Black History Month honors the contributions, sacrifices, struggles, triumphs and heritage of African Americans who have helped shape our nation. Why February? February was chosen because Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass were born in February. President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to free slaves and Douglass, a former slave, was a leader in the abolitionist…
“It’s not just about losing weight, it’s about becoming more healthy and active. I feel so much healthier. I have so much energy. The weight loss is a bonus,” Suzi Quick says. An accountant at the Mankato Clinic, Suzi joined Enara Health, a new program at Mankato Clinic last March. Enara brings together a medical…
As a physical therapist, I tell my patients that motion is lotion or movement is medicine. Our bodies are made for movement and movement makes them feel better. To become more active daily, follow the mantra: “Move more, sit less.” Next, make a realistic plan to make exercise part of your weekly routine. A mix…
Concussions have made headlines this season. As a physician specializing in sports medicine, I treat many high school and college athletes, youth athletes and weekend warriors, recovering from concussions.
September 30, 2022 By: Julia Omtvedt, Au.D, CCC-A Julia Omtvedt, Au.D, CCC-A, is an audiologist at Mankato Clinic Hearing Care Center. Avoiding noise exposure is the best way to protect our hearing, but that’s not always realistic. Farmers are at a particularly increased risk for hearing loss due to exposure to loud equipment and machinery…
Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in women. However, early detection makes a difference. When found early, breast cancer is easiest to treat. So put these 5 things on your healthy woman checklist!
September 13, 2022 by Katie Swanson, PT, DPT Did you know September is falls prevention awareness month? According to the CDC, 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ fall each year. A fall is not only landing on the ground after losing balance, but also falling into a wall, a piece of furniture, or to a lower surface…
As a mom of three, I have learned to appreciate meals that can be ready in under 15 minutes and prepared with just one hand! This taco recipe is versatile, delicious and nutritious. Here’s why my family loves it: Chicken. Air fryer chicken thighs are extra juicy, plus I love the ease and promptness of the…
Cajun Shrimp & Veggies Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables is so incredibly easy but packed with tons of flavor and nutrition! Sheet pan meals are my go-to for quick and tasty meals without all the fuss. This one’s a favorite at our house. Bonus: It’s versatile so you can change it up with any of the…
July 19, 2022 Bukata Hayes trusts Dr. Caroline Baerg, his primary care physician at the Mankato Clinic Main Street location. Bukata Hayes takes on racial and health equity Bukata Hayes of Mankato knows the score. As a Black man, he has a lower life expectancy than white men. African Americans are at a higher risk…
The secret to happiness is letting every situation be what it is instead of what you think it should be. Author Unknown I love this quote because it reminds us to be present in the moment, without judgement of the experience. When we are feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, mindfulness helps us pause and connect…
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention More than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure! Limiting sun exposure is one of the best ways to help prevent skin cancer. Remember, there’s no such thing as a healthy tan. Tanning is how the body protects itself from the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays. Throw…
Shiitakes are a woodland mushroom often used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine. They’re delicious and popular: an estimated 10,000 tons are consumed per year. But did you know that eating an undercooked shiitake can cause dermatitis?
Dr. Peller Strongly encourages men to come in for routine check-ups to prevent basic health problems and to help men stay healthy.
Mowing the lawn and the smell of fresh-cut grass are signs of summer. They are also very common allergy triggers.
This is one of my favorite weekday go-to meals. This balanced recipe is easy to make, full of flavor and jam-packed with nutrients. It is also great reheated for leftovers. This Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai is a simple, yet healthier version of a classic take-out favorite. It can also easily be made vegan by…
As a physical therapist, my older adult patients consistently tell me that they can’t do a specific activity or exercise because they are “too old.” Our society tends to equate old age with being slow, fragile, and weak. This mindset needs to change in order for older adults to live the fulfilling life they want….
As a physical therapist, my older adult patients consistently tell me that they can’t do a specific activity or exercise because they are “too old.” Our society tends to equate old age with being slow, fragile, and weak. This mindset needs to change in order for older adults to live the fulfilling life they want….
