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What Happens During A Preoperative Exam?

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It’s completely natural to feel anxious or scared if you need to have surgery when you’re unsure what to expect. But there’s an important step before surgery that will help ease the process and give you a greater sense of control and understanding, and that’s a preoperative exam. Also called a preoperative assessment or evaluation, a pre-op exam is a critical step in preparing you for surgery and ensuring that you’re ready. 

Here’s everything you need to know about pre-op exams, why they’re important, what they involve, and what you can expect.

Why Are Preoperative Exams Important?

Preoperative exams play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of surgical procedures. They help the medical/surgical team determine if you’re in good enough health to undergo surgery and if any special precautions need to be taken. 

The exam also helps identify any underlying health conditions or complications that could arise during or after surgery, such as an increased risk of bleeding, an adverse reaction to anesthesia, or the development of a postoperative infection.

In addition to ensuring your safety, preoperative exams can help to optimize your health and minimize the risk of complications. For example, if you have a history of heart disease, a pre-op exam may include tests to evaluate your cardiac function and determine if any additional measures, such as medication adjustments or additional monitoring, are necessary.

What Does a Preoperative Exam Involve?

The specifics of a preoperative exam will vary depending on the type of surgery, the patient’s age, health status and underlying health conditions. However, there are several common components of a preoperative exam, including:

  • Medical history review: The medical team will review your medical history, including any past surgeries, illnesses and current medications. They may also ask about your family medical history and any allergies they may have.
  • Physical examination: Before surgery, your doctor will check your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate), as well as examine your body for any signs of illness or infection.
  • Laboratory tests: The surgical team may request a variety of tests, such as blood or urine tests, to assess your overall health and identify any potential risks. For example, a blood test may be performed to evaluate blood count, electrolyte levels, and liver and kidney function.
  • Imaging tests: Depending on the type of surgery, the medical team may request imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans to get a better understanding of your anatomy — specifically the area being operated on — plus any underlying health conditions they should be aware of.
  • Cardiac evaluation: If you have a history of heart disease or if the surgery is expected to be particularly demanding, the medical team may perform a cardiac evaluation to assess your cardiac function. This may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram or stress test.
  • Specialty consultations: In some cases, the medical team may request consultations with a specialty physician, such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or endocrinologist, to evaluate any underlying health conditions that could impact the ultimate surgical outcome.

What Can You Expect During a Preoperative Exam?

A preoperative exam can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the type of surgery and your health status. 

It’s important to be honest and forthcoming with your doctor during the preoperative exam. This will help them get an accurate picture of your health status and identify any potential risks. If you have any concerns or questions about the exam, make sure to raise them with the medical team so they can address them.

Remember to bring a list of all your medications, including any prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and supplements to the preoperative exam. Your doctor may need to adjust your medications before the surgery or advise you to stop taking certain medications to minimize the risk of complications.

It’s a good idea to have a trusted friend or family member accompany you to the preoperative exam, as well as the surgery itself. They can help you remember important information discussed during the exam, provide emotional support, and assist with transportation and postoperative care if needed.

Schedule a Pre-Op Exam With Richfield Medical Group

Richfield Medical Group provides pre-op exam evaluations to set you up for a safe and successful surgery. We’ll happily answer any questions or concerns you may have, prepare you for what to expect, and set up a plan to get you back on your feet. 

If you need surgery, we’re here to help you. Get in touch to schedule an exam today.

Richfield Medical Group pediatric care

How To Manage Spring Allergies in Minnesota

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If there’s one time of year arguably most anticipated by Minnesotans, it’s springtime. After enduring a seemingly endless eternity of arctic, Ice Age-like winter, temperatures begin to rise, snow finally starts to melt and flowers begin to bloom.

Unfortunately, there’s a flip side to this annual period of renewal, and that’s dealing with pesky, seasonal spring allergies. You know the signs: sinus congestion, sneezing, runny, stuffy or itchy noses (or sometimes a combo of all three), coughing and itchy or watery eyes, among other challenging, telltale signs.

