Think Wellness

Jeanne Hume

walks to her own music Top 5 Tips for a

healthy fall Know your risk for

breast cancer

y h t l a e H ! n m u t u A

Brought to you by the

The Free Press MEDIA

Fall 2021 Issue - FREE

Think Wellness

CONTENTS

Fall 2021 • Volume 2, Issue 4 Page Designer

Advertising Sales

Contributing Writers

Christina Sankey

Danny Creel Jordan Greer-Friesz Josh Zimmerman Theresa Haefner Tim Keech Marie Wood Erin Gonzalez, MS, RD, LD Emily Retzlaff, RN, BSN Steven Haugen, MD Lisa Montag, NP Jessica Blais

ON THE COVER – Jeanne Hume, Cancer Survivor

The Free Press MEDIA

This magazine is published by The Free Press Media in partnership with Mankato Clinic.

The Free Press Media 418 South Second Street, Mankato MN 56001.

For all editorial inquiries, call Marie Wood at 507-389-8716, or e-mail mariew@mankatoclinic.com For advertising, call 344-6364, or e-mail advertising@mankatofreepress.com.

4 • Think Wellness • Fall 2021

5

Top 5 tips for a healthy fall

6

Know your risk for breast cancer

7

Have you had your annual mammogram?

8

Jeanne Hume, cancer survivor, walks to her own music

12

Meet Mankato Clinic’s New Providers

14

Erin’s Kitchen: Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash

15

It’s time to love your skin

16

Greater Mankato Mom

17

Mankato Clinic Foundation awards grants

Top 5 Tips for a

1

Healthy

Tackle Germs. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Wear a mask indoors and in crowded places when transmission of COVID-19 is high. As a bonus, masks help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses. If you do get sick, stay home.

2

Roll up your sleeves. Get your COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu vaccine. Vaccination is your best shot at staying well and avoiding these contagious respiratory viruses. People at greater risk for severe illness from COVID, including people age 65+ and adults with underlying medical conditions, may get a Pfizer COVID booster if they received the Pfizer vaccination at least six months ago. The flu vaccine is for everyone age 6 months and older and the COVID-19 vaccine is for people age 12 and older. Vaccines are widely available at local pharmacies and clinics.

3 4

Eat healthy. Fall is a great time to enjoy seasonal fruits and veggies like squash and apples. Try new recipes with robust harvest flavors. Instead of a baked potato, do a baked sweet potato for a tasty and nutritional boost. Or swap out pasta with an ancient grain like quinoa.

Take a walk. Fall is the perfect time to take walks in your neighborhood or local trails. Walking regularly can help lift your mood, improve brain function, balance and coordination, reduce stress, and strengthen the heart, muscles and bones. Daily brisk walks can even benefit your immune system and help you sleep better.

5

Get good sleep. Sleep is vital to our health.

Adequate sleep helps our bodies fight invading bacteria or viruses more efficiently. Research shows that well-rested people who received the flu vaccine developed stronger protection against the illness.

Adults should get 7 or more hours of sleep each night; teens should get 8-10 hours; and school age children should get 9-12 hours. Lack of sleep also increases the risk for obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Fall Expert Advice

Amy Jo Sorensen, DO,

Mankato Clinic North Mankato Family Medicine

We are caring for many people who are sick from COVID-19 in our clinics and hospitals. We have the power to stop this. Our vaccinations are safe and effective. The vaccination works by teaching our bodies how to recognize the virus and fight off infection. As we spend more time indoors, viruses circulate more easily. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your family right now. These viruses can cause illness, hospitalization and death.

For your convenience, flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time. If you do get the flu or COVID-19, your illness may be less severe if you are vaccinated. The vast majority of COVID hospitalizations are occurring in unvaccinated Minnesotans. So let’s do all we can to stay well. Get vaccinated.

Fall 2021 • Think Wellness • 5

PEPTALK: Know your risk for breast cancer

By Emily Retzlaff, RN, BSN Mankato Clinic Breast Health Nurse When patients come to the Mankato Clinic for a mammogram, we gather some information from you.

We ask questions about your medical history, your family’s history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, pregnancies and lifestyle. You may wonder why we need to know these facts about you.

