Sanford West Fargo Clinic

"He's somebody who inspires me every single day to take care of my patients the best way that I can."

Our team in Fargo had the honor of being part of Jeff Kloster's reunion with his care team – he even honored them with a Guardian Angel award.

A Guardian Angel award is a gift of gratitude made in the name of a doctor, nurse, staff member, or team at Sanford Health. Your honored caregiver receives special recognition and 100% of your gift stays local to help care for more patients and families.

Learn more about the Guardian Angel Program: https://san.fo/4dY1iFp

"My parents were told multiple times that I wouldn't survive. I was baptized in the hospital. They never thought I was coming home. Deb was part of that care that made sure that I got to come home and then someday have three babies of my own."

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Deb Koens cared for Josie Folden during her first days of life in 1995. Twenty-eight years later, at the end of 2023, she cared for Josie's third child, Luci, in the same NICU.

"To be able to know that I was fortunate to be able to care for both of them, it kind of makes you feel like this has been a long, successful career," said Koens.

Read more about this full-circle reunion: https://san.fo/47Cif6h

Ten years ago, Wade Sjolie found out he had multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. For years, his wife Jodi drove him on a three-hour round trip from Perham, Minnesota, to Fargo, North Dakota, for treatment. But now, thanks to the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center at Perham Health, that trip is just two minutes each way.

"The RNs and the other staff working here at the infusion center went up to Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo to be trained," said Shelby Goodman, a nurse practitioner in oncology at Perham Clinic. "So they have the same amount of training as the nurses in Fargo. So it's really an exact replica of the skillsets that they have up there."

Learn more:

Perham cancer patient thankful for treatment in hometown A decade into cancer treatment, Wade Sjolie can finally get care in his Minnesota hometown, thanks to an expansion of Sanford Health.

We’ve all heard the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Preventive care can lead to a longer and healthier life by detecting and addressing medical issues early.

Sanford Health offers a range of preventive services, including screenings, immunizations and patient counseling, tailored to individuals of all ages.

Learn more about preventive care here:

What is preventive care and how can it keep me healthy? Screenings at regular wellness visits help find issues when they’re most treatable. Learn from preventive care providers at Sanford Health.

“In regard to pregnancy, folic acid helps reduce the risk of major birth defects of a fetus specifically to the brain and spine."

Learn more about folic acid:

How folic acid plays a role in pregnancy planning Whether you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, there are many benefits of taking a folate or folic acid supplement.

Is your child ready to stay home alone?

Every child is different, but Sanford Safe Kids has some guidelines to help parents determine whether their children might be ready.

Learn more on WDAY TV News: https://san.fo/3ZfZwLE

"I do a yearly exam, and my exam came back that my PSA was a little higher than it had been before. We did an MRI, and there they found some cancer in a couple areas of the prostate."

Randy Hedberg, the associate head coach of NDSU Football, shares his experience with prostate cancer before the start of the last season and the care he received at Roger Maris Cancer Center.

Watch his story on WDAY TV News: https://san.fo/4gghSC3

Help is always available, no judgment attached.

If you or someone you love is in need of immediate mental health support or assistance, please contact the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline.

Are immunizations safe?

"Yes," says Christina daSilva, DO, a pediatrician at the Sanford Children’s Campus in Bismarck, North Dakota. Getting an immunization is never fun, but those few, quick seconds of discomfort are the best ways to protect your body from some truly devastating diseases.

Sanford Health children’s primary care provider, Dr. daSilva, answers parents’ common questions about vaccinations here:

Vaccination FAQs and when kids need each shot Getting an immunization isn't fun, but those few seconds of discomfort are the best ways to protect your child from devastating diseases.

You matter. Reach out.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, don't hesitate to find the support and resources you need.

If you need help now, call or text 988.

Learn more about su***de prevention here: https://san.fo/47fxf9M

September is National Su***de Prevention Month and Kayla Salathe, LAPC, Sanford Health integrated health therapist, shares some tips on comforting those struggling with their mental health.

If you are in need of immediate mental health resources, please reach out to the 988 crisis helpline.

Learn more from WDAY TV News: https://san.fo/4giI6UH

In 2017, Claire Feterl became a new mom. Just a few months after giving birth, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 27, creating a whirlwind in her life alongside caring for her new baby.

Claire expressed her desire to have more children in the future to her medical team, and they formulated a plan.

Learn more about Claire's journey on KELOLAND News: https://san.fo/3Xmq6QG

Pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with indoor and outdoor courts springing up all over.

It can be a great and entertaining way to get exercise and help you sustain a fitness routine. How can you avoid injury playing it? Dr. Verle Valentine has some answers. https://san.fo/3ZdQaQm

Picking up pickleball? How to avoid injury Pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the United States. How can you avoid injury playing it? Dr. Verle Valentine has answers.

Parvovirus B19 infections are increasing and can pose a danger to pregnant individuals.

Stacy Roers Irmen, MD, says that if you are between nine and 20 weeks pregnant and contract parvovirus, the risk of anemia for both you and the baby is higher.

Learn more on WDAY TV News: https://san.fo/3XxdTtm

Stephanie Hanson, MD stopped by North Dakota Today to talk about common sports injuries, overtraining, and burnout in youth athletes.

Dr. Hanson advises that children should not spend more hours per week training in their sport than their age.

For additional information, click here: https://san.fo/4dGCmlP

Her body was poised to reject 99% of all potential donors.

