Sanford Fargo Behavioral Health

11/17/2023

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer – and the deadliest.

By the time you notice a persistent cough, wheezing, chest pain or unexplained weight loss, it might be too late.

If you’re between ages 50 and 77, have a smoking history of 20 pack years, and either currently smoke or quit in the last 15 years, you should consider a screening.

Additionally, if you’ve had long-term exposure to radon, asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust or other chemicals, you may also be at risk for developing lung cancer.

Learn more about lung cancer prevention and screenings: https://san.fo/47BBrjg

11/17/2023

To our dedicated home health care and hospice teams – thank you. Thank you for providing care and compassion to those who need it most.

Happy Home Care and Hospice Month!

To find Sanford Health home care or hospice services near you, visit: https://san.fo/3SGLeAg

11/17/2023

Sanford Health's substance use disorder program in Bemidji, MN, was recently certified as one of less than two dozen Wellbriety Certified Treatment Centers in the nation.

To become a Wellbriety Certified Treatment Center, a substance use program must meet specific criteria upheld by the White Bison organization, including:
- Ensuring all counselors are trained in and incorporate culturally based curriculum
- Providing access to a Native American elder who conducts ceremonies and provides teachings
- Incorporating traditional Native American healing practices into the program (smudging, pipe ceremony, sweat lodge, etc.)

In 2021, the Community Health Needs Assessment informed Sanford Health that the biggest needs included care delivery close to home. We took steps, including our Virtual Care Initiative, as part of the commitment to transform health care for patients living in rural and underserved areas.

Take the online Community Health Needs survey to help create a healthier community for all: https://san.fo/3MPwk77

11/17/2023

Now there’s just one My Sanford Nurse phone number. So no matter where you live, it’s easier than ever to connect with an experienced nurse.

As always, nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer health questions, assess your symptoms and help guide you to the right kind of care.

To learn more about My Sanford Nurse, visit https://san.fo/49Ggrtm

11/16/2023

Did you know that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest drinking days of the year in the U.S.?

Before you partake in any pre-holiday activities, it's important to know the ins and outs of alcohol and its effects on your heart.

Learn more: https://san.fo/3uf19vj

11/16/2023

“Preventive care helps detect and prevent disease and medical issues before they can become major medical problems. The goal of preventive care is to help patients live longer, healthier lives.”

Learn about the types of preventive care we offer and when and how to make an appointment:
https://san.fo/47xgQwn

11/14/2023

Your feet shouldn’t hurt – if they do, something isn’t right. People who spend most of the day on their feet can have pain from a variety of common foot conditions.

If you want to know more about foot problems and how to treat them, visit: https://san.fo/3uhYe5d

11/14/2023

Don’t let misinformation influence your decision to get a flu shot this year.

Everyone should prioritize getting vaccinated, especially pregnant women.

Learn more: https://san.fo/479XygU

11/13/2023

Army Nurse Corps veteran Shannon Harriger, a Sanford Health labor and delivery nurse, teaches nursing students at NDSU and Sanford Fargo.

She's continuing her own education thanks to a Sanford Veterans grant: https://san.fo/3QEApvO

11/13/2023

Thanksgiving is a time to feast. Keep the menu more heart healthy with these simple tips.

Learn more: https://san.fo/3QvZjxI

11/12/2023

Sanford Health was recently named one of the 13 community health systems involved in a data-sharing pledge with The Department of Veterans Affairs.

Through this pledge, the VA and the community health care systems will work to improve veteran health care by:
– Seamlessly exchanging information about care provided and requested
– Saving money for veterans by ensuring that they are taking advantage of VA and community resources
– Connecting veterans with VA benefits

Learn more about the pledge here:

Sanford Health is among 13 community health care systems that have pledged to share data with the VA to improve the veteran experience.

11/11/2023

On Veterans Day, we recognize the brave men and women who have given of themselves for our country's freedom. Thank you for your courageous, dedicated service today and always.

11/10/2023

Award-winning: Sanford Health's Capt. Paul Weckman teamed up with Southeast Tech and the Alliance to surprise Wings of Valor with a bus to use at the hunting lodge for veterans.

Over several months, Southeast Tech students (some of whom are veterans themselves) fixed up an old school bus – notably referred to as a 'cool bus' – donated by the Alliance that will be used to carry veterans to the field at Wings of Valor.

Watch the full story: https://san.fo/3MERqVv

11/09/2023

"My father served in the United States Air Force, and as a son of a veteran, I know firsthand the value and unique perspective veterans and military personnel add to our workforce," said Bill Gassen, Sanford Health's president and CEO.