Click here to read Thrives Magazine Mankato Clinic has partnered with Luxe Quarterlies to bring you Thrives Magazine, a local health and wellness magazine. Each issue includes health and wellness columns, healthy lifestyles, Thrivers, and good things happening in our community. In this issue, you’ll meet the Root family, get cooking in Erin’s Kitchen and find hope…
Stephanie Blume and her son Andy read “Dragons Love Tacos” together. Stephanie’s Storytimes: Stephanie has a playlist of storytime videos. Each viceo includes an activity to go along with the book. For “Dragons Love Tacos,” Stephanie shows families how to make simple sock puppets. What happens when you plan a taco party for dragons? Find out when…
March 31, 2022 (MANKATO) — Mankato Clinic is the top-performing medical group among 10 high-performing medical groups in the Minnesota Health Care Quality Report: Results for Care Delivered in 2020. Medical group performance is based on care measures that include preventive care and care for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and depression. For care delivered in…
Keegan, Alicia, Stephane and Sawyer became a family under the care of Mankato Clinic Fertility Services and Dr. Scott Barnacle, OB-GYN. Chicken nuggets and honey for Keegan, table food in tiny pieces for Sawyer, naptimes, pacifiers, car seats, a mini-van, diaper bag, colorful toys, sippy cups, sticky high chairs, sticky hands, hectic suppers with two working…
What is self-care? Self-care is what we do to promote health, well-being and prevent disease. Self-care also helps us cope with life’s everyday stressors. Examples of self-care are eating a healthy meal, going for a walk, drinking water, practicing good sleep hygiene, prayer, even taking a shower.Here are some ways to take care of yourself….
Snuggling up with your children to read a couple books before bedtime is a wonderful way to end the day and bond as you turn pages and enter silly worlds where pigeons want to drive the bus; trains, cars and animals talk; and mermaids are real!Children’s books make reading fun, but they also prepare babies…
What is mindful eating? Mindful eating is the practice of bringing awareness and a state of full attention to your experiences, cravings, and physical cues when eating, without judgment. The practice of mindful eating involves: Eating slowly and without distractionListening to physical hunger and fullness cuesDifferentiating between physical hunger and non-hunger triggers for eating (social…
Acne can be tough on teens and impact their confidence. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, research shows that acne can cause adolescents and teenagers to suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem, poor self-image, decreased quality of life and a feeling of being all alone. Some teens may stop doing things they love or participating…
March 8, 2014 Lisa Davidson, MDNeurology, Sleep CenterView Profile Almost everyone has had a headache at one time or another. Headache is one of the most common health ailments with over 45 million Americans currently suffering from chronic headache. Headache accounts for more than three million visits to the emergency room and 80 million doctors’…
March 22, 2014 Mark Taylor, MDObstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN), Primary CareView Profile Ovarian cancer has long been known as a silent killer because there are few symptoms that present themselves until the disease has reached an advanced stage when it is least curable. And, unlike breast cancer which uses mammograms, and cervical cancer which uses…
November 23, 2014 Alyssa Stitt, MDFamily Medicine, Primary CareView Profile One of the best gifts expectant parents can give their baby is the gift of a healthy pregnancy. Expectant mothers who regularly receive prenatal care have healthier babies and are less likely to experience serious pregnancy-related complications. Early, regular prenatal care is the single most…
January 29, 2015 Kathy Kurth, APRN, CNPInternal MedicineView Profile It’s a fact of life. Everyone breathes a little harder and heavier as they age, but in people with emphysema, the progression occurs much faster. In the United States, nearly four million people have emphysema and more than 100,000 people die from the disease each year….
