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Physician and Coach: Dr. Tim Arnold’s Journey of Running and Mentorship
For Dr. Tim Arnold, a family physician at McGregor Clinic and chief medical information officer at Riverwood Healthcare Center, running is more than a way to stay in shape—it’s a lifelong passion that has shaped his approach to wellness and life. Dr. Arnold’s journey as a runner began in high school, where he participated in […]
Meet Dr. Horowitz: Adventurer, Outdoorsman, and Interventional Spine Physican
Dr. Joshua Horowitz, an Interventional Spine physician at Riverwood Healthcare Center, followed a unique journey into medicine. Before entering medical school in his 30s, he had already earned his pilot’s license at 19, flying both helicopters and airplanes, worked as a flight instructor, built homes, and served as a crew member on a commercial halibut […]
From Injury to Triumph: A Grand Canyon R3 Adventure
When Jonas Kyllonen—a physical therapist at Riverwood—his wife Emily and their friends Hilary and Joel decided to take on the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim ultramarathon, they had no idea just how transformative the journey would be. What began as a bucket list goal became a test of endurance, resilience, and camaraderie. It all started when they […]
A Passion for Coaching, Shaping Lives Both On and Off the Court
For Wade Zubke, Riverwood Business Informatics Manager, coaching volleyball was never part of the plan. But life has a funny way of redirecting our paths. Since 2016, Wade has balanced his career with his passion for coaching young athletes. It all started when his daughter, Brooke, expressed interest in joining her school’s 6th-grade volleyball team. […]
Local physician takes on ultramarathon
Dan Lonergan, MD, a dedicated anesthesiologist in Riverwood’s Neck, Back, and Spine clinic, has taken on an extraordinary personal challenge that few would dare attempt. He has transitioned from a self-described non-runner to completing a grueling 100-mile ultramarathon. His journey is a testament to grit, determination, and the power of a wellness mindset. Just a […]
Riverwood surgeon finds wellness benefits on the water
When she is not caring for patients, Dr. Susan Moen, orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, enjoys rowing workouts with the Daisy Crew of the Brainerd Lakes Rowing Club. The Daisy Crew, a group of women from diverse backgrounds, comes together for an hour of rowing in a long, narrow […]
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 2017 flu clinics open
Influenza or “flu” is a serious contagious disease that kills thousands every year and is the most frequent cause of death from a vaccine preventable disease in the United States. Minnesota influenza outbreaks typically occur between December through April. Antibodies develop about two weeks after getting the vaccine, but drops in the elderly and those […]
Health and Wellness Fair coming
By Sarah Libbon, Voyageur Press of McGregor Five local organizations are joining together to host a first-of-its-kind Health & Wellness Fair in McGregor on Wed., Sept. 27, 3-6 p.m., at the McGregor Community Center. Riverwood Healthcare Center, ANGELS of McGregor, McGregor Community Education, McGregor Lions, and Aitkin County Public Health are sponsors of the free […]
KIDS’ PHYSICAL HEALTH: Help Kids Make Smart Food Choices
This is the fifth article in a 6-part series on Kids’ Health Tips from Dr. Erik Bostrom, family physician at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. As a parent, you are in a powerful and unique position to decide how your child eats every day. You also have the power to role model healthy behavior and attitudes […]
KIDS’ PHYSICAL HEALTH: Encourage Kids to Keep Moving
This is the fourth article in a 6-part series on Kids’ Health Tips from Dr. Erik Bostrom, family physician at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. For most kids, playing and being physically active comes naturally. Exercise tends to become more structured as kids age with gym class, dance lessons, or soccer practice. Unfortunately, kids are sitting […]
KIDS’ SKIN HEALTH: Stay alert for tick & bug bites
This is the third article in a 6-part series on Kids’ Health Tips from Dr. Erik Bostrom, family physician at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. Most tick bites are harmless and don’t need medical treatment. But some ticks (deer tick, wood tick and others) can carry harmful germs that cause diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever […]
Learn how to spot a STROKE
Dr. Joselito Burgos, internal medicine physician and chief of medical staff for Riverwood Healthcare Center, was interviewed on KKIN Radio about stroke awareness on May 24. Here are key points that he shared. A stroke is an emergency. You need to act F.A.S.T. Facial drooping? Arm weakness? Slurred speech? Time to call 9-1-1. Strokes are […]
