Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition in which the arteries of the lungs are plagued with high blood pressure, causing the right side of the heart to work harder in order to push blood through the narrowed arteries of the lungs. This results in an enlarged right ventricle of t…
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As the COVID-19 situation improves by nearly every metric across Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz today announced measures that loosen restrictions on important parts of daily life. The Governor also urged Minnesotans to protect the progress made over the past month.
Otter Tail County Public Health has received its initial doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and is working quickly to get it out into the community. Public Health vaccinators began to receive their vaccine just before the new year, and Jan. 4 marks the first administration clinic held by…
Tri-County Health Care is planning to start construction of a $69 million clinic by May at a 76-acre site along U.S. Highway 10 northwest of downtown Wadena.
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Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) physician, Dr. Anjali Gupta, has been appointed to the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for a four-year term effective Jan. 5, 2021. Gupta replaces fellow LRH physician, Dr. Patricia Lindholm, who served the maximum…
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The recent plummet in temperature opens the risk for frostbite which can cause serious or permanent harm in less than 30 minutes to skin exposed to cold. Fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin are the most commonly affected areas, but any time skin is exposed to cold temperatures or come…
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Two new laws that go into effect Jan. 1 will kick off some of the first changes of 2021. These laws are regarding prior authorization requirements of health insurance providers and requirements regarding sexual assault examination kits.
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Veterans Home - Fergus Falls began to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to residents and staff.
The Rothsay community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on Dec. 22 at the community center which helped collect a total of 22 units of blood products for patients in need.
Marian Bogenrief has served the area as a licensed addiction drug counselor (LADC) providing addiction, alcohol and drug services in Minnesota for a number of years. Bogenrief has a deep personal understanding of chemical dependency and the co-occurring challenges that can affect an individu…
Staff members in the highest risk categories began receiving the first coronavirus vaccinations this week at Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) and Prairie Ridge Healthcare (PRH), joining health systems nationwide who are following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for a p…
Unidentified network activity on computer systems has prompted Lake Region Healthcare to begin an investigation, according to Kent Mattson, CEO. The resulting unavailability of some computer systems has caused disruption to certain operations, said Mattson. “Our patients and staff are safe, …
The Lake Region Healthcare Foundation is spearheading a support project for staff at Lake Region Healthcare and Prairie Ridge Healthcare. The project seeks community assistance in a coordinated effort to show appreciation and support to health care workers as the COVID crisis continues.
As COVID-19 deaths climb to nearly 4,500 in Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz today extended the peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to the pandemic, including safely and effectively distributing the vaccine.
Effects of Gov. Tim Walz’s “Dial Back, Minnesota” plan are already evident in this week’s COVID-19 numbers. Restrictions began three weeks ago on Nov. 21, including closing restaurants and bars to dine-in services, closing gyms, prohibiting gatherings with people from other households and pa…
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In partnership with the West Central MN Healthcare Preparedness Coalition (WCMHPC), Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) has been part of a workgroup developing a plan for redistribution of the COVID-19 vaccine within the region and has been identified as a distribution hub for the vaccine’s first phase.
Minnesota’s first public/nonprofit dental clinic has opened in Fergus Falls with the $5.1 million Center for Dental Health, which hosts Apple Tree Dental and Minnesota Department of Human Services Special Care Dentistry. The clinic was built from the ground up specifically to serve as a dent…
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Nathan Johnson is part of a PioneerCare family that includes about 300 members but in these times with COVID-19 numbers surging, he will admit that many of the staff are growing weary.
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With COVID-19 rapidly spreading in area communities, Otter Tail County Public Health would like to remind you that they are here for you and together we can get through the pandemic. One way to continue to do your part is to stay informed as to what actions you need to take if you were in cl…
Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) Foundation honored Lynn Lundquist, RN, and Dr. Bruce Money with awards at their virtual gala on Saturday, Nov. 21.
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Medicare’s open enrollment period began in October. The Daily Journal tackled some important questions with Ann Kinsella, Medica vice president and general manager of Medicare, who provided valuable insight for Otter Tail County residents.
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Lake Region Healthcare and Prairie Ridge Healthcare today announced a return to tighter restrictions on the visitor policy in response to growing COVID-19 hospitalizations and a marked increase in community spread of the virus.
A report by the New York Times updated on Tuesday listed Fergus Falls as the second fastest city in the nation for the spread of COVID-19. The chart sorts cities by the difference between the number of cases in the past week compared with the week prior. By that metric, according to the New …
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The American Red Cross and country music star Martina McBride have joined together this holiday season to remind people to take care of one another, sharing comfort and joy with hospital patients through the gift of blood donation. Health emergencies don’t pause for a pandemic or holiday cel…
The Wadena Armory has been selected as one of 11 new COVID-19 testing sites. The new sites will be operated by the Minnesota National Guard and will remain open through at least the end of the year, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota National Guard and loca…
More than 200 soldiers and airmen from the Minnesota National Guard have been activated to support the state’s COVID-19 response efforts. This number is expected to increase to over 400 by the end of the week.
Dear Community Members,
As Pfizer and BioNTech work to get what could be the first COVID-19 vaccine approved for an emergency use authorization, states are working to prepare themselves for storage and delivery of the vaccine.