While seasonal allergies are prevalent all year round, they can be treated and managed. Here’s how to keep them at bay and give yourself some springtime relief.

Common Minnesota Allergy Triggers

The top three environmental triggers responsible for Minnesota allergies in spring are mold, grass and pollen, which begin to take effect as soon as the season and weather begins to change.

During spring, mold — although constantly present indoors and out — affects allergy sufferers more than any other season, since this is the time of year when they release spores (their seeds) into the air. Old leaves from the prior autumn and winter are often the culprit.

Minnesota is known and loved for its panoply of lush trees throughout the state, but some varieties like oak, poplar, hickory, walnut and ash are well known to release pollen into the air.

And flowers, though a pretty sight, can also produce an abundance of pollen that, in tandem with those released by trees and grass, are hard to avoid when airborne. (Chamomile, daisies, goldenrod and chrysanthemums are considered worse than other blooms for their pollen content.)

What’s worse is that on particularly windy days, mold, pollen and other airborne allergens become harder to avoid than on calm days — or especially rainy ones, suppressing allergens to provide temporary relief.

Managing Spring Allergies

With some lifestyle modifications and self care, you can manage spring allergies in Minnesota:

Avoid Allergy Triggers

While it’s not always possible to avoid all your allergy triggers, there are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure. Try to stay indoors during peak pollen times, usually in the morning and evening. If you do go outside, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes, and change your clothes when you come back inside. Showering and washing your hair before bed can also help remove pollen from your body without tracking it into other areas of your home.

Keep Your Home Clean

Since spring allergens can easily find their way into your home — even by taking the above precautions — it’s important to keep your living space clean and free of allergens. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner to trap pollen and dust, and wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Keep your windows closed during high pollen days and use an air conditioner instead. You can also invest in an air purifier to help filter out allergens.

Manage Your Medications

There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help manage seasonal allergies, including:

  • Antihistamines: Choose sedating (Benadryl) before bedtime and non-sedating (Claritin) at the start of the day, since the former can make you drowsy, and the latter, alert.
  • Nasal corticosteroids: Non-prescription nasal sprays such as Flonase reduce inflammation of nasal passageways triggered by allergens.
  • Decongestants: As their name suggests, decongestants such as Sudafed work to undo congestion you might feel, narrowing blood vessels in your nose when it’s particularly stuffy or runny. 

You might even try some natural remedies, such as saline nasal sprays or eating local honey to desensitize your body to pollen. It’s important to start taking medication before your symptoms start to kick in, so be proactive in managing your allergies.

Enjoy an Allergy-Free Season

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find the best option for you based on your symptoms and medical history. They’ll be able to recommend an allergy specialist, where an allergy skin test can determine your allergy triggers, which allergens may cause you to react, and the best course of treatment, like regular allergy injections or prescription/non-prescription medications.

Richfield Medical Group is happy to help you along your journey to preventing allergies and staying allergy free. Start managing your allergies today with our help by contacting us for an appointment. 

 

The healthcare professionals at Ritchfield Medical Group share tips on how to find the right General Practitioner for you.

How to Find a General Practitioner

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We should all have a good relationship with our primary care physician. The best general practitioners not only possess medical expertise and knowhow; the ideal general practitioner is a doctor you trust with your general medical needs, physicals and wellness visits, as well as preventive care like screenings or vaccinations. 

Your doctor is someone you have good chemistry with. They understand your needs, listen to any questions you may have and explain your medical situation in clear, understandable language — all important steps to minding your overall healthcare.

Some doctor-patient relationships may last years, if not decades — proof that once you’ve found a good doctor, stick with them!

Yet if you’ve recently moved to a new area or gotten on a new insurance plan, finding a new primary care physician can feel like a daunting quest. For as many doctors as there are in practice, it can be challenging to find one who will click with you and keep your health priority number one. 

Here’s how to find the right primary care doctor:

Ask for referrals and recommendations.

One way to find a doctor is by consulting a trusted family member, friend, loved one or co-worker. Ask around to see if they have a doctor they visit and like enough to recommend. Remember that because everyone is different, a practitioner that’s right for them might not work for you, and vice versa, so be mindful. Likewise, if your doctor is retiring or moving, they may be able to refer you to another primary care physician as they would for a specialist. 

