Tag Archives: Riverwood Healthcare
Be aware of prostate cancer risks, screening
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in men, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, after lung cancer. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the […]
Nurse anesthetist joins Riverwood
Holly Frischmon, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s surgical services provider team. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a minor in Biology from the College of St. Scholastica, Frischmon achieved her registered nurse license soon after graduation. She also completed a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice from Mount Marty University […]
Acid reflux care makes eating enjoyable again
Acid reflux symptoms were not a problem for Barry Anderson until a few years ago. Anderson explains: “When I would bend over, I would get a burning feeling in my throat that would last two to three days. I also felt nauseous. I got referred to a reflux specialist by my primary care provider, Nurse […]
MRI’s new features help claustrophobic patient
Undergoing an MRI imaging scan can be daunting, especially if a person is prone to feeling claustrophobic in small, tight spaces. When Colleen Richards needed to undergo an MRI to help diagnose neck and back pain recently, she was pleasantly surprised with her positive patient experience at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. “I’m claustrophobic so […]
Level III Trauma hospital in Aitkin achieves recertification
The Minnesota Department of Health recently recertified Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin as a Level III Trauma hospital. After participating in an intense training process to become part of Minnesota’s statewide trauma system, the Aitkin County hospital earned its initial designation in December 2006 and was the first rural hospital in Minnesota to achieve the […]
Riverwood announces new Foundation director
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce Tanya Pietz as the new Riverwood Foundation director. In this position, she will provide leadership, support, strategic direction, management, and coordination for all functions of the Foundation. She will also be responsible for fund development through special projects, events, annual giving, capital campaigns and planned giving. “We are […]
Two new knees support active outdoor lifestyle
Physical difficulties with her knee joints began interfering with Jody Slinger’s enjoyment of life eight years ago when she was in her mid-50s. Today at age 60 two new knee joints are enabling her to pursue her passion for being physically active outdoors. She works as a paraprofessional teaching assistant with children in kindergarten through […]
Riverwood welcomes new board member
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Hipp to the organization’s Governing Board of Directors. “On behalf of our governing board, I’m happy to welcome Heather,” said Kathleen Ryan, Riverwood board chair. “Heather’s experience in finance along with her knowledge of education and local schools is a great addition to our […]
Riverwood presents DAISY Award to hospital nurse
Riverwood Healthcare Center participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by a patient for their extraordinary act of compassion or a relationship that they have created with a patient that truly made a difference. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform […]
Enjoy health benefits of zucchini
August is the perfect time to shop your local farmers market for zucchini, a low-calorie food that can help you lose weight as part of an overall healthy diet. Like other fruits and vegetables, zucchini is low in calories but contains satiating fiber and water that can help keep you full. Substituting it for empty-calorie […]
Riverwood announces specialty clinic manager
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce Kari Carlson, registered nurse, as specialty clinic manager for its clinic in Aitkin. This role is a new position to help support day-to-day operations and management of staff within more than 13 specialty areas. Carlson joined Riverwood in 2018 and has been a key member of Riverwood’s Behavioral […]
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 […]
Surgeon to complete orthopaedic fellowship here
Katherine Paul, D.O., of Kansas City, Mo., on August 1 will begin her post graduate advanced orthopaedic surgical training at the Minnesota Center for Orthopaedics (MCO) located at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby. She comes to MCO from Kansas City University-HCA Research Medical Center where she worked as […]
Stroke care is time sensitive
By Kelsey Guthmiller, Trauma & Stroke Program Manager, Riverwood Healthcare Center Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in Minnesota. In fact, globally about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Yet, most adults in the U.S. […]
Golf event supports local cancer fund
Riverwood Healthcare Center and Foundation are pleased to announce $34,000 was raised to help support the Zach Johnson Kids with Cancer Fund at Riverwood Foundation during the 2023 golf charity event. The 18-hole golf event, presented by Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, was held on July 14 at Minnesota National Golf Course, McGregor. This year 104 golfers […]
Riverwood announces anesthesia director
