Page 5 – Here for Life

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…)

Acupuncture and acupressure during pregnancy; decreasing pain and stress, improving birth outcomes

November 11, 2020

A woman’s body goes through so many changes during pregnancy. Quality and restful sleep become more difficult to obtain. Back and hip pain become a regular struggle. Moods can be joyful and exciting one day, then irritable and weepy the next. For many women, the inevitable common symptoms arise as well, such as nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. While most women have regular appointments with their OB/Gyn or midwife to address these concerns, few are aware that there is another avenue of care that can be a great compliment to standard medical care – acupuncture and Chinese medicine. (more…)

The closest to being cared for, is to care for someone else

November 5, 2020

November is National Home Health Care Month, a time to celebrate the practice of home care and all of the individuals who make it possible, from the patients who inspire us to the caregivers who serve them. Once such caregiver is Pam Ruis.

Pam provides health care to our patients wherever they call home. Home health care includes a range of medical, social, assistive and other services when patients need follow-up care after a hospital visit or requires long-term care. (more…)

“Let’s Talk”: Ten tips for talking with teens about relationships and sexual health

October 30, 2020

Sexual development is a natural part of adolescence. Beyond the physical changes in their bodies, adolescents begin to feel “crushes” and sexual attraction, and many engage in sexual behaviors. In 2019, more than one in every three eleventh graders in Minnesota reported having had sex before. In today’s increasingly digital world, adolescents hear and see messages all the time about what relationships and sex should look like. As parents, you can help your adolescents make sense of these messages, understand their bodies, and make decisions that align with their goals and values.

For “Let’s Talk” month, we will share ten tips for conversations with teens about sexual health: (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…)

Parents, let’s unite and talk to our kids about bullying

October 20, 20201

It can be easy to think that bullying is an issue of the past. In many ways kids are much more accepting these days than in previous generations. Unfortunately however, one in five kids is the victim of bullying. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and I want to encourage you to talk with your kids about this important issue. (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…)

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