Explore doctors within your insurance network.

Your health insurance provider should have a list of doctors in their network (meaning that they take your insurance plan). You can search for a physician a couple of ways:

  • Most insurers have a search engine through their website that lists doctors according to their practice, distance from your location, and it should clearly specify if they take your insurance plan (i.e. HMO, PPO, etc.)
  • Confirm the specifics you need in a physician:
    • Family practice doctors and general practice physicians can treat anyone of any age for most common ailments.
    • Internal medicine doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and chronic conditions.
  • You can also call your insurance provider and request a list of doctors.

Find out more details.

As you narrow down the list of providers you’re interested in, check for some specifics about the doctor and their practice. Call their offices if you have questions, such as:

  • How far is their office from your home, and what are their office hours?
  • Is the doctor accepting new patients? (Many practitioners may be unable to see new patients for weeks or months due to booked schedules.)
  • Do they accept your insurance plan?
  • Are they board certified?
  • Is the doctor an independent practitioner or part of a larger medical group practice?
  • Do they have experience treating your symptoms or condition, and if not, is there another doctor who does?
  • What are the cancellation policies?

Getting some of these questions answered helps narrow down the right doctor for you.

Give your checkup a checkup.

The true measure of deciding whether a new general practitioner is right for you is in visiting their offices and meeting them face-to-face. Ask yourself some of these questions following your appointment:

  • Was the office staff friendly and accommodating when you checked in?
  • Did your doctor make you feel comfortable during your visit? Do they have a good bedside manner?
  • Did they listen to you and respect what you had to say?
  • Did they spend enough time with you, or was the appointment rushed?
  • Did you have a chance to ask them any questions?

Take an honest look at your answers. If you answered “no” more than “yes” for the above, it could mean the doctor is not a right fit for you. However, if they checked off all your boxes, it could mean the start of a great doctor-patient relationship for you both.

It’s All About You at Richfield Medical Group

Richfield Medical Group is a patient-centered medical home — that means you are our primary focus. Our staff of family medicine practitioners is devoted to providing comprehensive medical care for the entire family, with the expertise and kindness to help you achieve your healthcare goals. If you’re searching for a new general practitioner, we’re happy to take you as a patient. Please contact us today to get started. 

A smiling young boy on a doctor's chair raises his hands in the air as if pumping his fists in victory.

Resolutions for a Healthy New Year in 2023

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The statistics are disappointing, albeit unsurprising. Dashed almost as quickly as they started, studies show that nearly 80 percent of people admit to abandoning their New Year’s resolutions after only a month, whether it’s to lose weight, exercise more, or quit smoking.

It’s a cliched scenario: creating a list of habits to start and habits to quit, hitting the gym every day for a week, then every other day, then every few days, then once a week, then once a month — until we end up forgetting we ever had a gym membership in the first place. Many of us can count numerous holiday seasons pledging a promise to start a new diet or get in shape, but petering out on our plans by the time February rolls around, sliding back into our old behavioral patterns.

What prevents us from sticking to our resolutions? Experts say some explanations are setting unrealistic, unclear goals; a lack of accountability and planning; not monitoring one’s progress; or failing to strike the balance between overconfidence and self-doubt.

The good news is that mapping out a plan for a healthy new year in 2023 is achievable with just a little planning. Keep reading for some actionable ways to set some healthy New Year’s resolutions, plus some suggestions you can actually stick with.

How To Keep New Year’s Resolutions With the “SMART” Approach

One surefire way for setting New Year’s resolutions is by setting SMART goals.

