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Table ofContentsContentsContents

Encouraging lifelong � tness . . . . . . . . . . 4Doctor advises getting kids active Jann Vilen, M.D.

Clean Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Family works small farm for healthy living Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

Bringing hope to others . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Woman in cancer remission hopes to help others Jodie Tweed

Itching for answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Everything to know about poison ivy Sheila Helmberger

Essentia Health to open Emily Clinic . . . . . 11Slated to open September 2 Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

Healing without medicine . . . . . . . . . . 12Pequot Lakes woman � nds health in essential oils Jenny Holmes

Doctor’s Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Physician urges treatment for painful veins Dr. Ross Bengtson

Dr. Google . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Health info online Ryan Johnson/Forum News Service

Choosing to make a difference . . . . . . . . 16Health program provides food security Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

Obesity — a growing health crisis . . . . . . 18Troubling predictions, possible solutions Patrick Springer/ Forum News Service

The Obesity Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Poor kids gain weight, wealthier peers lose Brandi Jewett/ Forum News Service

Lakewood Health helps American Heart Association . . 21Partnering with schools, $31,000 raised by jumping rope

On the CoverElla Larson spends a few tender moments with one of the goats at her family’s home.

Publisher • Tim Bogenschutz

Advertising • Susie Alters and

Phil Seibel

Editor • Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

Art Director/Designer • Jan Finger

Contributing writers:

Jann Vilen, M.D., Jodie Tweed, Sheila

Helmberger, Jenny Holmes, Dr. Ross

Bengtson, Ryan Johnson, Patrick Springer

and Brandi Jewett

HealthWatch is a quarterly publication

of the Brainerd Dispatch.

Read HealthWatch online at

www.brainerddispatch.com

For advertising opportunities call

Susie Alters at 218-855-5836.

Steve Kohls • [email protected]

4

Want to give your child a head start on life-

long � tness? Consider getting him or her in-

volved in youth sports and other kid-friendly

physical activities.

Youth sports promote � tness but not all children thrive in formal team settings. Help your child � nd the right sport and venue such as a school, club or recreation center.

With your encouragement and support, chances are a few sports will spark your child’s interest. Fan the � ame by taking your child to local sporting events and sharing your own sports interests with your child.

Your child is likely to show natural pref-erences for certain sports or activities. Start there, being careful to keep your child’s age, maturity and abilities in mind.

Toddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 5 are beginning to master many basic movements, but they’re too young for most organized sports. Keep in mind that toddlers who participate in organized sports also typically don’t gain any long-term advantage in terms of future sports performance. At this age, unstructured free play is usu-ally best. Try running, tumbling, throwing, catching and swimming.

As children get older, their vision, attention spans and transitional skills, such as throwing for distance, improve. They’re also better able to follow directions. Consider organized activities for youth age 6 to 9: T-ball, softball or baseball; running, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, tennis or martial arts.

By age 10 to 12, children have mature vision and the ability to understand and recall sports strategies. These children are typically ready to take on skill sports, such as football, basketball, hockey and volleyball. Keep in mind, however, that growth spurts caused by puberty can temporarily affect a child’s coordination and bal-ance.

Before allowing your child to participate in a con-

tact sport, consider his or her age, maturity and physical size. Are the physical contact, aggressiveness and com-petition involved developmentally appropriate for your child? Will your child enjoy it?

Because children enter puberty at different ages, there can be dramatic physical differ-ences among children of the same sex, par-ticularly boys. Children competing against others who are more physically mature might be at an increased risk of injury.

When you’re comparing sports, consider how much your child will enjoy the activity, whether the sport emphasizes age-appropri-ate skill development and if there will be op-portunities for each child to participate.

Think twice before encouraging early spe-cialization in a single sport as it can lead to

stress and burnout. Focusing on one sport could prevent your child from testing his or her skills and experiencing other enjoyable sports.

As your child tries various sports, stay involved and look for an emphasis on safety. Does the coach require players to follow the rules and use proper safety equip-ment? Do players take time to warm up and cool down before and after each practice or event? Are children taught proper movement and body positioning? Is the coach attentive to the prevention and recognition of concussions?

Also, consider a coach’s attitude toward the game. How much does each child play and how is playing time determined? If a coach consistently yells at the children or lets only the most skilled players into the game, your child might become discouraged. Beware of a win-at-all-costs attitude.

Overall, be positive and encouraging. Emphasize ef-fort, improvement and enjoyment over winning or per-sonal performance. Attend events and practices as your schedule allows and act as a good model of sportsman-ship yourself.

Of course, organized athletics aren’t the only option for � tness. If your child doesn’t seem interested in sports,

� nd other physical activities — especially ones that are sustainable over a lifetime.

Take family bike rides, check out local hiking trails or visit indoor health clubs and swimming pools. Encourage active time with friends such as jumping rope, shooting baskets or playing tag.

Whatever activity your child chooses, whether they swim, runs track or bikes around the neighborhood, keep your eye on the long-term goal — a lifetime of physical activity.

Janna Vilen, M.D. is a Sports Medicine Specialist with Cuyuna Regional Medi-cal Center.

JANNAVILEN, M.D.

4

Playing sports is a great way to have fun and stay � t. In or-der to ensure athletes are healthy enough to participate in competitive sports and prevent and any injuries, an annual sports physical by a physician is recommended.

Reviewing an athlete’s medical history and a physical exam are two main parts of the sports physical.

Medical history includes questions about illnesses and injuries a student has had, such as asthma or a broken bone. It is important to know about medical problems such as heart trouble that runs in a family or any medi-cines taken on a daily basis.

Another important matter for the doctor to know is whether the athlete has ever passed out, felt dizzy or felt pain in the chest while running or playing. Student athletes should also be prepared for the physical by completing the Sports Qualifying Physical Examina-tion Clearance Form available at http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/publications/code/forms/PhysicalExam.pdf with

his or her parents.During the physical exam, a nurse will measure height

and weight, and take the student’s blood pressure. The doctor will listen to heart and lungs; feel the abdomen; look into the ears, nose, and throat; check eyesight; and test strength and � exibility. The doctor may also ask additional questions about health history and it is the time to discuss any questions about health and playing sports.

Almost all students can play the sports they want to play. Youths with a health problem can usually take medi-cine or get treatment that will let him or her play a sport safely. A doctor may be able to suggest exercises and other treatments to help athletes fully recover from old injuries. Even youths with serious health problems often � nd a sport in which they can participate.

For more information, visit cuyunamed.org or call 218-546-7000.

Encouraging Lifelong Fitness

The Importance of Sports PhysicalsThe Importance of Sports Physicals

� nd other physical activities — especially ones that are sustainable over a lifetime.

Take family bike rides, check out local hiking trails or visit indoor health clubs and swimming pools. Encourage active time with friends such as jumping rope, shooting baskets or playing tag.

Whatever activity your child chooses, whether they swim, runs track or bikes around the neighborhood, keep your eye on the long-term goal — a lifetime of physical activity.

Janna Vilen, M.D. is a Sports Medicine Specialist with Cuyuna Regional Medi-cal Center.

During the physical exam, a nurse will measure height and weight, and take the student’s blood pressure. The doctor will listen to heart and lungs; feel the abdomen; look into the ears, nose, and throat; check eyesight; and test strength and � exibility. The doctor may also ask additional questions about health history and it is the time to discuss any questions about health and playing

Almost all students can play the sports they want to play. Youths with a health problem can usually take medi-cine or get treatment that will let him or her play a sport safely. A doctor may be able to suggest exercises and other treatments to help athletes fully recover from old injuries. Even youths with serious health problems often � nd a sport in which they can participate.

For more information, visit cuyunamed.org or call 218-

Encouraging Lifelong Fitness

A young lady competes in a summer softball league in Brainerd.

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WWant to give your child a head start on life-WWant to give your child a head start on life-

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5

Dr. Westerberg grew up in Deerwood where her parents still live. She joins an experienced team of OB/GYN physicians and nurse practitioners that focus on each patient’s needs.

To make an appointment with an OB/GYN physician, call the Essentia Health-Baxter Specialty Clinic at 218.454.5935 or the Good Beginnings OB Clinic at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd at 218.828.7688.

Learn more at EssentiaHealth.org

“I love taking care of women through all phases of their lives”

– Dr. Patricia Westerberg, OB/GYN

The mother of four children, Dr. Patricia Westerberg says her life experiences help her better understand her patients. “As a woman and a mother, I have the advantage of personal experiences that give insights into the problems that many women have,” she says.

“I like helping teens understand what’s happening to their bodies, working with women who are growing their family or women who need guidance as they are going through menopause and have other issues in their later years,” says the experienced obstetrician/gynecologist.

Dr. Patricia Westerberg recently joined the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Essentia Health-Baxter Specialty Clinic and the Family Birthplace at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. Her children, who range in age from 10 to 17, are Ryan, Ben, Kate, and Sara.

