March 13, 2020 -- We know there are concerns in the community as COVID-19 spreads in Minnesota. Community transmission has not been reported in Minnesota, but it’s becoming more likely.

Here’s how you can prepare, and limit the risk to you and your family:

March 11, 2020 -- Feeling sick? CALL your provider if you:

MARCH 9, 2020 – As testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus) increases, NH+C follows clear guidelines set by Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for COVID-19 screening and testing.

There are two cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota as of March 8, reports MDH, which tracks testing (updated daily). Eighty people have been tested; 78 tests are negative, as of March 8.

When you have orthopedic surgery, you want to feel at home with your new joint as quickly – and smoothly – as possible.

Improvements in anesthesia and surgical techniques have shortened recovery time for joint replacements. Patients typically leave the hospital within a day or two after surgery.

That means most of your recovery happens outside the hospital, usually at home.

Before surgery, we help you prepare for daily life after surgery to ensure your best recovery no matter how soon you leave the hospital.

 Sleep changes as you age. The amount of ZZZs your body needs, your ability to fall (and stay) asleep, your body’s response to lack of sleep . . . it’s a shifting landscape.

But healthy sleep is important at every age. Sleep benefits your physical and mental health.

“Your metabolism is at its most efficient when you’re well-rested,” says Dr. Bryan Hoff, Medical Director of the Sleep Center at Northfield Hospital and board-certified in sleep medicine. “Your brain works better too, which helps you think, learn and work at your best. That’s important at every age.”

During winter, one fact seems counter-intuitive: Long nights aren’t always restful nights.

Some aspects of winter can actually keep you awake, causing sleepless nights and drowsy days. Sleep deprivation – the lack of restful sleep – affects how well you function when you’re awake. Sleep deprivation can lead to memory impairment, poor job performance, and motor vehicle accidents.

Good winter sleep habits can help you get a better night’s sleep when the sun dips low and temperatures even lower.

Feeling good? That’s a good time to think about healthcare you can plan ahead. Preventative screenings are an important tool to monitor health. (Bonus: They’re convenient – part of an annual physical, or easy to schedule.)

Here are the screenings the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends for all adults:

These tips may help you manage your healthcare spending throughout the year.

Plan your budget

Insurance companies share the cost of healthcare with you, but only after you first spend a specified amount each year. The dollar amount you will spend for healthcare begins with the medical insurance policy you agree to. It’s important to know what your policy says about how much you agree to pay every year out of pocket for your care. This will allow you to set this money aside when you need it.

Ear infections are common among kids, and often painful. Ear infections happen when viruses or bacteria get into the middle ear, the space behind the ear drum, causing pressure and discomfort.

ENT specialist Gerard O’Halloran, MD, explains:

What causes an ear infection?

Feeling grateful? That’s healthy. Medical research has linked gratitude to better sleep, healthier hearts, and healthy social connections. UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center sums up the research in its Greater Good Magazine and offers these conclusions: