Well-child visits at Tri-County Health Care

As an adult, scheduling a physical exam is one of the most important personal health decisions you can make. This goes double for your kids. Children grow fast and each milestone is an event, but that joy can be interrupted when something seems amiss. Perhaps your son or daughter is having difficulty walking or speaking. This delay can be the source of immense anxiety, but you are not alone. Tri-County Health Care has some of the best providers around and they want to ensure you and your kids are on track with well-child visits!

What is a well-child visit?

A well-child appointment is a physical but for kids. However, it does have a slightly more preventative purpose. By establishing care and regularly scheduling these exams, providers can track development and quickly diagnose any issues that may arise.

A well-child appointment usually consists of a lot of questions. Before the meeting, the parent must log in to MyChart and fill out a questionnaire regarding their child’s health. If the child is over 12, they must fill out the questionnaire. This change is an important new step in the process. By utilizing MyChart and the questionnaire, parents will experience an overall more efficient appointment with less time in the exam room. The digital questionnaire also gives parents more time to update the provider on their child’s health status accurately.

How often should they be scheduled?

Younger children typically have these types of appointments more often. After birth, babies usually have their first meeting at two weeks. Well-child visits should take place around the following ages:

  • 2 weeks
  • 2 monthsWell-child visits at Tri-County are pivotal to childhood development.
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 9 months
  • 12 months
  • 15 months
  • 18 months
  • 2 years
  • 2.5 years
  • 3 years
  • Yearly after 3 years of age

Jill and Hadley

Molly Tabery and her three-year-old, Hadley, recently stopped by the Wadena Clinic for a well-child visit. It was that time again to see how Hadley was growing. In the past, Molly would have to fill out several forms in the lobby before seeing a provider, which was not an easy task with a toddler. Well-child visits are integrated with MyChar,t and now these forms are fully digital, making appointments easy and carefree.

After a short wait, Jill Wilkens, PA-C, entered the exam to begin the exam. The meeting was short, with Jill asking a bevy of questions to Hadley and Molly. The paramount goal of the meeting was to gauge Hadley’s wellbeing. After some questions and diagnostics, Jill observed a perfectly healthy Hadley. Jill is just one of many providers that provide well-child visits. Often, your established primary care provider can provide one. There is increased access for patients to receive well-child care from their established provider rather than just choosing a member of the care team.

A mother’s perspective

“The appointment went great! I always feel like Jill takes the time to thoroughly listen, and answer questions. She also does a great job of connecting with my children at these appointments. I noticed the process has changed to make it easier for me to provide important information before the appointment.” – Molly Tabery

To schedule a well-child visit, call 218-631-3510. Well-child visits are also prepared directly and entirely online via MyChart.

What is Infusion Therapy?

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Some drugs can’t be taken orally or lose effectiveness when exposed to the digestive system. Others must be delivered slowly or reach the bloodstream as quickly as possible in a life-threatening situation. Under these circumstances, infusion therapy is usually the best course of action. If you require insulin, fluids, chemotherapy drugs, or other IV-type medications, learn more about how infusion therapy works before your first treatment at Tri-County Health Care.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy, or IV therapy, is administering a drug intravenously. In other words, it involves injecting medication with a sterile needle or catheter inserted directly into a vein. The term also refers to drugs injected into the spinal cord, such as an epidural, or just under the skin, such as a subcutaneous insulin pump.

Common entry points for IV therapy include a vein in the crook of the arm or back of the hand. A surgically implanted catheter in the chest is another suitable entry point. An infusion therapy session may last less than one hour or up to three hours, depending on the drug and the treatment condition. In many cases, a bag or bottle containing the medication hangs from a nearby stand to ensure a controlled delivery rate. Drugs can also be administered manually with a syringe or infusion pump.

Who needs IV therapy?

In a hospital setting, IV therapy is effective when a patient cannot take oral medication. It’s also commonly used when intravenous delivery is more effective. When treating certain diseases and infections, therapy must continue after discharge from the hospital or may even initially begin as an outpatient treatment.

