Mankato Clinic Thrives Fall 2023

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Season of Change

Fall is truly a season of change. We are certainly feeling the winds of change at the Mankato Clinic. In this issue, you’ll read about my colleague and mentor, Dr. Mark Taylor. Dr. Taylor has been an OB-GYN with the Mankato Clinic since 1987.

In his letter to patients, Dr. Taylor wrote:

I am so thankful to the Mankato Clinic for allowing me to practice in my hometown.

It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter because of how much I have enjoyed taking care of patients at all stages of life, and what an honor it is to have earned your trust. The most enjoyable aspect of my career has been the relationships I have developed with my patients, be they one of the thousands of pregnant patients I have followed and delivered, patients who required surgery, or patients who needed in-office care. I have also had the privilege of caring for multiple generations. I will truly miss my interactions with all of you. I thank you for making my career so rewarding. I cannot think of a day that I didn’t look forward to coming to work.

In retirement, I plan to spend time with my family who have been so supportive of my career and enjoy the wonders of grandchildren. As I begin a new chapter, please accept my warmest wishes for your future health.

All of us at the Mankato Clinic will truly miss Dr. Taylor – his knowledge, experience, energy, humor, kindness, patient care – and so much more. We send him off with our best wishes for life’s next chapter!

Dr. Taylor isn’t the only one turning the page. Lisa Cownie, longtime KEYC anchor and community supporter, is switching gears and ready to fly. We check in with Thriver Ashley Hanley, who has a new role leading the Miracle Leage of North Mankato. Themes of family, gratitude, community, joy and passion run through all of their stories.

This issue is also packed with great health tips and good things happening in our community.

Enjoy!

TARA DENKE, MD

MANKATO CLINIC OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Mankato Clinic mankatoclinic.com

507-389-8522

If you have a story idea, email co-editor Marie Wood at mariew@mankatoclinic.com

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The Taylors got together for a multi-generational family photo at the lake. Gretchen, Mirren, David and Porter Hagemeister are in the front row. Mark’s parents Gretchen and Brett Taylor are sitting on chairs in the second row. The third row from left to right are: River, Lindsay, Finn and Ryan Taylor, Rhonda and Mark Taylor, and Evan, Indy, Katie and Reed Taylor. Photo credit Mark Zallek.

Dr. Mark Taylor shows the span of his career with the first and last babies that he delivered. He holds his grandson Reed Taylor who was born to Katie and Evan Taylor on February 12, 2023. Standing beside him is Joe Muehlbauer of North Mankato who was born to Kim and Russ Muehlbauer on September 12, 1987. Joe is 36 years old and a project manager and estimator at R & E Enterprises of Mankato. Photo credit Evan Taylor.

Photo credit Evan Taylor.

Dr. Mark Taylor.

Photo credit Evan Taylor.

DR. TAYLOR’S CAREER

A LABOR OF LOVE

"RHONDA, A BABY!!"

By MARIE WOOD

When Mark and Rhonda Taylor were a young couple, he left a note for Rhonda on the kitchen table. It said “Rhonda, A Baby!!” and he rushed to the hospital. A second-year medical student, he saw his first delivery that night and knew he wanted to be an obstetrician.

Now more than 40 years later, Dr. Taylor is hanging up his Doppler, the device used to listen to a fetal heartbeat. On September 8, 2023 – 36 years to the date of joining the Mankato Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology department – he retired to spend more time with his family.

That note was the first of so many deliveries – roughly 7,000 deliveries throughout his career.

“I knew his personality was made for OB,” Rhonda said. “I knew that was going to be our destination.”

All Dr. Taylor ever wanted to do, besides play center field for the Twins, was to be a doctor. His mother even framed the drawing he made in the first grade that says “I want to be a doctor” and presented it to him when he graduated from medical school. For much of his career, his childhood artwork hung in his office.

Had he gone into the family business – Brett’s Department Store – he would have been the fifth generation working in the store. Still, no one was more supportive of him than his parents Brett and Gretchen Taylor. “When I graduated from medical school, Dad gave me a bear hug like you wouldn’t believe,” Dr. Taylor said.

He earned his medical degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and completed his four-year residency at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. During his residency, the Taylors spent all their free time heading back to Mankato to be with family.

So after completing his residency, he knocked on Mankato Clinic’s door and asked “Will you hire me?” That was 1987. The answer was yes. And he returned to his hometown to raise a family and build a practice.

In 36 years, he has seen his department grow from a practice of 4 physicians to an office of 11 providers. As a member of the Mankato Clinic Board of Directors, he helped lead the clinic’s growth to 13 locations and nearly 200 providers to meet the needs of a growing and more diverse community.

“You have to be aware of what is acceptable and unacceptable in different cultures and not compromise care,” Dr. Taylor said.

He is grateful to interpreters for breaking down language barriers. For instance, Dr. Taylor looked to the Somali interpreter to teach him how

to say “Push” in Somali. His attempts at the language brought smiles and laughter. “It was a good way to connect with the patient,” he said.

Family first

The Taylor family has doubled from their three children Ryan, Gretchen and Evan, to include their spouses Lindsay, David and Katie, respectively. They are loving grandparents of River, Finn, Porter, Mirren, Indy and Reed. Every July, they host all their grandchildren at their lake cottage for the month. River and Finn come from California, Porter and Mirren from Fargo, ND, and Indy and Reed from Mankato. That’s 6 grandchildren, 3 dogs and 4 birthday celebrations! At one of the celebrations, they were blessed to have 4 generations of Taylors!

Both Mark and Rhonda’s families are very close and deeply rooted in Mankato. In fact, their own children grew up in a band of cousins who all attended Mankato schools.

Rhonda and Mark went to high school together at Mankato West High School and attended the same church. After graduating from high school in 1974, Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology and distributive science from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1978. In his gap year before medical school, he was an admissions counselor, head swimming coach and assistant track coach at Gustavus.

It was during his gap year that Rhonda and Mark started dating. Their first date was at Rhonda’s family home in 1978; they had cake for her little sister’s birthday! He knew she was the one.

“We’ve been together ever since,” Mark said.

One Christmas Eve early in his practice, Dr. Taylor did an all-nighter at the hospital. He met the family at his parents’ house where they always celebrated Christmas.

“Mark stumbled in, went to a chair, and promptly fell asleep. We’re opening gifts. He opens an eye and asks ‘What did Gretchen get this year?’” Rhonda said.

From then on, Mark joined Rhonda in Christmas shopping because he wanted to know what they were giving the kids.

“I couldn’t have picked a better wife for what I do. She was very go with the flow. Our mantra at our house is make plans, change them,” he said.

“We made it happen. The kids were our focus. With his busy schedule, we would go everywhere in two cars. I would get kids to their activities. I would give Mark the schedule and then he would attend. I would call him to say they’re coming up to bat soon or at swim meets I would look at the schedule and text it to him. And he’d get there. He’s been great about that,” Rhonda said.

Their oldest son called their marriage “teamshipness.”

RHONDA TAYLOR ORIGINAL

Rhonda Taylor knitted pink and blue infant hats for her husband’s patients and their babies. Dr. Taylor gave out the hats as fast as Rhonda could make them. Plus, Rhonda donated many more hats to the hospital’s labor and delivery department.