March 5, 2015 Spending two hours with a Mankato Clinic certified car seat safety technician could save your child’s life. Knowing that three out of four child seats aren’t properly installed, the technician will be sharing her knowledge on Minnesota laws that require children under eight to be in a child safety seat. Thanks to…
March 13, 2015 Mankato Clinic Psychiatrist and CMO Dr. Julie Gerndt shared her wisdom and views on the mental health field during the March 6 edition of First Fridays at First Church. The monthly speaker series at First Presbyterian Church is a free event that presents compelling speakers who consider key issues from an ethical…
May 6, 2015 To thank organizations that are helping support its mission, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has approved $23,200 in grants to 10 deserving organizations within the area. Receiving grants for quarter two are: YWCA Mankato ($3,500), Feeding Our Communities Partners ($4,500), St. Peter Are Food Shelf ($3,500), Leisure Education for Exceptional People ($1,000), Minnesota…
June 15, 2015 Mankato Clinic has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. The Top Workplaces special section was published in the Star Tribune on Sunday, June 14. The report can also be found at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2015. Produced by the same team that compiles the 24-year-old Star Tribune 100…
August 10, 2015 The Minnesota Health Action Group (The Action Group) announced today that Mankato Clinic is among 437 Minnesota and border state clinics that were recently recognized for delivering optimal care and achieving optimal care measures or improving specific patient outcomes as part of the 2015 Minnesota Bridges to Excellence program and the Minnesota Quality Incentive Payment System,…
January 18, 2016 Since 2008, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has provided more than $1,279,550 in grants and scholarships to worthwhile organizations, programs and projects within the areas they serve. The mission of the Mankato Clinic Foundation is to encourage and support the health and well-being of the community through health initiatives that promote and improve…
March 18, 2016 In conjunction with the Memorial Library at Minnesota State University, Mankato, the Mankato Clinic will be showing “Fully Charged,” Tuesday, March 22. This inspirational documentary brings to life the elements of Tom Rath’s New York Bestselling book “Eat Move Sleep” and shows the audience how to take advantage of his research to…
April 23, 2016 Helen Owens feels like she regained control of her life thanks in part to a medical device she had implanted in 2015 by Mankato Clinic Colon and Rectal Surgeon Dr. David Orcutt. For much of her teaching career, and spanning nearly 15 years, Owens experienced a loss of bowel control, which she…
May 31, 2016 The sun is shining and the weather is warmer, leaving many of us in southern Minnesota shedding some layers and baring our skin. This is the perfect time for you to review proper skin-care etiquette for the summer ahead. Melanoma is widely known as the most serious type of skin cancer and…
June 27, 2016 Mankato Clinic has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune for the second consecutive year. The Top Workplaces special section was published in the Star Tribune on Sunday, June 26. The report can also be found at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2016. Produced by the same team that compiles…
July 25, 2016 by Mankato Clinic To thank organizations that are helping support its mission, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has approved $13,465 in grants to seven deserving organizations within the area. Receiving grants for quarter three are: St. Peter North Intermediate ($3,465), Twin Valley Council Boy Scouts of America ($1,000), Greater Mankato Young Life ($1,000), Arts Center…
October 24, 2016 by Mankato Clinic To thank organizations that are helping support its mission, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has approved $31,700 in grants to 11 deserving organizations within the area. Receiving grants for quarter four are: Mankato Family YMCA ($5,000), Miracle League of North Mankato ($5,000), Minnesota Brain Injury Force Inc. ($1,000), Leisure Education for Exceptional…
December 30, 2016 Since 2008, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has provided more than $1,340,515 in grants and scholarships to worthwhile organizations, programs and projects within the areas they serve. The mission of the Mankato Clinic Foundation is to encourage and support the health and well-being of the community through health initiatives that promote and improve community…
January 17, 2017 by Mankato Clinic The March 1 deadline is only a little more than a month away for area high school seniors to get their applications in for the $2,000 J. Scott Sanders M.D. Memorial Scholarship.
March 20, 2017 by Mankato Clinic The Mankato Clinic is among the highest performing medical group in Minnesota for Teen Mental Health Screening and Immunizations for Adolescents. The number of Minnesota teens receiving a mental health screening increased between 2015 and 2016. Likewise, the number of Minnesota adolescents receiving recommended immunizations also increased from the previous year….