Here are several medications that infusion therapy can deliver and the conditions they treat:

  • Chemotherapy drugs treat cancer
  • Immune-suppressing drugs treat certain autoimmune diseases
  • Blood pressure support medication treats severe congestive heart failure that is unresponsive to conventional maintenance therapy
  • Thrombolytic drugs treat heart attacks or stroke
  • Fluids combat dehydration
  • Antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals treat serious infections that don’t respond to oral medication
  • Narcotics control pain
  • Insulin treats diabetes
  • Epinephrine treats anaphylactic shock
  • Biologics treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Receptor blockers treat rheumatoid arthritis
  • Blood clotting factors treat hemophilia
  • Iron infusions combat iron deficiency
  • Medications treat migraines
  • Corticosteroids treat multiple sclerosis
  • Platelet-rich plasma treats osteoarthritis
  • Bisphosphonates treat osteoporosis
  • Donated blood facilitates blood transfusions

If you’re looking for infusion services, Tri-County Health Care can help! Our clinics feature an experienced team of registered nurses ready to administer your treatment in a private room with a cozy, home-like feel. Rest assured that we’ll make your time with us as pleasant and anxiety-free as possible. To learn more about our infusion therapy services, call 218-631-3510.

Safety for baby

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Recently, patients completed surveys about their visits to Tri-County Health Care. Mothers took the opportunity to rate their care and share details and stories about the staff of Tri-County Health Care. This story is just one of many examples of the exemplary care commonly associated with Tri-County Health Care. In terms of birthing services, safety for babies is priority number one. Because of this, we are always looking for ways to innovate while providing a comforting environment. 

Safety for baby

My baby was born without my doctor in the room. He came so fast that it required a rapid response, and all available staff rushed to help. A new OB nurse, Salma, helped me deliver my baby before others arrived. She was fantastic and calm throughout the process. My doctor made it in shortly after to finish the delivery. Then a tornado came through town the next night, and we were rushed to safety. It was a very eventful birth and hospital stay!

Safety for baby

In may 2022, a powerful storm passed through Wadena causing massive damage to local infrastructure.

The care I received was top-notch from start to finish. The scheduling staff worked diligently to make my appointments fit into my schedule. The prenatal nurses took excellent care of me during my pregnancy. They ensured that I had all the necessary tests and procedures and prepared me for my preferred delivery experience. The nurses also helped me sign up for prenatal yoga and an aquatics course. They even provided me with a free car seat and assisted in the installation!

All the nurses took amazing care of us, even during the bad storm. In the end, it was a happy and memorable experience. I could go on for days about how incredible all the staff were throughout my journey!

Our mission is to help you

Tri-County Health Care prides itself on providing quality care for everyone, including safety for the mother and her baby. Bringing new life into the world is a cherished duty that our obstetrics staff embraces each day. In conclusion, we thank this patient for her kind words.

If you would like to learn more about our birthing services or schedule an appointment, please call 218-631-3510.

 

Establishing care at Tri-County Health Care

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Going to a new clinic can be a scary prospect for some. New faces, a new scheduling process, and a different provider can cause a lot of anxiety. Tri-County Health Care is here to ease you into our special brand of care. That’s why our care team developed establishing care visits. These appointments introduce you to a new provider while gathering important medical information.

Every provider is a little different in how they help patients, so this appointment allows you to see the person behind the lab coat. During this initial meeting, you will share important health history and develop health goals for the future.

How to establish care?

If you are new to the area and trying to connect with a provider, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedulers and ask for an establish care visit. A scheduler may even ask to coordinate this visit during the first contact with you. There are no special charges associated with this appointment.

Jamie Udy on establish care visits

Providers at Tri-County Health Care are excited to offer a streamlined way to establish care. The initial appointment can be a little tough, but they are here to make it painless. Jamie Udy, APRN, FNP, enjoys looking beyond clinical procedures and views these visits as a chance to get to know the patient. By understanding a little more about each patient’s lifestyle, hobbies, careers, and families, a provider can calculate an even more accurate care plan.