We are dedicated to recruiting, retaining and supporting veterans and empowering them to be the best they can be.

Learn why we were named to the Forbes list of America's Best Employers for Veterans 2023:

Military Times recognized Sanford Health as one of the best employers across the country for veterans for the fourth year straight.

11/09/2023

Up to 95% of youth ages 13-17 use a social media platform, according to the U.S. surgeon general, with more than a third saying they use social media “almost constantly.”

Along with the numbers, the surgeon general issued a warning: All that social connection comes with mental risks including depression, anxiety and disordered eating. To ward off the worst effects of the social internet, we checked with a Sanford Health behavioral health counselor about how teens and families can set healthy expectations online.

Learn more: https://san.fo/3QEUkLo

11/08/2023

Washing your hands is an easy way to stay healthy.

Make sure you're scrubbing for at least 20 seconds to get rid of harmful germs and prevent the spread of illnesses.

11/08/2023

“A person isn’t their diagnosis. There’s a person underneath that disease process,” said Desirae Toomey, administrator for Sanford Hospice.

Hospice patients receive personalized, meaningful and supportive care – whether it’s in their own home or a Sanford Hospice location.

Read more about the hospice team’s interdisciplinary approach:

Hospice patients receive personalized, meaningful and supportive care – whether it’s in their own home or a Sanford Hospice location.

11/08/2023

While individual choices are important, your health also depends on a number of community factors like nutrition, public safety, education, affordable housing and air quality.

In partnership with other community leaders, we are conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment survey to learn about our community health needs.

Help Sanford Health understand and improve the health of our communities by taking our confidential survey: https://san.fo/3srGUKu

11/08/2023

A cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down, even trigger anxiety and depression.
🔹How do you take care of your mental and physical health?
🔹What can others do to help you?

Integrative care therapists like Lori Dobson can help you navigate the emotional challenges that can come with this disease: https://san.fo/3FRXgPE

11/07/2023

What is self-care and how can you find the time to look out for yourself?

We ask Dr. Craig Uthe, Chief Wellbeing Officer for the USD Sanford School of Medicine, about the best practices for prioritizing you.

Learn how to make yourself a priority: https://san.fo/3FPGTDc

11/07/2023

"Access to maternity care shouldn't be limited by who you are or where you live."

U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) recently convened a roundtable at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center to discuss how to improve maternal health access and outcomes for rural and Indigenous communities.

Read more:

Sen. Smith, along with health care providers and leaders discuss efforts to increase access to maternal health care in northern Minnesota.

11/06/2023

"I'm proud that Sanford Health and Good Samaritan Society support our veterans in our community and engage with them because they're the reason we're here and able to do what we do." – Jennifer Batesel, assisted living manager at Good Samaritan Society–Mountain Home in Arkansas.

In Baxter County, Arkansas, Dan Hall has organized an annual veterans appreciation picnic with a purpose. Hall is a Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran and commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30 in Mountain Home. He has helped reduce the number of suicides in the community by assembling a "veterans encouragement team" to help those struggling with housing, employment and other factors.

In 2021, the Community Health Needs Assessment informed Sanford Health that the biggest needs included care delivery close to home with improved mental health resources.

Take the online Community Health Needs Assessment survey to help create a healthier community for all: https://san.fo/3u0Eu5T

11/04/2023

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday. Dr. Setty explains how the extra hour will have benefits.

Learn more at Valley News Live: https://san.fo/49gGdUZ

11/03/2023

Joseph Beaudreau is a member of the Ojibwe tribe, and works as a health advocate for Sanford, serving Native American populations in and around the Bemidji area.

Read more: https://san.fo/3tSm3jK

11/02/2023

Dealing with fall yardwork and winter's snow and ice are included in the daily routine for those who live in the northern tier of the country.

Those activities can provide a bit of exercise and help keep you in shape. But, if things go wrong, handling a rake or shovel can be deadly.

Gregory Schuchard, interventional cardiologist at Sanford Health says, "I think people have to realize that this type of work is actually very strenuous. We do see a number of heart events precipitated by that exercise, including heart attacks."

Read more:

Raking leaves, shoveling snow and other yardwork chores are cardiovascular workouts that can lead to an ER visit if you're not careful.

11/01/2023

We recognize and support our veterans this month – and all year long.

Learn more about our veteran & military services for patients, employees and the community at https://san.fo/3FHMWty

11/01/2023

Rebecca Roemen is glad she heeded her own advice.

As a physician assistant at Sanford Health in Rock Rapids, Iowa, she’s long told women the importance of a yearly mammogram. She now knows firsthand how lifesaving one can be.