June 5, 2017 Dr. Sanders’ wife, Barb, presents Benjamin Abbott with the 2017 J. Scott Sanders MD Memorial Scholarship award on May 12. Mankato West High School senior Benjamin Abbott was selected from 45 applicants as the 2017 J. Scott Sanders M.D. Memorial Scholarship winner. The Mankato Clinic Foundation awards the $2,000 scholarship annually in…
July 31, 2017 by Mankato Clinic To thank organizations that are helping support its mission, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has approved $15,004 in grants to eight deserving organizations within the area. Receiving grants for quarter three are: Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless ($3,750), House of Hope ($1,500), The Miracle League of North Mankato ($2,880),…
August 18, 2017 The Mankato Clinic is happy to announce the arrival of three new providers who joined the healthcare clinic in August. Abel Alfonso, DOEndocrinology Dr. Aflonso received his medical degree from Michigan State University – College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI. He completed his internal medicine residency at Brooke Army Medical Center,…
September 13, 2017 Calling all parents! Do you find yourself dealing with a child that refuses to eat foods that they previously devoured, or are simply eating less of the food than before? Have you become a short-order cook in the kitchen? If this sounds like a daily routine for your family, join us on…
November 22, 2017 Mankato Clinic is pleased to announce it has been named a 2017 Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey. The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have consistently achieved the 95th percentile or above of performance inemployee engagement. The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a nationally-recognized symbol of…
February 8, 2018 The March 5 deadline is fast approaching for area high school seniors to get their applications in for the $2,000 J. Scott Sanders M.D. Memorial Scholarship. In May 2006, the Mankato Clinic lost J. Scott Sanders, one of its most beloved physicians, pulmonologists and critical care specialists after a courageous battle with…
June 22, 2018 June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and National Berry Month. Vegetables and fruits are loaded with nutrients and fiber essential to your health. In fact, fruits and veggies should fill half of your plate. Click here for tips to perk up your meals with vegetables and fruits. Interested in eating fresh and…
July 10, 2018 The Northenscolds – Lindsey, Andrew and their son Will – welcomed Sullivan on Sept. 22, 2017. Lindsey and Andrew added to their family with help from Fertility Services. Lindsey and Andrew Northenscold, of Mankato, were trying to have a baby for about a year when Lindsey used the Mankato Clinic patient portal…
September 10, 2018 by Katie Keepers, MD Every expectant woman has one wish above all others — a healthy baby. Healthy pregnancies and healthy babies actually begin before conception. Before trying to get pregnant, schedule a check-up to ensure you are in good health. Your provider will discuss your medical conditions, health history and immunizations as well…
October 3, 2018 by Teresa Freitag A young woman who was working full time got pregnant. This wasn’t part of the plan. She was very concerned about the financial impact. Could she afford car seats, a stroller, diapers, baby gear and medical insurance for a child? She turned to First Steps, a community collaborative that connects new…
October 9, 2018 Mike Smith, J. Scott Sanders Center for Sleep Medicine patient Mike Smith hadn’t slept more than four to five hours a night for close to a decade. By day, he loaded up on Monster Energy drinks. Today he sleeps six to seven hours a night, sometimes eight, and drinks no caffeine. “Just…
October 22, 2018 Sue Olson, married to Mankato Clinic Psychiatrist Bob Olson, MD, is thriving in new and wonderful ways as a breast cancer survivor. Sue Olson’s garden has brought peace and passion to her breast cancer journey. This article was originally published in Home Magazine Breast Cancer Fact Book, October 2018. When Sue Olson…
November 5, 2018 Kelli and Val Bembenek Val Bembenek is manager of the Mankato Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. She is secretary of Angels of Breast Cancer founded by Mitzi Roberts of Dance Express. Her daughter Kelli danced at Dance Express from age 3 through her senior year. When my daughter Kelli told me she…