We use this information to assess your risk for breast cancer. We enter your personal and family risk factors into a breast cancer lifetime risk assessment model.

This model calculates an approximate risk of developing breast cancer. We use the Tyrer-Cuzick Model.

Here’s a list of risk factors: • Personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer • History of breast biopsy and/or high risk lesion found on a breast biopsy • Breast cancer gene mutation • Personal or related family member with a known breast cancer gene mutation • Over age 30 at first full-term pregnancy or no history of full term pregnancy • Dense breast tissue type on mammogram • Ashkenazi Jewish or Black American ancestry • Chest radiation therapy between the ages of 10 and 30 • Being overweight • Smoking • More than one alcoholic drink a day • Lack of exercise When women have a lifetime risk calculation over 20 percent, they are considered to be at an elevated risk of developing breast cancer compared to women their age who are at average risk.

The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology guidelines recommend a yearly screening breast MRI for our high risk women. The MRI increases the chance of finding breast cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. The guidelines 6 • Think Wellness • Fall 2021

Glenda Beeck, RT (R)(M), Mankato Clinic Mammography Manager, and Emily Retzlaff, RN, Breast Health Nurse, work together to screen women for breast cancer, assess risk and educate. recommend an annual MRI and annual mammogram.

Ideal timing is alternating every six months between the yearly mammogram and yearly breast MRI. Radiologists use your mammogram and MRI as complementary exams.

A breast MRI is not recommended for women at average risk for breast cancer. For women of average risk, annual mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40.

By knowing your risk for breast cancer, we can customize a breast cancer screening schedule for you.

Screening means checking the breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms. Screening helps detect cancer early when it is easier to treat.

When you come in for your mammogram, feel free to talk with our staff if you have questions or concerns about your breast health. That’s why we’re here.

Mankato Clinic Breast Health Imaging Center Lower Level, Main Street Location 507-389-8570 www.mankatoclinic.com/breast-health-imaging-1 If you are due for a mammogram, contact your primary care provider today.

Have you had your annual mammogram?

By Steven Haugen, MD, Mankato Clinic Radiologist

In 2020, an estimated 35% of Americans missed routine cancer screenings. Routine cancer screenings, such as annual mammograms, are tests that check for cancer before there are symptoms.

A recent and large study funded by the American Cancer Society found that regular mammograms substantially reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. Annual mammograms help us compare your breast tissue from year to year and look for any changes in your breasts.

Mammograms can find breast changes that can be cancer years before physical symptoms develop says the American Cancer Society. That’s why mammograms are one of the most effective tools to find breast cancer early when it’s small and easiest to treat.

Here are some common questions we answer in the Breast Health Imaging Center at Mankato Clinic.

What are the biggest risk factors for breast cancer?

Being female and getting older are the biggest risk factors for breast cancer. Even if you do not have a family history of breast cancer, mammograms are needed. About 85% of all new breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer.

When should women begin annual mammograms?

The American College of Radiology recommends that women of average risk should get annual mammograms beginning at age 40. For coverage by most insurance plans, annual mammograms should be scheduled a full year apart.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card to verify.

How do you know if you are at a higher risk for breast cancer?

All women, especially black women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, should be evaluated for breast cancer risk no later than age 30, so those at higher risk can be identified and benefit from supplemental screening. If you have a higher risk for breast cancer, annual mammograms may be recommended earlier.

Are mammograms safe?

While it’s true that mammograms expose the breast to radiation, the amount is small. Mammograms use low radiation doses to get high quality breast images. The benefits of mammography far outweigh possible harm from radiation exposure.

What are 3-dimensional (3D) mammograms?

Three-dimensional tomosynthesis (TOMO) screening mammograms, better known as 3D mammograms, offer a more detailed view of the breast tissue. In fact, 3D mammograms are proven to detect more breast cancers in all women and all breast types. That’s why 3D mammograms are the first choice in breast cancer screening.

With conventional 2D mammograms, many women are called back for additional imaging. With the technology of 3D mammograms, we have reduced these call backs by 40 percent.