  • Stay Specific by asking yourself what you want to accomplish in the new year. Why is it important to you? Research it; design it. Doing this exercise helps you start making a commitment to making a change that’s important to you.
  • Make sure to set a goal you can quantify and Measure. Rather than resolving to shed a nebulous amount of weight, drill down the number — “My goal is to lose 40 pounds in four months, or 10 pounds per month.”
  • Is it Achievable? Determine the steps to make your resolution happen. Don’t be afraid to set a major goal, even if past goals have overextended your reach. You can achieve anything you set your mind and heart to. But if something seems too lofty, don’t worry; you can always modify your goal as you go. 
  • Consider how Relevant the resolution is to your life. If it plays an important role in your life right now — at this very moment — it becomes easier to double it down as a goal you want to reach.
  • Set a Time and target date. Part of why resolutions fail is because, like with Measure, we don’t establish a starting point and a deadline. Set the clock ticking for both, and you have a finite time to put the work into following through on your goal.

Making Healthy New Year’s Resolutions — And Sticking To Them

The point of making New Year’s resolutions is to dig deep and think about the things important to you that you’d like to accomplish. Resolutions should be personal and unique; something you tailor for yourself. With that, however, here are some healthy resolution suggestions as we enter 2023:

Get Back in Shape

Resolve to make a regular exercise routine a lifestyle change going forward, for the rest of your life, not just this year. Fitness is proven to help brain function, cardiovascular health, weight management, strengthen bones and muscles and reduce the risk of diabetes and other diseases. If you’re averse to joining a gym, don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to get fit without forking over money for a monthly membership. Fitness trackers, apps, and YouTube videos are just the tip of the iceberg to track your progress, your calories burned, miles walked/run, learn some new exercises, and stay motivated. Getting a friend to join you on a run helps you stick to the goal.

Eat Out Less — Cook More at Home

Everyone loves to order some pizza or Chinese, but too much takeout (or eating out at restaurants) can expand your waist size and shrink your wallet — bad for your health and your finances. Stocking the fridge and kitchen with fresh vegetables and whole grains, and cooking your meals at home is a cheaper and healthier option than eating out, plus, it gives you time to try out new recipes, hone your cooking skills and spend time sharing the health (pun intended) with family.

Get a Better Night’s Sleep

We’re all guilty of getting caught up browsing the web or binging our favorite show in the evening, and next thing you know, it’s 2:30 a.m. and you should have been in bed three and a half hours ago. Lack of quality sleep is known to increase production of the stress hormone cortisol and may lead to increased risk of depression, weight gain and heart disease. We should aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. How to set the resolution? Set an alarm 45 minutes to an hour before your intended bedtime, decrease your screen time, turn out the lights and make sure not to eat or consume any caffeine before you hit the pillow.

Manage Your Stress

Making a resolution to release the stresses of everyday life — especially chronic stress harmful to health — can be liberating to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves, plus reduce anxiety and symptoms of dysthymia and depression. Set aside time to practice mindfulness meditation; there are books, podcasts and apps to lead you in the right direction if you’re new to the practice. Spend quality time doing something stress-reducing you enjoy, like reading, gardening, or engaging with pets or family. Or it could be dedicating 15 minutes each day to break away, disconnect and decompress from work, returning refreshed and refocused. Take your resolution a step further and sign up for a yoga class. 

Support Your Healthy New Year’s Resolutions with Richfield Medical Group

Now that the new year is in full swing, tackle your healthy resolution(s) with confidence. You can do this! Richfield Medical Group supports you on your quest for a healthier lifestyle. Looking for inspiration on healthy living? Check out more of our articles.

A Richfield Medical Group doctor holds a stethoscope to a patient's chest during a medical wellness screening

What To Expect During a Medicare Wellness Screening

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Getting regular check-ups is an important part of maintaining your physical health. In the past, people only used to visit their doctors when they were sick, but that trend has changed. Preventative health care is becoming commonplace. People are becoming more health conscious and many are eager to take a more active stance in managing their health. 

There has never been a better time to preemptively seek medical advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle. This is why scheduling Medicare Wellness screenings is so important. Read on as we explain everything you need to know about them.

What Is a Medicare Wellness Screening?