November 26, 2018 by Amy Deehr, DO Dr. Amy Deehr (right) and her husband David Coleman took this photo last Christmas. When Dr. Deehr was young she hid from photo opportunities. Holidays were pretty traditional for me growing up on the Oregon coast. On Christmas Eve, we got together with family and went to the candlelight church…
December 24, 2018 Start Walking. Walking a few times a week is a great place to begin. Malls and community centers are excellent indoor options. Walking can help you lower your risk for heart disease, gain muscle strength and balance, maintain bone health, increase energy and reduce the risk of falls.Play outside. Play in the snow, go…
January 3, 2019 by Ben Dexter, MD Did you know playing is your children’s job? Your child discovers the people and world around them by playing. As silly as it seems, babies learn from peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, tummy time and when you imitate their sounds. Then they move on to hide-and-seek, baby dolls, trucks, shape sorters, blocks, make…
January 30, 2019 Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are two phases: latent infection and active disease. Active TB disease most often affects the lungs, but can involve any part of the body. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, TB is transmitted through the air; extended close contact with someone…
February 11, 2019 Dayne Herber Dayne Herber of Good Thunder has diabetes and takes several medications to keep his blood sugar in check. With the help of a new service called Medication Therapy Management at Mankato Clinic, he simplified his life and improved his health. Nathan Evers, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist at Mankato Clinic….
March 20, 2019 by Kara Sullivan, MD Dr. Kara Sullivan sees children experiencing digestive issues at Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center. When your little one is born, you spend the first days of life making sure she is eating, sleeping and pooping! You breathe a sigh of relief when you get through potty training and accidents. Sometimes…
April 8, 2019 When Becca Kittelson leads her spin class, she reminds her spinners to wear sunscreen year-round between shout-outs to “go for speed” and “finish strong.” For this certified personal trainer, proactive skin care is an important part of her health routine. In early 2017, she scheduled her first appointment at Mankato Clinic Dermatology to get her skin…
April 19, 2019 Darlene Anderson enjoys visiting with her family. Here are four generations: Cindi Baker, Madelyn Petersen, Darlene Anderson and Chandra Petersen. For Darlene Anderson and her daughter Cindi Baker, their Mankato Clinic care team led by Lora Magers, PA-C, has provided continuous care to Darlene and support to Cindi during a year filled…
May 13, 2019 The sun is shining and the weather is warmer, leaving many of us in southern Minnesota shedding some layers and baring our skin. But, when you do that, remember that May is Melanoma month and the perfect time for you to review proper skin-care etiquette for the summer ahead. Melanoma is widely…
May 31, 2019 Photo by Erik Scheel from Pexels June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and National Berry Month. Vegetables and fruits are loaded with nutrients and fiber essential to your health. In fact, fruits and veggies should fill half of your plate. Click here for tips to perk up your meals with vegetables and fruits. Interested in…
June 28, 2019 When the temps rise into the 90s and the heat index goes higher, it’s important to take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke and exhaustion can occur when our bodies cannot properly cool themselves. Our body cools itself by sweating. In extreme heat, sweating may not be enough. And when humidity…
July 23, 2019 North Mankato Family Medicine providers are just one group of primary care providers at Mankato Clinic. Deb Schilling, PA-C; J. Andrew Miller, MD; Sagan Dobie, PA-C; Daniel Anderson, MD; Leah Briet, MD; and Amy Jo Sorensen, DO, are welcoming new patients. A primary care provider (PCP) is your main provider who will…
September 13, 2019 by Joni Stadtherr, MSW, LICSW\ We live in a competitive world. Today’s women strive to be the perfect woman, daughter, wife or mother, make a difference in their careers, volunteer, run marathons, and look good doing it all! Competition can be healthy when it facilitates growth and we support one another to become better….
