Riverwood to host Annual Meeting

The Aitkin Community Hospital, Inc., dba Riverwood Healthcare Center, will host its 75th Annual Meeting on Wed., March 29, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom with participants signing in remotely via phone or computer. Riverwood will present an overview of the finances for the organization, expansion projects, a new EPIC electronic health record implementation, fiscal year […]

Seminar to address bladder, bowel control

Control of your bladder and bowel health is vital because these two systems play a vital role in storing the body’s waste and eliminating it at the appropriate time. Did you know that overactive bladder and fecal incontinence are extremely common but not a normal part of aging? Some symptoms that may interfere with enjoyment […]

New business analytics/intelligence manager for IT

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Wade Zubke to the new role of business analytics/intelligence manager in the Information Technology Department. Zubke’s key responsibilities include oversight of business intelligence and organizational data and reporting needs as well as business application and interface support. He will help ensure applications work together as efficiently as possible […]

Nutrition Month: A time to review eating habits

By Registered Dietitians Megan Perpich & Melissa Simons March is National Nutrition Month. This is a great time of year to review your eating habits and learn something new about proper nutrition. This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future”. Here are some tips for eating right to avoid food waste: Plan meals based on […]

Riverwood Healthcare hires population health program manager

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Population Health Program Manager Rachel Johnson. Johnson brings to Riverwood a rich history of community outreach and program management. She has obtained her master’s in business administration with an emphasis on rural health care with the College of St. Scholastica, a bachelor’s in business administration with a minor […]

National list of rural health care execs includes Riverwood CEO

A recent issue of Becker’s Hospital Review features Riverwood Healthcare Center CEO Ken Westman on its national list of “80 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know” for 2023. This list highlights 80 top executives from rural hospitals across the United States with one other Minnesota CEO, Jake Redden of Madelia Health, featured. The Becker’s article cites […]

Riverwood announces surgical services director

Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Tracey Eakman as the new director of the Surgical Services Department. Eakman brings 14 years of experience overseeing surgery departments in the Twin Cities, at North Memorial Health and Maple Grove Surgery Center. At North Memorial Health, Eakman managed the day-to-day operations of a busy ambulatory surgery center with approximately 10,000 […]

Heart health and benefits of exercise

Heart Health Month in February is a great time for individuals to look at what they can do to improve their heart health and lower heart disease risks. That’s why Riverwood Healthcare Center is offering a “Heart Health: Benefits of Exercise” virtual seminar on Thurs., Feb. 23, 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. Mitch Kline, exercise physiologist […]

Riverwood shares surgery expansion update

  Riverwood Healthcare Center reports that significant progress has been made on its surgery expansion construction project at its hospital in Aitkin. Designed by DSGW Architects with Kraus-Anderson as the general contractor and construction manager, the surgery expansion project will feature a 72,000-square-foot surgery addition. Construction has been underway since August 2022. The outline of […]

Riverwood introduces new ENT physicians

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce a new team of physicians to provide ear, nose and throat care at its specialty clinic in Aitkin. Dr. Kurtis Waters and Dr. Ethan Kraft of Advanced Specialty Associates, will see patients at Riverwood’s specialty clinic in Aitkin several days a month, beginning in January 2023. Otolaryngology (also […]

Riverwood Healthcare hires CIO consultant

Riverwood Healthcare is pleased to announce the hire of Mark Waind, Chief Information Officer consultant. Waind is an accomplished health care executive with 15 years of chief information officer experience. His educational background includes earning a Master of Science degree in Business from the University of St. Mary, Bismarck, N.D. Waind has received a CHCIO […]

Riverwood announces diabetes care, education nurse

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce Breann Goedken has moved into the position of diabetes care and education nurse. With the completion of her registered nurse degree from Central Lakes College, Goedken is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree through Western Governors University. She has previous experience working in medical/surgical inpatient care and home health […]

Seasonal illnesses seminar to address concerns, questions

Fever, sore throat and body aches are common symptoms of illness circulating this winter. Is it the flu, Covid or another respiratory ailment? How do you know when to seek medical care? Learn more at a “Navigating Seasonal Illnesses: Influenza, RSV, COVID and More” seminar on Jan. 25, 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., which Riverwood Healthcare […]

Therapy dogs bring cheer, comfort

Two furry friends specialize in bringing smiles and joy to young and old alike. Just about everyone they see is excited to see and pet them. Muppet and Snickers, both Goldendoodles, are therapy dogs who volunteer with their owners, Linda and Dave Causton, at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.  Now seven years old, they spend […]