Hal Leland, MD Pamela Rice, MDAlicia Prahm, MD Steven Senica, MD

Patricia Westerberg, MD

6

NISSWA — Every morning Ella Larson gets

up and feeds her chickens. It’s not an un-

usual chore for a preteen in central Min-

nesota, but Ella, 13, doesn’t live on a farm

and her parents aren’t farmers.

In fact, her dad manages the produce depart-

ment at Schaefer’s in Nisswa and her mom runs a home business. But the Larson family has made a conscious and committed effort to change the way they do food at their home and it all kind of started with chickens.

“Chickens just don’t require much,” Ella said. “It takes me about � ve minutes in the morning — feed, water, collect eggs— then I’m done.”

The journey into clean eating started nine years

ago when Ella’s mom, Wendy, gave birth to her middle child, Rex. The birth came with all kinds of excitement. The family ended up being featured in the paper because Rex couldn’t wait to get to the hospital to make his debut in the world — he was born in the front seat of his dad’s truck.

Prior to Rex’s birth, Wendy Larson said she was bit by a tick and contracted a tick-borne illness called ehrlichiosis that landed her in the ICU for four days.

Nisswa family turns home into small farm forhealthy living

By SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER

Contributing Writer

Clean Acres

NNISSWA — Every morning Ella Larson gets NNISSWA — Every morning Ella Larson gets

up and feeds her chickens. It’s not an un-Nup and feeds her chickens. It’s not an un-

usual chore for a preteen in central Min-Nusual chore for a preteen in central Min-

6

Ella Larson spends

a few tender mo-

ments with one

of the goats at her

family’s home in

Nisswa.


7

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BRADLEY ADAMS, O.D.OPTOMETRIST

KEN DODGE, O.D.OPTOMETRIST

DAVID SABIR, M.D.OPHTHALMOLOGIST

AFTER 50 YEARS, WE’RE CLEARLYFOCUSED ON THE FUTURE.

“I nearly didn’t make it,” Larson recalled. Larson said Rex tested negative and showed no

signs of illness, but her problems continued even af-ter being released from the hospital.

“I wasn’t well,” said Larson who complained of ongoing digestive problems.

Larson and her husband, Josh, who has been diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes, decided it time to make some major changes.

“Between both of us having health issues we knew that we needed to get on track,” Larson said.

Not knowing quite where to start, the Larsons be-gan watching food documentaries to educate them-selves on what was really happening with the food they were eating prior to reaching their dinner table.

“We just really got a good idea of what our food system looked like and why our health is the way it is,” Larson said. “We decided we needed to make some serious changes at home.”

Prior to making changes, the Larsons were like any other American family — they were busy. While they were never really big fast food eaters, Larson said they weren’t as conscious about their meals as they could have been.

Learning more about the food system and how food en masse is produced made the family consid-er how things were generations ago, when growing your own food was the norm.

“We just wanted to go back to the way our grand-parents lived,” she said. “They didn’t grow up with all these health problems we’ve faced. If we could step back in time and really do things the old fash-ioned way, that’s what we really wanted.”

Larson said the family started growing — and raising — their own food.

The process was slow.

“I had to prove myself,” Larson said. “I don’t real-ly do things halfway, so my husband wanted to make sure it was going to work � rst.”

It started with homegrown tomatoes and herbs and then the chickens came. Eventually it evolved into more fruits and vegetables and more livestock.

Six years later, the Larson home on 6 acres near Garden Lake in Nisswa is surrounded by garden boxes that contain strawberries, rhubarb, asparagus, Swiss chard, beans, potatoes, onions and more, de-pending on what time of year it is. The family also has egg laying chickens and as well as chickens used for meat.

They only eat the meat from the chickens they raise and venison from deer hunted.

Larson said the family raised pigs at one point but have since stopped because of the up-close look of the messy lifestyle of the pigs.

“Let’s say we kind of got turned off to pork after that,” she said.

Larson said the whole family helps with the har-vesting. Everyone has a job when it comes to can-ning goods to keep fresh for winter.

“It really helps with the grocery money,” Larson said. “We can control the amount of salt and sugar that goes into our food and we know exactly where our food comes from.”

Larson said the family is extremely careful about not contributing genetically modi� ed foods (GMO’s) to their diet.

“Our bodies don’t even recognize them as a food source,” she explained.

In addition to growing and raising their own food, Larson has gone back to school to become a certi-� ed natural health professional, � nishing her certi� -cation in May.

She said beyond the importance of clean eating, she learned about the body and natural methods of healing through oils, herbs and homeopathy.

“It has helped tremendously,” she said. Larson is quick to point out that process of over-

hauling an entire family’s diet is ongoing, but it’s not dif� cult.

“We are not perfect eaters,” she said. “We do the best we can with what we have and what we know.”

Swiss chard, beans, potatoes, onions and more, de-pending on what time of year it is. The family also has egg laying chickens and as well as chickens used

They only eat the meat from the chickens they raise and venison from deer hunted.

Larson said the family raised pigs at one point but have since stopped because of the up-close look of the messy lifestyle of the pigs.

“Let’s say we kind of got turned off to pork after

Larson said the whole family helps with the har-vesting. Everyone has a job when it comes to can-ning goods to keep fresh for winter.

“It really helps with the grocery money,” Larson said. “We can control the amount of salt and sugar that goes into our food and we know exactly where

Larson said the family is extremely careful about not contributing genetically modi� ed foods (GMO’s)

“Our bodies don’t even recognize them as a food

In addition to growing and raising their own food, Larson has gone back to school to become a certi-� ed natural health professional, � nishing her certi� -


Where do I start?Maybe the thought of growing your own vegetables and slaughtering

chickens is a little daunting. It doesn’t have to be. Wendy Larson came up with a few ways to help people make conscious choices about changing the way they eat and feeling better about what lands on their dinner table. Here are her tips:• Shop the outside of the grocery store: All the perishable, fresh items

like produce, meat and dairy products line the outside of every grocery store. Avoid pre-made meals and boxed dinners. The less food you eat from a box the better.

• Buy cheese by the block: Shredded cheese might be convenient, but the method of preserving it and keeping it from clumping requires all kinds of chemicals that really aren’t meant for human consumption. Cheese by the block means no preservatives and, actually, more cheese. Plus, you’ll build some killer arm muscles acting as the human shredder.

• Start a patio garden: If you’re afraid you might have a black thumb, making you hesitant to invest in building a massive vegetable garden, try your hand at the small stuff � rst. Tomatoes, herbs and peppers are easy to grow in moderately sized pots. They don’t take up a lot of space and they’re pretty hearty. They might better survive the early stages the gardening 101.

• Eat at home: Making meals as homemade as possible cuts out the lack of control of sugar and salt content. Many healthy recipes are easy to make and freeze for a later date.

• Get some chickens: I know. It sounds like a lot of pressure. But chickens are actually very low maintenance. They require water and feeding. In return you get fresh eggs just about everyday. Taking care of chickens can be a great job for the kids. Plus, they’re actu-ally pretty cute.

Where do I start?

8

By JODIE TWEED Contributing WriterBy JODIE TWEEDContributing WriterContributing WriterBy JContributing WriterBy J

Bringing Hope to others

PPPEQUOT LAKES WIFE AND MOTHER OF THREE, HER INCURABLE CANCER IN REMISSION THANKS TO A MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH, HOPES TO RAISE FUNDS TO HELP OTHER CANCER PATIENTS RECEIVE THE SAME TREATMENT


Stacy Erholtz stood outside her

home in Pequot Lakes. Erholtz was

diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago and is

now in remission thanks to an experimental treat-

ment involving the measles vaccine.

PEQUOT LAKES — She was known as Pa-

tient No. 11.2 in a dramatic medical story

that emerged from a clinical cancer trial

at the Mayo Clinic where she was injected

last summer with a massive dose of a ge-

netically modi� ed measles virus manipu-

lated to kill cancer.

The infusion, which could have provided enough measles virus to vaccinate 10 million people, mi-raculously worked. The multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, was gone, in remission after her 10-year battle with the disease.

She became the second person in the world to receive such a high dosage and the � rst to achieve remission in a treatment approach referred to as on-colytic virus therapy — a treatment which has been generating a lot of interest and excitement in cancer research.

But her story doesn’t end there. In fact, it is simply a new beginning.

Stacy Erholtz, a Pequot Lakes wife and mother of three and cancer patient for 10 years, has now be-come a cancer activist.

When word rapidly spread in May that she was Pa-tient 11.2, her name and photograph were splashed across newspapers, magazines and on television news programs throughout the world. Her story had gone viral, and she decided to use this experience to help others receive the same treatment as she did.

She recently started a foundation, “Let’s Go Viral,” through the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foun-dation to raise money to support the manufacturing of the measles virus treatment she received at the Mayo Clinic.

The next phase of this clinical trial begins in Au-gust. There are 15 doses available for the trial, yet there are 350 people on the waiting list, Stacy said. It takes three to four months for researchers to gener-ate just three to four doses of the measles treatment in their existing lab, Erholtz explained. She is hoping to eliminate that manufacturing bottleneck to help others, like her, who have exhausted all other treat-ment options. The measles treatment approach is be-ing looked at closely to be potentially used to treat a variety of other cancers, including lung, brain, head and neck and ovarian cancers, said Erholtz.