“It made me feel like we were a team. I could somehow be a part of what he does. We received thank you cards addressed to both of us,” Rhonda said.

In each hat, she stitched a white thread into the top. Dr. Taylor always knew the hats with the white thread were a “Rhonda Taylor Original.”

 “We had a wonderful family life,” Dr. Taylor said. Dr. Taylor is also a loyal and supportive community member. True to his school, he was honored to be inducted into the Mankato West High School Hall of Fame in 2017. He wore his high school letter jacket to the ceremony! For many years, Dr. Taylor hosted an annual career workshop for West students to share his passion about the miracle and messiness of childbirth. Rhonda often attended the workshops.

“All those kids were locked in. There was no snickering, no giggling, no snide comments. They were so appropriate, asked such good questions,” Rhonda said.

Babies!!

“There is nothing better than handing parents a healthy baby,” Dr. Taylor said.

Among those 7,000 babies were hundreds of twins and six sets of triplets! Dr. Taylor also delivered his two youngest children and his two grandchildren.

“My last delivery was my own grandson. For each birth, I had one of my obstetrical colleagues right there with me in case of emergency,” Dr. Taylor said.

Patients don’t have to be related to Dr. Taylor to feel like family. He truly cares for women in all stages of life and treats each and every one like family.

“It is the relationship with the patients that I love the most. I really enjoy when I’m out in public and people say hello. You see this 6-foot kid and you delivered him. I love that part of it,” he said.

In fact, many babies who were delivered by Dr. Taylor returned to him as adults when they started their own families. Caring for women through pregnancy, labor and delivery was always rewarding and he was honored to deliver two generations of babies in the same family.

“When we went shopping together, it took us forever to get through our list, but I always loved it. They knew Mark well enough to come up and say hi. And he always talked to them. I was very proud of that fact,” Rhonda said. “It’s always nice to be part of an important day in people’s lives.”

In Good Hands

Dr. Taylor loved everything about his specialty: Women’s health care,

To Honor Dr. Mark Taylor

You may donate to the First Steps Fund at the Mankato Clinic Foundation. First Steps is a community collaboration that promotes healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

Little things like a hand-knit infant hat can mean so much. One of Dr. Taylor’s patients cried when she received the hat and said, “This is the nicest thing I’ve ever gotten.”

After Dr. Taylor delivered his last baby, his own grandson, the nurse gave Evan Taylor the infant hat for his son.

“It’s pretty cool when you’ve watched your mom knit those hats for 30 years. And then you have a kid of your own and the nurse gives you one for your own kiddo. Life came full circle for me that day,” Evan said.

pregnancy, labor, delivery, primary care, procedures and surgeries. He has witnessed major medical advancements throughout his career. Take hysterectomies. Typically, women would spend three days in the hospital. Thanks to less invasive techniques, most hysterectomies are an outpatient procedure today.

In obstetrical care, he cited breakthroughs in prenatal detection of genetic disorders and birth defects. With the refinement of ultrasounds, he said it’s rare when parents don’t know the baby’s gender now.

He commends the pediatric medical community for saving babies who are born as early as 23 or 24 weeks. With excellent neonatal care, many of these babies grow up without long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

As he reflects on 36 years as an OB-GYN, he humbly thanks his patients who have stuck with him for all these years! And as he leaves the clinic, he will miss coming in to work every day.

“I’ve got this incredible department. They make me laugh every single day. We have established this banter as soon as I pick up my first cup of coffee,” Dr. Taylor said.

Dr. Taylor has great respect for his partners, physicians and colleagues and is proud to call them friends as well. The feeling is mutual. Dr. Heather Carlson, OB-GYN, shared that Dr. Taylor taught her as a medical student and his infectious energy first got her interested in the specialty.

“He has been the best partner someone could ever hope to work with. He has continued to mentor me and so many others at work. It has been such a comfort to walk down the hall to his office to get a second opinion,” Dr. Carlson said. “The wonderful care he takes of his patients, the concern he has to do the right thing, his excitement in teaching others, his love of family and his overall positive attitude have been appreciated by all of us over the years and will be missed greatly.”

As he retires, Dr. Taylor knows our community is in good hands with the exceptional and extraordinary staff and providers in the Mankato Clinic OB-GYN department.

“There isn’t one that I wouldn’t have a family member see,” Dr. Taylor said. ■

The First Steps coordinator links new or expecting parents free or low-cost services. Use the QR code if you’d like to give.

You may send a check to the Mankato Clinic Foundation, 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 324B, Mankato, MN 56001. Write Dr. Taylor on the memo line. Or call the Foundation at 507-389-8716.

First Steps is a partnership between Greater Mankato Area United Way, Blue Earth County, Mankato Clinic and the Mankato Clinic Foundation.

Health Rockstar: Meet Jill!

By MARIE WOOD

In 2022, Jill Willette, an IT manager at Mankato Clinic, joined Enara Health. In one year, she lost 53 pounds with a combination of medication, diet and exercise. And she’s keeping it off thanks to Enara Health, a personalized weight loss and management program at Mankato Clinic.

“This is a total lifestyle change,” Jill says.

Jill, who has type 2 diabetes, knows that maintaining a healthy weight can help her to better manage her blood sugar and control her diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, vision loss and kidney disease.

Weight is only one of the numbers that reflects Jill’s health journey. For instance, her A1C blood sugar level is at a normal level, which reduces her risks for complications.

“I love my numbers. The one I focus on is the blood sugar. I have gone from an 8.8 to 5.4 A1C level in a year’s time. My cholesterol has generally been pretty good, but I have gone from 199 to 177, which is almost optimal,” she says.

As an Enara Health member, Jill’s team includes a medical provider, nutrition specialist and exercise specialist. With an easy-to-use mobile app, Jill did regular weekly check-ins with her team and contacted them whenever she needed support or had questions. The team has been accessible and supportive.

“I really enjoy the smart phone app. It’s a one-stop shop to find things, contact people, read articles, sign up for online classes. The staff is very good at responding to messages,” Jill says. “They are there for you even if it’s just to tell you good job – you’ve got this. It makes a difference.”

Doctor Driven

Dr. Andrea Pollema, Enara Health physician, oversees Jill’s obesity care and prescribed Ozempic, a diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar and assists with weight loss. Medications, like Ozempic, are only beneficial when used as part of a comprehensive plan that includes diet and exercise.

When Jill began taking Ozempic, she noticed that it silenced the

food noise in her brain – those ongoing thoughts about what to eat and when.

“The medication stopped the food chatter that goes on in your head. Since I didn’t hear the food noise, it became a lot easier for me to make good eating choices,” Jill explains.

Losing weight through a medically supervised program was very important for Jill.

“My primary care provider has complete access to my Enara Health data. I see my physician, Dr. John Benson, every 6 months and we review the information together,” she says. “We have cut down some of my medications. My pill box is looking pretty thin right now!”

Total Lifestyle change

One meal, one step , one day at a time, Jill made small changes in nutrition and exercise that have added up to a total lifestyle change. From her Enara Health nutritionist, she learned to take a whole foods approach.