Riverwood welcomes first 2023 baby

Welcome Lucas David, Riverwood’s first baby of the new year! Baby Lucas was born to Elizabeth and Chris Lilley on Jan. 2 at 5:47 p.m., weighing 6 lbs. and 19 inches long. Not only the first baby of 2023, but a special delivery indeed as the mother is a Riverwood family employee. Elizabeth Lilley is […]

Safety tips to avoid common winter injuries

By Kelsey Guthmiller, trauma program manager at Riverwood Healthcare Center During the winter months, there are many risks every day for sustaining a traumatic injury. Here are a few winter-specific causes of injuries or fatalities along with prevention safety tips. Cold/Hypothermia and Frostbite: Exposure to cold temperatures for long periods of time can cause the […]

Managing mental health during holiday season

By Liz Thompson, CNP, PMHNP-BC Holidays are usually a special time when families and friends get together to celebrate and reconnect. Unfortunately, not everyone feels cheerful or happy during this time. Increased depression during the holidays is a real phenomenon. While research data is limited, there is some evidence about the causes of “holiday blues”. […]

Healthy holiday eating tips

From Riverwood Dietitians, Megan Perpich, LD/RD, & Melissa Simons, LD/RD The holiday season in December poses many challenges and temptations when it comes to healthy eating. Here are a few tips that can help you make healthy choices and avoid gaining too many extra pounds. Tip #1: Do not skip meals and avoid going to […]

GERD Awareness and Thanksgiving week

Time to eat and drink wisely Each year during the week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 20-26, Riverwood Healthcare Center recognizes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a national health care observance designed to raise awareness, provide education, and connect those who are suffering from GERD to resources and care. Here are 15 suggestions for curbing GERD symptoms during […]

Reflux and Heartburn seminar

Suffering from chronic heartburn or acid reflux disease?  Advanced technology and treatment is available right here in Aitkin. Learn more at a “Solutions for Reflux and Heartburn” seminar on Tues., Dec. 13, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., room E/F at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. Dr. Andrew Loveitt, reflux specialist with the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn […]

Riverwood presents DAISY Award to clinic nurse

Riverwood Healthcare Center participates in the DAISY Award honoring extraordinary 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 […]

Bladder health matters

November is Bladder Awareness Month. Riverwood would like to take this opportunity to help you learn about and take charge of your bladder health. Good bladder health is essential because of the important role your bladder plays in storing and eliminating your urine effectively and at the appropriate times. Some signs of a bladder problem […]

Riverwood celebrates staff milestone anniversaries

On Nov. 10, Riverwood Healthcare Center honored 47 employees and retirees who have celebrated milestone anniversaries or retirement in 2022 at a special dinner at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Their collective years of service total 887 years! Ken Westman, Riverwood CEO, expressed gratitude for the commitment, dedication and compassion shown by the Riverwood staff over […]

Riverwood introduces comprehensive women’s health team

Riverwood Healthcare Center has a team of experienced providers offering advanced and comprehensive women’s health care. “We were happy to welcome Dr. Alisha Lindberg, obstetrician and gynecologist, to our women’s health care team in October,” said Cindi Baker, Riverwood chief operating officer. “She joins Dr. Jennifer Tessmer-Tuck and Nurse Midwife Megan Workman in offering weekly […]

Learn stroke warning signs

By Kelsey Guthmiller, Trauma Program Manager, Riverwood Healthcare Center Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. 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. don’t know the warning signs of a stroke, which is largely preventable […]

Dr. Erik Severson named top orthopaedic doctor

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has named Orthopaedic Surgeon Erik Severson, M.D., a top orthopaedic surgery doctor. He is ranked first out of 12 providers in the area for the repair of total knee joint arthroplasty and first out of eight providers in the area for total hip replacement. Dr. Severson’s composite ranking […]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Know your risks, take prevention steps, get screened Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without the normal control. Cancerous tumors in the breast usually grow very slowly so that by the time one is large enough to be felt as a lump, it may have […]

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 […]

Annual medical exam virtual seminar

Are you making time for routine medical exams for yourself and family members? Find out how an annual checkup can support overall wellness and help prevent disease, saving lives when health issues are diagnosed early. Attend a virtual video seminar, “Annual Exam: Your Health Lifeline”, on Tues., Oct. 25, 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., hosted by […]

Riverwood welcomes RPAP medical student

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Matt Foman, 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 […]