And many insurance plans cover 3D mammograms just as they do conventional ones. Women are encouraged to call the number on the back of their insurance card to check coverage.

What’s the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?

A screening mammogram usually takes two views of each breast from different angles. When reading the mammogram, your radiologist may see an abnormality and recommend that you return for a diagnostic mammogram. In a diagnostic mammogram, we take additional views of the small area of tissue that needs further evaluation. Diagnostic mammograms zoom in and give us a closer look. Women who are called in for additional imaging should not be alarmed. Your radiologist is being thorough and carefully examining any questionable findings.

Do I need to do breast self-exams?

We encourage breast self-awareness. Be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice any lumps or changes in your breast tissue, let your healthcare provider know right away.

Risk factors include a parent, sister or child with breast cancer or a known gene mutation based on genetic testing.

Other less commonly known risk factors include dense breasts and alcohol consumption.

Call your primary care provider to see if it’s time for your annual mammogram and well-woman visit. You may also call the Mankato Clinic Diagnostic Imaging Center at 507-389-8570 to schedule your annual mammogram.

Talk with your primary care provider to assess your risk for breast cancer and see when it’s best to begin screening mammograms.

The Mankato Clinic Breast Health Imaging Center is located on the lower level of the Main Street location, within the Diagnostic Imaging Center.

Fall 2021 • Think Wellness • 7

Jeanne Hume walks 2-3 miles every day while listening to the oldies on her Walkman. Her main walking route is along Parkway in Eagle Lake.

Occasionally she walks in Mankato.

8 • Think Wellness • Fall 2021

Jeanne Hume, cancer survivor, walks to her own music

By Marie Wood Even 10 years after her initial breast cancer diagnosis, Jeanne Hume’s voice breaks when she talks about her double mastectomy. In June 2011, Jeanne went to the Mankato Clinic Breast Health and Imaging Center for her annual mammogram.

She was asked to return for an ultrasound.

She had been through this before and wasn’t concerned. This time, it was different. She was told it looked like she had breast cancer. After a biopsy and another mammogram, a mastectomy was deemed the best course of action.

On June 29, 2011, Jeanne had a double mastectomy. She still cries when she remembers looking at herself in a full-length mirror for the first time. Jeanne told herself: “I can deal with that. I can do this!”

“You gotta have a positive attitude. If you get down, cancer’s going to beat you faster than ever. Cancer is a nasty thing. If you’re lucky you can beat it,” she said.

Her advice to other women: Get your annual mammogram. “You definitely need your mammogram,” Jeanne says.

Yet Jeanne’s journey was only beginning. In March of 2013, Jeanne noticed what looked like a mole near her heart.

Her oncologist recommended she see a dermatologist. The black spot wasn’t a mole. A PET scan showed the cancer had returned in her breast bone and was touching her heart.

Jeanne burst out bawling. She asked: “Now what do we do?”

Jeanne received the phone call when

she and her husband were at Treasure Island Casino – an outing to take their minds off the cancer.

During the ride home, Jeanne cried and her husband had to pull over so he could cry too.

From 2013 to 2017, Jeanne Hume of Eagle Lake battled cancer with 18 radiation treatments, four cycles of chemotherapy and two years of chemotherapy pills. Her husband, Doug Hume, was by her side for every treatment. At home, he took care of her and helped her have some fun and enjoy life and family along the way. The couple has two sons, a daughter and seven grandsons.

Jeanne found strength in her Catholic faith, put her trust in Dr. Suresh Devineni, Mankato Clinic oncologist, and gathered support and Fall 2021 • Think Wellness • 9

Jeanne Hume couldn’t tell her chemo story without Rachel Hoppe, RN, Mankato Clinic Oncology and Infusion Center.

Expert Advice

Jeanne Hume trusts Dr. Suresh Devineni, Mankato Clinic oncologist, to take care of her. She followed his medical advice and treatment plan from stage 4 cancer through remission. encouragement from the nurses in the Mankato Clinic Infusion Center.

“Jeanne faced cancer with resilience, perseverance and commitment. She always kept up the positive attitude and undoubtedly trusted her care team,” Dr. Devineni said.