“I try to stay away from boxed, canned and processed foods. If I do eat those items, I find I am reading that label religiously. Whole foods are best because you control what you put in and on them,” Jill says. She has worked with two exercise specialists who have been game changers.

“They like to keep you challenged so you don’t get bored. My plans include walking, weight training and yoga. I also have what I like to call kitchen exercises – things I can do in my kitchen when I am cooking or cleaning up. Movement, movement, movement!” she says.

An expensive part of her journey was cleaning out her closet and restocking all her clothes and, yes, shoes.

“I do not need to buy wide shoes any more,” Jill says.

Now that Jill has completed a full year as an Enara Health member, she entered the maintenance plan. She will be reporting in less often, but she still has the continued support of her team.

Now for the best part: “I feel good,” she says. ■

Golf just got better

By MARIE WOOD

“I hit 10 yards farther on each club. When you can swing without having the fear of the twinge at the end, you can focus and follow through instead of adjusting your swing to make it comfortable to avoid the pain,” Coty Bruender says.

For years, Coty Bruender, an avid golfer, dealt with neck and back pain, in part, due to bone spurs. In spring 2022, the pain ramped up when he pinched a nerve in his neck.

“I couldn’t stand for more than 10-15 minutes at a time,” Coty says.

He learned he had nerve damage in his right triceps. He received trigger point injections and manipulations to treat the pain from Dr. Colin Weerts, DO, Mankato Clinic Family Medicine, visited a chiropractor, and went to physical therapy.

“It was improving,” Coty says. “Physical therapy was helping but it wasn’t completely resolving the pain.” In March 2023, the symptoms returned. He was waking up from the pain and couldn’t hit golf balls as much as he wanted.

Coty completed an EMG (electromyography) under the care of Dr. Lisa Davidson, neurologist. This diagnostic test evaluates the health and function of muscles and the nerves that control them.

Coty discussed the results with his physical therapist, Natasha Choiniere, PT, DPT, who referred Coty to the Pain Management Center. He met with Dr. Ifechi Anyadioha about his options and recommendation.

Since Coty had tried physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, osteopathic manipulation and overthe-counter pain medications without sustained relief, Dr. Ifechi recommended a cervical epidural steroid injection.

“This is a procedure where we inject some steroid around a pinched nerve in the neck so that the steroid can reduce the inflammation around the nerve. When the inflammation is reduced, the pain will get better and may go away completely,” Dr. Ifechi explained.

At Coty’s young age of 34, Dr. Ifechi didn’t like the option of major neck and spine surgery, especially given that a significant number of patients with similar pain benefit from these injections.

“Most patients get about 6 months of relief from this procedure. I expect Coty will have longer term relief of 12-18 months, even up to several years, as the nerve was not severely pinched,” Dr. Ifechi said.

Coty received two injections – one injection through the neck to relieve pain down his arm and one injection through the shoulder blade to relieve pain down the back.

“It was a great experience from scheduling to treatment. They had a cancellation, so my appointment got moved up. When I came in for the injections, the staff and nurses crossed every t and dotted every i. It was a quick in and out,” Coty says. In less than an hour, he was back at work. There was no down time.

Best of all: In the Junior Achievement golf tournament, he played 36 holes, his team won, and he had no pain the next day! And he golfed several days a week all season long. When the courses close for winter, Coty will move his game to the golf simulator in his garage. On Wednesday nights, his neighbors join him for golf league.

“You get nervous that the pain is never going to go away. It’s a relief to be able to do the activities I want to do and have no issues. My advice is to get in, get seen, and come up with a plan to relieve the pain. It’s life changing,” Coty said. ■

EXPERT ADVICE

DR. IFECHI ANYADIOHA MANKATO CLINIC PAIN MANAGEMENT CENTER

The Pain Management Center treats all kinds of pain and injuries that can keep patients from playing a sport, being active or enjoying their lives. We treat neck pain, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, headaches, and abdominal and pelvic pain. We offer several treatment options for chronic pain including injections, oral pain medications and sometimes surgeries. Early intervention can make a difference. If you are living in pain, see your primary care provider for a referral to the Pain Management Center.

To see if we can help you with pain management, call us today at 507-625-7246

To learn more, visit mankatoclinic.com/specialties/pain-management-center

I couldn’t stand for more than 10-15 minutes at a time

Coty Bruender

CARE RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, with Alzheimer’s being the first. Minnesota ranks as one of the states with the highest prevalence of the disease, with between 15,000-27,000 people with a PD diagnosis. Nationwide, there are nearly 90,000 people diagnosed with the disease each year.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis brings unique challenges, mainly due to the fact that no two people experience the exact combination of symptoms. This may lead to feelings of confusion and helplessness. There are often more variables involved in identifying best treatment options.

Thankfully, awareness and research is expanding, and we are learning more and more what treatment options do consistently help slow progression and manage symptoms.

For example, the consensus on the importance of exercise is clear. The Parkinson’s Foundation states: “For those with PD, exercise is more than healthy — it is a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and activities of daily living”.

Exercise options targeted for those living with Parkinson’s in the Mankato area are plentiful:

• VINE Faith in Action offers Parkinson’s Powerful Principles which meets twice weekly.

• The SPEAK OUT! and LOUD Crowd Parkinson’s program is offered at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and works to exercise muscles used for speech and swallowing.

• River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter offers the Rock Steady Boxing Program, which was specifically developed for people with PD.

Other proven exercise options include yoga and Tai Chi.

Additionally, southern Minnesota offers a variety of support, and education opportunities. One such local opportunity is the Parkinson’s Education and Support Group. Founded over 35 years ago by a caregiver of a Parkinson’s patient, this group meets monthly to offer educational speakers, and support to both caregivers and those diagnosed.

Charlene Washa, a long-time member, emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with a Parkinson’s diagnosis:

“Parkinson’s patients tend to isolate due to embarrassment of their visual symptoms,” Washa said. “It’s great to have a safe place to go and learn and be around people who understand.”

Another group member added, “The group allows us to come and talk freely about our experience.”

The group meets in person at the First Congregational Church on the third Tuesday of the month from 2-4 p.m. There is also a Zoom option. To join the e-mail list, please contact Betsy Paul at betsyepaul@gmail.com.

TOP 5 TIPS TO HELP TEENS HANDLE SOCIAL MEDIA

By ABBY BARLAMENT, MSW, LICSW MANKATO CLINIC FAMILY MEDICINE

Evidence shows that social media use is linked to an increase in depression and anxiety in adolescents and teenagers. One reason is kids are connecting online rather than more deeply in person.

Plus, kids are now seeing, in real time, what their friends are doing and how they are left out of social gatherings while they’re sitting at home alone in their bedroom on a Friday night. Years ago, if someone was left out of an activity, they did not find out about it until everyone was back at school on Monday and by then it was old news. Children can also be bullied on social media which means the bullying continues 24/7, long after the school day ends.