“We feel that having the establish care visits not only matches the patient with a provider, but it also ensures that patients are matched with a provider that will help them get the best outcomes. Also, it is important for patients to know that they have choices in healthcare providers.” – Jamie Udy, APRN, FNP

Establishing care at Tri-County Health Care, call 218-631-3510. Let the scheduler know you are new to Tri-County Health Care and need to establish care. Also, follow us on social media for regular updates.

30 years of physical therapy

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During the summer of 1992, I began my physical therapy work at Tri-County Health Care. Decades have passed, but I still remember that time so vividly. During my interview, Dr. Ness spoke about how much he loved working in this area. I was impressed with his authenticity. He seemed like one of the most genuine people I had ever encountered. I said to myself, “I want to work for a doctor like that,” and so began my 30 years of physical therapy at Tri-County.

30 years of physical theraphy

The authentic desire to spread goodwill while healing drew me to Tri-County Health Care. That feeling has remained 30 years later. I’ve been a personal witness to steadfast growth in our physical therapy department. In 1992, we had two physical therapists and one aide. Now, we have 15 members in the rehab building and have seen tremendous growth. I’m proud to be a facilitator of that growth.

Tim Sly 2010 physical therapy Tri-County Health Care Astera Health Wadena MN

Tim Sly, PT in the rehab department in 2010.

30 years of physical therapy and beyond

As our community has changed, so has our department. With every challenge, we have risen to match it, and I’m proud to say that we have adapted to the needs of the greater community. With the addition of orthopedics, things have taken off even more.

Whenever someone meets with me, I try my best to see the person behind the ailment. They are not their weak bones, arthritis, or bad back. They are people who have lived a storied life and simply want to keep living it. For the last 30 years, I have devoted my life to helping these people. I look forward to continuing this mission.

I want to thank my colleagues and coworkers—those who stand with me now and those who have passed. You have enriched my life in more ways than I can possibly account for. Thank you so much.

Tim Sly

Physical Therapist

Meet Shana Pazdernik-Hensch, PA-C

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Meet Shana Pazdernik-Hensch, PA-C! Shana will see patients in ReadyCare at Tri-County Health Care starting in September.

Shana completed her undergraduate studies at Bemidji State University and the University of South Dakota. She then went on to attend medical school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Shana recently graduated, and this will be her first position as a physician’s assistant.

Lifelong learning

Shana brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the clinic. She has been an emergency medical technician for 23 years. Before accepting her new role, she was working as a high school science teacher. Her love for the ever-changing medical field has drawn her to a new chapter in her life at Tri-County Health Care.

“I decided to take the leap to PA school, which I dreamed about doing for many years.” – Shana Pazdernik, PA-C

Life outside of work

Tri-County Health Care isn’t exactly new to Shana. She used to be an emergency room technician and orthopedic scribe at Tri-County. Additionally, she completed several rotations at Tri-County as a student.

Shana

Shana Pazdernik-Hensch

Shana loves the outdoors! When she isn’t caring for others, she is taking on everything Minnesota has to offer. Running, biking, swimming, and kayaking are just some of the activities she fills her time with. Shana is married and has three kids.

Join the team and grow with us!

Thanks for taking the time to meet Shana! Tri-County Health Care is always looking for new and innovative professionals to join the team. Please check out the careers page for a list of new openings. Tri-County Health Care is one of the top employers in the region and offers an excellent compensation package in addition to providing a workplace that always puts people first.

Follow Tri-County Health Care on social media for regular updates on new providers, job openings, events, and other important information.

2022 Summer interns: Part two

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The 2022 summer interns recently made their way through the halls of Tri-County Health Care. They learned valuable lessons about the medical field and the numerous departments working together to create a place for healing. We want to introduce the second set of 2022 summer interns. Please take this opportunity to get to know their faces. You might see them at Tri-County Health Care in the years to come!

Aubrey Hess

2022 summer interns: Part two

Aubrey Hess

Verndale Public School

Plans after graduation?

I plan to go into the healthcare field. At the moment, I’m looking at attending NDSU or the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

Why did you apply for the internship?