October 8, 2019 by Tara Denke, MD Dr. Tara Denke cares for women in all of life’s stages. It can be tempting to skip your annual exam, but your annual well woman visit is worth making time for. Here’s why. Women are complex and so is our reproductive system. An annual visit with an OB/GYN or your…
October 21, 2019 Jay Zielske is cancer free after surviving stage 4 melanoma. A Pioneer Seeds field agronomist, he is also an avid biker who takes spin classes at Fitness for $10 in Mankato. Jay Zielske of North Mankato is celebrating five years of surviving cancer after battling stage 4 melanoma, the most deadly skin…
October 28, 2019 Exercise is one way Jim Hansen manages diabetes. He lifts light weights three days a week and walks daily inlduing one hour on a treadmill, five days a week. Jim Hansen of Elysian was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about seven years ago. He balances healthy eating with regular exercise to help…
November 14, 2019 by Gary Goldberg, MD Dr. Gary Goldberg, Urology November, also known as Movember, is Men’s Health Awareness Month. Across the globe, men grow a “Mo for a Bro” or do “No-Shave November” to raise awareness for prostate cancer and men’s health. Men need a Movember to remind them to be screened for prostate cancer. …
December 3, 2019 by Kristin Lingen, PT, DPT Kristin Lingen, PT, DPT, and Jessica Lawrence, PT, DPT, treat pelvic pain. Pelvic pain among women is common and it often goes undiagnosed. According to the National Institutes of Health, one study showed about 15 percent of women of childbearing age in the U.S. reported having pelvic pain that…
January 13, 2020 by Claire Patterson, RN Dr. Andrew Lundquist, chief medical officer of Mankato Clinic, uses a standing workstation. When in the office, he prefers to stand while working at his computer. In today’s world, we spend hours sitting in our offices, homes and cars. In fact, the average person sits 12 hours a day according…
February 5, 2020 Dr. Katie Keepers, Brian Keepers and Henry welcomed Jasper into the world on September 28, 2019. Being medically trained as an obstetrician and gynecologist is no match for motherly instinct, emotions and physical changes that come with pregnancy and childbirth. Take it from Dr. Katie Keepers, OB/GYN, at Mankato Clinic. “I still…
February 17, 2020 by Scott Barnacle, MD Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, night sweats, mood swings, irregular or heavy periods. It’s all part of the menopause transition known as perimenopause. Blame it on the lack of hormones! Perimenopause begins four years before a woman’s last period when the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen. Menopause is complete when…
March 25, 2020 Many people who get COVID-19 will experience mild or moderate illness and can recover at home without a clinic visit or hospitalization says the Minnesota Department of Health. The virus does pose a a higher risk for severe illness for older adults and those with certain underlying health conditions. If you think…
March 27, 2020 Click here to see their chat. Dr. Amy Deehr and Jessica Blais of Mankato Moms Blog sat down for a virtual chat on Stay Home Minnesota. Together, we will get through this.
April 16, 2020 by Crystal Dubbelde, MSW, LICSW Crystal Dubbelde, MSW, LICSW Watch Crystal’s video message here. Crystal Dubbelde, clinical social worker, at Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center, shares her advice for parents and families as we adjust to a different normal. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives. Just like you, our children’s lives are different…
May 8, 2020 by SriniVasan Ramanuja, MD Dr. Vasan Ramanuja, Allergist Spring in Minnesota also means allergy season! Seasonal allergies develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, usually pollens and mold in the spring, summer and fall. The body makes chemicals called histamines which cause typical allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny or stuffy…
May 22, 2020 by Erin Gonzalez, MS, RD, LD Erin Gonzalez, registered dietitian at Mankato Clinic, says “Kids are always hungry when you’re making dinner. Put out raw veggies and hummus for them. Let them munch on something nutritious while they wait.” You’ve made a lot of meals and snacks in the last couple months! But how’s…
June 8, 2020 by Colin Weerts, DO Be healthy for you and your family. Did you know that men die an average of 5 years younger than women? The top two leading causes of death for men are heart disease and cancer. You can change these statistics by taking control of your health. When’s the last time…