Social media can also lead to lower self-esteem in teen girls when they compare themselves to the perfect photos posted by friends, classmates and influencers. According to the Child Mind Institute, Instagram shows up in surveys as the platform that most leads young people to report feeling anxiety, depression and worries about body image. Girls often use the term “insta-worthy” when choosing photos to post.

Social media can have negative effects on children’s emotional health, but managing kids’ social media use can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help navigate the world of social media.

Is your child ready for social media?

The minimum age to open a social media account on nearly every platform – TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat – is 13. As a parent or caregiver, you may choose to say no to social media accounts until your children are older and more mature. Be prepared because your teen may have big emotions about this. They may feel left out of the conversation that takes place online with their friends.

Validate your child’s emotions and reaffirm your boundaries. This might sound like “I get it, you feel left out not having social media and it feels awful to not know what is going on with your friends. I understand this is really hard for you. AND I still am going to not allow social media at this time. It is OK if you feel mad about my decision.” Reassure your son or daughter that you are doing this out of love and concern.

Promote awareness of social media’s effects.

Talk to your kids about how time spent scrolling through social media makes them feel. They might share feelings of loneliness, sadness, unworthiness and inadequacy. Remind them that their friends are only posting their best and most fun moments online. When social media is making them feel badly, empower them to turn it off and hide posts, people and accounts that bring them down. Encourage them to follow people and accounts that make them feel good. And make sure notifications are off to prevent constant distraction.

Find balance.

Encourage your kids to plan in-person activities to expand face-toface connections. If this is intimidating to them, practice how to start this conversation and give them ideas on activities. Game and movie nights, crafts, coffee dates, bike rides, hikes, workouts, escape rooms, sports, joining youth groups, are all good options. These experiences build self-confidence, friendships and social skills.

Make phone-free zones.

Removing smartphones from the bedroom after bedtime and overnight is a good routine. A 5-minute check on TikTok or Instagram is rarely just 5 minutes. The Child and Mind Institute reports that on average, adolescents who look at their phones in the last hour before sleep get an hour less of sleep than their peers who aren’t on their phones before bed. For one, blue light from electronic screens interferes with falling asleep. And checking social media can cause stress and anxiety. Set up a charging station in another room for your teenagers. Suggest reading before bed to distract them from missing their phones.

Should you follow your kids on social media?

Some parents will like, follow or be friends with their teens as a way to keep tabs on their social media activity. Have the discussion about following your kids and set boundaries. It’s OK to follow your kids, but it’s best not to overshare when you comment on posts. While having access to monitor teens on social media is recommended, it’s not good to monitor them all the time. Also talk to your kids about social media challenges and trends that can be dangerous and even fatal. ■

SHELBY WOLF, PH.D., LP MANKATO CLINIC CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER

1421 Premier Drive Mankato

507-389-8529

mankatoclinic.com/specialties/ pediatrics-childrens-health

I encourage families to create a Family Media Plan with the help of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ tool on healthychildren.org. The Family Media Plan can be customized to meet each family’s needs, habits and children’s ages. The tool allows families to enter the name and age range of each child. Then you can choose from a list of media priorities, get practical tips on how to make the plan work and print or share your finished plan with your family. Moving forward, you can adjust your plan as needed.

One of my favorite ways to teach kids about social media is using the toothpaste activity from the Girls Empowerment Network. All you need is a tube of toothpaste and a piece of paper. Tell your teen to squeeze the bottle of toothpaste onto the paper after naming an activity they did on social media – posted a picture, changed a status, liked a photo, sent a snapchat. Once they name all their activities in a week, it’s likely they’ll squeeze out all the toothpaste.

The toothpaste represents what happens once you put something out on social media. Just like putting the toothpaste back into the tube, it is impossible to take back what we put online. Show your teens that every post can affect their safety, future, sports, college applications and career.

Abby and Shelby bring behavioral health services to Mankato Clinic Pediatrics and Family Medicine.

For more resources, visit Mental Health America: Selfies, Social, and Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth (mhanational.org)

MAKE-AHEAD Breakfast Burritos

TIP!

MAKES 6 BURRITOS

INGREDIENTS

1 T olive oil

6 c. spinach

10 eggs, beaten

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 ½ c. shredded cheese

6 large whole wheat tortillas

ADD-INS, COOKED

Choose 1 additional protein (optional)

½ lb. steak, cut into ½ inch strips

½ lb. ground sausage (Italian seasoned, chorizo, turkey, etc.)

½ lb. bacon, crumbled

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed

½ lb. tofu

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until just wilted.

2. Add eggs, salt, and black pepper to skillet. Stir continuously until eggs are scrambled and cooked throughout. Set aside.

3. Assemble each tortilla on a 12x12-inch square of aluminum foil. Sprinkle ¼ c. shredded cheese down the center of tortilla. Evenly distribute egg and spinach mixture among the six tortillas. If using an add-in, top each with an equal amount, in the center of the tortilla.

4. Fold two sides of the tortilla into the center and roll from bottom to top to form a burrito. Lay the seam side down and wrap in the aluminum foil. Place in freezer and freeze for up to 2 months.

5. To reheat, unwrap aluminum foil and place burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, rotating after 1 minute, until center contents are warmed.

AMANDA MONTPLAISIR DIETETIC INTERN MANKATO CLINIC

Recipe adapted from Run Fast. Eat Slow. Cookbook.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE HEALTH IMPACTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for us to bring attention to the issue that impacts millions of people worldwide. Domestic violence can affect anyone – people of all genders, races, religions, and socioeconomic classes. While many impacts of domestic violence are immediate and evident – like visible injuries or bruises – many long-lasting and chronic health issues can result from domestic violence. Issues that can go deeper than the eye can see.

Some of these health impacts are acute; they happen suddenly, tend to be overwhelming, and often require some form of crisis care or treatment. Often acute injuries are physical and can heal within a set time frame of days or weeks; the break mends, scar tissue forms, or bruises fade. Other injuries, however, are more chronic. These are often physically unseen, and can slowly develop over weeks, months, and even years. If left untreated, chronic health problems tend to continue to worsen, taking an ever-greater toll on the minds and bodies of those living with them.

Victims and survivors of domestic violence often experience health impacts during the abuse, but also for years after. Research has shown

Physical injuries

• Bruises

• Cuts

• Fractures

• Strangulation injuries

• Trauma to the face or head

• Broken or damaged teeth

Reproductive impacts

• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancies can be a result of contraceptive sabotage or sexual violence

• Miscarriage, stillbirths, or poor pregnancy outcomes

• Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV

• Acute or chronic vaginal and pelvic pain or infections

• Vaginal bleeding or tearing

Concussions or traumatic brain injuries

• Migraines and chronic headaches

• Neurological disorders

• Vision or hearing problems

• Memory loss

Chronic health issues

• Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia

• Chronic cardiovascular issues, such as hypertension or heart disease

• Gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers or IBS disorders

Sleep issues or disorders

• Nightmares

• Insomnia

• Chronic fatigue

that the more severe the abuse, the greater the negative physical and mental health outcomes tend to be.

Most sobering, the ultimate negative health outcome of domestic violence can be death. According to Violence Free Minnesota, the Coalition to End Relationship Abuse, at least 20 people were killed due to violence from a current or former intimate partner in 2021 alone.