My dad explained the program to me before I applied and got me interested.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love reading and being an active member of my school. I also play volleyball and sprint in track.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

People living a more sustainable lifestyle.

What is your favorite book, movie, and food?

My favorite book is The Secret Life of Bees, my favorite movie is Footloose (1984), and my favorite food is orange bell peppers.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Why?

Flying, because of the view.

Tell me about one big life goal you have.

One big life goal of mine is to find a job that I fit into, and that is right for me.

What were some of your favorite experiences during your internship?

I really liked learning about the people in each department. This is such a small-town community, and everyone is so nice and welcoming.

Would you recommend others apply for the internship at Tri-County Health Care?

10 out of 10 would recommend it to other students interested in going into this job area. Seeing how many departments there are behind the scenes was eye-opening.

 

Makenna Wilhelmi

2022 summer interns: Part two

Makenna Wilhelmi

Bertha Hewitt Public School

Plans after graduation?

I am currently working towards my AA degree through PSEO from Central Lakes College and still deciding what I would like to go to school for.

Why did you apply for the internship?

I thought this would be a great opportunity to experience the side of healthcare that most people really don’t see, and I wanted to see if healthcare was the right career for me.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like riding horses, playing volleyball, and spending time with family and friends.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

One thing I would change in the world is that more people would work towards their goals and try new things. Who knows, possibly find a cure to cancer or a new invention.

What is your favorite book, movie, and food?

My favorite book is the Tattooist of Auschwitz. I really like the movie Dirty Dancing. My favorite food is ice cream.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Why?

To fly so, I can see the world and travel.

Tell me about one big life goal you have.

To be successful and possibly change one person’s life for the good.

What were some of your favorite experiences during your internship?

Shadowing Ambulatory Care and Rehab.

Would you recommend others apply for the internship at Tri-County Health Care?

Yes, try it. It was such an amazing experience with great people, and this expanded my horizons a ton.

 

Alexander Templin

2022 summer interns: Part two

Alexander Templin

Plans after graduation?

I do have a few in mind. I’m currently looking into marketing, business management, and comp science, but none of those are set in stone.

Why did you apply for the internship?

To see all the inner workings that go into patient care and see if any jobs would spark an interest.

What do you like to do for fun?

Hang out with friends, lift weights, learn things, and many more.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Give equal opportunity to all people.

What is your favorite book, movie, and food?

The Percy Jackson series, Spaceballs, steak.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Why?

Superspeed, because not only can you get places fast, but you can do things you don’t want to do fast and have more time for things you want to do. For example, you could be done with work in like 20 minutes and then have more time to hang out with family.

Tell me about one big life goal you have.

To make a positive impact in many people’s lives.

What were some of your favorite experiences during your internship?

Getting to meet all the amazing people that make everything happen and see so many cool things most people don’t get to see.

Would you recommend others apply for the internship at Tri-County Health Care?

Yes, if you’re interested in the medical field at all, this is a great way to expand your horizons or find something that’s calling your name.

Thanks for reading 2022 summer interns: part two! For more information about internships and openings at Tri-County Health Care, please visit our careers page.

2022 Summer interns: Part one

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The 2022 summer interns recently made their way through the halls of Tri-County Health Care. They learned valuable lessons about the medical field and the numerous departments that work in tandem to create a place for healing. We want to introduce the first set of 2022 summer interns. Please take this opportunity to get to know their faces. You might see them at Tri-County Health Care in the years to come!

Cally Robertson

2022 summer interns

Cally Robertson

Brainerd High School

Plans after graduation?

Go to college, go Pre-Med.

Why did you apply for the internship?

I knew I wanted to enter the medical field, but I wasn’t sure where. This internship intrigued me because it would help me decide.

What do you like to do for fun?

Read, swim, run, play soccer, and nordic ski.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

I would change the world so that everyone has equal opportunities.

What is your favorite book, movie, and food?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Wonder Woman, and avocado toast.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Why?

The ability to fly. I think it would be so cool to have no limits above you.

Tell me about one big life goal you have.

I want to become a surgeon.

What were some of your favorite experiences during your internship?