Learn more: https://san.fo/49iARbF

10/31/2023

Lynn Roemeling switched from patient access representative to patient in 2020, when she was diagnosed with a rare type of breast cancer.

Lynn returned to work in February 2021. More than most, she understands the value of life and knows she’s right where she needs to be.

“I love to come back and feel like I’m in the spot where I belong, just greeting these people, smiling, encouraging them to keep fighting, reminding them we have a great team here and if anyone can get through this, they can.”

Read Lynn's story: https://san.fo/47eivqo

10/30/2023

Kids and parents are gearing up for trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

Before you head out for a fun-filled night, Erin Walters, a Sanford Health dietician, recommends kids eat a meal with fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to keep them full and give them energy.

She also recommends giving children a couple pieces of candy after a meal to avoid hyperactivity and crashes.

Watch the full story on WDAY TV News: https://san.fo/40fB63h

10/29/2023

On a mammogram, things like cysts, calcifications and cancer are white.

But so is healthy breast tissue – if it’s dense.

This means that dense breast tissue makes it harder to see signs of cancer and puts patients at a higher-than-average risk of developing it someday.

So, what does your breast tissue look like?

Visit with your primary care provider or a breast health specialist to get a better understanding of your breast density and how it may impact your screening routine.

Learn more: https://san.fo/3SjECHL

10/28/2023

If you’ve put off a health screening or simply forgotten to schedule it, you’re not alone.

But it’s time to get back on track.

Screenings are crucial for detecting disease at an early stage.

10/27/2023

Can you actually be 'scared to death'? ☠

Sanford Health cardiologist Dr. Tom Stys breaks down what happens to your heart when you get spooked.

Overall, Dr. Stys says, "Being scared on Halloween is a very important social thing for us to do and a good opportunity to laugh. That's actually a good thing from a cardiovascular perspective."

Read more: https://san.fo/3QcMGr7

10/27/2023

Powdered greens, liquid chlorophyll, tongue scraping, WaterTok -- what are these weight-loss TikTok trends and more importantly, why are clinicians concerned?

We asked a weight management specialist (a real one) about the risks and benefits of nutrition topics trending on social media on the latest episode of the Health and Wellness Podcast: https://san.fo/495uIQ9

10/27/2023

Our Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine experts specialize in assessing, managing and treating concussions with an emphasis on sports-related injuries.

Dr. Jonathan Preszler, specialist in sports neuropsychology, discusses what you should do if you're experiencing concussion symptoms.

Learn more about concussion care at Sanford: https://san.fo/40auiE1

10/27/2023

Sanford Helps is a website that helps people get connected to easily accessible free and reduced-cost resources where they live. The resource is available for anyone in need, not just Sanford Health patients.

The Community Health Needs Assessment provides vital information used to inform and influence system and regional strategy and offers an opportunity for meaningful collaboration and cooperative solutions between Sanford Health and our community partners to improve the health of those we serve.

Take the online Community Health Needs Assessment survey to help create a healthier community for all: https://san.fo/3MfIHcc

10/27/2023

Halloween is right around the corner and with that comes pumpkin carving.

Dr. Marson Ruthford joined Dakota News Now to share some safety tips.

🎃 Use a pumpkin carving kit rather than a traditional knife
🎃 Use a sturdy surface
🎃 Caregivers to help kids
🎃 Once your creation is complete use a light instead of a candle

Learn more: https://san.fo/3SclrzJ

10/27/2023

From serving their country to serving their community through Sanford Airmed, these eight veterans all share a lot of history together, including five of who served in the National Guard together.

“We just came to work here, and when you put on different uniform,” JR Carter, mechanic, said. “I mean, we still want to take care of our patients as we took care of our customers in the military and, and fly safe and get everybody back home. It’s kind of what we do every day. And that’s what we did in the guard full time.”

Watch the full story here: https://san.fo/46OVJWy

10/26/2023

Vaccines are not something you leave behind after entering kindergarten.

In fact, immunization monitoring lasts a lifetime and can be a significant factor in maintaining overall health.

Click to learn why you should keep up with your vaccines, even when you're an adult: https://san.fo/4944Bcp

10/26/2023

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women.

One way to catch breast cancer early is to get a mammogram.

Breast radiologist Allison Clapp, MD, answers the questions she hears the most frequently about mammograms.

Learn more about screenings: https://san.fo/4763fMd

10/26/2023

After giving birth, you are on a rollercoaster of emotions thanks to fluctuating hormones and adjusting to a new routine.

A majority of new moms experience some degree of baby blues. But if the baby blues worsen or don't improve after two weeks, reach out to your health care provider.

Listen to more of the our podcast here: https://san.fo/47ad3VH