Domestic violence is not limited to the visible scars it leaves; its health impacts run deep and can persist long after the abuse has ended. Survivors of domestic violence often require comprehensive support, including medical and mental health care, to address the physical and emotional toll it takes.

Understanding the profound health effects of domestic violence is crucial in promoting awareness, empathy, and effective intervention to break the cycle of abuse and help survivors on their path to healing and recovery. Recognizing these health impacts underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention, and support for survivors as they navigate the challenging journey toward physical and mental well-being. ■

Post-Traumatic Stress

Disorder (PTSD)

• Complex PTSD can result from prolonged exposure to abuse and multiple or ongoing traumatic events

• Flashbacks

• Intrusive thoughts

• Severe emotional distress

Depression

• Loss of control or agency can lead to depression or feelings of hopelessness

• Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness

Anxiety disorders

• Generalized anxiety

• Panic disorders

• Constant fear

• Hypervigilance

Self-harm or suicidal thoughts or actions

• Victims may attempt to numb or dissociate

Alchohol or substance abuse issues

• Many survivors use alcohol or drugs to cope with trauma

• Substance abuse can exacerbate existing health problems or result in new problems

KRISTEN WALTERS COMMITTEE AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE (CADA)

CADA is a local nonprofit serving victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there is help available. CADA advocates can provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental support. To speak with an advocate, call CADA’s 24-hour helpline at 1-800-477-0466 or chat with an advocate at www.cadaMN.org.

PHYSICAL

MENTAL

UPWARD!

MANAGING MIDLIFE MAYHEM

By LISA COWNIE

As I start this, I want to say I am extremely thankful for the opportunities I’ve had in life. That I have been able to do the things I have done astonishes me every single day. Mankato has embraced me so robustly; I am just so very thankful.

In return, I have loved the community right back volunteering every chance I get and filling professional roles on KEYC, as a magazine editor, an adjunct professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato and South Central College, and with the nonprofit MRCI. People always ask me: “How do you do so much?” And my reply was always, “I love everything I do, so that makes it easy.”

And for many years that was true.

Then one day, about four months ago, the alarm would go off in the morning and I found myself not looking forward to the day ahead. This would happen consistently. It was also a time when I was struggling with having an empty nest. For 28 years my favorite role in life was that of mom. It still is my favorite role, but it has of course changed as my children are adults now and no longer need my day-to-day care (although I secretly still try!).

Anyway, I have always been the type of person that if I don’t like the direction my life is headed, I know only I can change it. So I began the process of making a change. The first step was looking INWARD! Since becoming a mom, every professional decision I made

was based on what was best for the family. With it just being my husband and I now, how that looks has changed a bit.

At my age, I realized I have maybe eight working years left, and I had to decide how I wanted to spend them. I am a list maker, so I just started writing down things that I still wanted to do in life. When I looked at what I had written, there was a clear theme – travel. Through a lot of internal reflecting, I rediscovered a passion for seeing the world that has always been in me that I haven’t taken the time or found the energy to pursue.

ONWARD! has been my mantra at several different seasons in life. So onward I went in trying to figure out what change I needed to make to pursue this potentially “last” adventure in life.

I found the answer to “what’s next?” could be found UPWARD! So I began the process of closing things out at my workplaces to make arrangements to pursue training as a flight attendant for a major airline. This midlife mayhem I am creating by completely changing my path has reenergized me and hopefully, by the time training is through, I will once again be thriving.

So if you ever think of changing things up a bit (you don’t have to go to my extremes) look inward, move onward and if it takes you upward … look for me. I just might be a familiar face on your next flight! ■

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RUNWAY 11

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READING SETS CHILDREN UP FOR SUCCESS

By MARIE WOOD

George Peterson and his daughter, Kristin Cain, are on a mission to make sure all to read – one child, one family, one community at a time. To accomplish this mission, they created imagineOne, a non-profit dedicated to promoting literacy.

“Literacy is one of the most important life skills, and Illiteracy is one of the root causes of unemployment, poverty and inequality in our country today,” George Peterson said.

My First Steps to Reading

George and Kristin come by their passion for reading and literacy naturally. In 1932, their family founded Creative Education, an educational book publishing company. Today, The Creative Company and its sister company, The Child’s World, publish high quality children’s books. Both companies are headquartered in North Mankato.

For decades, The Child’s World’s flagship product has been a 26-volume set of books written by Jane Belk Moncure, an awardwinning author. The series, “My First Steps to Reading”, takes a phonics approach to reading; each book introduces and focuses on one letter of the alphabet and the sounds it represents. The book series comes with a parents’ teaching guide, as well.

In 2019, father and daughter became aware of the literacy rates of graduates from Mankato Area Public Schools. At the time, literacy rates were 76%; meaning that 24% of graduates were not able to read proficiently. These alarming figures inspired the duo to create imagineOne and to use “My First Steps to Reading” as the means to accomplish its mission.

Placing “My First Steps to Reading” into the hands of every family in the Mankato area and educating parents about the importance of teaching children to read became the goal of imagineOne. To accomplish its goal, imagineOne brought together our schools and local partners to turn the page.

Greater Mankato Rotary, Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS), Mankato Area Foundation, Taylor Corporation, Glen A. Taylor Foundation and several private donors are all partners in the mission to promote literacy.

MAPS Superintendent Paul Peterson is grateful for the family’s dedication to making this literacy effort a forever initiative. “My First Steps to Reading” is given to families in the district’s early learning programs – MAPS preschool, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Early Childhood Special Education.

“What makes this so remarkable is this isn’t a one and done. In the last few years, it has been a really important part of our programming as we welcome students into their first experience with learning. The ability to provide them with literacy and books is something that’s pretty special,” Superintendent Peterson says. “In our MAPS Center for Learning, our preschool kids are coming with their families and we are providing books to the parents. It’s something what we’re really proud to be a part of.”

“Early intervention and preschool programming are absolutely critical for setting a student on a path to learning success,” he adds.

Additionally, imagineOne focuses on teaching parents how to teach their children fundamental reading skills. In collaboration with MAPS, family engagement events are organized and A Parent’s Guide to “My First Steps to Reading” is used as the foundation to the parent education classes offered.

"Books alone do not teach a child to read. Children need to be taught the letters and sounds of language," Kristin Cain explains. Service

ImagineOne was looking for a community partner with the same drive and passion for literacy and found that partner in the Greater Mankato Rotary Club. Rotary is dedicated to nine causes; literacy and supporting education is one of them. Partnering with imagineOne is a good fit, Greater Mankato Rotary President Paul Osdoba believes.

“Rotary members may change, but if we have a good program, we’re going to focus on that need in our community for as long as needed, much like we have done to eliminate polio in the world,” says Pam DeMarce, Greater Mankato

Rotary member and leader.

Greater Mankato Rotary will be helping imagineOne place “My First Steps to Reading” with 1,000 families in our community. The club has pledged $50,000 to the Mankato Youth (MY) Place’s literacy room by donating $10,000 each of the next five years. MY Place provides free out-of-school programming, safety, support, food, academic programs, assistance, advocacy and opportunity to children facing barriers.