Dr. Suresh Devineni, Mankato Clinic oncologist

“Cancer is one of the most challenging illnesses for anyone and their loved ones to handle.

Navigating through cancer and its treatments can be tough. But it is very important to keep up the endurance, courage to fight and the positive attitude. I always remember this quote I read somewhere: ‘Cancer cannot cripple love, cannot shatter hope and cannot conquer the spirit.’”

10 • Think Wellness • Fall 2021

In March 2021, Jeanne and Doug celebrated four years in remission. Since Jeanne had stage 4 cancer, which means the cancer had spread to other parts of her body from its origin, she will never be cancer-free. At first, she saw Dr. Devineni every three months for checkups, then six months and then yearly. At one visit, she called Dr. Devineni “Father” by mistake.

“Dr. Devineni is so special. I’m a Catholic. One day, I said ‘Thank you so much Father. That shows you how much respect I have for you. A priest is right there behind God and that’s right where you belong,’” Jeanne said.

Jeanne’s journey

Jeanne received radiation, which killed 50% of the cancer, at the Andreas Cancer Center-Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. After radiation, she enjoyed a vacation with family to Mexico.

In October 2013, Jeanne began chemotherapy in the

Mankato Clinic Infusion Center. She is grateful for the care and support of nurses Leah Koens, RN, OCN, Rachel Hoppe, RN, and Jenny Woratschka, RN. Leah and Rachel remember Jeanne’s first day in chemotherapy.

Rachel was her nurse that day.

Jeanne looked to her right and the woman next to her had lost her hair beneath her hat. The woman told her she had retired from nursing and was ready to start her life when cancer came back. Jeanne burst into tears and Rachel calmed her down.

Rachel also warned Jeanne she might lose her hair after the next treatment.

Jeanne had a port implanted underneath her skin, just below the collarbone, to receive treatments more comfortably. She also received shots in the stomach. Her second treatment was on a Thursday night and she felt sick that evening. Still she went to her grandson’s Friday night football game. All she wanted to do was sleep and sit in the recliner.

She wasn’t hungry, but Doug said “I’ll make you anything.” Finally she asked for mashed potatoes and gravy.

“It’s tough to see the pain. I’d like to take it away for a while,” Doug said.

A couple days later, there was hair all over her pillow. Doug shaved her head as she cried. When she walked in to see Rachel for her third treatment, Rachel said “Oh Jeanne, that happened so fast.”

“I’m OK,” Jeanne replied.

Thankfully Jeanne was only sick for those couple days after the second treatment. After three treatments, Dr. Devenini told Jeanne that things were looking really good. He recommended one more treatment.

The chemotherapy was so strong that five treatments was the maximum. Her fourth cycle was followed by a chemotherapy pill for two years.

Life

Jeanne just turned 73 and feels fortunate to be alive and kicking.

She walks 2-3 miles every day along Parkway in Eagle Lake while listening

Leah Koens, RN, OCN, flushes Jeanne Hume’s port while husband Doug Hume sits by her side. to oldies on her “Walkman” tape player. The Humes have a jukebox filled with her old 45 records. When the weather turns, Jeanne walks on her treadmill.

“Everything is going good. I’ve got my little ups and downs. I say ‘Hallelujah’ every morning I wake up.

You get a whole new outlook on life,” Jeanne said. “I wake up every day and say: ‘Thank you God for this day.’”

She returns to the Infusion Center every 6 weeks to have her port flushed while she and Doug chat easily with the nurses. They go to Maverick football games and

occasionally play the slots at the casinos. The Humes attend All Saints Church on Sundays and enjoy their family and grandsons.

“My goal is to hold my first great granddaughter and to live beyond that,” Jeanne said with a laugh.

When Jeanne meets someone with cancer, she gives them a St. Peregrine coin, the patron saint of cancer.

Jeanne prays the daily devotion: “St. Peregrine, Saint of Cancer Diseases, intercede for us by asking God to heal my cancer and keep it in remission. Pray for me that I may live a faithful and long life.”

Fall 2021 • Think Wellness • 11

Meet Mankato Clinic’s new providers refractive cataract surgery, medical retina, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. She offers oculoplastic surgery, a form of plastic surgery to reconstruct or restore function to areas around the eyes. Oculoplastic surgery treats droopy eyelids, facial nerve weakness, tear duct function and more.

