If you’re fortunate enough to call this region home, you already know its beauty. It’s why we recently sent three noted photojournalists throughout our communities, to find the faces, places and moments that most define who we are. Click the "Here with you" tab to learn more about this project.

  • View Our Communities

  • Ada   Detroit Lakes, MN

    Ada, MN

     

    Detroit Lakes, MN

    Fargo   Fosston

    Fargo, ND

     

    Fosston, MN

    Graceville   Park Rapids

    Graceville, MN

     

    Park Rapids, MN

    Jamestown   Wahpeton

    Jamestown, ND

     

    Wahpeton, ND


 

 

When Should You Seek Out Walk-In Care?

A message from Dr. Kari Sikkink with the Essentia Health Family Medicine Team

It seems like there is always something going around, and sometimes we aren’t sure when we should go in for immediate healthcare needs. Walk-in Care is an alternative to when your regular clinic is closed or you can’t see your doctor as soon as you would like. Here are a few tips for when it is best to select Walk-in Care:

  • Immediate care (walk-in care) is for when you have a general non-emergency illness or injury such as:
    • Cough and sore throats
    • Minor infections such as sinus, ear, pink eye, or bladder infections
    • Minor burns
    • Cuts and bruises
  • If you have previously been seen in an Emergency Department and your symptoms have worsened, please seek immediate care at the Emergency Department. Their healthcare team would be more appropriate to treat the severity of your illness.

This message is brought to you by the Essentia Health Family Medicine Team. Essentia Health – we’re here…with you.

EMT Informational Class to be Held February 1

Essentia Health Fosston and First Care Medical Services will be holding an informational meeting for those interested in becoming an EMT on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 6 p.m. in the Education Room at Essentia Health Fosston. The informational meeting is free and open to the public.

The EMT classes run from February 23rd to May 17th from 6-10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as nine Saturdays from 12- 4 p.m. The cost of the course is $500, plus the cost of books and a stethoscope needed for class. A minimum of six individuals is needed for the course to commence.

For more information or to register for the free informational meeting, please contact Kristi Tofstad, Medical Assistant, EMT-B Essentia Health, at (218) 435-7606.

Check Out Essentia Health’s Latest Commercial Ads!

Rise:

You’re here and that’s why Essentia Health is here! Check out our new commercial to learn more about Essentia Health. We believe who you are matters, and we offer outstanding care to help you rise to whatever life holds.

Click on link to view: Rise

Check Out Essentia Health’s Latest Commercial Ads!

Hello Life:

On each step of your journey, caring hearts, skilled hands and expert minds keep you at your best. That’s what be believe here at Essentia Health! We’d love for you to check out our new Essentia Health commercial to learn more!

Click on link to view: Hello Life

Essentia Health welcomes Graceville Home Health Supervisor, Sally Carlson-Corbett

Essentia Health is pleased to welcome Sally Carlson-Corbett, RN as the new Graceville Home Health Supervisor.

As the Home Health Supervisor at Essentia Health Graceville, Sally oversees and provides care to clients in their home. “I am excited about my new role,” says Sally. “Helping people remain in their own home as long as possible is a wonderful service to provide.”

Read more »

Heartsafe Fargo Holds First AED/CPR Training Classes

HeartSafe Fargo, the Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) program created in partnership by Essentia Health and the Fargo Fire Department, will be holding its first training classes on Tuesday, January 24, followed by a private training session on Wednesday, January 25. These two sessions mark the official start of the program that was developed for the Fargo area to increase access and training for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in local businesses.

Read more »

Snow Shoveling Overexertion

A message from Dr. Craig Kuhlmann with the Essentia Health Family Medicine Team

When the snow falls this winter, please be sure to consider the following when you are outside shoveling:

  • Eat a small meal: A small meal before shoveling gives you a source of energy, but avoid heavy meals as any type of exercise as digestion can lead to heart strain.
  • Be sure to bundle up: Cold temperatures reduce circulation to your legs, arms, feet and hands which can lead to frostbite. Wear layers to help maintain body temperature and circulation.
  • Start early: Snow is easier to shovel when it first falls. The longer snow sits on the ground, the more it compacts and becomes heavier to lift.
  • Ease into it and pace yourself: Sudden exertion in cold weather is dangerous for the heart. If you are out of breath, take a break.
  • Don’t pick up too much: Heavy loads of snow will strain your heart, back and neck. Push small loads of snow instead, and use a smaller shovel to remind you to keep loads small and light.
  • Listen to your body: If you begin to feel winded or overexerted while shoveling, take a break – you are doing more than your body can handle. Cold temperatures may also affect people with certain lung diseases, making their symptoms worse. At the first sign of any chest pain or discomfort, stop shoveling immediately and seek medical attention.

This message is brought to you by the Essentia Health Family Medicine Team. Essentia Health – we’re here…with you.

Harvest Grill Menu for the Week of January 23

Lunch Menu – January 23, 2012The Harvest Grill is located in the lower level of Essentia Health Fargo’s 32nd Avenue South campus. Diners are offered casual dining in a comfortable seating area. The Harvest Grill offers an array of different choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as snacks and beverages. Wellness menu features healthy alternatives, low-sodium items, vegan recipes and vegetarian entrees. The Harvest Grill is open Monday through Friday, serving:

- Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

- Lunch from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

- Dinner from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Lunch Menu – January 23, 2012

Essentia Health Welcomes Kim Berghuis as Division Manager for Park Rapids, Menahga and Walker Clinics

Essentia Health is happy to announce that Kim Berghuis has accepted the position of Division Manager for the Park Rapids, Menahga and Walker Clinics. Kim has been with Essentia Health for the past twelve years, the past six years as the Radiology Supervisor in Park Rapids.  Kim has served as the Co-Interim Manager along with Tina Monroe, and has done an excellent job in this role.  We are excited to have her join us in this expanded leadership capacity.

Berghuis was born and raised in Park Rapids and has over 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including six years of management experience. She holds an Associates Degree in Radiologic Technology and is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota Crookston.

Kim and her husband Matt have three beautiful daughters at home. Kelsey (8) is currently in second grade and Emma (4) and Natalie (4) are currently in preschool. Kim and her family enjoy traveling, dancing and warm-weather, outdoor activities.

Kim is excited to be in the Division Manager position within Essentia Health. “We are here to help make a difference in the lives of everyone in our community and I consider that both a privilege and an honor!”

For more information, please contact the Essentia Health Park Rapids at 218-732-2800 or visit our blog at www.wereherewithyou.org.

Winter Vehicle Safety Tips

Winter is finally here, the freezing cold air and snow has begun; Essentia Health would like to provide you with some helpful safety reminders to think about this winter before you get into your vehicle.

  • Tune up and winterize your vehicle! Be sure to check the radiator, battery, antifreeze, and all other fluid levels.
  • Check tire treads and replace them if they’re unsafe.
  • Check and replace windshield wiper blades if the rubber is cracked and/or brittle.  Be sure to also check and refill the washer fluid reservoir.
  • Maintain at least a half a tank of gas during the winter to prevent the fuel line from freezing.

Motorists should also keep a winter driving “safety kit” in their vehicles that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The kit should include:

  • Ice scraper and shovel
  • Jumper cables or battery starter
  • Warm blanket
  • Sand or salt
  • flashlight
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Cell phone with a charged spare battery
  • Water and non-perishable food (i.e. granola or protein bars)