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In the midst of a public health crisis, residents of Fergus Falls have been able to count on Lake Region Healthcare for thoughtful local leadership and up-to-date health resources. When the city of Fergus Falls received an allocation of CARES funding from the state of Minnesota, it was quick…
In October 2006, Wendy Erlandson’s life took an unexpected turn when she received a breast cancer diagnosis even though she only had a single aunt in her family previously diagnosed.
As flocks of geese are taking to the skies to head south for the winter, so too are local “snowbirds” preparing to take off for summer homes in warmer climates. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a slump in air travel this year, with five airlines declaring bankruptcy or closing since March, d…
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In response to a steadily growing demand for COVID-19 testing, Lake Region Healthcare and Prairie Ridge Healthcare (LRH and PRH) have extended their hours for drivethrough COVID-19 testing and increased the number of test swabbing appointments available, according to LRH Chief Nursing Office…
Every October marks a month dedicated to spreading awareness for trisomy 21, more commonly referred to as Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which an extra 21st chromosome is created during fetal development. The presence of the extra chromosome can result in developmenta…
Plasma from whole blood and platelet donations made through the American Red Cross that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to …
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the flu vaccine is available now to protect people and their families from flu viruses this fall and winter. Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Widespread flu vaccination will also help redu…
Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) announced today that interim CNO Roberta Young, MSN, RN, CENP has agreed to join the organization on a permanent basis as chief nurse officer and vice president-patient care. Young has been with the organization on an interim basis since May 2020.
The Fergus Falls Public Library has recently added a large selection of resources related to memory loss issues. The expanded collection of resources is of great benefit to patrons with dementia, their family and caregivers. The new resources cover subjects including early diagnosis, post di…
The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Fergus Falls at the YMCA on Sept. 16-18. For an appointment to donate blood, please call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.
Ole’s Ride was held Aug. 29, 2020, and raised $24,325 to benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley. In 10 years, Ole’s Ride has raised $152,525 to help provide hospice care to patients and families in Vergas and the surrounding area.
Hospice of the Red River Valley is hosting a free six-week class series focused on caregivers. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is designed to provide caregivers with the confidence and support to better care for a loved one and themselves. All caregivers are welcome to participate, including t…
As Otter Tail County’s COVID-19 case count continues to climb, with 305 confirmed cases including 49 contagious cases, it’s the job of Otter Tail County Public Health and the Minnesota Department of Health to complete case investigation and contact tracing for Otter Tail County (OTC) residents.
In addition to their clients, the licensed business has a staff of 72. Yet none of the clients or staff have been infected by the virus and it’s serious impact on the health of people working and living in congregant settings.
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Residents of LB Homes got a furry and feathery surprise Thursday, Sept. 3 when a pet parade rolled through the care home campus. Animals haven’t been allowed to visit with residents, aside from compassionate care visits, since restrictions were put in place to stem the COVID-19 pandemic, so …
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During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.
On Saturday, Aug. 29, family and friends will have the opportunity to once again visit family members who are in senior care facilities. But while restrictions may have been loosened, a few local facilities will still remain closed to in-building visits.
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During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.
Lake Region Healthcare will be taking a measured approach to flu shots this fall with the threat of COVID-19 hanging over the country.
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Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) announced today Dr. Desiree Holzer has joined the team of physicians and care providers in the emergency department.
Tri-County Health Care has earned platinum recognition for its efforts to promote organ, eye and tissue donor registrations across the state through the Workplace Partnership for Life Hospital Organ Donation Campaign. This campaign challenges hospitals and health care organizations to educat…
Pounding out the details that go into the start of any school year is an annual challenge for the administration of District 544.
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Lakes Country Service Cooperative (LCSC), located in Fergus Falls, primarily serves governmental and educational members in the nine-county region of west-central Minnesota. Through Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Order 20-82, all public school districts and special education programs in Minnesot…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. You have the power to protect yourself and your family against serious diseases like whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV, and pneum…
A benefit account has been set up at First National Bank for Jay Patterson. Jay married Jeanne Cordes while they both taught in Madison, MN. In 1979 they moved back to Jeanne’s hometown of Henning. Jay taught English and coached drama at Deer Creek for 10 years, then completed his teaching c…
Walmart hosted a blood drive with Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, on Aug. 14 at Walmart which helped collect a total of eight units of blood products for patients in need.
Rothsay community hosted a blood drive with Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, on Aug. 13 at the community center which helped collect a total of 21 units of blood products for patients in need.
A frequent question that has beguiled our readers is - “Can CBD oil boost immune system?” With the laws varying from region to region and the hallucinatory properties associated with cannabis, it can be pretty confusing. However, cannabidiol (CBD) is free of psychoactive traits. Below are t…
Mill Street Residence identified its first confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) this weekend. The positive case is a resident at Mill Street. In a written statement, the Director at Mill Street Residence, Mick Siems, stated:
PioneerCare announced a second COVID-19 case on July 14 at PioneerCare Center in Fergus Falls. The first case was announced July 8 for a staff member who tested positive. Following that positive test, the care center implemented widespread testing, testing about 70 people, and uncovering the…
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Fergus Falls remains one of the top cities in the United States with the most “Bicycle Friendly Businesses,” as determined by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) in their newest update to the list. Overall Minnesota is ranked as the third most bicycle friendly state.
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The Pelican Rapids City Pool recently reopened with hours of operation running from noon to 7 p.m.