June 12, 2020 In light of the current sad and striking events in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota and our nation, it has become apparent that we as a Clinic must purposefully face the discrimination, hate, and bias experienced by our neighbors. While we have previously made equity and inclusion part of our strategic plan, we…
July 9, 2020 by Amy Deehr, DO Dr. Amy Deehr, pediatrician According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine vaccinations fell during the first half of this year as Americans skipped routine doctor visits due to the pandemic. Lower vaccination rates leave children and communities vulnerable to preventable diseases such as the measles, mumps, chicken…
July 23, 2020 by Katie Smentek, MD Wearing a mask properly is a new skill for children to learn. Helping kids learn to wear a mask is like a lot of other things we teach our kids such as brushing their teeth, sitting in a car seat and washing their hands. While many children will not have trouble…
September 14, 2020 by Thomas Finn, DO Did you know physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health? In addition to increasing strength, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness, an active lifestyle boosts your energy and endurance, increases your chances of living longer, reduces depression and anxiety, boosts cognition, and improves sleep. Women…
October 6, 2020 by Thomas Finn, DO After being sick, we all want to get back in the game. For adults, it may be running a few miles, lifting weights or fitness classes. For our kids, it’s youth and high school sports and dance. Before you get back in the game, medical experts recommend taking some extra…
November 3, 2020 Many of us are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Approximately 88 million American adults, more than 1 in 3, have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the vast majority of people with prediabetes – 8 in 10 – don’t know they have it. Prediabetes…
January 12, 2021 Get physically active. Shorter days and cold weather make us want to dive into our coach with a cozy blanket. Get moving instead. Moderate physical activity, such as walking, can boost your mood and energy. Here’s why. Your body releases endorphins which can bring you a sense of well-being. Regular exercise, 30 minutes…
February 9, 2021 With happy feet, Beckie Swanson, member experience manager at Fitness for $10 Mankato, is a fitness instructor who teaches ZUMBA, Spin and Les Mills classes. This photo was taken prior to the pandemic. Our feet take us where we want to go. Beckie Swanson learned how true this is when foot pain…
March 3, 2021 by Kara Sullivan, MD If Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. album cover takes you back to high school, it’s time to be screened for colon cancer. Besides skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Statistics also…
March 31, 2021 by Amy Jo Sorensen, DO Amy Jo Sorensen, DO, North Mankato Family Medicine Did you cancel your annual check-up in 2020? You’re not alone. And we understand. Your healthcare provider will be happy to see you no matter how long it’s been! You can rest assured that medical clinics have extra precautions in place…
April 27, 2021 Roger Albrecht works on his walking in a gait trainer with his physical therapists, McKenzie Vermeire, PT, DPT, at Mankato Clinc Pediatric Therapy Services. When Roger Albrecht, 3, comes to Mankato Clinic Pediatric Therapy Services twice a week, he has big smiles for the staff. His speech language pathologist sits on a…
May 10, 2021 Sara Palmer, CMA, Mankato Clinic, Mental Health First Aider Aaron Hoy, Ph.D., assistant professor, MSU-Mankato, Mental Health First Aider Mary Beth Trembley, RN, Mankato Clinic, Mental Health First Aid instructor Sara Palmer received a call from daughter who was away at college. Her daughter was depressed and in the midst of a…
May 14, 2021 Jeff Ford, Ph.D., is a mathematics professor who felt the effects of COVID-19 long after the virus left his body. When Jeff Ford of Saint Peter got COVID-19 in October 2020, he didn’t expect symptoms to linger for 6 months and counting. Headaches and fatigue have kept him company for months. That’s…
June 14, 2021 by Richard Peller, MD Dr. Rich Peller, Mankato Clinic Family Medicine When younger men come to see me, it’s usually one of three things. Their brother or father was diagnosed with a medical condition. A male friend or family member has died. Or their wife made the appointment. Men don’t like going to the…
July 8, 2021 by Erin Gonzalez, MS, RD, LD Salmon is one of our favorite go-to dinners for busy weeknight suppers! A friend of mine, who grew up in Alaska and whose family are salmon fishers, gave me the best tip for cooking salmon. Just add steak seasoning! We have never looked backed or searched for another…