“I’m really excited about it, not for myself, but I want some multiple myeloma measles friends,” Er-holtz said with a smile. “I’ve had a dose, and you can’t be redosed. It’s time for other people to have a

9

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dose. It’s a giant step forward for can-cer. Let’s get it out there. Let’s put some money behind it and get it out there.”

Erholtz will be speaking about her experience at the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation Annual Din-ner July 24 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa.

Erholtz was 40 when she was diag-nosed with multiple myeloma in May 2004. About � ve years ago she hap-pened to spot her Mayo doctor, Dr. Stephen Russell, on a TV news story about how he had been working on a measles vaccine.

“Once I saw it on TV, I made up my mind that I was going to do the measles trial,” said Erholtz. “It was just a matter of when.”

About 2-1/2 years ago Erholtz was rejected for the trial because she hadn’t yet failed all her other treat-ment options, a requirement. So she underwent a second stem cell transplant in August 2012, which took three months to recover from and yet only yielded a six-month remission.

However, it meant she could now qualify for the measles trial.

Since it was a con� ict of interest for her to talk about joining the trial with her doctor, who headed the trial, she was sent to see Russell’s clinical trial colleague, Dr. Angela Dispenzieri, last summer and was given two options, a new drug therapy or the measles infusion. Her decision was made long be-fore she learned about either option.

“I had absolute con� dence in their abilities. They had cured a mouse named Sally, and if they cured a mouse, why not me?” Erholtz said.

She underwent the nearly 40-minute infusion on

June 5, 2013, and instantly could feel that something was happening. She suddenly developed a massive head-ache and a dry cough as her body took on 100 billion units of measles. They stopped the infusion for a short time to give an antihistamine, which is now part of the protocol for the procedure.

About 20 minutes after the infusion, she spiked a 105-degree fever, a good sign. The only other adverse side effect was that the vein in her arm swelled, along with her entire arm, for about three days, but Erholtz considered all of this minor in comparison to the side effects of her two stem cell transplants.

“Out of all my treatments, this was pure remis-sion,” said Erholtz. “I had the best energy.”

Thirty-six hours later, the golfball-sized tumor growing from her forehead, which the family nick-named “Evan,” was gone. “Evan” had become a barometer for how well her cancer treatments were working, often disappearing during remissions and reappearing even before the multiple myeloma would be discovered again on tests.

The modi� ed measles virus also contained an ex-tra gene, taken from a human thyroid gland, which created a protein that would move radioactive io-dine into the cancerous cells. This allowed research-ers to track the measles virus within Erholtz’s body and allowed them to watch how, over time, the measles virus was eradicating the cancer cells using a SPECT-CT scan.

Seven weeks after the infusion, the SPECT-CT scans indicated no signs of cancer. Last September, Stacy was asked to tour Russell’s lab. She posed for

a photograph by a plaque with familiar names: Mary Agnes and Al McQuinn. The couple was the bene-factors who funded Russell’s work, and Erholtz knew them. She had been friends with their son, the late Charles McQuinn, and lived not far from the Gull Lake residents.

So Erholtz decided to personally thank the Mc-Quinns, longtime Mayo Clinic supporters, and called them the next day. The McQuinns had known that Patient No. 11.2 had responded well to the mea-sles virus, but didn’t know who she was until Erholtz called them. The two families soon met for brunch.

“There was joy on all sides,” Erholtz said. “It was really sweet.”

While “Evan” returned this spring, along with one other plastmacytoma, a malignant plasma cell tumor, doctors found that the cancer was isolated to the two tumors, rather than found in her blood. Doc-tors used a low-dose of radiation in March on her skull and forehead to eliminate the tumors, which have not returned. She had tests in June, and she was cancer-free.

She is currently on no medication and said even the whites of her eyes are white again.

She and her husband, Mike, have three children, Claire, 20, a student at the University of North Dako-ta in Grand Forks; Eleanor, 18, a 2014 Pequot Lakes High School graduate who is currently Miss Nisswa and will attend Bethel University in the fall; and a son, Oliver, 17, a PLHS senior.

Their children were 7, 8 and 10 when she was diagnosed. While many of her friends dreaded turn-ing 50 this past year, Erholtz embraced it, having cel-ebrated her 50th birthday last Nov. 7.

“I choose to live in the moment,” said Erholtz. “God is at work here, and I want people to have the same experience I’ve had.”

“ . . . if

they cured

a mouse,

why not

me?”

“ . . . if

they cured

a mouse,

why not

me?”

10

SCRATCH, scratch, ITCH, rub, pick, SCRATCH some more, RUBsome more.

In the initial stages you might think it’s just a few bug bites. Within a day the area will start oozing and you’ll know exactly what it is. It also means a couple of good weeks of misery. As if mosquito bites and ants aren’t enough of a price to pay for summer. If you’re susceptible to it, you’ve probably already added poison ivy to your list of summer maladies.

WHAT IT ISPoison ivy causes a contact dermatitis - an aller-

gic reaction — to the poison ivy plant. Poison su-mac and poison oak also cause similar conditions.

Exposure means weeks of misery that include endless itching, wiping and sometimes it can actu-ally even be a little painful. “Leaves of three, leave them be,” is the old wives tale. Turns out, that’s pretty accurate.

The poison ivy plant has three leaves and the hard part in spotting the plants is because they are often mixed in with other vegetation or large patch-es of green plants that makes them hard to identify.

They don’t usually stand out and blend nicely in with the rest of the vegetation.

A lot of times people who get it don’t remember when they were even exposed to it and where they might have contacted it. The oil from the plant is called urushiol, which is what causes the rash.

Once you break out from it, or are around some-body else that has it, you won’t be able to spread it to others or catch it from them.

A day or two after you’ve been exposed to the plant and the oil from it you can expect to start breaking out with the initial rash.

Sometimes it takes a little longer. The � rst sign will be small red, itchy bumps that

look like little blisters. That’s the point where you might start to wonder what kind of bite you have. These will keep appearing for a few days.

You might even notice a few more here and there for as long as two to three weeks. This makes it seem like the rash is “spreading.” The � uid in the blisters is part of the allergic reaction. They contain no harmful bacteria.

Dr. Bradley W. Peterson of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Baxter explained the telltale signs are de� nitely that blistering and when the rash appears it is often linear in its appearance. Pe-

terson said people suffer from poison ivy in varying degrees of reaction.

Some people don’t respond to the plant at all and will never have any type of reaction but some will break out, even severely, at the slightest little bit of exposure. More times than not it will appear on the arms and legs and other places that might have come in contact with the plant but sometimes those less fortunate could see actually see it spread to their face or other parts of the body.

Poison ivy, oak or sumac isn’t contagious but Peterson says it is possible to pick it up from your pets if they have the oil on them and then transfer it onto you.

LOOKING FOR RELIEFSo what can you do for all of that itching and

scratching? There are all kinds of products market-ed for the relief of poison ivy.

Peterson said typical treatments range from over-the-counter calamine lotion, a prescription steroid cream or possibly oral steroids.

There is also a shot that can be given in ex-treme cases. Peterson said if you suspect you have it and it appears to be spreading, it’s a good idea to have it looked at sooner rather than later. Since it spreads from the inside out, the longer you let it go you could have a nice full-blown rash and be pretty miserable before you decide to go in.

Most people let poison ivy run its course and it usually goes away within two to four weeks. In the meantime, oatmeal baths and cool compress-es along with anti-itch medications can help pro-vide some relief. Now, about those mosquitoes.

HOW TO AVOID ITThe best case scenario would be to not get it

all but you can take a couple of steps to reduce exposure when you are going to be outdoors.

If you know what the plants look like try not to touch them and shower as soon as you go inside.

Wash your skin good with soap and water and try to get all of the oil off of your skin - the sooner the better.

The less exposure you have to the oil the less severe the outbreak might be. Wash any clothes you were wearing outdoors with a detergent.

Never burn poison ivy if you know it’s in your yard. The smoke in the air from burning the plant can lead to irritation in the eyes, lungs and airways.

By SHEILA HELMBERGER Contributing Writer

Itching for answers?EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POISON IVY

HOW TO END THE ITCH&EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POISON IVY

&EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POISON IVY

es of green plants that makes them hard to identify. rash appears it is often linear in its appearance. Pe- to have it looked at sooner rather than later. Since it spreads from the inside out, the longer you let it go you could have a nice full-blown rash and be pretty miserable before you decide to go in.

it usually goes away within two to four weeks. In the meantime, oatmeal baths and cool compress-es along with anti-itch medications can help pro-vide some relief. Now, about those mosquitoes.

HOW TO AVOID IT

all but you can take a couple of steps to reduce exposure when you are going to be outdoors.

touch them and shower as soon as you go inside.

try to get all of the oil off of your skin - the sooner the better.

severe the outbreak might be. Wash any clothes you were wearing outdoors with a detergent.

yard. The smoke in the air from burning the plant can lead to irritation in the eyes, lungs and airways.

