Uncategorized – Here for Life

Viruses do what they do. That’s why we need to be ready.

February 8, 2021

“Mutating viruses” sounds like a punk-rock band from the 1980s or the subject of a sci-fi movie. But it describes the very nature of viruses, also known as obligate intracellular parasites (which really does sound like an alien life form).

Viruses don’t thrive when they stay the same, so they will change to improve their chances for survival within their cellular host. This occurs with Influenza and that’s why we need new flu vaccines every year to cover new strains, and it’s why not surprisingly, we’re now seeing variants (mutated or new strains) of the COVID-19 virus popping up around the globe. (more…)

Moving beyond opioids to complementary and integrative services for chronic pain care

January 28, 2021

In 2018, two million people in the US suffered from an opioid use disorder and more than 130 people died every day from opioid-related drug overdoses. This remains an ongoing problem and as a result, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a plan to combat the opioid crisis. This plan focuses on prioritizing the advancement of better practices for pain management and improving access to these therapies and services. (more…)

New faces in Hennepin EMS

January 28, 2021

Because of a shortage of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics on a state and national level, Hennepin EMS has had to get creative to recruit. The new Hennepin EMS Paramedic Training Program has recruited 24 EMTs (the path to becoming a paramedic starts as an EMT), which started in mid-December, to embark on the rigorous seven month training program. (more…)

Speech therapists (speech-language pathologists) on the front lines

January 18, 2021

Front line workers are overwhelmed treating our COVID afflicted patients. But it’s not just doctors and nurses that are on the front line. Assistants, environmental services and many other specialists are busy treating these patients. Transportation is moving them from one area to the next. And speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are also right there in the thick of things. (more…)

Injury Free Prevention Day is November 18

November 11, 2020

Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability to U.S. children from 1 to 18 years old. Every day, 20 children die from preventable injuries, resulting in more deaths than all other diseases combined. Hennepin Healthcare is one of 40 Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centers in the nation that comprise the Injury Free Coalition for Kids® (IFCK). IFCK is among the country’s most effective injury prevention programs. The hospital-based, community-oriented injury prevention efforts are anchored in research, education, and advocacy. Each site has independent, physician-led programs driven by the coalition’s mission: preventing injury to children. Coalition members work to empower the diverse populations who live there, and then address the injuries most prevalent in their areas. (more…)

Creativity is a must to keep Halloween fun (and safe) for kids this year

October 22, 2020

Will COVID be the scariest thing this Halloween? While kids are focused on the costumes, candy and pumpkin carving, parents have the worry and threat of coronavirus to contend with, especially with the rise of cases in the state. As with birthdays and Fourth of July, our creativity will be put to the test again this year to make Halloween 2020 a fun and safe celebration.

This does not mean canceling Halloween. As parents, we can set the tone and example for our children by focusing on the fun but new ways we can celebrate the holiday this year. The good news is that we are all in this together. There are many ideas already circulating online to get your creative juices flowing! One great resource is this Harvard Global Health Institute website, dedicated to Halloween ideas based on your local COVID risk level (sadly, we are in the “red” here in Minnesota). (more…)

Women’s health physical therapy is restoration and strength

October 13, 20202

In retrospect, it feels like no one told me what would happen to my body with pregnancy. But I often wonder if during those months of baby bliss – that excitement of housing the little human being my husband and I created together – made me tune out what sounded like pessimists out to ruin my mood:

“Your back – the sciatica – is going to be baaaaad.”

“Say g’bye to the breasts you once knew and be prepared for sag, especially if you plan to breastfeed!”

“’Incompetence’? No, I mean ‘incontinence’! Depend^® underwear will be your best friend from here on out.” (more…)

Children injured in ATV accidents on the rise

October 1, 2020

The summer of 2020 was unique for many reasons – and unfortunately one of them was due to an increased number of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents reported in children.

“We’ve seen at least six children under the age of 17 requiring hospital admission for ATV-related accidents since May,” explains Dr. Stephen Smith, an emergency physician at Hennepin Healthcare. “These injuries are preventable, and we want to remind parents to put safety first when allowing their kids to ride on or drive these fast-moving vehicles.” (more…)