Dr. Chen also enjoys performing routine eye examinations and getting to know her patients.

Pauline Chen, DO, joins the Eye Care Center.

Dr. Pauline Chen, an ophthalmologist, joins the Mankato Clinic Eye Care Center.

Dr. Chen’s clinical interests include

“William Shakespeare said ‘The eyes are the window to your soul.’

A complete eye examination is the window to the health of the entire body. I enjoy seeing my patients annually and developing the trust and bond between a provider and a patient,” Dr. Chen said.

“Neurology is one of the most fascinating areas of medicine as the neurological system is intertwined with every part of the body. It’s rewarding to see my patients’ conditions improve with treatment,” Leah said. “I am invested in the individualized care of each one of my patients. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the condition. I strive to partner with my patients to help them choose the right treatment plan for their personal health care goals.”

Leah Rasmussen, APRN, DNP, FNP-C, joins Neurology.

Leah Rasmussen, certified nurse practitioner, joins the Mankato Clinic Neurology department. Her clinical interests include migraines, sleep disorders, epilepsy and general neurology.

12 • Think Wellness • Fall 2021

Originally from New Ulm, Leah earned her doctor of nursing practice degree at South Dakota State University, Brookings in 2020. In 2016, she received her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Sioux Falls Accelerated Programs and in 2014 she graduated cum laude from the University of Sioux Falls with a bachelor of science in biology and a

Originally from Michigan, she graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She completed her residency at Beaumont Health in Taylor, Mich., where she served as chief resident in ophthalmology.

She absolutely loves hiking and exploring the natural beauties of this world. She enjoys traveling and visiting national parks.

Mankato Clinic Eye Care Center Wickersham Health Campus 507-385-4070 www.mankatoclinic.com/ eye-care-center

minor in Spanish.

Prior to joining the Mankato Clinic, Leah most recently worked in the COVID Intensive Care Unit at M Health Fairview in St. Paul. Leah and her husband Jason live in the Mankato area now.

She enjoys spending time with her family, husband and Labrador, Maverick. In her spare time, she likes to stay active, be outdoors, travel and try new recipes.

Mankato Clinic Neurology Main Street Location 507-389-8568 www.mankatoclinic.com/neurology

Mankato Clinic Pediatric Therapy Services welcomes new therapists

Kelly Holland, MSW, LICSW, joins Psychology

Kelly Holland, licensed independent clinical social worker, joins the Mankato Clinic Department of Psychology. A native of New Jersey, Kelly has made Mankato her home for the last 10 years.

Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, grief and loss in children, adolescents and adults. In a variety of settings, Kelly has worked with and advocated for individuals with mental and behavioral health concerns and provided individual and family therapy to children and adults.

“I practice a person-centered approach while incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, a strengths perspective and motivational interviewing technique. I enjoy working with people to empower them to learn about their strengths,” Kelly said.

Kelly holds a master of science in clinical social work from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul.

In her spare time, Kelly likes spending time with her children and husband, being outdoors and traveling.

Mankato Clinic Department of Psychology Madison East Center 507-387-3195 www.mankatoclinic.com/ psychology

Lindsey Pfarr, MS, OTR/L

Lindsey Pfarr is an occupational therapist. Her clinical interests include fine motor and visual motor skill development, and helping children improve functional skills to enhance participation and independence in everyday activities.

“I am passionate about working with kids and their families and making a positive impact on their lives. I love to find ways to connect with each child by exploring their interests and working on activities that are important and meaningful to them,” Lindsey said.

A native of Lakeville, Minn., she holds a bachelor of science in neuroscience from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and a master of science in occupational therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

In her free time, Lindsey enjoys crafting, gardening, spending time at the lake, visiting family and friends, playing with her dog and being a volunteer track and field coach.

Abby Stroup, PT, DPT

Abby Stroup is a physical therapist. Her clinical interests include general pediatrics, pediatric pelvic floor, and neuromuscular rehabilitation.