But after three years on the transplant waiting list, Nada DeLong, of Belcourt, ND, has a new kidney, and a new lease on life.

Watch her story:

After three years on transplant list, woman receives kidney Nada DeLong of Belcourt, N.D., waited three long years for a kidney transplant due to her body rejecting 99% of potential donors.

Ready to prioritize your health? Get started with preventive care info and tips delivered to your inbox once a month.

In this month's newsletter, learn all about immunizations you or your family may need this upcoming season as well as hear some amazing patient stories.

It’s free and easy to sign up. Subscribe here: https://san.fo/3Wjy3p3

Cholesterol can be difficult to understand, and too much of the wrong kind can cause major health issues like heart disease.

Make sure you know the difference between good and bad cholesterol so you can stay informed about your health. For more information on cholesterol control, talk to your provider and explore our online resources: https://san.fo/3zUGY8J

If you like to watch out for artificial food dyes in your food and drinks, you know they can be difficult to spot sometimes!

Here's an updated list of common color additives and the corresponding names you may find on nutrition labels.

Having a baby can be costly, and while health insurance can help reduce this cost, not everyone has access to it. This is where a special OB clinic within Sanford Health can make a difference.

The clinic has a dual mission:
🔹 To alleviate some of the financial strain for expectant families through a fee-for-service program.
🔹 To train new doctors.

You can find the full story on KELOLAND News:
https://san.fo/4g6avNl

As we see a positive COVID test uptick, Sanford Health physician Amy Badberg, MD, is here to speak on what she is seeing with COVID in northwest Iowa.

While Dr. Badberg says this uptick has not turned into a larger number of hospitalizations, she reminds everyone that just like with seasonal influenza, no vaccine is perfect, but getting vaccinated does seem to limit the severity of the illness.

Learn more: https://san.fo/47mVFOV

Local Medical Provider Says There Has Been An Uptick In Positive COVID Test Results - KIWA Radio Sheldon, Iowa — While we’d like to have left COVID in 2020, anecdotal evidence would suggest that perhaps there is a COVID spike in northwest Iowa. We talked to a […]

Peer pressure can push kids and adults to do things they don’t really want to do. Use these tips to know how to respond when faced with pressure from others.

Find more resources at: https://san.fo/3XQtl4F

Football season is about to start!

Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is proud to partner with a number of schools across our footprint to bring the entire scope of Sanford Health's medical expertise to the sidelines.

We wish all of our partner schools good luck and a great season ahead!

Learn more about sports medicine at Sanford Health: https://san.fo/4cKfr7V

As a nurse practitioner at Sanford Reproductive Medicine in Fargo, Allison Harrison found herself in the position of working with patients trying to conceive while grieving her own losses.

After her third miscarriage, at 11 weeks, Allison was stunned to find out that the company didn’t have a leave policy for pregnancy loss. Through a heartfelt letter to the CEO, Allison was able to create change for parents at Sanford and beyond – and find her family's own happy ending along the way.

Alli sat down with Courtney Collen to describe her journey and the impact it's had. Listen to the latest episode of Family Portraits: https://san.fo/3AIsh9z

Experiencing heavy periods? You’re not alone.

Menorrhagia is a menstrual period with excessively heavy bleeding that interferes with daily life. While it can be frustrating to deal with, there are treatments that can help.

South Dakota school districts are taking part in Sanford's BeHEARD program in hopes that their teachers will have a better approach to connecting with students to talk about mental health.

BeHEARD is Sanford's online course to help school staff and teachers understand common behavioral health concerns in 10 to 17-year-old kids.

“After COVID, we noticed that our kids are dealing with a lot more, and especially with social media. When I was a kid, when I would go home from school, I didn’t have to worry about that,” Viborg teacher Carrie Severin said.

Learn more from KELOLAND News:

Educating teachers on youth mental health concerns VIBORG, S.D. (KELO) — BeHEARD is Sanford’s online course to help school staff and teachers understand common behavioral health concerns in 10 to 17-year-old kids. “The first part is a g…

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mom and baby, but it can be challenging.

Luckily, there are many breastfeeding resources available in South Dakota. Emily Brooks, RN, a lactation consultant at Sanford Health, shares options for support throughout the breastfeeding journey.

Listen now on "In the Moment" on SDPB: https://san.fo/4g4e4DR

When people think of athletics and the injuries that come alongside them, they typically think of physical injuries, not mental health.

Ella Reisdorfer, a 17-year-old from Luverne, Minnesota, suffered a back injury in April of 2023. Ella shares that the mental journey added to the physical pain.

As the mental struggle became more challenging, Ella’s family turned to Josefine Combs, PsyD, to help her get through the tough time. Ella’s mom said that Dr. Combs gave Ella life-changing advice and she could tell by the way she started to change.

Learn more about Ella's story on Dakota News Now:

Local gymnast discusses athlete mental health When people think of athletics and the injuries that come alongside them, they typically think of physical injuries, not mental health. Dakota News Now spoke to one local gymnast who has experienced a physical injury and one that is deeper and unseen.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is on the rise.

Jennifer Haggar, MD, emphasizes that it can be particularly dangerous for young children, as their bodies may experience apnea, characterized by long pauses or periods without breathing.

Identifying whooping cough in its early stages can be challenging as its symptoms resemble those of a regular cold. Dr. Haggar advises seeking prompt medical attention if you suspect you have whooping cough, as early treatment is crucial for preventing long-term complications.

Learn more on KELOLAND News: https://san.fo/3AJUJb2