A strong supporter of MY Place, Alliances and Outreach for Kids (A-OK) was formed by retired educators to promote and support learning experiences for children in the Mankato area. A-OK volunteers are reading with children at MY Place.

Pam has learned that one-on-one tutoring can make a big impact on literacy. “We have some wonderful educators in our system who are doing their best to educate our children. But they need our help,” Pam says.

As part of their partnership with imagineOne, Greater Mankato Rotary hosted a program on literacy which featured a panel of educators to raise awareness. Audience members were in tears as passionate educators told their stories on helping kids to read.

“This is something we can all get engaged in. These are our kids,” Pam says. ■

To learn more, visit imagineone.org

EXPERT ADVICE

I’m a huge supporter of reading and early literacy. When we read with babies and toddlers, they tend to read earlier and excel in school. Parents, caregivers and older siblings help to lay the foundation for reading, well before children enter school. Reading aloud with little ones, being silly and exploring books together improves language development and literacy.

From birth to 3-years old, the brain is most receptive to language learning. So reading, talking, singing, rhyming and interacting with this age group is so important! Remember, it’s totally normal for babies to chew on books, toddlers to turn five pages at a time,

or your 3-year-old to want to read the same book over and over. It all counts!

Did you know that even a 3-minute story every night before bed can help instill a love for reading in your child?

And it doesn’t matter if, as a parent or caregiver, you’re not the best at reading. Even pointing out pictures in a book or making up your own story are beneficial for language development.

If you need support in early learning, talk with your pediatrician or primary care provider. We also encourage you to contact your local school district or county Head Start.

DR. AMY DEEHR MANKATO CLINIC PEDIATRICIAN

Make Me A Thriver

Ashley Hanley thrives on and off the field

By MARIE WOOD

On Monday and Tuesday evenings in summer and fall, you’ll find Ashley Hanley at Fallenstein Field high fiving every baseball player in the Miracle League of North Mankato.

“My love of sports and community led me to my new role with the Miracle League. As the executive director, I have the unique privilege in seeing the athletes thrive. The joy and smiles I see each and every day make it all worthwhile. And what a great organization; Giving people of all abilities the chance to play,” Ashley says. “I am so thankful for all the opportunities I had growing up in Mankato that now I want to give back and create those same opportunities for others.”

Miracle League and Fallenstein Field offer children and adults with all types of disabilities and abilities the opportunity to play baseball! Fallenstein Field, located next to Caswell Park, is a fully accessible softball/ baseball field with a safe surface for wheelchairs.

Ashley found her passion as a young softball player in the Mankato Peppers, played varsity softball at Mankato West High School and then college ball at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she met her husband.

“Being a college athlete taught me how to balance academics, athletics and pursuing my dreams,” Ashley said.

One of those dreams was a career in broadcasting.

“I was so thrilled that my first job started the day after I graduated from college at KEYC-TV. I loved telling the stories of the community that I grew up in as a reporter and then as a news anchor,” she says.

At the same time, John and Ashley were building a family. This is where her balancing skills came in to

The Taylor Connection

play. When their second baby arrived, she needed a better schedule for her young family. So, she accepted the news director position at Radio Mankato-KTOE.

“Some of my favorite stories were honoring a Waseca Marine who was killed in Afghanistan, covering political events like when President Trump came to Mankato, and being in the locker room and asking Kirk Cousins a question after the Vikings came back from being down 33-0 to win the game!” Ashley says.

When baby number three came along, she wanted more time with her children. She is grateful her new role makes that possible. Ashley and John have two boys, John V and Danny, and one girl, Brooklyn.

“My community and my family make me thrive!

Being a mom to three under the age of 5 is a true blessing! We are always on the go looking for new adventures and new memories to make. We love camping, playing at parks and attending sporting events in the community. My oldest started t-ball this year and we are just loving it, along with the friends and connections we have made,” Ashley says. “If you see me and my family out and about throughout the community, say hi! We love the library and Children’s Museum and attending all the fun events the Mankato area has to offer. There is no other place that I would rather raise my family!”

Ashley has truly come full circle! ■

Do you know a Thriver?

Email Marie Wood at mariew@mankatoclinic.com

Dr. Mark Taylor has literally been with my family for generations! He delivered me as a baby on December 20, 1990, and then 11 years later on December 20, 2001, he delivered my baby sister! If that wasn’t crazy enough, I knew I had to have him as a doctor when I was ready to become a mom. He delivered our firstborn, John on November 9, 2017, and our second son, Danny on November 9, 2019! I remember asking him: Is this baby really coming today on John’s birthday? And he said ‘This baby is coming now!’ Since my mom had passed away, she would not be there to see any of my babies. But knowing that she trusted Dr. Taylor to help deliver her babies 30 years earlier, made me feel like she was there and left me in good hands!

— Ashley Hanley

Dr. Robert Bosse joined Mankato Clinic Urgency Care.

“My goal is to efficiently provide high quality care to every patient I see.”

Originally from Bellevue, NE, Dr. Bosse completed medical school at Des Moines University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Dr. Bosse completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. His clinical interest is acute care.

Here to care.

MEET DR. BOSSE

What makes you thrive?

Outside of work, I enjoy coaching and watching my kids in youth sports. I also enjoy fishing, hunting and traveling with the family.

What’s your favorite thing to cook or eat?

Steak

What’s your favorite sport?

I enjoy watching Nebraska Cornhusker Football.

Main Street 507-389-8680

mankatoclinic.com/urgent-care

MANKATO CLINIC URGENCY CARE

ROBERT BOSSE, DO MANKATO CLINIC URGENCY CARE

Dr. Abby Dettmer joined North Mankato Family Medicine.

“I love partnering with patients to help provide tools and education for the best possible care, with a healthy dose of hugs and humor."

Her clinical interests include chronic disease management, diabetes, wound care, preventive medicine, women’s health, pediatric and adolescent medicine.

Abby Dettmer, DO, completed medical school at Des Moines University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and her Family Medicine Residency at Mercy Family Medicine in Mason City, Iowa. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

Dr. Dettmer joins the Mankato Clinic after 15 years of practice in Waseca, where she provided inpatient and outpatient care. She is a certified wound specialist physician and has been a medical consultant for Waseca County Department of Public Health since 2018.

“I am happily married with two awesome teenagers and four chickens. I love to garden flowers and vegetables and cook and can. I live in Waseca and take care of my grandma,” she says.

Here to care.

MEET DR. DETTMER

What’s your favorite thing to cook or eat?

Mexican food

What’s your favorite sport? Whatever my kids are involved in at the time – golf, swimming, marching band, show choir!

Where’s your happy place?

My family’s favorite place is Okoboji, Iowa. We love the farmer’s market, walks to Arnold’s Park and the Nutty Bar Stand. Our garden in the backyard is my other favorite place!