Once you enroll in Medicare, you are eligible to receive a Welcome to Medicare Wellness visit within the first 12 months. An annual wellness screening is a yearly appointment with your primary care physician. When you come in for your Medicare Wellness screening, you can expect the following:

  • Complete review of your medical and social history
  • Depressing screening
  • Fall risk screening
  • Blood pressure, height, weight and BMI check
  • End-of-life planning discussion
  • Education, counseling and a referral based on results of review

Your Annual Medicare Wellness Visits Are Important

After your first visit, you should continue attending Medicare Wellness screenings on a yearly basis. You will find that these visits are similar to the initial one you had. You can expect:

  • A review and update of past medical, family and social history
  • Blood pressure, weight and BMI check
  • Depression screening
  • Screening for fall risk and ability to perform daily living activities
  • Cognitive impairment screening
  • Review of your current medical providers, such as if any specialists are involved in your care
  • Review of medications
  • Health advice covering risk factors and how to minimize them, as well as treatment recommendations

We Provide Outstanding Primary Health Care

Richfield Media Group provides in-clinic services, such as radiology, access to a hearing specialist, and of course laboratory testing and screening. In most cases, our physicians receive and review your results within 5-7 days. When you visit Richfield Medical Group, you will enjoy a collaborative, accessible healing environment. Our fun, passionate team members strive to improve and sustain your health. In most cases, the key to staying healthy is by staying ahead of the curve. That is why preventative care is so important.

Are you trying to decide which level of care is right for you? Look no further. At Richfield Medical Group, we take a personal and proactive approach to improving and maintaining our patients’ health. From virtual visits and testing to preventative care, our dedicated medical staff prioritizes the health of you and your loved ones. If you would like more information on virtual visits, primary health care or Medicare Wellness screenings, please contact us today. 

A patient fills out prescription paperwork at Richfield Medical Group.

Do I Need to Come to the Clinic to Get a Prescription?

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Much has changed in healthcare administration in the past few years. While in-person care is the standard for certain procedures and consultations, many services can now be provided virtually. Offering the best care possible will always be our top priority, but some things can be handled differently than they were in the past to accommodate changing lifestyles.

As a family practice, visiting our clinic is the most effective way to build direct connection with our team. Telehealth appointments are another avenue through which we can administer the proper care you deserve. However busy your schedule may be, we have a variety of solutions that make taking care of your family and getting your prescription simple and easy.

Same-Day Appointments

You will need to schedule a visit and see one of our providers to get a first-time prescription. However, this is simple to organize: you can even visit us the same day.

Our same-day appointments are a way in which we can meet the demands of your schedule while maintaining the level of care you expect from your healthcare provider. If you are already a patient of ours and you experience a non-emergency situation, you can make an appointment to visit the clinic as soon as you notice the issue. During your appointment, you and your provider will determine if getting a prescription is the best course of action for you.

Refilling Your Prescriptions Is a Breeze With MyChart

If you have an existing, renewable prescription with us, you can get your next round easily by logging into MyChart through our patient portal. From here, you can request a refill. We recommend that you do so a week before you run out of your medication. This is for two reasons: firstly, it may take your pharmacy up to 48 hours to have your refill ready for pick-up. This gives you plenty of lead time and avoids any lapse in getting your prescription. The second reason we recommend you request your refill a week in advance is that in some instances, your physician may want to see you again before approving another refill.

Even if a follow-up consultation is not required, you can still schedule a telehealth appointment with a physician if you have any questions regarding your prescription before refilling.

Get High Quality Family Care With Richfield Medical Group

Richfield Medical Group is a trusted family care provider providing preventative healthcare exams, Medicare wellness, preoperative exams, minor surgery, pediatric care as well as on-site radiology and on-site lab testing.

We are committed to providing the absolute best healthcare for you and your family. We develop lasting relationships with our patients, caring for them as patients and as people. Our personal approach is what sets us apart from other healthcare providers. Call 612-861-1622 visit our website to schedule an appointment today.

A doctor practices on a young, athletic-looking woman. He holds one hand on her shoulder and another to her head.

What Happens During a Sports Physical Exam

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Playing sports is an essential part of life for many children and families.

In addition to being a fun energetic outlet, participation in sports fosters healthy competition and teaches valuable life skills. Part of sustaining participation in sports involves ensuring children are fit enough to play without sustaining injuries. As such, teams may require children to receive a sports physical to determine whether it is safe for them to compete. Read on to learn what takes place during a sports physical exam.