I loved watching surgery and hanging out with other people my age interested in the medical field. I also loved learning about the lab and finding something new that interested me.

Would you recommend others apply for the internship at Tri-County Health Care?

Yes! This internship helped solidify my decision to go into the medical field as my profession. It also helped to narrow down where in the medical field I would like to choose to pursue.

 

Ava Eckhoff

2022 Summer Interns

Ava Eckhoff

Henning Public School

Plans after graduation?

I plan on getting my Bachelors in Nursing. I do not have a college in mind yet.

Why did you apply for the internship?

I found this opportunity through my school; my sister has also gone through this program.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing basketball, and hanging out by the lake.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about the world, I would have people on Earth treating it better.

What is your favorite book, movie, and food?

My favorite book is Where the crawdads sing; my favorite movie is How to lose a guy in 10 days; my favorite food is chicken nuggets.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Why?

If I could have one superpower, I would choose the ability to fly because I could go anywhere I wanted.

Tell me about one big life goal you have.

One big goal that I have is graduating from college.

What were some of your favorite experiences during your internship?

My favorite experiences would have to be experiencing surgery, getting to follow different doctors around, and meeting lots of new people.

Would you recommend others apply for the internship at Tri-County Health Care?

Yes! 100%, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my future, but this opportunity has shown me a few careers that I can see myself doing in the future.

A letter from Dr. Swartz: Interns and surgery

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In this letter from Dr. Swartz, he discusses his career pathway. Providers at Tri-County Health Care are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings on topical news and happening around the health system.

Reflecting on a special visit

We had the pleasure of hosting several student interns at Tri-County Health Care throughout July. It’s always encouraging to meet young people interested in a profession that puts empathy first. We even had the chance to introduce these students to some of the things we do to prepare for surgery. Their enthusiasm for our work was very refreshing.

I believe experiences like this go beyond just being a fun excursion. They shape a person and guide them to their true calling. I’ve been thinking about my work and contemplating on why I became a surgeon. I’ve always been a very detail-orientated person that isn’t afraid to investigate the fine details of a problem. However, it does take more than an analytical brain to be a successful surgeon. As I stated earlier, empathy must come first. To be an effective surgeon, you have to treat everyone on your operating table as if they were family. Their life is in your hands, and they trust you. If any of the students that pass through our department go on to become surgeons, please don’t abuse that trust.

Their life is in your hands

In this letter from Dr. Swartz he discusses the importance of empathy.

Travis Swartz, DO

When a person heads to surgery, they are likely experiencing a hurricane of emotions. Also, people forget the human element of this work and look at everything as a procedure. Remember the person behind the procedure, their fears, and their loved ones. Being a surgeon is more than just stainless steel and scalpels.

I would like to thank all of the students that made their way through Tri-County Health Care. I hope shadowing our staff gave you some direction in your future endeavors.

All the best,

Travis Swartz, DO

Tri-County Health Care

Tri-County Health Care would like to offer thanks for this wonderful letter from Dr. Swartz. We hope his insight may guide young people in their future endeavors. Tri-County Health Care routinely welcomes student interns to tour our respective facilities while gaining valuable insight from our collection of medical, clerical, business, and marketing professionals.  In conclusion, if you are interested in interning or shadowing at Tri-County Health Care, please check our careers page.

Kitchen caring! A day with Nutrition Services

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During a frantic lunch hour, nutrition workers scurried around a maze of stainless-steel cookware. They were short-staffed, and the cafeteria was slowly filling up. Soon a line formed, snaking around from the single cash register. This is business as usual for the folks that prepare meals at Tri-County Health Care. Every day they take on the daunting task of feeding an entire workforce and patients. Not just for one meal, but three. They are a prime example of kitchen caring!

Do you ever think about the people that prepare your food? To most, it’s simply a transaction, but a delicate system is in place on the other side of the cash register.

In the service of health

Angie Leehy has been working in the kitchen for 25 years. She started her career as a food service worker and eventually earned a degree in dietary management. She now serves as the Nutrition Services Supervisor. During the busy lunch hour, she directed staff and prepared for the rush. When she wasn’t in her office crunching numbers, she was speed walking from one end of the kitchen to another. All of this ensures a tasty meal for the staff and patients of Tri-County.