NORTH MANKATO FAMILY MEDICINE

North Mankato 507-625-5027

mankatoclinic.com/locations/north-mankato-family-medicine

ABBY DETTMER, DO NORTH MANKATO FAMILY MEDICINE

Small Children Classes

Wee Dancers Ages 2-3 Sat 10-10:30

Tiny Ballerinas Ages 3-5 Tue 5-5:30 Sat 10:30-11

Preschool Movement Ages 3-4 Tue 5:30-6 Sat 11-11:30

Ballet Classes

Beginner Ballet Ages 5+ Tue 6-6:55

Intermediate Ballet Thur 4:30-5:25

Lyrical/Ballet Thur 6:30-7:25

Pointe Approval Only Tue 8-8:55

Pre-Pointe Approval Only Tue 5:30-6:25

Boys Classes

Beginner Combo (Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop) Ages 5+ Wed 5-5:55

Intermediate Tap/Jazz Ages 9+ Mon 8-8:55

Intermediate Hip Hop Ages 9+ Thur 8-8:55

Adult Classes

Adult Tap Mon 7-7:55

Adult Sampler Class *Jazz,

Combo Classes

Combo A Ages 5-6 Mon 5:15-6 Wed 5-5:45 Sat 11:30-12:15

Combo B Ages 7-8 Wed 5-5:55

Combo C Ages 9-10 Mon 7-7:55

Tap/Jazz Class

Tap/Jazz 1 Thur 5:30-6:25

Tap/Jazz 2 Thur 7:30-8:25

Day Time Combos Starts Oct 3

Combo E Ages 5-6 Tue 1-1:45

Combo D Ages 7+ Tue 1:45-2:30

“I strive to get my patients back to the activities that they love being able to do. I work with my patients to ensure how I structure their care will be successful in helping meet their goals.”

Her clinical interests include general orthopedics and postsurgical rehabilitation to help people reach a full recovery. She enjoys helping athletes of all ages return to sports. She also does functional dry needling, a technique used to treat pain and improve function and movement, as part of a treatment plan.

Originally from Madison, WI, Allison earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2015 from the College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, MN. She is certified as an orthopedic clinical specialist. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology and exercise science in 2012 from Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato. Her work experience includes St. James Area Rehabilitation Services in St. James.

In her free time, she likes to read, run and stay as active as she can.

Here to care. MEET ALLISON

What makes you thrive?

Staying active and getting regular exercise. I enjoy spending time with my young kids but also know that getting a little time away from them is helpful for me too.

Why did you join the Mankato Clinic?

I am excited to join a successful physical therapy department and help grow the reputation they have established. I am looking forward to spending more oneon-one time with my patients.

What do you love most about fall?

Cooler temps and changing leaves.

What’s your favorite thing to cook or eat?

I recently bought a Blackstone griddle, learning all the uses for it has been fun. My current favorite is Philly cheesesteaks!

Are you ready for football?

I’m from Madison, WI. So I’m an avid Badger and Packer fan!

Allison Petzel, PT, DPT, joined Mankato Clinic Physical Therapy.

ALLISON PETZEL, PT, DPT MANKATO CLINIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

Katelind Loutzenhiser PT, DPT, joined Mankato Clinic Physical Therapy.

“As a physical therapist, I enjoy guiding my patients to living an exceptional lifestyle by promoting healing, self-efficacy, and long-term healthy living."

Katelind's clinical interests include general orthopedics with a special interest in hips, knees and spine including the sacroiliac joint, commonly referred to as SIJ. This joint connects the spine to the pelvis. She offers neurological rehabilitation especially in relation to Parkinson’s disease and physical therapy for older adults and fall prevention. She also helps people return to a sport with a focus on dancers.

Originally from Waconia, Katelind completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Concordia University, St. Paul. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in exercise science with a minor in psychology.

Here to care.

MEET KATELIND

What makes you thrive?

Exercise of all kinds – group fitness, cycling, weightlifting, hiking, running! I also love having a clean home, spending time with friends and family, spending time in the sun, eating yummy food, and cuddling with my puppy Winnie.

Why did you join the Mankato Clinic?

After attending Minnesota State University, Mankato for undergraduate school, I fell in love with the Mankato area and knew I wanted to return. While going through the interview process at the Mankato Clinic, I met the Physical Therapy team and immediately felt a sense of belonging.

What do you love most about fall? EVERYTHING. Fall is my favorite season!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Do it as if it were your last time.

What’s your favorite sport? I have always loved dance and gymnastics. I was a dancer for 16 years and a gymnast for seven years.

KATELIND LOUTZENHISER PT, DPT MANKATO CLINIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

Here to care.

MEET DR. JAVAHERIAN

Dr. Robin Javaherian has joined Mankato Clinic Urgency Care. His clinical interests include urgent care and family medicine.

A native of Willmar, MN, Dr. Javaherian earned his medical degree at the American University of Integrative Sciences, St. Maarten School of Medicine. He completed residency at Smiley's Family Medicine Residency Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California-Davis. His experience includes working in the Urgent Care department at Affiliated Community Medical Center in Willmar.

MANKATO CLINIC URGENCY CARE

Main Street

507-389-8680

mankatoclinic.com/specialties/ urgency-care

FULL-TIME, PART-TIME AND WEEKEND POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN MANKATO. WAGES STARTING AT $15 PER HOUR!

We have a bright future and the determination to get there. Join us today — careers, well lived. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

ROBIN JAVAHERIAN, MD MANKATO CLINIC URGENCY CARE

PAWEL BUDA

builds a career in information technology

By MARIE WOOD

“IT has a great job growth outlook because it is part of every industry. Besides that, I have been interested in technology and tinkering with computers since I was a kid. That is all thanks to my mom who bought me my first computer – the Commodore 64.”

The Commodore 64, sold from 1982 to 1993, was the best-selling personal computer of all time!

Today, Pawel Buda, information systems specialist, is part of the Mankato Clinic IT team. In his role, he offers technical support for all clinic employees – about 900 total. When staff have issues connecting to the network, printers, phones or software, Pawel gets them back online so they can serve our patients. As a member of the IT help desk, he works through the tickets queue, addressing issues based on priority.

“On top of that, we might need to jump to something that is emergent. Every day is different. When needed, I travel to different locations, like the Main Street Clinic, to help set up a workstation for a new employee or troubleshoot an issue that can’t be fixed remotely,” Pawel says.

Pawel, who is from Krakow, Poland, met his wife Kelly when she was on a study abroad trip there. The couple met through Pawel’s American cousin who was in the same study abroad program as Kelly. Pawel and his wife moved to Mankato from Delavan, MN, about seven years ago when they landed jobs here. Kelly is a middle school teacher and Pawel was hired in the IT department at South Central College.

This year, he joined the Mankato Clinic and enjoys working for a local business.

“It makes me feel like I am part of my community. I also value working for a healthcare organization as it has direct impact on people’s lives,” Pawel says.

His advice to others who are considering a career at the Mankato Clinic: “It is a fast-paced environment. If you are positive and curious, and not afraid to ask questions, you will do fine!”

In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife Kelly and their two children Lydia and Simon playing Pokemon and other card games, camping, biking, and playing soccer. ■

JOIN OUR TEAM

Mankato Clinic is hiring. Visit mankatoclinic.com/join-our-team

Our purpose is to care for people. It fuels our passion and commitment. Our actions demonstrate it and it's in everything we do every day.

