Clinical care – Here for Life

Teen pregnancy and mental health

March 29, 2023

For many, pregnancy is usually a time of emotional well-being. For those who are teens, pregnancy can impact their mental health in drastic ways that differ from older pregnancy experiences. It is estimated 20% of pregnant people suffer from mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy. However, researchers found that teens ranging from 15 to 19 years old experienced postpartum depression at a rate that was twice as high as people aged 25 and older. As a teen or parent of a teen, understanding some of the emotional stages that pregnant teens go through is important. Understanding and offering support can significantly alleviate stress experienced throughout the pregnancy. (more…)

2-year-old suffers partial ear amputation; re-attachment success helped by hyperbaric oxygen treatments

March 14, 2023

From frostbite injury to pediatric trauma – hyperbaric oxygen (re)generates results

On November 2, 2022, 2-year-old Kenzie Riemenschneider was attacked by her family’s 10-month-old puppy and suffered multiple head and facial lacerations. Her right ear was also partially amputated from the attack.

“At first, we thought it was just her lip that was sliced wide open and would need stitches,” explained Kenzie’s mom, Jaisa Riemenschneider. “Once the paramedics arrived, they took over caring for Kenzie and immediately started to wrap her head, which confused me. They said she was missing part of her ear.” (more…)

The Hennepin Assault Response Team recognizes 45 years of helping sexual assault victims heal

November 14, 2022

Sexual violence has a profound effect on a person’s physical and psychosocial health throughout their lifespan. According to the CDC, over 50% of women and a third of men experience sexual violence in their lifetime. In the immediate aftermath of sexual assault, a holistic response by medical professionals has the potential to have a positive impact on healing. It is during this incredibly vulnerable and traumatic time that the Hennepin Assault Response Team (HART) program steps in to create a safe space for patients. (more…)

Virtual reality comes to Hennepin

November 10, 2022

Virtual reality has been a new buzz phrase the past few years and has started to be seen within healthcare.

Virtual reality technology has provided a new option for rehabilitation within occupational therapy and is an exciting modality for treating cognition, coordination, oculomotor skills, reaction time, eye hand coordination, peripheral awareness, depth perception and visual memory. Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on life skills and utilizes a variety of treatment interventions to achieve functional goals. (more…)

Sleep cycles and what is going on inside while you’re snoozing!

October 19, 2022

This time of year, when we lose daytime light to dark of night, many people find challenges with sleep. Sleep plays an important role in good health and well-being throughout your life. The way you feel while you are awake depends in part on what happens while you are sleeping. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. (more…)

Help your child cope with pokes!

September 30, 2022

With the new school year and flu season soon to arrive, caregivers are looking for ways to support their children for positive immunization experiences. As child life specialists, it is our job to help children and families cope with scary, painful and potentially traumatic experiences—especially at the hospital or clinic.

There are many ways that families can partner with the medical team to assist with anxiety about pokes. (more…)

The Great Slimdown program meets patients where they’re at through a supportive, patient-centered approach

July 26, 2022

With summer comes the impulse to get out and enjoy the sun and move our bodies more—swimming, running, biking, hiking. For some people, excess weight may affect their ability to enjoy these activities or their comfort with completing everyday tasks. Hennepin Healthcare’s The Great Slim-Down team meets these patients where they are, with an approach that treats obesity through nutrition, behavior adjustments, physical activity, and medication therapy. (more…)