Uncategorized – Here for Life

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, 2020

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…)

Hennepin EMS community paramedics and MVNA lead the charge in COVID-19 community testing

September 29, 20201

Many of us have heard the phrase, “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon” when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a second wave of COVID cases begin in states around the country, prevention and testing is needed to support the health of our community as we brace for another possible rise in cases in MN. One of the groups leading the charge for testing is our community paramedics. (more…)

50 years ago today by Don Bania

August 20, 20201

Patient stories are one of the great things we get out of working at Hennepin Healthcare. This story came in the other day and touched our hearts, as we are sure it will touch yours.

Greetings, HCMC Doctors and Colleagues,

Yesterday, August 19th, 2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of my motorcycle accident. Attached is a recent photo of me at the scene of the accident. Following is my story. If possible, pass this story around.

Thank you, Don Bania (more…)

Nine year old water skier’s leg saved in a boat propeller accident

August 14, 20201

Dalton Northway loves to water ski. Ending his 4^th grade year this past May, his family was up at their lake home when a boat propeller accident turned a great day sour.

Dalton fell under a running boat propeller and suffered serious injuries. Quick thinking, teamwork and emergency and police response expertise fell into motion, and Dalton was airlifted to Hennepin Healthcare’s Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. (more…)

Speeding (literally) through the pandemic

August 10, 2020

Do you remember when you used to drive to work and then home again? You would get back on the road to do errands or meet friends for a meal? Life was normal and most driving was somewhat predictable. Well, slam on those breaks for the pandemic. (more…)

National EMS Week: Ready today. Preparing for tomorrow.

May 15, 20204

May 17-23 is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, which honors the dedication of emergency medical professionals who respond to and take care of our citizens throughout the community.

Hennepin Emergency Medical Services has been serving our community for more than 125 years. Though they may look a little different this year with the addition of personal protective equipment, their mission remains the same: to provide outstanding medical services in times of crisis to the residents and visitors of Hennepin County.

The theme of this year’s observance is “Ready today. Preparing for tomorrow.” and is particularly meaningful as EMS professionals support the health and well-being of our communities while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)