North Central Heart

09/16/2025

With more students commuting to and from school, you may be seeing more e-bikes and e-scooters on the sidewalks. These electric options are convenient but can lead to some dangerous injuries if riders are not protected. Dr. Ben Christians, an Avera emergency medicine physician, explains how e-riders and pedestrians can stay safe at https://bit.ly/4mfxPdH.

09/12/2025

Your immune system is your first line of defense from viruses and getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to ward off sickness. 💉 Dr. David Basel, Vice President of Clinical Quality and Population Health Officer, explains why getting vaccinated is important to protect yourself and your entire community.

09/11/2025

Diane Banck is cancer free after recently undergoing CAR-T-cell therapy, following an initial cancer diagnosis nearly 10 years ago. The therapy uses a patient's own cells to find and fight cancer. Learn the science behind this innovative treatment and how it's benefitting patients in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/45Z0RcH.

09/10/2025

In a relationship or a marriage, improving communication is an opportunity to grow closer. A little effort can improve your connection as a couple. Learn five ways to communicate better with your significant other at https://bit.ly/4ntb72L.

Effective communication is key to feeling connected to your partner. Follow these research-based tips for communication that doesn’t lead to an argument.

09/10/2025

During National Su***de Prevention Month, Avera is encouraging honest conversations by asking someone struggling with their mental health: "Are you thinking about su***de?" This year's campaign focuses on all ages, while also putting a special focus on veterans in our community. Learn more about this year's campaign and tools to help prevent su***de at www.Avera.org/AskTheQuestion.

09/09/2025

Did you know that your food choices can impact your mental health? Amber Lehman Myers, an Avera Behavioral Health outpatient therapist, explains the diet/brain connection and what your eating habits can tell you about your mental well-being at https://bit.ly/4m6OxvG.

09/09/2025

Excellent care all the way through appt with Stephanie Preister, CNP, EKG, ECHO and lab! Excellent people.
NCH patient

09/05/2025

Is your child ready to stay home alone? Every kid reaches this milestone at their own pace. Learn what you should consider when deciding whether or not to leave them alone and how to know if they're ready at https://bit.ly/4mQx9fU.

09/04/2025

Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month in September reminds us that mental health challenges come in many forms. 💚 Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or know someone who is struggling, this video is for those moments when you or a loved one just need a moment to breathe. Save it, share it and let's keep breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and su***de. Learn more at Avera.org/AskTheQuestion.

09/04/2025

Graham Nickles and Evans Nord's friendship started at the beginning... their beginning, that is. Their families met in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, where they became next-door neighbors and each other's support system. That bond grew into a lasting friendship. Learn about Graham and Evans' journey and how their parents are now giving back in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/3UYZkNm.

09/03/2025

With school back in session, kids can feel the pressure just as much as adults. Mindfulness and meditation offer simple ways to release stress, refocus and boost overall well-being. Learn techniques to help your child find balance at https://bit.ly/3VsiwTJ.

Meditation or mindfulness can be helpful for anyone to calm down or relax. That includes kids. An Avera expert discusses how to start.

09/02/2025

Pain from a stress fracture is often brushed off as a simple muscle strain, but ignoring it can bench you or your loved one from your favorite activities. Dr. Katrina Almeida, an Avera Orthopedics podiatrist in Mitchell, explains when to talk to your doctor and when you'll be back in the game at https://bit.ly/4g0B0Eo.

09/02/2025

Please pass along, for me, my deepest gratitude for the care I received. From the start to the finish…..and I mean that, the admissions people, the food service personnel, housekeeping, nurses, techs, physicians, CNP’s….they were all the best. I can say I was WELL CARED FOR and I cannot say enough good things about their attitudes, professionalism, and their KINDESSES toward me. You have a top notch staff there…..and it takes them all!
AHH patient

09/01/2025

At Avera, Sept. 1 is a time to honor the strong values handed down to us from our Founders, the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters. This year carries special meaning as we mark 25 years since the Benedictine Health System and Presentation Health System came together as one ministry in 2000. The sisters express their heartfelt gratitude for the work each member of our team does to carry the Avera mission forward and make a difference in the lives of those we serve in the video below. Happy Founders Day!

08/26/2025

They were very knowledgeable, always pleasant, and so caring during my stay of 3 days. I was so impressed as they kept a close watch on my vitals even though they were very busy. They made sure I was comfortable and always had everything I needed while keeping my family and I informed. Please acknowledge or reward them in some way because they are all very worthy of being recognized.
AHH patient

08/19/2025

The gratitude I have for each and every one of you that helped me through this trial of life-you have no idea-the words aren’t enough, but here is the biggest hug to each and every one of you. A daily prayer and thank you to each and every one of you.
AHH Patient

08/16/2025

We just wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported the 2025 Sioux Falls Heart Walk! ❤️ Your energy and enthusiasm made it a huge success. We're so proud to be part of a community that cares so much about heart health. Let's keep up the great work! ❤️

08/15/2025

❤️ Sioux Falls Heart Walk – Saturday, August 16th ❤️

On Your Heart. Get Set. Go!

Join us at Fawick Park this Saturday for a powerful walk to support heart health and celebrate survivors. Let’s come together as a community to make a difference!

🕗 Festivities Begin: 8:00 a.m.
🚶‍♂️ Walk Starts: 9:15 a.m.
📍 Fawick Park, Sioux Falls, SD
🌧️ Rain or shine!

💬 Add your story to the Tribute Tree
🦸‍♀️ Celebrate our Heart & Stroke Survivors with caps and capes!

Let’s walk for longer, healthier lives. See you there!

08/12/2025

“You all are such a beacon of light and hope in some of the weariest of days. You treated my mom just like she was your own and we are endlessly grateful to each and every one of you.”

08/05/2025

“I can say I was WELL CARED FOR and I cannot say enough good things about their attitudes, professionalism, and their KINDESSES toward me.”

07/31/2025

🚨 A First for the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Iowa!

Our Structural Heart Team — Dr. John Wagener, Dr. Michael Bacharach, and Dr. Christopher Paa, and their fabulous team— has made history by performing the region’s first tricuspid EVOQUE valve replacement. 🫀

The EVOQUE system is a game-changing transcatheter valve designed for patients suffering from severe tricuspid regurgitation — offering a minimally invasive solution when open-heart surgery isn’t an option.

This was the first EVOQUE procedure not just in South or North Dakota, but across Nebraska and Iowa as well — a true milestone in structural heart innovation.

We’re proud of our team’s commitment to bringing the most advanced therapies to patients across the region — and doing it with skill, heart, and vision.

Innovation starts here. Lives change here.

07/29/2025

“It was fantastic not dealing with the medical gas lighting I dealt with relating to my condition prior to my visit here.”

07/22/2025

“Keep up the great work and thank you for keeping me alive, well, and on this earth for my family, grandkids and great grandkids! amen and alleluia!”

07/16/2025

🚨 Last Chance Alert! 🚨 Today is the FINAL DAY to grab your t-shirts for the Sioux Falls Heart Walk on Saturday, August 16th! ❤️ Show your support for heart health and join us! Check the comments for the link to get yours now! 👇