Riverwood announces medical records host transition, postponement of new clinic in McGregor

The Riverwood Healthcare Center Board of Directors recently approved investing in the transition to a new electronic health record system, which has great strategic significance for the organization’s future. “With the significant cost of the electronic health record transition, we needed to re-evaluate our two major construction projects,” said Riverwood Chief Executive Officer Ken Westman. […]

October is Depression and Mental Health Awareness Month

By Janet Larson, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner October is Depression and Mental Health Awareness Month. Depression and mental health are topics not discussed in our personal lives, with friends or in the workplace. The goal of this important month is to bring attention to these often deemed taboo topics, hopefully encourage conversation, and make […]

Riverwood welcomes another nurse practitioner

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Nurse Practitioner Abbey Baillif, who joins Riverwood’s family medicine staff in October. Baillif earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. She brings experience in family medicine, inpatient palliative care, elder care and urgent care. Baillif describes her approach to medical […]

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 […]

New COVID-19 booster vaccine available at Riverwood

Riverwood Healthcare Center is now offering the new COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine, Pfizer only, at its Aitkin clinic. The vaccine is given by nurse appointment ongoing on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To help meet the demand for COVID booster vaccinations, Riverwood has set up two special vaccine clinics: One at its […]

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, […]

Suicide prevention and awareness resources

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. The goal is to bring more awareness to the issues that surround suicide and break down barriers for people to seek support. Raising awareness about mental health needs and resources that are readily available is an everyday necessity for our community. With this in mind, Riverwood Healthcare […]

Stay safe from injuries this fall season

Riverwood staffers bike together weekly. Pictured are Wendy Franke, Angie Kjelstrom and Angie Kuppich.By Kelsey Guthmiller, trauma program manager at Riverwood Healthcare Center The leaves have begun to change and that means the start of school, hunting season, and yard cleanup in preparation for the winter months. Fall is a beautiful season up in lakes […]

Spine procedures help patient enjoy pain-free living

Linda Causton suffered from intense pain that took a toll on her enjoyment of life over a period of many years. She relates her positive experience of getting pain relief from the Neck, Back and Spine team at Riverwood’s specialty clinic in Aitkin. “Having a sore neck is a terrible experience, especially when you’ve been […]

Riverwood welcomes new OBGYN specialist

This fall, Obstetrician/Gynecologist Alisha Lindberg, M.D., joins Riverwood Healthcare Center’s specialty care medical staff in Aitkin. A Minnesota native from Scandia, Dr. Lindberg earned her medical degree at the University of Minnesota, where she completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of […]

Keep your kids safe during the school year

As students and parents prepare for the start of the school year, it’s a good idea to review health and safety issues. Before you zip up the backpack and wave goodbye to your children on the first day, here are some tips to ensure your children are healthy and ready to learn and stay safe. […]

Riverwood pharmacist’s research featured in national medical journal

Riverwood Pharmacist Haley Muehlbauer (formerly Noeldner) is the author of a research article on infectious disease and its treatment that was published in the June 2022 issue of “Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology.” For the completion of her pharmacy residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Muehlbauer coordinated a year-long research project that […]

Concussions virtual seminar

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. While typically not life-threatening, the effects of a concussion can be serious. To learn more, attend a […]

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 […]

Construction on hospital surgery expansion to begin

During the week of July 25-29, construction work will begin on Riverwood Healthcare Center’s hospital and clinic expansion for surgical services in Aitkin. Riverwood will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Tues, July 26, at 4 p.m. This event will be held on the northeast side of the parking lot in the Healing Garden. The program […]

Kids with Cancer Fund helps local family

Show your support for kids with cancer during Riverwood Foundation’s July 22, 2022 Golf Charity Event at Minnesota National Golf Course in McGregor, Minn. Kristy McDowall has been through the unthinkable not just once but twice. First her two-year-old son Trevor was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The next four years were filled with fear […]

Golf event to support kids with cancer

Riverwood Healthcare Center and Foundation invite the public to the annual Golf Charity Event presented by Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. Gather with family or friends for the 18-hole tournament on Friday, July 22, at the beautiful Minnesota National Golf Course in McGregor. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Zach Johnson Kids with Cancer Fund […]

Keep summer activities safe

Summer is finally here after a winter that seemed to last forever! Along with warmer weather comes many of us enjoying outdoor activities that carry some health risks. As you enjoy time outdoors, keep in mind these summer safety tips.  1. Use sunscreen. Our skin is the largest organ in the body and our first […]

New diagnostic tool speeds detection of prostate cancer

Riverwood Healthcare Center has a new tool for diagnosing prostate cancer. UroNav® combines the benefits of a MRI with ultrasound to create a detailed, 3D view of the prostate. By allowing physicians to see the prostate in this way, they can identify suspicious areas, and then target them for biopsy. This increases the likelihood of finding cancer if it’s present. “The […]

TIF Talk on GERD treatment features Dr. Loveitt

If you are suffering from chronic heartburn or acid reflux or have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and struggling to control your symptoms with dietary and lifestyle changes and medicine, help is available close to home. Attend a virtual live stream presentation by Dr. Andrew Loveitt on Tues., May 31, at 5:30 p.m. […]

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 […]

Learn how to spot a STROKE

Did you know that most strokes are preventable? A large percentage of the ones that happen are treatable with the right care, right away. It’s a matter of knowing what to do, taking action and spreading the word so that others may learn. The acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. can help you recognize stroke symptoms: B – Balance: Watch for […]

Be “skin aware” to reduce cancer risks

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, when interest in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment is high. Here’s a quick overview of the major types of skin cancer with links to photos of what they look like. “Screening for skin cancer is very important,” said Dr. Don Hughes, family physician at Riverwood Healthcare Center. “The […]

Mental Health Awareness: We are in this Together

May is Mental Health Awareness month and this year’s theme is “Together for Mental Health.”  The message of being together is an important message to convey regarding mental health. The impact of one person struggling with their mental health goes well beyond personal struggles.  Yet despite the impact mental health has on the individual and […]

Riverwood offers a way to honor mothers

At Riverwood Healthcare Birthing Center, our team of caregivers ensures every new baby and mother has the best experience possible, providing the tender, compassionate care they need. Technology plays a key role in the model of care, and today, we have the opportunity to expand our Riverwood Birthing Center resources with a new Panda Care […]

Limit added sugars in your diet

Riverwood Dietitians Megan Perpich and Melissa Simons have shared these tips on how to limit sugar in your diet. Many people consume more sugar than they realize. On average, adults consume 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day. Added sugar has zero nutritional value to our bodies. It adds extra calories that can lead to […]

Therapy helps Parkinson’s disease patients live WELL

Each year, 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a chronic neurological disease with progressive degenerative symptoms. Parkinson’s disease symptoms vary from person to person and can include tremors, slowness of movement and rigidity; difficulty with balance; and swallowing, chewing and speaking. Non-motor symptoms can include depression and mood disorders; sleep disorders; loss of smell; […]

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 […]

Riverwood welcomes new pharmacy manager

Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Kristina Sorenson as the new pharmacy manager for its pharmacy located in the Paulbeck’s County Market in Aitkin. Sorenson brings eight years of experience as a pharmacist. She most recently worked as a pharmacy manager at Walgreens in Brainerd. She earned her undergraduate and pharmacy degrees at Drake University in Des […]

Acid reflux can cause esophageal cancer

The month of April is dedicated to promoting Esophageal Cancer Awareness and education around the risk posed by persistent heartburn or acid reflux disease. An estimated one in every five American adults suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a chronic condition caused by changes in the lower esophageal valve that allows contents to […]