at Riverwood Healthcare Center, are this year’s recipients of the Michael Zilverberg Healthcare Education Scholarship, administered through Riverwood Foundation. Each has received an award of $2,500 to support their pursuit of advanced nursing education. Anderson and Burke were selected by Riverwood Foundation’s Finance and Granting Committee based on […]

Two surgeons join Minnesota Center for Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic surgeons Jonathan Herseth, MD, of Roseville, and Susan Moen, MD, of Stillwater, will join the Minnesota Center for Orthopaedics (MCO) in Aitkin and Crosby on September 1. Dr. Herseth will use both surgical and nonsurgical means to diagnose and treat ailments affecting muscles, bones and joints, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders. He […]

Riverwood welcomes internal medicine physician assistant

Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Faith Nyberg, physician assistant, to its medical staff. Nyberg has over nine years of physician assistant experience, including three years with Minnesota Gastroenterology and the past six years with Essentia Heart and Vascular in Duluth. “Faith is working in Internal Medicine alongside Dr. Joselito Burgos and Dr. Sweety Prethish in a […]

Wellness: Stay SAFE on the Water

Are you hooked on safety? At the Governor’s Fishing Opener in McGregor on May 13, Riverwood distributed safety tip cards to help both adults and kids stay safe on the water. See the tips below. To access and print the flyers for posting at your home or cabin click on each heading. Safe Boating Tips […]

Nurse practitioner joins Riverwood

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Karen Bartron-Sundeen, family nurse practitioner, has joined its medical staff. “We are thrilled to welcome Karen to our medical staff,” says Dr. Mark Heggem, Chief Medical Officer at Riverwood. “She brings a wealth of health care experience, including 30 years in the nursing profession working in intensive […]

Aitkin hospital introduces bedside rounding

Hospital bedside rounding has come to Aitkin. Every hospital patient at Riverwood Healthcare Center is cared for by a team of professionals led by a physician. Other team members include registered nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, rehab specialists for physical, occupational or speech therapies, dietitians, financial counselors, social worker and family members. Each day, this team […]

Learn about reflux and heartburn reflief

Are you or someone you know suffering from heartburn or reflux disease? If so, there’s good news about the treatment options available locally. Learn more at a Reflux and Heartburn program on Tues., March 29, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fireside Inn in McGregor. Hear from Dr. Paul Severson, reflux specialist and medical director […]

Medical student reflects on positive internship experience

After completing a summer internship in Medicine through the University of Minnesota Medical School, Danielle Francen wrote about her great learning experience at Riverwood Healthcare Center in July 2015. A few excerpts from her essay include: “My personal experience as a medical student in Aitkin was rewarding in many ways. From the second I arrived […]

Aitkin hospital receives five-star rating

For the second consecutive year, Riverwood Healthcare Center is one of 155 hospitals nationwide given a five-star rating based on patient satisfaction from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). The hospital rating system, launched in 2015, offers a star rating based on 11 publicly reported measures, including nurse and doctor communication, responsiveness of hospital […]

AAOS Committee appoints local orthopaedic surgeon

Minnesota Center for Orthopaedics Surgeon Erik Severson, M.D., of  Riverwood Healthcare in Aitkin and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Crosby, was recently appointed to a three-year term on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Hip, Knee & Adult Reconstruction Evaluation Committee. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is a medical organization for orthopaedic surgeons that provides patient […]

Wellness: Challenge yourself with 5Ks

Do you need a goal to keep you motivated to stay physically fit? Consider challenging yourself to participate in area 5K runs or walks. The “K” in 5K stands for kilometer, which is the equivalent of 0.62 miles—3.1 miles for a 5K race. Four upcoming 5Ks in Mora, Aitkin, McGregor and Bigfork include: 1) Sat., […]

Learn how to prevent diabetes

Riverwood Heathcare Center offers a national prevention program called I CAN Prevent Diabetes. This community-based, lifestyle change program offers diabetes prevention education for people with pre-diabetes or who are at risk for diabetes. The next 16-week class series will be offered on Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., July 14 through Oct. 27, at Riverwood’s Diabetes […]

Aitkin hospital receives new five-star rating

Just 251 U.S. hospitals got the highest score on a new five-star rating system the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced in late April. Riverwood Healthcare Center is one of 11 Minnesota hospitals given the five-star rating. The new ratings are part of a broader initiative by the federal agency to use a five-star […]

Urgent Care moves from ER to Aitkin clinic

Riverwood is excited to announce the transition of its Urgent Care service from the emergency department to its clinic in Aitkin. Effective April 13, patients who come in for urgent care will check in at the same location in our main lobby but will be examined in the clinic instead of the emergency room area. […]

Learn about Mindful Eating

Riverwood Healthcare will host a program called “Mindful Eating” on Wed., Feb. 11, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Y Club in Garrison. Join Julie Anne Larkin, mindfulness coach, to experience mindful eating and explore our complex relationship with food. Using all of the senses – taste, touch, smell, hearing, body and mind – participants […]

Welcome Foundation Director Katie Nelson

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Katie Nelson is the new director of Riverwood Foundation, effective Dec. 18. In this position, she is responsible for the strategic direction and fund development through special projects, annual campaigns and planned giving. She also oversees the hospital’s auxiliary volunteers and their fundraising activities. “We are very […]

Wellness: What to Do for Colds & Flu

With increasing incidence of colds and flu, it’s good to know what resources are available to keep you and your family well—and to prevent the spread of flu illness. Even though we’re in the midst of the flu season, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. To schedule a nurse appointment to get a flu […]

Help prevent spread of flu illness

In the past week, Riverwood Healthcare Center has seen a surge in patients coming into its clinics, emergency department and hospital for respiratory infections and influenza-like illness. Influenza and norovirus transmission is expected to increase as people gather to celebrate the holiday season. On Dec. 16, Riverwood posted hospital visitor restrictions and encourages local residents […]

Grief group to meet in McGregor

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? You can find information and help at a grief support group being held in McGregor this winter. The 4-week grief group series will be held on Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the McGregor Library. Group facilitator Mary Ann Kult […]

Aitkin man gets kidney dialysis at home

Living in a rural area like Aitkin County, those who need to go on kidney dialysis face a significant challenge. The nearest medical center that offers dialysis treatments is located in Brainerd, which could mean a 60-mile or more round-trip drive three days a week. This is a huge obstacle for those of limited financial […]

WELLNESS: Giving to help others

During this holiday season of giving, our thoughts often turn to how we can help others. Questions on charitable giving to consider before this year draws to a close may include: When should you give? What should you give? How much should you give? Charitable donations are an excellent way to reduce your tax burden […]

Infectious disease precautions at Riverwood now include Ebola

In light of recent cases of Ebola in the United States, Riverwood Healthcare Center’s Safety Program began monitoring Ebola policies and procedures that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have recommended for health care facilities in early August. Michelle Farber, Board Certified Infection Preventionist for Riverwood, developed an intranet Ebola Resource center to keep staff […]

Flu clinics to open in October

Influenza or flu is a contagious disease, which is spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. The best protection is a seasonal flu shot. You can get the flu at any time but influenza outbreaks most often occur from November through May. Beginning in early October Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer vaccinations for the seasonal […]

Mindfulness training in Aitkin, McGregor

Anyone interested in living life with less stress and more calm and relaxation may want to check out the health and wellness benefits of mindfulness. This fall Riverwood Healthcare will offer a 4-week mindfulness training class called “Stabilizing the Mind” in both Aitkin and McGregor. Julie Anne Larkin, mindfulness coach, will introduce participants to simple […]