Patients – 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…)

American Heart Month highlights an employee patient story tearing at your heartstrings

February 21, 2023

We usually celebrate February’s American Heart Month promoting heart disease prevention, healthy habits, and education. Taking care of your heart health is a lifestyle we can all embrace. But some people aren’t so lucky.

Megan Ireland is a nurse on 5 Medicine at Hennepin Healthcare. She loves where she works, and the diverse population she cares for. She is currently on a medical leave and missing her co-workers terribly. (more…)

Frostbite sidelines patient visiting from New York

January 17, 2023

On the one-year anniversary of his first visit to Minneapolis, Minnesota, David Rice reflects back on the eventful and memorable trip.

Back on January 8, 2022, the 35-year-old accountant – a native of New Zealand now based in Brooklyn, NY – and a few friends paid a visit to Minnesota for the weekend to enjoy ice fishing on one of our beautiful lakes, a Minnesota Wild hockey game, and a Minnesota Vikings football game. Unfortunately, David was sidelined at the football game on January 9 by injuries he sustained the night before. That’s when he spent time outside in brutally cold conditions without gloves and it didn’t take long for frostbite to set in. (more…)

The longest living HCMC kidney transplant patient – DuWayne’s story

January 16, 20232

DuWayne Virnig of Little Falls, MN, formerly of Coon Rapids, is Hennepin Healthcare’s longest living kidney transplant patient, at the age of 82. Thanks to a donor kidney when DuWayne was 37 years old, he has led a long and prosperous life with a loving family and much to be thankful for.

DuWayne began dialysis in 1978 at the age of 37 and, within 6 weeks, had surgery to receive a donor kidney. He and his wife, Lottie, had two small children, Jon and Lora, and were living a good life in Coon Rapids, MN. His daughter, Lora, tells his story. (more…)

A day to carry with me forever

December 15, 20226

I’m watching my hospice patient die, in his bed. Above him on the wall hangs his wedding photo; in his hand are sacred images and a rosary wrapped tightly. I bet on his wedding day, he never thought that many years later lung disease would claim his life. Not for one moment did he think he’d be here – dying much earlier than the long life he planned to live – with his wife at his bedside, broken and keeping vigil. My heart is heavy as it observes the beginning and end of their journey together.

As the nurse appointed to manage his pain, I am privy to the all-too-intimate moments of life at its end. All that is left in this room is love. I’m wrapped up in it, pulled and compelled by it. It’s in all the details: the many, many family members here, how gently and lovingly they talk to and touch their loved one, the music – the patient’s favorite, of course – and even how family members adjust his clothing and position to make sure he is comfortable. (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…)

Top ten reasons to vaccinate your child against COVID

May 31, 2022

(Updated June 24, 2022)

Have you vaccinated your children against COVID? Vaccines are available for all kids ages six months and older. Here are ten reasons to vaccinate your child today! (more…)

Gen Z speak: Slang and language through emojis and tech

April 11, 2022

No matter your age, there is a word or words to describe “cool.” Slang words for “cool” often define one generation to the next. In fact, the word “cool” itself has been used by many generations. Depending on your generation, you may remember using words and phrases with your friends, such as “swag,” “gag me with a spoon,” and “tight,” expressions that your parents and other adults did not understand without additional context. (more…)