“I enjoy collaborating with each patient and family to work toward functional goals that promote independence. I love being creative to make therapy fun and encouraging each child to reach his or her fullest potential,” Abby said.

A native of Alexandria, Minn., Abby holds a doctorate of physical therapy from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

In her free time, Abby enjoys being at the lake, running, playing pickleball, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.

St. Andrews Drive & Children’s Health Center 507-388-5437 www.mankatoclinic.com/ pediatric-therapy-services Fall 2021 • Think Wellness • 13

Erin’s Kitchen:

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

By Erin Gonzalez, MS, RD, LD Back to school means life is even busier than usual. Work, school, sports activities tend to take up any free time. Meal prepping is vital to ensure the foods you find enjoyable and the foods that help your body feel its best are available when it’s time to eat! I love this Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash recipe from the Real Food Dietitians at www.therealfooddietitians.com. It is quick and easy to prepare on a Sunday meal prep, is full of flavor and tastes just as good warmed up throughout the week!

Recipe:

1 ¼ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved (about 2– 2 ½ lbs.)

2 ribs celery, thinly sliced 2 green onions, white and green parts thinly sliced ½ cup diced red bell pepper ½ cup Mild Buffalo Sauce Optional: ¼ cup Ranch Dressing Optional: ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

Erin Gonzalez, MS, RD, LD, leads the Mankato Clinic Nutrition Education Center.

Instructions: To roast the squash:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

3. Slice both ends from squash and discard.

4. Stand squash up on one of its cut ends and use a large knife to cut the squash in half lengthwise.

5. Scoop seeds and stringy insides out using a large spoon.

6. Place squash cut-side down on the baking sheet.

7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until squash is tender. Baking time will depend on the size of your squash, larger squash requiring a longer cook time. When squash is tender, allow to it cool slightly before using a fork to gently scrape the squash into a large bowl.

Reserve the squash shells.

8. While squash is roasting, cook the chicken on the stovetop. Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp. avocado or coconut oil and swirl pan to coat with the oil.

Add chicken and ½ cup water. Once the water begins to simmer, reduce heat and cover. Cook chicken for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through. Move chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly before shredding with two forks.

9. To assemble, place squash shreds, chicken, celery, onions, peppers and Buffalo sauce in a large bowl. Toss well to coat. Spoon squash mixture into the squash shells. Return the stuffed shells back to the baking sheet and place in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

10. Serve with Ranch Dressing or crumbled blue cheese, if desired.

NUTRITION INFORMATION Serving Size: 1/4th recipe | Calories: 308 | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 582mg | Carbohydrate: 13g (Fiber: 3g Sugar: 6g) Protein: 36g Recipe adapted from Jessica Beacom at therealfooddietitians.com/buffalo-chicken-stuffed-spaghetti-squash/#tasty-recipes-10023.

14 • Think Wellness • Fall 2021

IT’S TIME TO LOVE YOUR SKIN

By Lisa Montag, NP, Skin Essentials Mankato Clinic When you look at a selfie, do you love your skin? Or is there something you’d like to change? Maybe you’ve noticed some fine lines and wrinkles. With so many products and services that promise to make fine lines and wrinkles disappear, where does one begin?

As a nurse practitioner at Skin Essentials medical spa for more than 18 years, I know skin care, treatments and products. I know what works and stand by our services and products which I’ve personally chosen based on years of experience and results.

To continuously become a better practitioner, I often attend seminars and trainings.

Micro-needling is one service that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give you younger-looking skin with fewer signs of aging. Microneedling is a non-surgical treatment that helps build collagen and restore fresh and glowing skin.

Micro-needling is also knowns as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT). Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (HA) are the key ingredients to healthy and smooth skin.

When we are young, we have an abundance of these ingredients. As we age, we lose skin cells and gradually produce less of these elements. As these proteins decline, our skin begins to thin and become more fragile.

Micro-needling creates tiny punctures in the skin’s surface to stimulate the body’s natural production of new collagen, elastin and HA. This natural process results in smooth, even and brighter skin – the kind of skin that gives you a youthful glow.

In addition to fine lines and wrinkles, Micro-needling can also treat acne scars and trauma scars.