1. Medical History Evaluation

Sports physicals, or pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs) are usually a part of the registration process for sports participation in schools. Baseball, soccer, track and field, tennis, and many other sports require sports physical exams. To begin the sports physical exam, a pediatrician first assesses your child’s medical history. The questions are usually provided on a form in advance so you can help your child complete it at home. The medical history form usually asks questions pertaining to:

● Medical conditions that run in the family
● Medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or COVID-19
● Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
● Allergies
● Previous injuries
● Medicines currently being taken on a regular basis

2. Physical Examination

The physical component of the exam is routine and similar to a primary health care visit with a pediatrician. Now is a good time for your child to ask any questions about their health, diet and also about playing sports in general. You can expect the pediatrician to:

● Record current height and weight
● Check blood pressure and pulse
● Check vision
● Examine muscles, bones and joints

3. Injury Prevention and Information Gathering

Sports physical exams serve several purposes beyond school or state requirements. They provide avenues for children to better understand how their bodies work and can go a long way towards injury prevention. For example, if your child has frequent asthma attacks, consult with the best pediatrician near you so they can advise if adjusting medicine will be helpful. They may also provide training tips and recommend exercises to help your children stay safe and healthy while playing.

Protect Your Health with Richfield Medical Group

If you are looking to find the best pediatrician near you, look no further. At Richfield Medical Group, we take a personal and proactive approach to improving and maintaining our patients’ health. From testing and primary health care to preventative care, our dedicated medical staff prioritizes the health of you and your loved ones. If you would like more information on sports physical exams, primary health care or family medicine, please contact us today.

A group of nurses pose playfully in a hallway. Several poke their heads out of office doors and smile, one nurse waltzes down the hall giving the peace sign.

Meet the Team: Your Family Medicine Providers at Richfield Medical Group

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As a family-oriented primary care provider, our physicians and care team build close and lasting relationships centered around improving and sustaining the health of our patients and their families.

We believe that great healthcare requires strong communication, collaboration and an atmosphere of trust. At Richfield Medical Group, you will be able to receive preventative care, chronic care management, and support for acute illnesses with a proactive and patient-centered approach. Read on to learn more about our outstanding family medicine providers.

Kevin C. Nelson, MD

Kevin is a graduate of Augustana College and Rush Medical School and has been in practice at Richfield Medical Group since 1991. He completed his family practice residency at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, IL and treats patients of all ages, including teens, families and seniors. Kevin is an active community member, having coached many teams and volunteered with several organizations. He is particularly fond of golf and enjoys watching movies, reading, biking, and traveling with his family.

 

Justin Golden, MD

Justin grew up in a small town on the south shore of Massachusetts. He received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and then attended Boston University School of Medicine. He completed his family medicine residency at the University of Minnesota St. John’s Hospital program in St. Paul, MN. Justin previously practiced at an independent clinic in his home town before moving back to the Twin Cities. He and his wife, Becky, are excited to be back in Minnesota near her family where their three young children can grow up with their cousins. He believes deeply in the values of family practice and is honored to have the opportunity to provide the full spectrum of care to patients throughout their life. He is particularly interested in sports medicine, pediatrics and preventative care. Justin loves to spend as much time with his family as possible, but when they need a break from him, he enjoys running the lakes, checking out restaurants and coffee shops, and pretending he is a mediocre fly fisherman. He is so grateful to have an opportunity to work in a patient-centered clinic where he can develop meaningful, long-lasting relationships with people while working together to achieve their health goals.