Leaves

of three,

let it be!

SSCRATCH, SSCRATCH, pick, Spick, some more. Ssome more.

11

Thirty years of helping people live where they most want to live – at home.We’re dedicated to doing whatever it takes to let people live comfortably and safely at home. Just as we’ve done for 30 years. Call or visit us online to learn more.

(218) 829-9238 | (888) 221-5785 | www.gnhomecare.com

We’ll be there.

001104486r1

EMILY — When Essentia Health hosted a

community health event in Emily last fall,

the feedback they received was loud and

clear — people wanted better, closer ac-

cess to health care.

For Essentia, the solution was simple — give the people what they want.

“It goes with our vision of making a healthy difference in patients’ lives,” said Essentia Health Marketing and Community Relations Director Miranda Anderson.

Anderson said Essentia is currently reno-vating a former of� ce space building to suit the needs of a clinic, slated to open Sept. 2.

The clinic will provide family medicine including yearly physicals, well child visits, chronic disease management as well as OB/GYN services up to 36 weeks.

Michelle Lindell, director of ambulatory services for Essentia, said having a clinic conveniently locat-ed is extremely important to providing preventative health services.

“People are more apt to seek services within their own community,” Lindell said. “This is a great op-

portunity for us, to bring the care to them.”Lindell said the clinic will serve a wide variety

of patients, from young families to senior adults and locals as well as summer visitors, in some cases even eliminating the need for a drive to Brainerd or Cross-lake in many situations that may require urgent care.

“There’s quite a bit we can do in these small clinics,” Lindell said.

Many Essentia patients in Emily current-ly visit the clinic in Crosslake.

Lindell said the clinic hopes to expand in specialty services in the future.

Essentia Health’s nearby Crosslake clinic offers similar services to the Emily clinic and has expanded to add physical therapy.

The Emily clinic will also feature an In-stymed - a vending machine of basic pre-scriptions so patients will have easy access

to medicines prescribed at their visit without having to make an additional trip to the pharmacy.

Anderson said providing convenient care helps Essentia Health maintain a standard of accountable care in making sure patients are provided every op-portunity to seek preventative care rather than later intervention.

“It’s to our advantage to be more preventative,” Anderson said.

Anderson said the clinic was initially scheduled to open in mid-spring but was delayed because lead physician, Dr. Sara Lokstad, an active duty Army ma-jor, was deployed to Kuwait. Lokstad will return from deployment in August.

“She’s so important to these patients,” Lindell said. “We didn’t want to open without her. We want-ed to do this the right way.”

Lokstad’s deployment is her second. She was pre-viously deployed to Iraq with the Warrior in Transi-tion, caring for soldiers injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Lokstad received an Army commendation medal for her ser-vice in Iraq.

Lokstad also serves as the physician for the Essen-tia clinic in Crosslake.

Joining Lokstad in Emily are Jennifer Peterson, RN; Arianne Sizeback, LPN; LaSandra Biermaier, LPN; as well as receptionists Lindsey Paulsen and Jennifer Jacobson.

When the clinic of� cially opens in September, of� ce hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, at 20918 County Road 1 in Emily. For an ap-pointment call 218-763-4800.

DR. SARA LOKSTAD

Essentia Health to open Emily Clinic

EEMILY — When Essentia Health hosted a EEMILY — When Essentia Health hosted a

community health event in Emily last fall, Ecommunity health event in Emily last fall,

the feedback they received was loud and Ethe feedback they received was loud and

clear — people wanted better, closer ac-Eclear — people wanted better, closer ac-

cess to health care. Ecess to health care.

BY SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER

Contributing Writer

12

It took a series of accidents and health

concerns to make Brenda Wiener a be-

liever in the power of essential oils.

Over 10 years later, Wiener won’t leave home without her kit of oils and has now built a business based upon the very healing properties she, herself, doubted for so many years.

In the � rst six months after he was born, Wiener’s son, Albert, suffered from a variety of health compli-cations, including chronic digestive issues that led to much discomfort for the infant. Wiener and her

husband turned to traditional medicine to get to the bottom of what ailed their child, to no avail.

It was the advice of friends that led them to chiro-practic care as an alternative therapy.

“Biocommunication feedback was offered through this particular chiropractic of� ce,” Wiener said. “And that’s what really gave us some answers to what was going on with our son. He had trouble communicating. He wasn’t as verbally skilled as other children his age. But he was the one who con-vinced me there was something to the essential oils.”

In addition to biocommunication feedback, they were turned on to a variety of essential oils to use on

their child on a regular basis. Wiener said she had her doubts but followed through in hopes they could � nd something to ease their son’s symptoms.

“I came from a background of Doubting Thoma-ses,” she admitted, “even of modern medicine; not to mention snake oils.”

But soon, Albert was asking his mother for “the purple bottle” of oil.

“He had no preconceived ideas of what was right or wrong,” Wiener said. “He just knew that what was in the bottle made him feel better. And it became very clear to me that it didn’t matter what I thought. He knew that something made him feel better. And

By JENNY HOLMES Contributing Writer

Healing without medicinePEQUOT LAKES WOMAN FINDS HEALTH IN ESSENTIAL OILS

IIIt took a series of accidents and health IIt took a series of accidents and health

concerns to make Brenda Wiener a be-Iconcerns to make Brenda Wiener a be-

liever in the power of essential oils.Iliever in the power of essential oils.

Brenda Wiener in her home of� ce. Wie-

ner says her life was changed when

she started using essential oils as

an alternative to traditional

medicine.


13

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that was the turning point for me, per-sonally.”

Weiner’s husband had also become a believer when he began using a com-bination of oils and what is called the Raindrop Technique for application to address chronic sinus issues and back pain. What he had been treated for and suffered with for many years � nally re-sponded to something.

Something natural and beyond com-prehension.

Wiener said she didn’t have her own, personal “aha” moment until after mov-ing to the lakes area from St. Cloud in 2009. While getting the boat out of win-ter storage and attempting to untangle a mess of life preservers, a large pipe fell square center on her bare foot. The im-pact instantaneously created swelling and bruising.

“Right away, I asked my husband to go inside and get my kit of oils.”

Not knowing exactly what would work for this type of injury, Wiener grabbed various bottles; hoping for the kind of relief her husband and son had experienced.

“I was in pain and wasn’t thinking clearly,” Wiener said. “I didn’t have any kind of desktop reference, but I pulled out lavender. And lavender is known as the Swiss Army Knife – good for every-thing. Frankincense. Frankincense was good for Baby Jesus, so that was going on. I don’t even remember everything I put on.”

Through all of the commotion, a neighbor had stopped over to see how he could assist. As Wiener continued to apply the oils, her neighbor commented that the swelling appeared to be going down.

“He could see it was changing that quickly,” Wiener recalled.

Within a couple of hours, she was able to put gradual pressure on the foot and wiggle her toes. By a stroke of bad luck, Wiener also experienced multiple mishaps over the coming months and years, missing a couple of steps and twisting her ankle, in addition to crash-ing on her bicycle and sustaining trauma to her face, shoulder and knee. Again, she turned to her oils - applying various drops and witnessing the healing pow-ers.

“I didn’t go to the hospital. I just re-lied on my oils,” she said. “Some people have stories about getting pregnant, low-ering their blood pressure, or any variety of issues, all through the help of essential oils. Mine all happen to be from physical trauma.”

Wiener said she feels blessed to have had her � rst experience with essential oils to be with the company Young Living Essential Oils - an essential oils company based in Utah. Wiener said the organi-zation grows thousands of acres of their

own plant material that goes into mak-ing the oils and has high expectations for quality control to ensure end users receive the promised properties of each type of oil.

“There’s just something about mov-ing into God’s country,” Wiener said. “You start listening. I had been asked for a long time to step up. I felt like God was saying, ‘Brenda, I didn’t give you this knowledge to stick underneath your pil-low.’ I wasn’t a health care person and I wasn’t about pushing it on others. But soon, others began asking me about it. So I started doing some research and that research led to training.”

In 2011, Wiener became a Certi� ed Natural Health Practitioner, offering bio-communication feedback, as well as consulting individuals on the integration of essential oils and supplements in their daily lives. Her Pequot Lakes-based busi-ness, Pathways to Harmony, offers Chris-tian-based, holistic wellness consulting and an opportunity for individuals to � nd an alternative to modern medicine or a supplementation to their health care routine.

“I will never, ever tell a client not to see a physician,” Wiener emphasized. “If myself or my family is ever in a car ac-cident and we need emergency care, we will see a physician. But the moment I am stable, I will take over. Unfortunately, most of our medical care looks at ad-dressing the symptoms rather than look-ing for the root cause. My philosophy with my clients is to get to that root. Let’s � nd out what it is.”

Wiener believes unaddressed emo-tional issues can often present them-selves as physical conditions.