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Janelle Tepper, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), as the new anesthesia services director to lead the hospital’s anesthesia team. Most recently as CRNA manager, Tepper led a team of 18 CRNAs for St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd for the past 10 years. For the past few years, […]
Riverwood Diabetes Education program earns national recognition
The Riverwood Healthcare Center diabetes self-management education program in Aitkin, Minn., has been awarded continued Recognition status from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Riverwood’s program was originally recognized by the ADA in 2005. The ADA Education Recognition effort, begun in 1986, is a voluntary process that assures that approved education services have met the National […]
Enjoy health benefits of blueberries
If you could pick a food that is jam packed with health benefits, what would it be? Try blueberries. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Antioxidants are compounds that protect against cell damage that occurs naturally with age, chronic sun exposure, environmental toxins […]
Riverwood welcomes new social worker
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce that Heather Benedett has joined the social services team. As a licensed social worker, she works with hospital patients, families and the medical staff to coordinate discharge planning and connect patients with community services as needed. “Heather brings extensive social services experience and knowledge to this position,” said […]
Practice sun safety to reduce skin cancer risk
During the summer months in Minnesota, lots of fun activities draw us outdoors during hot, sunny days. However, spending more time in the sun can increase your risk for skin cancer. Stay safe with these sun protection tips: Limit the amount of time in the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm—when the sun’s rays […]
Summer safety tips: Tick bites and fish hook injuries
By Kelsey Guthmiller, Trauma Program Manager at Riverwood Healthcare Center With the start of the summer season and spending more time outdoors, the incidence of tick bites and fish hook injuries in our area explodes. Here are some safety tips for both. Tick bites prevention Before you go outdoors, know where to expect ticks. Ticks […]
Riverwood Pharmacy in McGregor has extended hours
Riverwood Healthcare Center announced a change for its McGregor pharmacy hours. Effective May 22, 2023, the pharmacy will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.; and closed on Sundays. “We’re extending our pharmacy hours to offer more service and convenience for our customers and the McGregor community,” […]
Wilson family scholarship fund open for applications
Roger & Sandy Wilson Nursing Scholarship Application 2023 In memory of the late Roger and Sandy Wilson, the Wilson family of Aitkin has created the Roger and Sandy Wilson Scholarship to help individuals better themselves. The fund is administered by Riverwood Foundation at Riverwood Healthcare Center. These scholarship funds are intended to ease the burden of […]
Virtual seminar: Learn how to care for your mental health
Mental health plays a big role in the well-being of all of us. Like your physical health, there are things you can do to make yourself mentally healthier. Riverwood Healthcare Center is offering a “Taking Care of Your Mental Health” virtual seminar on Wed., May 17, with a start time of 12:10 p.m. A 20-minute […]
Riverwood presents DAISY Award to oncology nurse
Riverwood Healthcare Center participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by a patient for their extraordinary act of compassion or a relationship that they have created with a patient that truly made a difference. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform […]
Riverwood takes ownership of McGregor Pharmacy
Riverwood Healthcare has purchased the McGregor Pharmacy, effective April 20, 2023, offering pharmacy customers the same location and enhanced, high-quality services. “We’re excited to extend our pharmacy services to the McGregor community,” says Spencer Page, director of Riverwood’s Pharmacy Department. “Pharmacy customers can expect the same caring and personalized approach to services that Riverwood provides […]
Kidney donation turns Aitkin woman’s life around
April is Organ Donation Month, a great time to share a story about an Aitkin woman in need of a kidney and a brother who donated his kidney to her. JoAnn Paulsen Guthmiller, mother to Riverwood’s Emergency Department Supervisor Kelsey Guthmiller, RN, shared comments on the awesome experience of getting her brother’s kidney. “Who would […]
New manager joins Riverwood IT team
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Jenny Vogel as clinical informatics manager in the Information Technology Department. Vogel’s key responsibilities include oversight of the Clinical Informatics staff, providing direction, coordination and collaboration as it relates to the electronic health record (EHR). She works to integrate nursing science, computer science and information science to manage […]
Riverwood offers quick access to prescription medications
When you or a family member has a new acute illness, Riverwood Healthcare Center offers quick access to prescription medications via the InstyMeds Dispenser, an automated prescription dispensing cabinet, which is located in the family waiting lobby next to the emergency room. This is a good option for patients who are being treated in the […]