Pawel Buda

WANTED NEEDED SOLUTION

Noble Knights Funding Mankato Clinic Foundation

By LISA COWNIE

When it comes to educating our children, there is more involved than just reading, writing and arithmetic. The classroom setting in today’s world is about cultivating an environment of respect, responsibility, and safety, fostering inclusivity and encouraging positive interactions among all students. That’s the idea behind Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program (PBIS).

“LCWM Elementary School is on track to be receiving a national achievement award this fall. We feel strongly that our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program plays a critical role in the success of our children and school,” says Principal Dan Beert. “Success is seen in our local positive behavioral and academic data, building climate and culture surveys, as well as family and community involvement.”

Recognizing the importance of the PBIS program in creating healthy community, LCWM was recently awarded a $2,500 grant from the Mankato Clinic Foundation. The school’s PTO and generous parents also help fund the program.

“This program relies heavily on the support from the Mankato Clinic Foundation in funding this special program. Most of the grant money will be used for school-wide incentives, including behavioral support incentives, supplies for school-wide celebrations and assembly supplies. Some of the money will go toward staff training and programming,” says Beert.

LCWM serves 450 elementary students and 80 preschool students, all of whom are involved in the PBIS program. The school has offered PBIS since 2008.

“Each year, we select a different school-wide theme, and for this year at LCWM we embraced a Western theme, ‘Wanted: Noble Knights.’ We believe that this theme will contribute to the positive outcomes we aspire to achieve during this school year,” says Beert. “Although a smaller district, we foster a close-knit community where all students are welcome and included, regardless of their differences or home life. Our diverse district comprises various family structures and socioeconomic backgrounds, yet we function as a cohesive team within the school. We thank Mankato Clinic Foundation for helping us fund this mission!” ■

Our Community

Giving back to the community is part of who we are at the Mankato Clinic. A small, dedicated group of physicians started the Mankato Clinic Foundation in 1965, making it one of the oldest foundations in Minnesota.

Our mission is to encourage and support the health and well-being of the communities we serve through efforts that promote and improve community wellness. In the last 10 years, the Mankato Clinic Foundation has provided more than $2 million in scholarships and grants to worthwhile organizations and programs.

The foundation receives the majority of its funding from Mankato Clinic physicians, along with giving by Mankato Clinic staff and the greater Mankato community.

During the third quarter of 2023, the Mankato Clinic Foundation awarded $60,000 in community grants to:

• WellShare International Project Well-Being and community health worker hub ($30,000)

• Mankato Youth (MY) Place Sensory Room $12,500 in 2023 ($50,000 over 4 years)

• Camp Sweet Life Adventures type 1 diabetes summer camp scholarships ($5,000)

• SMILES adaptive bicycles for individuals with disabilities ($5,000)

• Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota mental health services for individuals with low incomes ($4,000)

• Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Elementary School Positive Behavior Supports program ($2,500)

• Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota First Aid, CPR and AED training ($1,000)

If you would like to help build a healthier tomorrow for greater Mankato communities, you can give to the Mankato Clinic Foundation at: Mankato Clinic Foundation 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 324B Mankato, MN 56001

DESIGN FOR THE MIND TIPS FOR FIGHTING THE WINTER BLUES

Winter is just around the corner. Cooler days and longer nights can leave us feeling down while winter often feels gray and cold. But fear not, if you’re one of the fifteen million people dealing with seasonal affective disorder, we’re here to help.

Explore interior design ideas to boost your mental wellness. While we can’t change the season, we can transform your home. Discover how natural elements, color, and light can impact your mood.

1 | Bring Nature Indoors

Biophilic design is a hot trend that connects humans with nature through interior design. Incorporate natural elements like wood, stone, or indoor plants into your home. Indoor plants, such as the snake plant or spider plant, can lift your spirits during the winter months. Choose pet-friendly options if you have furry friends.

If you prefer a less botanical approach, even pictures of plants can reduce stress. Add furnishings and textiles with natural textures like jute, sisal, and bamboo to enhance your space.

Escape winter’s muted tones with Lafayette Interior Fashions’ large selection of colors and textures.

2 | Warm Earth-Tones

Use colors to improve your mood. Earthy tones like orange, tan, and green can create a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate these colors with decorative pillows, throws, and rugs.

3 | Embrace Natural Light

Sunlight is precious, and lack of exposure can affect your well-being. Invest in window coverings that allow natural light in while protecting your furnishings. Tenera® Sheer shades offer UV protection, and Heartland Woods® wood blinds add elegance and light control to your space.

Lafayette’s Heartland Woods® collection combines the charm of blinds with modern solutions.

In conclusion, winter can be challenging, but interior design can make a difference.

If you’re struggling, call the experts at Blinds & More. With shop-at-home convenience, we bring our showroom to your home or office. As always, enjoy FREE consultations, measurements, and installation. Let us help you fight the winter blues.

Tenera® Sheer Shadings

MANKATO RIVER RAMBLE

Sunday, October 8, Check in 7:30-10:15am

Land of Memories Park

100 Amos Owen Lane, Mankato

For more info, visit bikemn.org/all-events/mankato-river-ramble

Land of Memories Park

Mankato River Ramble starts at Land of Memories Park. Choose from the 12-mile Minneopa Falls Loop, 26-mile Pie Run and 42-mile Lake Crystal Loop. Enjoy this fall ride with pitstops at Minneopa Falls and Rapidan Dam for pie. Tickets are $20-$45 per person. 17 and younger FREE

MANKATO MARATHON

Friday-Saturday, October 20-21

Register at mankatomarathon.com

Choose from the full marathon, relay, half marathon, 10K, 5K, KidsK and Bold Challenges. Come for the run, stay for the fun.

Registration fees vary.

ILLUMINATE HOPE GALA 2023

Friday, October 27, 6:30pm

Royal Oak Event Center 301 20th S Street, New Ulm

For tickets, visit bthelightinfo.org

Royal Oak Event Center

B the Light offers support, connection and hope for breast cancer survivors. Programming includes Survival Fitness, ReLight Retreats, Cooking Beyond Cancer, Hope Handbags, Hope Huddles, Hope Getaways and Shining Light financial assistance for cancer patients. The Hope Gala is the organization’s annual fundraiser. $125 for individual tickets/$1,000 table of 8

OLD TOWN MANKATO DAY OF THE DEAD

Saturday, October 28, 11am-6pm

Vetter Stone Amphitheater 309 W Rock Street, Mankato

For more info, visit oldtownmankatomn.com

Vetter Stone Amphitheater

Experience Day of the Dead in Old Town Mankato. This family cultural event features wonderful performers, delicious food, art, activities and more.

2023 READING FESTIVAL

Saturday, November 18, 9am-12pm

Mankato Family YMCA

1401 S Riverfront Drive, Mankato

For tickets and info, visit ywcamankato.org

Mankato Family YMCA

Greater Mankato Area United Way’s Reading Festival is geared toward preK-third graders. Sponsored by Capstone, this expo-style event is held in partnership with local organizations to promote literacy and celebrate reading.

Mankato