Tag Archives: Riverwood Healthcare
Riverwood welcomes behavioral health therapist
Riverwood Healthcare Center is excited to welcome Melissa Handt, MSW, LICSW, as a behavioral health therapist to its Behavioral Health provider team. In her role, Handt will assess, diagnose, and provide psychotherapy to individuals aged 10 and older. Additionally, she can offer non-clinical licensing supervision and is working toward the qualifications to provide clinical licensing […]
Five tips for a healthy new year
It’s a new year and a good time to take a fresh look at your health and wellness. Here are five practical tips to kickstart healthy habits that will help you thrive throughout your life. 1. Drink more water. Why it matters: Staying hydrated improves energy levels, digestion, skin health, and overall bodily functions. How […]
Holiday hours for Riverwood clinics, pharmacies
Riverwood Healthcare Center’s clinics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor will be closed on Thurs., Nov. 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The clinics will close early at noon on Tues., Dec. 24 and remain closed on Wed., Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. They will also close early at noon on Tues., Dec. 31, […]
Reflux, heartburn awareness at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, togetherness, and indulging in delicious foods. It’s also GERD Awareness Week, when Riverwood Healthcare Center takes the time to promote awareness of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the heightened risk of uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. Here are some helpful tips to help prevent GERD symptoms while […]
Quitting smoking can reduce lung cancer risk
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide. Smoking is the main cause of about 85 percent of all lung cancers. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and more than 70 of which are known carcinogens. These substances damage lung […]
Riverwood welcomes RPAP medical student
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Kyle Strate, a third-year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School, who is participating in the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP). Through the RPAP program, a third-year medical student lives in a rural community for nine months and participates in rotations of hospital and clinic care […]
Aitkin hospital nurse receives DAISY Award
The latest nurse to receive the DAISY Award, recognition for outstanding nursing, at Riverwood Healthcare Center is Lisa Streadwick, a registered nurse for the hospital inpatient unit. She has worked for Riverwood for three years, caring for medical, surgical and obstetrics patients. Riverwood participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized […]
Irregular heartbeat condition increases stroke risk
World Stroke Day is observed on Oct. 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. Your risk of stroke depends on several factors, including age, gender, diabetes, high blood pressure, vascular disease and history […]
Riverwood Healthcare welcomes new board member
Riverwood Healthcare Center is proud to announce the appointment of Bryan Nistler to its Governing Board of Directors. “On behalf of our board, I am excited to welcome Bryan to this important leadership position,” said Riverwood CEO Ken Westman. “His business management experience and deep ties to the McGregor community will be invaluable in guiding […]
Good communication, planning aid knee replacement recovery
Good communication with her health care team and planning for her recovery in advance helped Martha Morin have a better patient experience with her second knee replacement at Riverwood Healthcare Center. Morin explains, “I talked to Physician Assistant Erin Mason on the orthopaedic team about how to avoid some of the difficulties I had with […]
Get up to date with breast cancer, other health screenings
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when women are reminded to get their breast health screenings. About 30 percent of all new female cancers each year are breast cancer. Breast cancer is most common in middle-aged and older women. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 can choose to […]
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 […]
Cardiologist joins Riverwood heart health team
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Sohaib Basharat of the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHI) has joined the cardiology provider team. He will begin seeing patients at Riverwood’s specialty clinic in Aitkin in October. Specializing in cardiovascular and preventative cardiology, Dr. Basharat joins Dr. Peter Stokman and Dr. Tim Dirks, MHI […]
Prostate Cancer Awareness, Preventative Care
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and it is a great time to focus on the importance of early detection and preventative care. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, yet it is also one of the most treatable when caught early. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps in screening […]
New radiology system supports breast, prostate MRIs
A new advanced imaging system just made its debut at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. The DynaCAD imaging system will be used for breast and prostate MRIs, which were previously unavailable at Riverwood. The biggest benefit of the DynaCAD software is that it provides the radiologist with the technology needed for reading and interpreting breast […]
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. […]
Riverwood urologist honored with Center of Excellence designation
Riverwood Healthcare is proud to announce that Urologist Brandon Reynolds, MD, has been designated as a UroLift™ System Center of Excellence physician. Dr. Reynolds is the only urologist north of the Twin Cities to earn this unique distinction. This designation is awarded to physicians who have attained advanced training with the UroLift™ System, which offers rapid […]
Riverwood welcomes new pre-op nurse practitioner
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Pre-operative Nurse Practitioner Brittany Howe, who began working in a new position in early June. Howe meets with patients scheduled for surgery, performing history and physicals, while working closely with anesthesia, surgeons, and primary care providers to make sure all necessary testing is completed and followed up on […]
Urology community health seminar
Do you have uncontrollable urges to go to the bathroom? Do you need to get up to go multiple times during the night? Are you having difficulty emptying your urinary bladder or having frequent accidents? Learn more at a “Urology: Are you going to the bathroom too often?” program on Tues., July 23, 5:30 to […]
Aitkin hospital nurse receives DAISY Award
The latest nurse to receive the DAISY Award, recognition for outstanding nursing, at Riverwood Healthcare Center is Nichole Bock, a registered nurse for the hospital inpatient unit. Bock has worked for Riverwood for eight years, caring for medical and surgical patients. Riverwood participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by […]
Tips for celebrating July 4th safely
Safety should be top of mind when using fireworks to celebrate the July 4th holiday. While fireworks are beautiful to watch, they are dangerous to play with. If not handled properly, fireworks can cause severe injuries to eyes and skin. Even sparklers and firecrackers send thousands to the emergency room each year. Here are 12 fireworks […]
Protect your skin during summer fun
Summer brings sun-filled days, trips to the lake, and a carefree spirit. However, as we embrace the warmth and joy of the season, it is important to remember that the sun’s rays can be harmful. One of the most serious risks associated with prolonged sun exposure is skin cancer, a disease that affects millions worldwide. […]
Screenings, lifestyle changes can improve men’s health
June is Men’s Health Month, a time for men to look at how to maintain their own good health. Preventive health care and regular screenings are crucial for men to detect and manage potential health issues early. CANCER SCREENINGS Here’s a comprehensive guide on essential cancer screenings: Prostate cancer screening should begin starting at age […]
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 […]
Local woman earns Deaf studies, national sign language honors
In mid-May, Vicki Johnson-Sherbrooke, who works in housekeeping for Riverwood Healthcare Center at its Garrison clinic, graduated with high honors earning a Deaf Studies Certificate at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The program covered the basics about American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Johnson-Sherbrooke, who moved from the Twin Cities to Aitkin in 2006, […]
Know how to recognize stroke symptoms
May is American Stroke Month. Make sure your friends and family know the warning signs of a stroke. It could save the life of a loved one. Remember BEFAST to recognize stroke symptoms. Balance loss. Eyesight changes. Face drooping. Arm weakness. Speech difficulty. Time to call 9-1-1. With a stroke, calling 9-1-1 can save a […]
Reflux, heartburn solutions seminar
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 “Solutions for Reflux and Heartburn” program on Tues., May 7, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at CoHaus, 680 E. US Highway 2, in Grand Rapids. Dr. Andrew Loveitt, reflux […]