“A piece of the technology I have is the biocommunications piece. With this technology, I can ask the body where the issues stem and it gives us a look at the areas we need to focus. But getting peo-ple to recognize and understand that’s where we should start can be dif� cult.”

Wiener likens the emotional interfer-ence to a yard hose. When there is a kink

in the hose, the water isn’t distributed equally. And no matter how high you turn up the water, the interference will keep it from working to its full capacity. The same can happen with the body. If the body is attempting to remove toxins but they hit a roadblock, that’s when physical issues may arise.

“When we get older, we just assume we’re going to feel worse. But it’s the ex-posure to toxins over time that causes issues. Through my wellness consulting business, the direction I want to go and the people I want to work with are those who are willing to consider the emo-tional component. Let’s clear the interfer-ence � elds and go from there.”

Wiener said she’d be the � rst to ad-

mit that her life isn’t perfect, nor is her health. But she says her life has been transformed through the powers of alter-native thinking and treatment.

“My focus is on educating, equipping and inspiring,” she said. “I have the tools to be able to do that for others, because that’s who I am. No, I’m not 100 percent healthy. We all have our challenges. I wear multiple hats and am a multi-task-er. But I have the tools that allow me to keep it all going in my life. And I want to help others to have the same tools, skills and safety nets that I have through work-shops, classes and life services.”


14

Painful veins in your legs can be a symp-

tom of serious health problems.

Yet many people defer treatment, thinking that varicose veins are merely cosmetic and they don’t want to appear vain. Others grow accustomed to the swelling and pain because their condition progresses slowly, creating a “new normal.”

Vein conditions are not solely a cosmetic problem. Swollen or discolored veins can be symptoms of other medical conditions that need to be treated to avoid serious complica-tions.

If your legs are swollen, fatigue easily or have un-sightly or painful veins, you should talk with your pri-mary care physician or a surgeon experienced in treat-ing veins.

Normal veins have paper-thin, one-way valves that allow blood to � ow up, out of the legs. The valves close when standing or sitting to prevent blood from � owing backwards.

Venous diseases are caused by poorly functioning valves within veins that allow backwards � ow. This in-ef� ciency causes spider veins — red or blue web-like veins on the skin’s surface. Untreated, they can grow into varicose veins, which appear as bulges on the leg’s surface.

The disease can progress to include swelling, pain, clotting, ulceration and skin in� ammation.

Risk factors for vari-cose veins include heredity, ex-

cessive body weight, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, injury, hormonal changes and aging. Many

of these risk factors are speci� c to women, which is why nearly 40 percent of women and 20 percent of men have some form of varicose veins.

The Essentia Health Brainerd Clinic offers comprehensive vein care from board-certi� ed doctors and a nurse practitioner for women and men experiencing varicose and spider vein problems. The clinic will help these pa-tients look and feel their best by utilizing the latest minimally invasive vein therapy tech-niques and technology.

A thorough examination and proper diagnosis will result in an individually tailored treatment plan.

Treatment doesn’t always require a medical proce-dure. For example, symptoms can be reduced by lim-iting the amount of sitting or standing throughout the day. You also can wear support stockings and step up your exercise to improve blood � ow.

If you need medical treatment, the Brainerd Clinic offers three minimally invasive procedures that provide prompt relief and improve appearance. Sclerotherapy injects medication directly into the affected veins to close them down, which causes the body to reroute blood through deeper veins. Laser therapy and radio-frequency treatment achieve the same effect. The sur-geons also can remove diseased veins through small incisions.

Most insurance companies will cover treatments for varicose veins that are medically necessary and

in cases when conservative therapies like the use of “compression”

stockings have failed. Initial consultations to determine if your symptoms are related to a vein problem are usu-ally covered by insurance. Any treatment for cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance but competitively priced.

To schedule an appointment with a board-certi� ed surgeon or nurse practitioner call 218-828-2880.

Dr. Ross Bengtson is a General Surgeon with Es-sentia Health St. Joseph’s-Brainerd Clinic.

DR. ROSSBENGTSON

Doctor’s OrdersDON’T FEEL VAIN ABOUT TREATING PAINFUL VEINS

sentia Health St. Joseph’s-Brainerd Clinic.

Vein Health Risk Self-Assessment

� HISTORYHave you ever had varicose veins?

� SIGNS AND SYMPTOMSDo you experience any of the follow-

ing signs and symptoms in your legs or ankles:

• Leg pain, aching or cramping?• Leg or ankle swelling, especially at the

end of the day?• Restless legs?• Visible veins on your legs that cause you

discomfort?• Feel “heaviness” in your legs?• Skin discoloration or texture changes?

Open wounds or sores?

� RISK FACTORSHas anyone in your blood-related family

ever had varicose veins or been diagnosed with venous re� ux disease or chronic venous insuf� ciency?

Have you had any treatments or procedures for vein problems?

Do you stand for long periods of time, such as at work?

Have you had multiple pregnancies?

� SELF-ASSESSMENT RESULTSIf you answered yes to one or more of the

above questions, please contact us for a consultation to see if you may be a candi-date for venous re� ux disease. Initial con-sultations to determine if your symptoms are related to a vein problem are usually covered by insurance.

For more information about vein conditions visit one of our upcoming complimentary educational seminars. Seminars include an initial screening.

• 9-11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 15, in Pine River.• 9-11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 5, in Crosslake.• 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, in

Brainerd.• 9-11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 22, in Bay Lake.

Space is limited, so please register at 218-828-7414 or at EssentiaHealth.org/Vein-Services.

Vein Health

PPainful veins in your legs can be a symp-PPainful veins in your legs can be a symp-

tom of serious health problems. Ptom of serious health problems.

Yet many people defer treatment, thinking PYet many people defer treatment, thinking that varicose veins are merely cosmetic and Pthat varicose veins are merely cosmetic and

Dr.

15

FARGO — When Joel Haugen

started practicing medicine in

1982, patients would turn to

books or ask for advice from

neighbors to learn more about

their woes.

They still do that research today, said the Essentia Health family medicine physician at the West Acres mall walk-in clinic — but they’re letting the medi-cal encyclopedias gather dust and using WebMD instead.

“Now, it’s readily available on their smartphone or their iPad or the Internet, and there’s just so much more of it,” he said. “It may even make it harder for them to sort that out.”

A recent national survey conducted by Makovsky Health and Kelton found the average American spends about 52 hours each year looking up health infor-mation online. They average only one hour — three 20-minute visits — with their doctor each year.

Haugen said there are advantages to the plethora of information that’s avail-able online, and free resources can help patients quickly get answers to questions about a diagnosis or prescription.

Still, he said they need to make sure they’re � nding accurate, reliable infor-mation that’s not trying to sell a gimmick or an expensive treatment.

STICK WITH SOLID INFOMonjur Alam, a family medicine phy-

sician who practices at Sanford Health’s clinic in East Grand Forks said the best advice is to look for evidence-based websites.

Organizations that represent speci� c medical � elds often are a good choice, he said. Some examples include the websites of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Acade-my of Pediatrics and the American Board of Internal Medicine.

“They have it in plain layman’s terms, and it’s very easy to read and the patients can understand it much better,” he said.

Haugen said he advises patients to look for of� cial government sites – easy to spot because their website address ends with “.gov” – because they’re likely to be free of bias and won’t be trying to sell medications or untested theories.

Other federally sponsored sites, such

as the National Institutes of Health at www.nih.gov and the searchable data-bases of www.health� nder.gov, also are good choices, he said.

Haugen said patients can learn more about speci� c conditions through large nonpro� t organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.

Many health systems now offer infor-mation and links through their own web-sites, too. He said the Rochester-based Mayo Clinic has good resources avail-able on its site at www.mayoclinic.com.

Essentia Health patients can � nd updated information about diseases, treatments and surgeries on its website at www.essentiahealth.org. Like many health providers, Haugen said Essen-tia subscribes to a third-party service to make sure the information is updated and accurate.

Sanford also has a searchable health database on its site at www.sanford-health.org.

Both health systems offer options for patients to chat with medical providers and keep track of appointments through their websites.

Haugen said WebMD also has a large amount of information available for free. The popular site does have advertising, he said, but it’s “fairly benign” and still a good option.

But he said not all privately run health websites are as reliable, and patients should take the information they � nd through Google or in a Wikipedia article with a grain of salt.

“If they’re trying to sell you some-thing, then I’d certainly be a little leery about what they’re promoting because it’s self-serving,” he said.

ONLINE CHANGESThe health information that patients

can � nd online has its advantages, often helping them get quick answers to their questions or to better understand what their doctor has told them, Haugen said.

One perk is mental — many people think of information as “more believ-able” when they see it in print, whether on a website or in a newspaper article, he said.

But it also can help explain their medical woes to spouses and relatives in a way that everyone can understand and might lead to more productive visits

when they do see their doctor, Haugen said.

“It kind of hones down the questions so they may be much more speci� c and much more directed questions when they have them,” he said. “They’ve al-ready got some understanding of the condition and the words are not quite so foreign to them, so I think it’s great.”

