Sanford Southpointe Eye Center & Optical

01/14/2025

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Norovirus is on the rise in the United States.

From Aug. 1 to Dec. 11, there were nearly 500 cases of norovirus reported to NoroSTAT, a surveillance network of state health departments created by the CDC to monitor norovirus outbreaks.

Learn more about how Norovirus spreads, symptoms, and more from Sanford Health family medicine provider Patrick Brau, MD here:

Norovirus is on the rise in the United States, according to the CDC. The highly contagious virus can usually only lasts around 48 hours, South Dakota doctors say.

01/14/2025

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan has been shown to reduce blood pressure.

It's a flexible and balanced eating plan that can help you create a heart-healthy eating style for life.

Learn more about the DASH Diet: https://san.fo/4gF8RT5

01/12/2025

The Sanford Health HR and Military and Veterans Affairs teams recently awarded Ali Moses, a junior at the University of North Dakota, with a Military and Veteran Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded each year to four current active or retired military service members who are pursuing a degree in a health care field.

Ali Moses, a UND Commercial Aviation student and a military police officer with the North Dakota National Guard, joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in December 2022, inspired by her dad and grandfather, both who also served in the U.S. Army. Ali's application "embodied a lot of the values of the scholarship," including her dedication, leadership and commitment to service.

Read more: https://san.fo/408AuNi

01/11/2025

Many this month are giving the Dry January challenge a go!

Not only can it help improve your mood and health, but it can also test you to see if you may have a deeper problem with alcohol going on.

Learn more:

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The Dry January challenge was initially started in the United Kingdom in 2013. Millions of people around the world have participated and in the U.S., one in four adults joined in the last year. “What I call Dry January is the Grand Experiment. When we quit drinking, even if ...

01/10/2025

It is that time of year when those below zero temperatures have slowly, but surely, crept into our weekly forecasts.

With that being said, these low temperatures are accompanied by a higher risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

Jacqueline Stone, MD in emergency medicine at Sanford Health said it can only take 7 to 10 minutes especially if you’re not bundled up properly or well hydrated. She said that children and the elderly are the most susceptible to these medical emergencies.

Learn more:

Frostbite and hypothermia can set in within a matter of minutes when venturing out into extreme cold conditions in South Dakota.

01/10/2025

"Every day that I'm out there seeing people and helping them and being that support they need in the home, it's a good day for me. I love it."

For Taelor Wimmer, an LPN at Good Samaritan Society, days are spent on the road, traveling dozens of miles to clients – in snow, sun and sleet. Spending time with people where they live, she prioritizes building relationships with those she serves.

Read more:

When a client was snowed in following a winter storm, home health nurse Taelor Wimmer did everything she could to clear a path.

01/10/2025

If you're drinking alcohol this winter, remember that booze and cold weather can be a dangerous combination.

Sanford Health experts warn that alcohol gives you a false sense of warmth, increasing your risk for hypothermia. They advise those who drink to dress warm, drink responsibly, and keep a sober friend.

Learn more: https://san.fo/3PsvnT9

01/10/2025

Chronic pain is loosely defined as any pain that lasts more than three months.

It can show up as shooting, burning or aching pain or even a mild soreness, tightness or stiffness. Chronic pain can affect almost all parts of your life

We offer treatments to help you find relief. Learn more: https://san.fo/3BThiem

01/09/2025

Cervical cancer, commonly referred to as the "silent killer," was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for women.

Thanks to regular testing and the HPV vaccine, the number of cancer cases and deaths has dropped significantly.

If you have not been tested for cervical cancer or would like to learn more about testing, visit: https://san.fo/4aa8MnF

01/09/2025

"They mean a lot. They're like family to me now. You know, there's not a day I don't think about those two."

Two years ago, during a blizzard, Jerry Bernal's new kidney almost didn't make it to the hospital in time for a transplant. Now, after successful transplant and recovery, the Williston, North Dakota, resident has a new life – and was able to thank the organ transport driver and the Stutsman County deputy who just wouldn't give up.

Watch the full story: https://san.fo/4fVu36h

01/08/2025

Though the coronavirus feels like it is going around again, health officials say it isn't as concerning as other illnesses such as whooping cough and influenza.

Learn more about the current state of COVID here:

Whooping cough has been the struggle of the year, Dr. Avish Nagpal said. Influenza season is also around the corner.

01/08/2025

Palliative care can be misunderstood. Essentially, palliative medicine focuses on symptom management to provide comfort and relief, and includes a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists. But it's more than just managing pain – it helps patients improve quality of life even in the most difficult of circumstances.

For Bridget Grindahl, palliative care was a vital part of her cancer journey, helping her find relief from debilitating pain and reclaim her life.

Sanford Health nurse practitioner Melanie Fylling shares answers to some common questions about palliative care.

Read:

Find answers to your questions about palliative care, a specialty helping all ages manage symptoms and live well with difficult diagnoses.

01/08/2025

MMR season isn't over yet, which mean there's no better time to get your MMR vaccine than the present!

Have questions about the vaccine? Swipe to learn everything you need to know about measles, mumps, and rubella or contact your primary care provider for more information.

01/07/2025

If one of your 2025 resolutions is to be more present in the new year, it might be time to start a mindfulness routine.

On this episode of Sanford Health's "Health and Wellness" podcast, Kayla Salathe, LAPC, and Amber Mutalipassi, LICSW, discuss mindfulness, how to practice it, and the importance of self-care.

Listen now:

In this Sanford Health podcast conversation, learn how to begin a mindfulness routine and the importance of self-care for healthy well-being.

01/07/2025

The scar on Vance Jirava’s right knee only tells part of the tale of his journey to Sanford Health.

The farmer from Ogema, Minnesota, had his knee replaced in January of 2024. But the other scars on his leg made this surgery a bit different.

Learn more: https://san.fo/424KLg4

01/07/2025

As soon as you start thinking about having a baby, schedule a preconception appointment.

It’s important to check in with your health care provider to ensure you're taking all the right steps toward a healthy pregnancy.

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

01/06/2025

It all comes down to this! North Dakota State Bison are heading to Texas to compete in the FCS championship game.

We’re proud of these athletes and everything they’ve accomplished, and we can’t wait to stand alongside them as they take the field today.

01/04/2025

Hypertension is a serious disease that can have deadly results, and there are a lot of MYTHS out there about the condition and how it’s treated.

Use these high blood pressure TRUTHS to take control of your health, your heart and your future. ❤️

For more information about hypertension, visit: https://san.fo/3ZoAnfS