KBJR 6 TV puts spotlight on Farm2Riverwood program
KBJR 6 TV (Duluth) aired a story on the new Farm2Riverwoodprogram at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin on the 6 PM newscast on April 27. Riverwood food service manager Lou Ann Carlson was interviewed along with Jodi Olson, local farmer who provided chicken from Ole’s Acres, about this unique partnership offering healthy, local food to […]
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: […]
More flu clinics to be held
Riverwood Healthcare Center is offering additional flu clinics for the public by appointment at all three of its clinics on the dates and times listed here. Aitkin clinic: Nov. 11 and 23, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Garrison clinic: Nov. 15, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. McGregor clinic: Nov. 8, 16 and 23, 8:30 a.m. […]
Riverwood serves farm fresh meal
Smells of roasting turkey tempted the taste buds of many employees at Riverwood Healthcare Center on Oct. 27. The second in a series of monthly meals in the Farm2Riverwood program for patients, and employees and visitors who dine in the hospital cafeteria, featured a menu of locally grown and produced fresh food. Turkeys came from […]
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 […]
Farm2Riverwood kicks off September 15
As part of its ongoing commitment to wellness programming for improving health, Riverwood Healthcare Center will begin participating in the Farm2Riverwood program in September. On Sept. 15, Riverwood Food Service staff will serve a special Farm Fresh meal, fajitas (with chicken from Willowsedge Farm) on a whole grain tortilla and Honey Crisp apples (from Gilby’s […]
Learn how to prevent diabetes
Did you know that family history, sedentary lifestyle or questionable meal planning can all put you at risk for diabetes? If your healthcare provider has expressed concern about weight gain or an increase in your blood glucose (sugar) level, that’s another sign that you may be heading toward a diabetes diagnosis. The good news is […]
Mindfulness training available in Aitkin
Are the stresses of the day causing endless worry or feelings of confusion and powerlessness? Curious about learning new tools for relaxing and coping in this unpredictable world? A 4-week Mindfulness training, “Stabilizing the Mind”, can help restore peace of mind. It will be offered by Riverwood Healthcare Center on Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m., […]
Learn how to prevent diabetes
For those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or who are at risk for developing the disease, learning and adopting healthy behaviors can help prevent diabetes. Riverwood 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 […]
Wellness: Take the diabetes risk test
It only takes a minute to find out if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Today is American Diabetes Association Alert Day today. We encourage you to take the quick online type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. You’ll be asked to answer simple questions about your weight, age, family history, […]
Solutions for heavy menstrual bleeding
Dr. Christina Kramer, obstetrician and gynecologist practicing at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, offers an overview of the testing and treatment that can help women who are experiencing heavy bleeding during menstrual periods. See a summary of the tips she offered via our Jan. 20, 2016 teleconference. For an […]
Wellness: Show your HEART some love
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is that heart disease can often be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices. During National Heart Health Month in February, take stock of your heart health. […]
Find out what mindfulness can do for you
Riverwood Healthcare will offer a 4-week mindfulness training class called “Stabilizing the Mind” in Aitkin. Julie Anne Larkin, mindfulness coach, will introduce participants to simple ways to integrate mindfulness practices into daily life, including yoga, meditation and breathing exercises. “Mindfulness training teaches simple, accessible breathing, meditation and yoga practices to bring our awareness into the […]
Learn how to prevent diabetes
For those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or who are at risk for developing the disease, learning and adopting healthy behaviors can help prevent diabetes. Riverwood 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 […]
Wellness: Lung Cancer Awareness
Did you know that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month? Learn to know the signs and symptoms, risk factors and how to protect your lungs. Click on links below or for more information go to American Lung Association at www.lung.org Symptoms: Many people with lung cancer don’t have symptoms until the disease is in its […]