 

Alice Macdonald, MD

Alice Macdonald is from London, U.K. and attended medical school at Sheffield University in England. She completed her first family medicine residency while serving in the British Army. She then married her Minnesotan husband, Scott, while he was living in London. She has since learned that there are only two types of Minnesotans: those that never leave and those that eventually come back so it was inevitable she was going to end up in the land of 10,000 lakes. She completed family medicine residency number two at the University of Minnesota, Methodist Hospital program with Park Nicollet, followed by four years working in a clinic in Eden Prairie, MN. She thrives on building a sincere and caring professional relationship with her patients, offering a warm and friendly bedside manner and helping people arrive at the health care choices that feel right for them. She delights in being able to provide thoughtful primary care to men, women and children of all ages and feels it is an honor to be able to offer management of acute and chronic health needs and preventive medicine at every stage of life. She enjoys all aspects of primary care including a number of office-based procedures (joint injections, minor dermatological procedures) and contraceptive management. She is also board certified in medical weight management. Alice enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, running, scuba diving, cycling, quilting, attending book club and spending time at the family cabin on the St. Croix River.

 

Jennifer Wilson, FNP-C

Jennifer Wilson resides in Minnetonka, MN right near where she grew up. She is a board certified family nurse practitioner who enjoys caring for individuals throughout the entire lifespan and developing meaningful relationships with patients and their families. She has special interests in pediatrics, women’s health and nutrition. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees: one from the University of Minnesota in nutrition and the other from Loyola University in Chicago for Nursing. Her Masters degree in nursing was obtained at Minnesota State University, Mankato. When not with her work family, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young girls. Weekends at the family cabin, swimming, biking, running, and spending time outdoors are favorite pastimes. She is excited to join this group of excellent, compassionate providers here at Richfield Medical Group.

Prioritize Your Health with Richfield Medical Group

Richfield Medical Group is patient-centered. Our physicians and care team build close and lasting relationships centered around improving and sustaining the health of our patients and their families. We keep parents informed and empowered in managing their health. If you are looking for a family-centered practice, reach out to us to make an appointment at 612-861-1622. We look forward to meeting you and taking an active role in your health.

A doctor listens through a stethoscope to a child's breathing

Signs Your Child Has Asthma

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Asthma is the leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and missed school days among children. A common chronic inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory system, asthma causes inflammation of the lungs and airways which restricts breathing when triggered. Left untreated, asthma can cause long-term damage to a child’s developing lungs. In addition to situational triggers like seasonal allergens, traffic pollution and respiratory infections such as the common cold, children often experience disruptive daily symptoms. Kids suffering with asthma may struggle to participate in active play and sports, and experience interference with sleep and study. Without proper management, asthma can lead to life-threatening attacks. Childhood asthma cannot be cured and symptoms may continue into adulthood, but the right treatment can control its symptoms and prevent lung damage. 

Asthma is serious and Richfield Medical Group cares about keeping parents informed about the signs of childhood asthma. The development of asthma is influenced by both hereditary and environmental factors, so even if asthma doesn’t run in your family, it is vital to know the symptoms to watch out for in your children.

Your Child Is Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched, whistle-like sound that occurs when breathing. When the airways are constricted, your child’s breath is forced through tightened, narrow passages. Similar to why a tea kettle whistles, this pressured air produces oscillations which form sound waves. While wheezing can be a normal symptom of an active respiratory infection like bronchitis, frequent wheezing may indicate asthma. 

Your Child Frequently Coughs

A regular cough is another telltale sign of childhood asthma. An inflamed respiratory system and the constriction of airways makes the lungs more sensitive to irritants, triggering the body to try to expel whatever is causing the irritation. Listen for a dry cough, one that does not produce mucus, and be especially mindful of your child’s cough at night. Sleeping can exacerbate an asthma cough, which is a strong indication that you should seek treatment for your child. 

Coughing and Wheezing are Triggered by Regular Activities

Asthma can worsen or trigger bouts of coughing and wheezing during regular activities like playing and even laughing. If you notice that your child begins coughing and wheezing while expressing emotion, engaging in physical activity or when exposed to cold temperatures, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor. 

Coughing and Wheezing is Triggered by Regular Activities

Asthma can worsen or trigger bouts of coughing and wheezing during regular activities like playing and even laughing. Excited communication and exercise change breathing patterns, causing a form of hyperventilation. This can also happen when your child breathes cold air. If you notice that your child begins coughing and wheezing while expressing emotion, engaging in physical activity or when exposed to cold temperatures, make sure to seek a doctor’s guidance. 

