River’s Edge instructors help clients with pain management, disease prevention

By HEATHER GORDON Correspondent

Educators can come in many dierent forms.

At River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic in St. Peter, quality classroom training and hands-on educational resources keep many aging community members healthy and active, even with a prognosis of debilitating health conditions, such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. Without the educational resources and coursework oered to River’s Edge community members, many patients would not have the capabil ity of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Range of motion

According to Nicole Boelter, clinical exercise physiologist, the classes and training that are oered to patients, such as those who take part in her arthritis exercise class, are evidence based programs, proven to reduce pain, while increasing and maintaining strength, range of motion, and exibility, through a variety of exercises. “e goal, as we get older, is to maintain our strength, balance, and exibility. If you don’t use those muscle groups, you will eventually lose them,” Boelter said. “Living a normal lifestyle with arthritis, requires having to continuously use the core muscle groups in order to maintain exibility, and range of motion. If these muscle groups are not used, it will eventually cause more pain, and less range of motion for that individual.” Boelter incorporates age-appropriate functions into her exercise routines, showing each participant the benets of each exercise with relatable and functional daily living tips. For example, raising or liing an arm above their shoulder, as if reaching into a cupboard. Or getting o the toilet, without the help of a handrail. e main goal of Boelter’s class is for her clients to maintain independence. Each participant needs to be able to get up o the couch, use the restroom on their own, and do their daily routine without falling or intense pain. e class exercises are repeated each week, but increase in intensity as participants grow in strength and mobility. All participants advance at their own pace. Each class consists of seated, low impact, low range of motion exercises, followed by standing and strength training for endurance and increased range of motion. Relaxation and an educational topic related to health and well being always conclude Boelter’s classes. “People sometimes have a hard time seeing improvements, because we continue to make it harder as class advances. Some basic exercises that were hard a year ago, are easier or consist of another element of challenge,” she said. Boelter noted that in the past six years, the class size has gone from six to 29 clients, ranging from 60 to 69 years old. is includes the original six members, who still attend her classes, twice a week. ese classes are also a social time for the participants. “My clients really look forward to this class. e social aspect is huge and they come back because it is fun. It is a fun, safe environment, and when they don’t get to come, they miss it,” Boelter said. “Talk about inspiration though; have my job and see these people who are still moving.” Prevention While River’s Edge strives to maintain healthy living for those with disease or age-related prognosis, there are also other courses oered in the prevention of the onset of disease or declining health. I Can Prevent PREVENTION Continued on page 14 Deb Mattson, along with Nicole Boelter (not pictured) teach LSVT-BIG for Parkinson’s twice a week at River’s Edge Hospital. The class covers core strengthening, teaching clients how to move bigger and live better. (Heather Gordon/St. Peter Herald)

Deb Mattson, Lead Physical Therapist at River’s Edge Hospital holds a LSVT-BIG exercise class for Parkinson’s patients twice a week. The class incorporates core exercises, Tai Chi, modied boxing, and other movements to increase patients mobility and improve their quality of life. (Heather Gordon/St. Peter Herald)

Paraprofessionals are key for local schools, students

By HEATHER GORDON Correspondent

“Paraprofessionals play a vital role in public education. eir job duties are as varied as the children they serve. Together, with our teachers and administrators, paraprofessionals provide high quality education in a safe and caring environment. eir passion and commitment are evident.” ese were the words of Bill Soderlund, as he took his spot on the St. Peter School Board, Jan. 6 and immediately donated $10,000 for paraprofessional continuing education and training in the district.

It may go without saying that educators within local school districts are held to a very high level of expectation and standard in our community. ese professionals raise and teach children and impact the future of our communities. However, some of these educators y below the radar, so to speak, and do their jobs diligently, without the expectation of notice.

Paraprofessionals fit that mold.

During Soderlund’s run for School Board, it became apparent to him that the role of paraprofessionals in local school districts is signicant, and the system was in need of some major overhaul. Teachers across the St. Peter district brought notice to his attention that they needed more help and the lack of attention to training or wages for paras was not attracting new potential help.

“Paraprofessionals play a vital role in our schools and deserve better acknowledgment, as well as more importance placed upon their position in our school district,” Soderlund said.

Pride in profession

Not only do paraprofessionals work without notice, but they generally do the job, because they love to help the children they work with. It is an exhausting, very tasking position to hold, but one which is done with pride and reverence. them while they eat, or while they play on the playground. Some are asked to prepare classroom materials for instructors, keep attendance, and make sure students are staying on task inside the classroom, as well as their behavior in between classes or when breaks are needed.

Many may see this position as

e paraprofessional, a constantly evolving profession, has been contributing to the youth for generations past and present. Without their dedication and meticulous attention to detail, some students’ needs would otherwise fall through the cracks.

As a generalized denition and duties, paraprofessional educators generally assist teachers in the classroom, provide administrative support and supervise students outside the classroom. Other para positions include special education aides, library aides and tutors. a gloried ‘babysitter,’ but these professionals have plenty to do, and are willing to take the brunt of it all; the good days, and the bad days, the momentous moments, and the ugly ones, as well. Sam Maas works closely with middle school students to troubleshoot a classroom project. (Heather Gordon/St. Peter Herald)

Pleased to welcome Kendra Finn, DO.

Kendra Finn, DO Family Medicine DANIELS HEALTH CENTER

DR. FINN IS NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS AT DANIELS HEALTH CENTER IN ST. PETER. At the Mankato Clinic, we are committed to you and the health of this region. We are excited to have Dr. Kendra Finn join our Family Medicine team. Her clinical interests include dermatology, pediatrics and women’s health, including breastfeeding medicine. Dr. Finn is looking forward to caring for you and your whole family, through every stage of your life.

Call 507-934-2325 to make your appointment with Dr. Kendra Finn.