Still, Haugen said online searches for vague symptoms like a headache could result in the suggestion of an unlikely problem, such as West Nile virus or tu-mors. It can be dif� cult to encourage patients to � rst try standard medical tests to � gure out their condition and not im-mediately decide they need a spinal tap to rule out West Nile, he said.

“You kind of have to sort through it,” he said. “They don’t have a good under-standing maybe of the implications of doing a test or the cost of a test or the risk-bene� t of doing tests.”

Alam said there’s another challenge that comes with the rise of online health

resources — patients who believe they’ve diagnosed themselves with a wide array of conditions based on a quick Internet search.

“I appreciate that patients are going through lots of anxiety when they have something going on, and they’re wor-rying and they’re looking up different conditions,” he said. “Many times, many diseases share similar symptoms, so that makes the clinical picture very challeng-ing sometimes. But I think it helps us physicians in some cases.”

It’s the duty of a physician to take their patients’ concerns seriously while also helping them wade through the con� ict-ing information they might � nd online, Alam said.

Still, there are times when well-mean-ing patients just need to log off WebMD and get to a doctor, especially if they may be suffering from life-threatening acute conditions like a stroke or heart at-tack, he said.

“When you’re not sure, please go in and get checked out,” he said.

By RYAN JOHNSON Forum News Service

FFARGO — When Joel Haugen FFARGO — When Joel Haugen

started practicing medicine in Fstarted practicing medicine in

1982, patients would turn to F1982, patients would turn to

books or ask for advice from Fbooks or ask for advice from

neighbors to learn more about Fneighbors to learn more about

their woes.Ftheir woes.

SURVEY FINDS BIG GAP

IN TIME PATIENTS SPEND

LOOKING UP HEALTH

INFO ONLINE, TIME

WITH THEIR DOCTOR

16

Choosing to make aChoosing to make aChoosing to make a

differencedifferencedifferenceHEALTH

PROGRAM

CHANGES FOOD

INSECURITY

CONCERNS FOR

TODD COUNTY

By SARAH NELSONKATZENBERGER

Contributing Writer

Volunteers organize bags to be distributed at the Choose

Health booth at the Farmers’ market at Lakewood Health

System in Staples.

STAPLES — Every Thursday, people come from

all over Todd County to visit the Farmers Market

at Lakewood Health System in Staples. Tables

and trucks full of fresh produce from dozens of

area farms make their way from the hands of

the farmer into the hands of eager consumers.

This summer a new booth has made an appearance. In front of it sits a table � lled with orange bags full of fresh produce, picked with a special purpose.

“Some of them have never prepared fresh vegetables

before,” said Lakewood Health System dietician Kelly Coughlin, talking about participants in Lakewood’s Chose Health program.

“It’s our goal to change that.” Choose Health is a brand new program started with the

help of Lakewood Health System, Todd County Health and Human Services, Public Health of� ce, and Sprout MN that makes fresh produce available to families affected by hun-ger or food insecurities.

Coughlin said the idea developed after Lakewood re-ceived a grant from Hunger Free Minnesota. The organiza-tion wanted to see Lakewood start a food dispensary mod-eled after a similar program at Hennepin County Medical

SSTAPLES — Every Thursday, people come from SSTAPLES — Every Thursday, people come from

all over Todd County to visit the Farmers Market Sall over Todd County to visit the Farmers Market

at Lakewood Health System in Staples. Tables Sat Lakewood Health System in Staples. Tables

and trucks full of fresh produce from dozens of Sand trucks full of fresh produce from dozens of

area farms make their way from the hands of Sarea farms make their way from the hands of

the farmer into the hands of eager consumers. S

the farmer into the hands of eager consumers.

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Center (HCMC). Katherine Mackendanz, Community Planning

Unit Manager at Todd County Health and Human Services, said Hunger Free Minnesota was interest-ed in partnering with health care providers to better distribute fresh foods.

Coughlin pointed out that hunger programs tend to focus on getting calories and food into people, but don’t typically take into account the quality of food distributed.

“It’s not just about getting food for hunger relief; it’s about getting healthy food to people,” Coughlin said.

At HCMC, primary care physicians refer patients who that are affected by hunger or food insecurity to the dispensary, much like they prescribe medicine. Pa-tients receive a “prescription” for a healthier diet and pick up their list of groceries at the dispensary.

“(Hunger Free Minnesota) had worked with the food banks and food shelves, but this was different,” Mackendanz said. “It worked really well at HCMC — they wanted to know how it would work in a rural area.”

Coughlin said the idea has been in the works since January.

With the help of Arlene Jones who owns and oper-ates The Farm on St. Mathias and manages SPROUT food hub, Coughlin said the idea developed beyond a food dispensary to a program more like a community supported agriculture (CSA) model.

“There’s nothing like this anywhere else,” Coughlin said.

Jones said part of the excitement of the program is for participants to know where their food comes from.

“They meet the farmers growing their food,” she said. “And the farmers are so proud to be part of the program.”

According to Jones, more than 40 area farmers con-tribute to Choose Health.

Mackendanz said the program has created an im-portant partnership between Lakewood, Todd County, SPROUTS, Region Five Development Commission and the city of Staples.

“It’s a really nice partnership of key players in the area saying, ‘How can we make this successful?’” Mackendanz said.

Participants � nd their way to Choose Health through routine appointments with the primary care providers.

Doctors at Lakewood screen patients with questions regarding their food security, asking whether patients felt they had enough food or have ever been concerned they might run out of food. For patients with concerns about hunger, providers recommend the Choose Health program.

So far 50 families have

been selected. Coughlin said the shares in the program come at no

cost to participants — the cost is largely covered by the grant and buy-in from Lakewood employees and em-ployees from National Joint Powers Alliance in Staples.

Every other week from June until October, partici-pants will pick up their shares, which include a brief cooking demonstration with foods in their share.

“They’re getting some the skills necessary to use the food they receive,” Mackendanz said. “That’s so impor-tant.”

The bi-weekly shares include whatever is available on the market — rhubarb, cucumbers, asparagus, eggs and herbs.

“They’re getting the best and freshest available,” Jones said.

Through SPROUT food hub, Jones works with area producers to meet fresh produce demand for wholesale and institutional use.

Participants also receive kitchen basics such as knives, cutting boards, measuring cups — things that will make it easier and more likely for them to experi-ment with fresh foods.

Mackendanz said the program kicked off in mid-June and the � rst week was a huge success. “The fami-lies were so excited,” she said.

Coughlin said she was moved by seeing families pick up healthy foods and showing such excitement over receiving

them. “It was a dietician’s dream,” she said. “They’re really

trying.”For many participants, overcoming the fear of using

fresh foods and foods they are not familiar with can be a barrier.

“They just don’t know what to expect,” Coughlin said, adding that the goal is to eventually encourage participants to grow their own food.

“This program could continue to have many arms,” she said.

Coughlin said what makes Choose Health different from other food programs is the data. Primary care pro-viders will track biometrics of all participants including weight, height, BMI and screening for diabetes. “The ultimate goal is obesity prevention,” Coughlin said. “That starts with access to fresh, healthy food.”

Mackendanz said working with parents is crucial to preventing obesity among children. “You can work with schools and directly with the kids but, ultimately, it’s the parents who put food on the table.”

While data may not come back in drastic changes in numbers on the scale or dramatic drop in BMI, Cough-lin is con� dent there will be notable impact.

“What we will have is some solid answers on be-havior change,” Coughlin said, noting participants will develop the ability and con� dence to prepare healthy

foods. “Once you start, it’s hard to stop.”

Katherine Mackendanz, Community Planning Unit Manager at Todd County Health and Human Services, said Hunger Free Minnesota was interest-ed in partnering with health care providers to better

Coughlin pointed out that hunger programs tend to focus on getting calories and food into people, but don’t typically take into account the quality of

“It’s not just about getting food for hunger relief; it’s

At HCMC, primary care physicians refer patients who that are affected by hunger or food insecurity to the dispensary, much like they prescribe medicine. Pa-tients receive a “prescription” for a healthier diet and

“(Hunger Free Minnesota) had worked with the food banks and food shelves, but this was different,”

Bags of fresh produce await

families enrolled in the

Choose Health program at

Lakewood Health System in

Staples. Lakewood part-

ners with Todd County and

Sprout to provide health

supplements to families

with low income and food

insecurities.


So far 50 families have

Bags of fresh produce await

families enrolled in the

Choose Health program at Choose Health program at

Lakewood Health System in Lakewood Health System in

Staples. Lakewood part-

ners with Todd County and

Sprout to provide health

Volunteers for Choose Health handed out fresh produce to families enrolled in the program.


Volunteers for Choose Health handed out fresh produce to families enrolled in the program.Volunteers for Choose Health handed out fresh produce to families enrolled in the program.

18

FARGO, N.D. — The adult obesity rate in

North Dakota would almost double to 57.1

percent and Minnesota’s would balloon to

54.7 percent by 2030 if current trends con-

tinue unabated.

Those predictions were recently released in a na-tional report warning that the nation’s bulging waist-line is a growing health crisis that calls for a broad spectrum of preventive steps.

If enough people heed warnings, the nation could see a healthier population in 2030 and lower health costs, giving rise to the study’s theme, “two futures for America’s health.”

A modest weight loss, for instance, can add up to signi� cant savings, according to the study by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

If adults would reduce their body mass index, a ratio of weight to height, by 5 percent — about 10 pounds for someone standing 6 feet tall and weigh-ing 200 pounds — it would enable many states to drastically reduce health care costs.

North Dakota, which now has an adult obesity rate of 27.8 percent, could save 7.2 percent in health care costs, which would total savings of $1.1 billion by 2030, according to the study.

In Minnesota, a 5 percent reduction in body mass index would translate into a savings of 7.3 percent,

totaling $11.6 billion by 2030. Minnesota’s

adult obesity rate now is 25.7 percent.The future is even more sobering for 13 states that

could see adult obesity rates topping 60 percent if current trends continue. Mississippi could have the highest obesity rate, 66.7 percent.

But even the state projected to have the lowest obesity rate, Colorado, would see a rate of 44.8 per-cent, more than double its 20.7 percent rate from 20 years ago.

“That’s pretty scary,” said Richard Hamburg, dep-uty director of the Trust for America’s Health, one of the study’s partners.

Nationally, obesity rates in the United States have risen markedly since the 1980s. “It’s been a pretty uninterrupted trajectory,” Hamburg said.

Experts cite a host of reasons, all of which can add up to, “Adults and kids are less active and eating more than they were 20 or 30 years ago,” Hamburg said.

The underlying reasons, according to health advocates, can range from subur-ban sprawl, which means fewer people walk to work or school, to increased consumption of fatty foods, sweets and sweetened soft drinks.

Average daily caloric intake is up more than 300 calories since 1985 and more than 600 since 1970, Hamburg said.

“The numbers are pretty staggering,” he said.

Also, in poorer neighborhoods and communities, people can � nd them-

selves in “food deserts” lacking access to affordable, healthy food choices, Hamburg said.

The key to turning around the nation’s obesity epidemic and associated health crisis, experts agree: “Make healthy choices easy choices.”

That’s the mantra of the Cass Clay Healthy People Initiative, launched three years ago with the goal of reducing the Fargo-Moorhead obesity rate by 20 per-cent by 2030, twice the national goal.

To do that, the initiative and its partners are work-ing to improve access to public, active places, includ-ing parks and trails, as well as healthy eating choices.

Similarly, the city of Fargo’s Go 2030 initiative in-cludes health goals, said Kim Lipetzky, a nutritionist

with Fargo Cass Public Health.It’s trying to see whether gyms and

other indoor facilities can expand hours, for example, and expand recreation trails or maintain them so they can operate year-round, she said.

“We’re going to inventory what we have here,” she said.

An encouraging early sign: Data from Fargo-Moorhead clinics indicate that the obesity rate has dipped for girls in all age categories up to age 19, and for boys up to age 12, said Rory Beil, director of the Cass Clay Healthy People Initiative.

That could be the � rst decline in 25 or 30 years, Beil said, but hastened to add that it will take one or two more years to show whether the dip is the beginning of a trend.

“We’d like to think we can change the trend lines that the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is projecting,” Beil said.

Obesity —a growing health crisis

By PATRICK SPRINGER Forum News Service

Young children come

out from their hiding

places in the grass

recently at Hartley

Park in Duluth during

a game of “thicket” in

which groups of kids

hide in the brush until

they’re found by the

searcher called the

“thicket master.”

Bob King • Forum News Service

Increasing

physical

activity is

part of the

solution.

FFARGO, N.D. — The adult obesity rate in

FFARGO, N.D. — The adult obesity rate in

North Dakota would almost double to 57.1 FNorth Dakota would almost double to 57.1

percent and Minnesota’s would balloon to Fpercent and Minnesota’s would balloon to

54.7 percent by 2030 if current trends con-F54.7 percent by 2030 if current trends con-

tinue unabated.Ftinue unabated.

Those predictions were recently released in a na-FThose predictions were recently released in a na-

19

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20

GRAND FORKS, N.D. —

When he started at Altru Hos-

pital in Grand Forks 26 years

ago, Chief Medical Executive

Dr. Eric Lunn said obese chil-

dren were very rare.

“In 1987, it just wasn’t a big deal in children,” he said. “Now, it’s not un-common.”

Lunn sees children with weight problems often, even some younger

than 10 who have developed Type II diabetes — once considered an adult disease. Individuals surveyed for Al-tru’s 2013 Community Health Assess-ment put childhood obesity at the top of health issues facing the city.

In North Dakota, more than one-third of 10- to 17-year-olds were overweight or obese, according to the 2011-12 National Survey of Children’s Health.

The childhood obesity trend, which saw rapid growth in the 1980s and 1990s, may be reaching a plateau as

schools, government agencies and other groups continue to educate kids about healthy eating habits and regu-lar exercise.

On the surface, the news is good, but further analysis by researchers found the outlook wasn’t as positive for every child.

Kids whose parents didn’t receive a bachelor’s degree or make enough to surpass the federal poverty line saw their rates increase from 1990 to 2010, according to national data from the National Health and Nutrition Ex-

amination Survey.Their peers with parents holding at

least a bachelor’s degree saw obesity rates sputter and decline during that time period

FOOD FOR THOUGHTThe solution to childhood obesity

sounds simple, but eating healthier and getting more exercise may be eas-ier said than done for children of low socioeconomic status.

Researchers with the National Academy of Sciences say income, the cost of fresh food, the number of fast food restaurants present and the distance from grocery stores play a role in how neighborhoods in� uence youth obesity rates.

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that nearly 10 percent of Americans live in low-in-come areas more than one mile from a grocery store.

The most recent county-level data indicated in 2010 that the percent-

age was slightly higher in Grand Forks County at 11.3 percent.

When including the county’s entire population, the department

considered nearly 30 percent of people as having low access to a gro-cery store — including about 4,500 children.

One look at a map of Grand Forks reveals several neighborhoods are not within the one-mile radius of at least one grocery store, especially in the city’s northwestern corner.

That area includes the University of North Dakota and its surround-

ing neighborhoods and is home

By BRANDI JEWETT Forum News Service

The obesity gapPOOR CHILDREN GAIN WEIGHT WHILE WEALTHIER PEERS SHED POUNDS

GGRAND FORKS, N.D. — GGRAND FORKS, N.D. —

When he started at Altru Hos-GWhen he started at Altru Hos-

pital in Grand Forks 26 years Gpital in Grand Forks 26 years

ago, Chief Medical Executive Gago, Chief Medical Executive

Dr. Eric Lunn said obese chil-GDr. Eric Lunn said obese chil-

21

Lakewood Health Systems

partnered with area students

various organizations to raise

more the $31,000 through the

Jump Rope for Heart program.

The event, sponsored by the American Heart Association, chal-lenges students to jump rope while empowering them to improve their health and help other kids with heart-health issues.

Participating schools and the

amounts raised include:• Browerville - $5,964.78.• Eagle Valley - $2,815.62.• Motley Elementary - $1,266.• Motley Middle - $912.25.• Pillager - $14,316.71.• Staples Elementary and Sacred

Heart- $6,007The combined total raised by

the schools was $28,182.36 which, combined with the sponsorship by Lakewood, came to $31,182.36. All funds raised will go to help the American Heart Association.

Lakewood Health helps raise $31,000 for American Heart Association

LLLLakewood Health Systems Lakewood Health Systems

partnered with area students Lpartnered with area students

various organizations to raise Lvarious organizations to raise

more the $31,000 through the Lmore the $31,000 through the

Jump Rope for Heart program. LJump Rope for Heart program.

to some of the lowest median incomes of any area in the city.

A new Walmart planned for the northwest and a Hugo’s grocery store proposed for the southeast corner of the city may reduce the number of people with limited access to fresh food.

Until those stores are in place, a fast food establishment falls closer to a home than the grocery store for many in the city.

Overall, Grand Forks County has less than two grocery stores but nearly eight fast food restaurants per 10,000 people. Like the grocery store, pro-cessed foods offered at fast food res-taurants are usually cheaper than healthier offerings.

“When it comes to fast food, the healthy choice isn’t always the easy choice,” Wanner said.

LACK OF EXERCISENot eating right isn’t the only in-

dication of the problem facing North Dakota’s low-income, overweight youth.

Local children’s activity levels fol-lowed a trend similar to weight status. The children’s health survey showed kids in households with more edu-cated parents or higher household in-comes exercised more frequently than those with less.

The cost associated with participat-ing in activities such as school sports may prove to be too much for some households, according to Lunn.

Some organizations have created scholarships to ensure children of any income can participate in sports and other activities.

The Altru Family YMCA averages $200,000 each year in � nancial as-sistance and scholarships that allow 2,500 to 3,000 children per year to par-ticipate in activities and use its � tness center, according CEO Deb Thomson.