Kitchen caring is a main component of Angie's job!

Angie Leehy, Nutrition Services Supervisor

A typical day

During an average day, six to seven people work in the kitchen in various roles. They start early, with the first crew member coming in at around 5 a.m. That person is responsible for warming the ovens while preparing for breakfast. The next person arrives with the task of preparing cold items like fruit. At this point, the kitchen is in full swing, with staff members hustling upstairs to deliver meals to patients. This cycle repeats itself for lunch and dinner. Each member of the team has a job that is supported by the work of another. Without a cohesive strategy, the kitchen would fall apart.

“Teamwork and communication are a must in our department. Each day is different, and it takes a team to get everything done each day.” – Angie Leehy

Angie doesn’t arbitrarily choose food at random. Every item that ends up on your plate is carefully selected with the help of a dietitian. This process ensures a certain level of nutrition for each meal. The menu changes four times per year. During each new cycle, Angie tries to find new items based on customer trends. Each choice is delicate because she only has so much freezer space.

Misconceptions

Some people view food services as an unimportant aspect of patient care, but that isn’t true. The hospital sees a constant flux of patients who need food. Nutrition staff is essential, and the hospital wouldn’t function without them. “Honestly, we may be one of the only bright spots in a patient’s day. Food can be both nourishing and comforting. We are, after all, the keepers of the ice cream,” remarked Angie when asked how she felt her job impacts Tri-County Health Care.

Kitchen caring is a part of healthcare. For more information on services like this, please visit TCHC.org. Also, follow Tri-County Health Care on social media for regular updates.

Knees and the green: Meet Missy

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On a warm summer day, Missy threw her clubs over her shoulder and made her way to the course at Whitetail Run. Golf has always been her passion. It has been a part of her life since childhood. She even grew up across the street from the Whitetail Run golf course. Later in life, she would coach the sport for Wadena-Deer Creek High School. Unfortunately, life has a way of pulling us away from the activities that bring us joy. During a game of volleyball, she tore her ACL. Missy went through two ACL surgeries that resulted in severe arthritis. She could still play golf and exercise, but not without pain. Missy has a unique story and proof that knees and the green are a great match.

Surgery and recovery 

Missy is not the type to regress casually into inactivity. Her club belongs tightly gripped in hand, not collecting dust in a closet. Arthritis would not stop her, so she started looking for help. In her own community, she discovered Ben Robertson, MD. Guided by a myriad of glowing reviews, she took the leap and met with the orthopedic surgeon.  

Missy was immediately blown away by Dr. Robertson’s knowledge of the bones and muscles that make up the body. After a consultation, she decided to pursue surgical correction. All went as planned, but surgery was only half the battle. Then began the recovery period. According to Missy, a physical therapist, rehab is crucially important. Every day must be about healing to recover fully. 

Knees and the green!

Knees and the green! Missy golfs again.

After only seven weeks, Missy was playing golf again.

After only a few weeks of physical therapy, Missy made her way to the green. When asked if she had any advice for people in a similar situation, she simply replied, “Don’t wait.” A love for physical activity and a single consultation changed her life forever. 

Putting surgery off can limit or keep you from doing what you love. If you feel a shooting pain or your joints just aren’t what they used to be, maybe it’s time to think about meeting an orthopedic specialist. Tri-County Health Care has one of the most comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine programs around. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robertson, call 218-631-3510 or utilize our online scheduling option. Also, remember to follow Tri-County Health Care on social media. 

What’s up with Wesley?

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What’s up with Wesley? With less than a year away from the grand opening of the new Astera Health Campus, many are wondering what will happen to the current facilities. No worries about demolition! Tri-County Health Care has no plans to destroy these iconic buildings that have been in Wadena for decades. The organization aims to find a way to utilize them to their fullest potential as the organization shifts to its new home just miles outside of Wadena.

When is the move?