Your Child is Short of Breath or Fatigued

Children with asthma experience shortness of breath, especially when playing or exercising. Pay attention to your child’s breathing. Fast or pressured breathing, breathing that causes the skin around their rib cage to tighten and complaints of being out of breath are all strong indicators of asthma. Your child may also express that their chest feels tight. Along with shortness of breath, you may notice that your child is fatigued due to the disruption of sleep from night coughs as well as the restricted flow of oxygen.

Treat Your Child’s Asthma with Richfield Medical Group

Richfield Medical Group is a family-oriented primary care provider. We believe that great healthcare requires strong communication, collaboration and an atmosphere of trust especially when it comes to our youngest patients. Richfield Medical Group is patient-centered. Our physicians and care team build close and lasting relationships centered around improving and sustaining the health of our patients and their families. We keep parents informed and empowered in managing their children’s health, including chronic conditions like asthma. If you’re concerned that your child may have asthma, reach out to us  to make an appointment at 612-861-1622. We look forward to helping you and your little one breathe easier.

A clinician assisting a patient at Richfield Medical Group of Minnesota

Can Diet Really Help with My Chronic Health Problems?

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Chronic health issues such as various heart diseases, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer are among the most prominent causes of death in the United States. In 2019, for example, these four diseases accounted for nearly 1.5 million deaths. If we wish to solve these issues that take so many of our citizens too soon, we need to look at the underlying causes of these diseases.

Thankfully, as the body of research on these topics improves every year, we learn more about how these causes of death can be prevented. One of the main areas of consideration is diet. When properly addressed, there is substantial evidence that diet can help prevent and even reduce the symptoms of chronic health problems.

Aren’t Chronic Diseases Outside of My Control?

Many patients believe that their risk for certain diseases like cancer and heart problems are chiefly out of their control. While genetics plays a role in health status, and a confirmed family history of a certain disease can certainly indicate an increased risk, a substantial portion of these ailments are preventable through lifestyle changes.

Heart.org estimates, for example, that up to 80% of cardiovascular disease cases are preventable. With that in mind, it is an obviously worthwhile objective to explore prevention methods, as this disease alone costs a combined $1 billion per day in health care costs and claims hundreds of thousands of lives.

Diet and Chronic Health Issues

One of the most impactful, and often easiest to address, methods to prevent chronic disease is diet adjustment. The CDC identifies poor nutrition as one of the leading risk factors for chronic diseases, and much of the Center’s preventative literature revolves around diet.

The scientific community has published many studies showing that a healthy diet can prevent chronic health problems and markedly reduce risk of these issues occurring in the first place. Even more exciting, research also shows that lifestyle modification such as diet improvement can “mitigate disease progression and reverse existing disease.”

So, in short, the answer is “yes” that diet can help you with the chronic health issues you may be facing, as well as prevent future chronic problems from arising.

What Steps Should I Take?

What exactly can you do to pursue a healthier life through diet? Some basic tips include:

  • Consume generous amounts of fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid sugar and sweetened beverages
  • Limit sodium
  • Eat whole grains in their natural form
  • Avoid excessive calorie intake

If you abide by these guiding principles, you will generally move towards a healthier lifestyle and begin to prevent or even reverse chronic health issues.

However, everybody is different, and every body is different. The specific health choices that are best for you should be discussed with a trusted health care provider. Your doctor can dive into deeper detail regarding mitigation of your chronic issues as well as dietary recommendations that work best for you.

Prioritize Your Health with Richfield Medical Group

If you have lingering questions about your chronic health issues, the physicians at Richfield Medical Group would be happy to help you. Our staff is dedicated to improving the lives of our patients through best-in-class treatment: we offer in-person visits, as well as telehealth virtual consultations for some services. At Richfield Medical Group, we are ready and able to provide your family with the answers and the care you need. Please call our clinic at 612-861-1622 to schedule your appointment, or visit us online at richfieldmedicalgroup.com to learn more.

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6440 NICOLLET AVENUE
RICHFIELD, MN 55423

612-861-1622

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