“There are children that can’t afford to participate,” she said. “(Through � nancial assis-tance) we provide them with choices that are better than the alternative.”

If their parents work multiple jobs or go to school, that alternative may be spending time in front of a TV or computer screen.

With the assistance, low-income kids can partici-pate in sports, swimming lessons, � tness classes, day camps and other activities.

Having a variety of offerings is bene� cial, accord-ing to Lunn.

“If (children) don’t like a sport, you won’t get them to participate,” he added.

PREVENTIONLocal health experts agree educa-

tion will continue to be necessary to prevent and treat weight problems in children of all income levels.

Grand Forks Public Schools has been taking steps to ensure students are learning about healthy choices and eating nutritious meals.

“It’s a balance of eating, exercise and lifestyle,” Child Nutrition Food Service Director Julie Tunseth said.

The district’s Fresh Fruits and Veg-etables Program has brought fresh produce into classrooms three times a week for the past three years.

The program gives students a chance to try fruits and veggies their families may not buy or they avoid in the lunch line, Tunseth said.

Besides the more usual fare, stu-dents also have had the opportunity to try things such as star fruit, jicama and tangelos.

The program is funded through a federal grant that gives preference to districts with high numbers of students using free or reduced-price lunch pro-grams. Almost 40 percent of Grand Forks students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

The district also has taken steps to integrate healthier food into its menu over the years.

The changes aren’t always noticed by students or heavily advertised though.

“Kids know they’re getting a hot dog,” Tunseth said. “They may not necessarily want to know it’s on a whole-grain bun or that the hot dog is low sodium and all-beef.”

Also gaining ground are local pro-grams such as Altru’s Healthy n’ Fit Kids. The 12-week weight manage-ment class teaches children and their families about proper nutrition and exercise.

School programs and weight class-es are a great start, according to Lunn. Getting the community to recognize childhood obesity as a problem is the next step.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child,” he said. “It’s going to take a village to work on this issue and make progress.”

etables Program has brought fresh produce into classrooms three times a week for the past three years.

chance to try fruits and veggies their families may not buy or they avoid in the lunch line, Tunseth said.

dents also have had the opportunity to try things such as star fruit, jicama and tangelos.

federal grant that gives preference to districts with high numbers of students using free or reduced-price lunch pro-grams. Almost 40 percent of Grand Forks students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

integrate healthier food into its menu over the years.

by students or heavily advertised

less than two grocery stores but nearly eight fast food restaurants per 10,000 people. Like the grocery store, pro-cessed foods offered at fast food res-taurants are usually cheaper than

“When it comes to fast food, the healthy choice isn’t always the easy

Not eating right isn’t the only in-dication of the problem facing North Dakota’s low-income, overweight

Local children’s activity levels fol-lowed a trend similar to weight status. The children’s health survey showed kids in households with more edu-cated parents or higher household in-comes exercised more frequently than

The cost associated with participat-ing in activities such as school sports may prove to be too much for some

Some organizations have created scholarships to ensure children of any income can participate in sports and

The Altru Family YMCA averages

though.

dog,” Tunseth said. “They may not necessarily want to know it’s on a whole-grain bun or that the hot dog is low sodium and all-beef.”

Runners compete in the Sour Grapes Half and Half Marathon at the Northland Ar-boretum. Studies have shown a variety of offerings for physical activity within a com-munity is bene� cial for the good health of all ages.

Kelly Humphrey • [email protected]

Prevention and treatmentTo prevent weight gain in children or help them lose weight, the Ameri-

can Academy of Pediatrics recommends these eating and exercise habits:• Fruits and vegetables: Consume � ve or more servings each day.• Sugar-sweetened drinks: Minimize as much as possible.• Television viewing: Decrease screen time to two hours or less a day.• Physical activity: Be active for an hour or more each day.• Meals at home: Prepare them more often than eating out.• Family dinner: Eat around a table at least � ve or six times a week.• Breakfast: Eat it every day.• Lifestyle changes: Involve the whole family.• Food regulation: Let kids regulate their meals and avoid overly restric-

tive feeding behavior.

Prevention and treatment

Runners compete in the Sour Grapes Half and Half Marathon at the Northland Ar-boretum. Studies have shown a variety of offerings for physical activity within a com-munity is bene� cial for the good health of all ages.

001110447r1

Funeral Services

Healthcare Dr. Kurtis WatersCascade Women’s WellnessCentre and MedSpaRiverstone Professional Center13359 Isle Drive, Suite 1Baxter, MN 56425 218-454-8888www.cascademedspa.com

Cuyuna RegionalMedical Center Baxter13205 Isle DriveBaxter, MN 56425Crosby

320 East Main Street Crosby, MN 56441 218-546-70001-888-487-6437www.cuyunamed.org

Essentia HealthSt. Joseph’s Medical Center218-829-2861Brainerd Clinic218-828-2880Baxter Clinic218-828-2880www.essentiahealth.org

Lakewood Health SystemStaplesMotleyPillagerEagle BendBrowerville218-894-15151-800-525-1033www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com

Hypnotherapy

MRILakes Imaging Center2019 S. 6th Street Brainerd, MN 56401218-822-OPEN (6736)1-877-522-7222www.lakesimagingcenter.com

Ophthalmologist/OpticiansCrosby Eye Clinic7636 Design Rd #105Baxter, MN 56425218-825-1976www.crosbyeyeclinic.com

Northern Eye CenterGreat Northern OpticiansBrainerd218-829-20201-800-872-0005Little Falls320-632-2391Staples218-894-5480www.northerneyecenter.com

Real Estate

Restaurant

Sea Food

Senior LivingExcelsior Place14211 Firewood DriveBaxter, MN 56425218-828-4770www.wtohdevelopment.com/baxter

Good Neighbor Home Health Care218-829-92381-888-221-5785www.gnhomecare.com

VeinsThe Vein Center1990 Connecticut Ave. South, Suite 100Sartell, MN 56377320-257-VEIN (8346)www.beautifulresults.com

Healthwatch • Fall 2014

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Inner HealingHypnosis14715 Edgewood Dr.Suite 1Brainerd, MN 56401

218-851-7082

www.innerhealinghypnosis.com

EAT. DRINK.RELAX.

10424 SQUAW POINT RD., EAST GULL LAKE218.829.3918

WWW.ERNIESONGULL.COM

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Moreysmarkets.com15670 Edgewood Drive Baxter, MN

Hwy 10 South Motley, MN1-800-548-9630

Call Katie Lee!

[email protected] rstlook.com

Thinking about buying or selling?

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22

Christine Albrecht, M.D.

Berit Amundson, M.D.

ArdenBeachy, M.D.

BeckyBennett, P.A.-C

JodyGiza, P.A.-C

CarolUhlman, OB/GYN

KellyThompson, N.P.-C

KellyVanVickle, N.P.-C

NeilBratney, Pediatrician

NicoleUban, Midwife

KathrynRiordan, Rheumatologist

ErikDovre, OB/GYN

Y O U R H O M E F O R H E A L T H C A R E

Fortunately, Infertility Specialist Kelly Thompson, NP-C, is dedicated to helping

couples achieve that goal. Along with the rest of our Women’s Health team,

Kelly is here to provide care and understanding to those who need it most.

Because Lakewood Health System understands the importance of partnership,

our goal is to work with you to ensure you receive the best possible care. Our

entire staff from women’s health and psychiatric services, to surgical care and

rehab services is designed to help you achieve overall wellness.

800-525-1033 I 218-894-1515lakewoodhealthsystem.com

H O S P I T A L I C L I N I C S I S E N I O R S E R V I C E S

”“FAMILY MEDICINEHOME CARE & HOSPICE INCONTINENCE THERAPY INFERTILITY SERVICESMIDWIFE SERVICESOB/GYNPEDIATRICSPHYSICAL THERAPYPSYCHOLOGYRHEUMATOLOGY

Pillager Clinic

ChooseYourHEALTH PARTNERKelly Thompson, NP-CWomen’s Health Team

001105561r1

www.cuyunamed.org

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Welcomes

Minnesota native Christina Kramer, M.D., who is originally from Maple Plain, recently completed her Residency in New York at the University of Buffalo Sisters of Charity Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis and her undergraduate at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Dr. Kramer enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the outdoors running, hiking, bicycling, and camping. She and her husband Ryan, who is originally from Hayward, Wisc., have two daughters.

Christina Kramer, M.D.Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Seeing patients in Crosby, Baxter & Aitkin

family medicine physician with over 10 years experience, comes to the Brainerd Lakes area from Kansas, where she was one of four partners in a group of eight providers since 2001. Dr. Overholt-Thiesen has also practiced at a clinic in Fort Smith Ark. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and undergraduate degree at Rice University, also in Houston. She and her husband, Dale Ray, have three children.

Shelley Overholt-Thiesen, M.D.Family Practice

Seeing patients in Baxter

Both physicians are accepting

new patients, call 218-546-7462.

001104491r1

healthwatch magazine august 2014

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