Medical providers and staff, along with their equipment, will be making a big move in the Spring of 2023. This move is a multi-tiered process that requires all hands on deck. From maintenance to schedulers, everyone needs to be at the ready to move necessary equipment to the new site while allowing time to acclimate. As of now, the organization plans to hold off on moving staff stationed in the Wesley building to the current hospital/clinic for around six months. This buffer period will allow site engineers and maintenance to make it space for the support specialists to help the new building operate efficiently.

What's up with Wesley? A new purpose

It has been stated several times that the Wesley Building will not be left to decay. Additionally, it holds generations of historical value in addition to being a potentially viable commercial space. For now, Tri-County Health Care will continue to use the lower floor for laundry and other building support services. The garage in the back of the building will continue to be a hub for EMS personnel. Lastly, the third floor will be used for medical record storage.

That leaves the first and second floors. These two floors come with a whirlwind of possibilities. The office space is ideal for various clerical, sales, and front-end operations. A tentative plan is to start leasing these areas to local and regional businesses. Tri-County Health Care has always placed a high value on economic stimulation. A healthy community promotes industry, and being able to provide a space for that industry would be a strong point of pride.

Other options

Commercial offices are a great way to go, but that isn’t the only course of action considered. The organization has expressed some interest in selling the property. Some have cited the historical importance of the building, claiming it might be a good home for the Historical Society in Wadena. A direct sale will continue to be an option in the future.

What do you think?

We need help from our communities in Wadena and the surrounding areas. If the price was no object and you had infinite resources, what would you do with the Wesley building? How would you make this structure useful to the people of Wadena? Let us know in the comments section below or on our social media pages.

If you’re interested or know someone who would like to lease or buy space at Wesley, please email Ryan Damlo at ryan.damlo@tchc.org or call 218-632-8148.

Living life on two wheels

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Being physically active is so important for both physical and mental health. Finding an activity or sport that suits you can be tough. For me, mountain biking has been an activity that allows me to enjoy being outside in nature, keeping my body active, is easy on joints and So fun! Living life on two wheels is great for me and perhaps you too!

I started mountain biking in 2013. When I was young, I biked around town a lot, but was first exposed to mountain biking in Colorado on a family vacation as a teen. Who would have known that a couple decades later it would become a passion of mine! We visited friends in Montana during the summer of 2012. They were mountain biking enthusiasts and showed us their bikes. My husband and I were hooked. By the next year, we had bikes for ourselves. Since then, many of our evenings, weekends, and travels have been centered around biking.

A family on the trails

Living life on two wheels is about family.

Shortly after embracing the sport, we got to know a group of local riders at Black’s Grove park. In a few short months, we were racing on a mountain bike team associated with Maplelag Resort in Callaway, Minnesota. We have raced the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series races as a family. We compete in our respective category according to age and skill level. We’ve also expanded to races in other areas of the country. I still don’t claim to be super-fast or excellent in technical areas, but I truly enjoy being in the woods. Overcoming obstacles that I previously struggled with is a constant motivator for me.

Coaching

In addition, I help as an assistant coach for the Northwest Composite Wolves, a local team made up of middle and high school students. The Minnesota Cycling Association aims to get more kids on bikes and is now over 2,600 kids strong! We practice as a team multiple times per week from July through October with the option to race. Each team has five races each year, with our local race in Detroit Lakes. Introducing children to this sport makes me happy and on practice days, I look forward to riding the trails with the kids! We have so much fun tackling the trails with friends and teammates.

Living life on two wheels might be right for you

Living life must involve bikes.

Take it easy to start. Don’t hesitate to hop off and walk or run areas that are uncomfortable until skill levels and stamina improve. Challenge yourself, but don’t take on too much. Reach out to others with similar interests and make sure your bike works well. Ensure that you have a helmet to reduce risk of head injuries.

Mobility is so important and tied to many areas of health. Cycling is just one way to help keep your body moving. Its also easier on the joints that some sports. Consider which sport or activity you might enjoy. Improved health is just one the many benefits!

Have an open mind and start living life to the fullest!

Heidi Olson, MD

Tri-County Health Care