If you’d like to discuss treatments to make you love your skin, schedule a complimentary consultation with me. I will examine your skin, listen to you and create the perfect personalized blend of services and products to achieve the results you desire.

What are you waiting for?

www.skinessentialsmankato.com 507-625-6599 Fall 2021 • Think Wellness • 15

SCHOOL SCHEDULES, ACTIVITY CALENDARS, ALARM CLOCKS AND SCHOOL BUSES. IT’S ALL BACK.

By Jessica Blais, Greater Mankato Mom Parents and students are finding ways to get back into a regular routine. For a lot of families, this is the first time in over a year they are juggling these schedules. This transition brings feelings of excitement but it can also bring a lot of stress. We asked the writing team at Greater Mankato Mom for their best tips on how to get back into a routine that works for the whole family.

“We thrive on routine all year round. We keep the same bedtime and wake time throughout the summer (maybe I’m a mean mom but staying up late wreaks havoc on all of us). So getting “back” into routine isn’t a thing for us since we stick to it.” -Rachel D., Mankato “Back to a routine is easy here. We just do it. Rip off the Band-Aid and deal with the repercussions as they come. We like lists and reminders from Alexa, but mostly, we just keep each other going.” -Emily H., Mankato “Meal planning has been a life-saver for us! It’s one less thing to worry about on busy weeknights when the kids have sports and homework.” -Jessica B., Mankato Jennifer R. of Mankato gradually prepped for school schedules by going to bed a little earlier and waking up a little earlier in the weeks prior to the first day of school. Abby L. of Le Sueur did practice runs of normal 16 • Think Wellness • Fall 2021

bedtime and morning routines with her kiddos.

Maybe you can relate to the experiences from one of our local moms?

One thing that helps our family is planned time together. We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful area rich with nature, scenery and value placed on activities and events for families. I find that when we are having a difficult week or someone is feeling extra stressed, having something planned for the weekend gives everyone something to look forward to. From live, outdoor music to pumpkin patches and City Art, the Greater Mankato area has so many things to offer.

We have curated a collection of fall activities on our website www.greatermankatomom.com. The Guide to Fall Fun In + Around Mankato is presented by the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota and features destinations and events around the area; we’ve even included indoor fun for those not so nice fall days.

I hope your family is getting back into the swing of things and finding ways to enjoy this wonderful season in Southern Minnesota. Next time you’re looking for some family fun, check out our seasonal guide and enjoy!

Guide to Fall Fun In + Around Mankato Visit www.greatermankatomom.com

Our Community Mental Health First Aid Thursday, November 18, 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m., Mankato Clinic Conference Room, Madison East Center, Mankato

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training which teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Mary Beth Trembley, RNC, teaches the course. To learn more and register for an upcoming session, visit www.mankatoclinic.com/mental-health-first-aid. CDC guidelines for masking and social distancing will be followed.

Mankato Clinic Foundation awards grants

To support organizations and initiatives that promote the health and well-being of our community, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has approved $21,250 in grants during quarter three.

Grant recipients are South Central MN Food Recovery; Mankato Symphony Orchestra Free Family Fun Series; Friends of Learning Back to School Project; Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Elementary Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support; Connections Ministry; Good Counsel Learning Center Family Literacy Scholarships; Saint Peter Recreation and Leisure Services Active Aging Week; and CultureChange mental health program for K-12 students.

Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. The next grant deadline is December 1.

Visit www.mankatoclinic.com/Mankato-clinic-foundation to apply.

Fall 2021 • Think Wellness • 17

s tres s

zo o m

A lot can change in your life—and your body—in a year’s time. Especially this past year! It’s why we’re urging you to schedule your annual preventive visit. At this check-in your provider will: • ensure that you are healthy and well and doing what needs to be done to maintain good health • check for possible diseases so they can be treated early • identify any issues that may become medical concerns in the future • make sure you are aware of and able to schedule any

Schedule Now Call 507-625-1811

immunizations and screenings that are due

An annual preventive visit gives you the chance to live a healthier life for years to come.

18 • Think Wellness • Fall 2021

mankatoclinic.com

Fall 2021 • Think Wellness • 19