Page 5 – Here for Life

Black Maternal Health Week: Through the eyes of two Black doulas

April 9, 20201

Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) – April 11 through 17 – is a national campaign led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. Its goal is to “amplify the voices of Black mamas and center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements.” In a country where Black women are four times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy or giving birth, this is a national crisis.

BMHW is a call to closely inspect the structures and systems in place that contribute to poor outcomes for pregnant women, especially those of color. It’s a call to “meaningfully shift the numbers by considering solutions – without fear, blame, or shame” and secondly, to recognize the contribution of of Black mothers, including motherhood, scholarship, leadership and research. (more…)

CEO update: 7,000 strong against COVID-19 related racism and discrimination

April 8, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Hennepin Healthcare, along with Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota, stands strong against racism and xenophobia. At a time when we are facing the COIVD-19 pandemic, this seems especially important to reiterate and to stand strong alongside our Asian community. Our values of respect and compassion guide us to support our patients and colleagues in the face of virus-related racism and discrimination. We are 7,000 strong and a force of good against COVID-19 related racism and discrimination. (more…)

A message from our CEO

March 20, 20203

To all of our cherished patients, outstanding staff and valued members of the community:

As we navigate through the COVID-19 public health crisis together, your trust is very important to all of us here at Hennepin Healthcare. Your health is our greatest priority. As an organization, we are committed to keeping you informed and vow to do our absolute best to support you as things rapidly evolve. We are all experiencing varying levels of uneasiness and distress, which is why it is so important – now more than ever – to support one another in every way possible. (more…)

World Delirium Awareness Day is March 11, but what exactly is delirium?

March 10, 2020

Delirium is a rapid change in brain function which affects the ability to focus attention. Often confused with dementia, delirium can fluctuate over the course of a day with periods of clarity followed by increased confusion. It is caused by many issues that patients can experience while hospitalized. Those most at risk for developing delirium are:

Critically-ill patients (in the ICU)
Older adults greater than 70 years of age
Patients post-surgery
Those with previous cognitive impairment/dementia, multiple medical conditions, sensory impairment, or immobility while hospitalized

However, more than 60% of patients with delirium are not recognized by health care systems. Hypoactive delirium (appearing to be sedated) is difficult to diagnose, and more consistently care providers think a patient is just sleepy or depressed. Hyperactive delirium (appearing aggressive or restless) is more recognizable but can be misdiagnosed as dementia. But how can delirium be prevented? Read on to learn more about this often misunderstood condition as part of World Delirium Awareness Day. (more…)

Vocabulary lesson: What is a doula?

March 2, 2020

Having a baby is one of the most exciting, scary, and vulnerable times in a mom’s life. You have never been more exposed or had so many questions flying around your brain. Births can be quick or slow, vaginal or surgical, calm and collected, or wild and crazy. Whether you’ve done it before or not, you can be sure that support is essential.

A doula is a labor support person. The term “doula” comes from the Greek for “woman’s servant.” Doulas come when called by the birthing person (or by the nurse upon the request of the birthing person) and remain until after baby is born. They provide continuous care for mom and anyone else mom decides to allow into her space. They provide a constant presence amid the staffing changes at the hospital, an encouraging voice, a reminder of your worth and agency. (more…)

98% artery blockage took him by surprise

February 28, 2020

Eric, a security guard at Hennepin Healthcare, had been dealing with chest pains for about a week, but only when he bent over to do something like tie his shoes. “Heart attack symptoms were different than that,” he thought, “like major chest pains all the time or a shooting pain down your arm.” As an overall healthy man, he passed it off as something else. But one Sunday in January, 2019, he decided to stop ignoring it and went to the emergency department. Blood tests and an EKG were normal, but there was more to come.

(more…)

The healthy woman’s heart attack

February 27, 2020

Have you ever heard of SCAD? AKA spontaneous coronary artery dissection? Bobbijo, who works in the Comprehensive Cancer Center, had never heard of it either. Early in January 2017, Bobbijo felt something was wrong, and passed it off as acid reflux, thinking it would go away. One week later with shooting pain from her sternum through to her back, she ended up in the emergency room. (more…)

Want a healthy heart?

February 26, 2020

We all have heard the things we should be doing to have a healthy heart. Diet and exercise. Diet and exercise. Diet and exercise.

What we’d like to do is compile some tips that may be more specifically helpful, and debunk some myths about what is good and not good for your heart and overall wellbeing! We hope you find this helpful. (more…)

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