Here for Life

Communication and swallowing disorders common following stroke, other illnesses and injuries in adults

May 23, 2023

With speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders common following stroke, head and neck cancer, traumatic brain injury (TBI), COVID-19, and a variety of other illnesses and injuries, speech-language pathologists in the Speech-Language Pathology Department at Hennepin Healthcare encourage colleagues to learn the signs—and seek an evaluation—if they have concerns about themselves, a loved one, or a patient served.

“A person’s ability to communicate effectively is something that is easy to take for granted until it is compromised,” says Adam Terrell, Speech Pathologist in the Traumatic Outpatient Brain Injury Program. “Communication enables us to connect with others. It is needed to learn, to earn a living, and to fulfill our basic wants and needs. Given this, it is critical people know the signs of communication disorders, and the availability of help from certified speech-language pathologists. (more…)

A conversation on healthy relationships with your teen

May 18, 2023

It might be more common that we sit down with our teens when we see an unhealthy relationship they have, whether with a sibling, friend, or romantic partner. This doesn’t have to be the case. A discussion on healthy relationships can be had without strife. Think about how your child views themselves – are they overly critical? Can they self-regulate their emotions? Are they open to others sharing their space and expressing emotion? How do they treat themselves in good and bad times?

Having healthy relationships is not just about romantic attachments. Children first learn how to have healthy relationships through those they have with family and friends. Additionally, a large part of having good relationships with others comes from having a healthy relationship with themselves. These are aspects of healthy relationships that are important for all relationships. (more…)

National Adolescent Health Month themes highlight ways to support youth

May 18, 2023

Each May, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs (OPA) hosts the National Adolescent Health Month™ (NAHM). This annual observance has emphasized the importance of building on young people’s strengths and potential, encouraging meaningful youth engagement in adolescent health activities, and highlighting key topics in adolescent health.

Adolescent health encompasses changing transitions within multiple physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and intellectual domains. The fast-paced development of these different domains can lead to phenomenal growth during this period. This growth can also occur at different rates, putting adolescents at a higher risk for risk-taking behaviors and emerging mental health issues. It is important to understand adolescent development, environmental influences, and the risk and protective factors that can affect adolescent health so that organizations and individuals who work with youth can support the health and healthy development of all adolescents. (more…)

What? Signs of hearing loss in adults and children

May 15, 2023

Left unaddressed, hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health, physical safety, and quality of life. It can lead to a higher risk of social isolation, depression, falls and other injuries, and cognitive decline and dementia. (more…)

Derek Williams – a top notch volunteer with ambition

May 10, 2023

Derek Williams, born and raised in Minnesota, began volunteering at Maple Grove Hospital at age 14 and developed an interest in medicine. Racing drones in his spare time, Derek, now 18, is finishing his freshman year at the University of Minnesota. Determined to go to medical school, he is studying neuroscience.

Desiring a more involved and exciting volunteer opportunity, he found an opening for a STAB Room Recorder at Hennepin Healthcare. The STAB room in the HCMC emergency department is where severely injured or sick patients are brought in. Medical teams are waiting for them, already notified by the ambulances or helicopters that are bringing them in. The STAB room is high energy, but not chaotic. Everyone has one job, and they do it. Multiple cases are frequently handled at once. Exploring the HCMC website, he was determined to be a part of this fascinating hospital. (more…)

Speech and language disorders common in children, but families often don’t know the early signs

April 30, 2023

As the nation recognizes Better Hearing and Speech Month this May, pediatric based speech-language pathologists at Hennepin Healthcare encourage families and colleagues to learn the signs of communication and feeding disorders. The Hennepin Healthcare Speech-Language Pathology Clinic is located in the Clinic & Specialty Center.

Eleven percent of children 3–6 years of age experience a voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorder. Yet, many families do not know the early signs to look for—a factor that can result in delayed care. Unaddressed, speech and language disorders can affect a child’s success academically and socially. (more…)

Windows open opportunities for falls

April 20, 2023

After an excruciatingly long winter, Minnesotans are anxious to embrace spring weather. The warm temperatures have many turning off the heat and opening windows to let in the fresh air. Unfortunately, these open windows also open the opportunity for a child to fall out of a window and experience serious – and sometimes fatal – injuries.

To keep this season positive, pediatric specialists at Hennepin Healthcare want to remind families of the importance of window safety so curious kids are safe when they’re enjoying the great weather, too. Children from cruising age through three years are at the highest risk, though Hennepin Healthcare has treated kids as old as 17 with injuries related to window falls. (more…)

How Clinical Associates fill a critical staffing need while they build their healthcare careers

April 20, 20231

During the pandemic, Chanel Bloodsaw cared for her child and family as a stay-at-home mother. As she watched doctors and nurses on the front line of a crisis, she felt a pull she’d had for years—to work in healthcare. It was a dream she’d had since college when she earned her associate degree as a pre-physician’s assistant.

“It was always a love of mine to do, but I never had the opportunity to do it,” she said. “I wanted to be a doctor but thought, that’s beyond me.”

(more…)

Welcome to Here for Life