By Elizabeth Colsen, MD, General Surgeon On the annual Ladies on the Lake excursions, our topic of discussion this year was digestive health. Everyone has a digestive system, so everyone deals with at least one of these issues at some point. Here are the 8 most common gastrointestinal issues, and what you can do to deal with them. When it starts to affect your quality of life, seek help from your provider. Belching Belching, burping – whatever you want to call it – is caused by swallowing air when eating, chewing gum, swallowing due to postnasal drip or nervous tension....
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! GRHS 5K Scrub Run/Walk is August 24
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go – GRHS 5K Scrub Run on August 24 You don’t have to go fast, you just have to go. This has been the theme of the Glacial Ridge Health System’s 5K Scrub Run, now in its fifth year. Taking place on Saturday, August 24 at City Park in Glenwood, the Scrub Run is a fun run/walk along Lake Minnewaska. Whether you walk or run, push a stroller or walk your dog, the race is for the entire family. It is about getting active and staying active, it is about moving your body and gaining...
A Motorcyclist’s Return to the Open Roads Post Hand-Surgery
Ray could crush walnuts with his hand. As a retired carpenter and maintenance man, he still enjoys working with his hands – from carpentry and fixing motorcycles in his shop to bowling, playing beanbags, and riding motorcycles – he is active. Seven months ago that all changed – but there is a shiny, happy ending. In the sun and warmth of Arizona, Ray and his wife escape the five-month winters of Minnesota. Shortly upon settling in and starting their active retirement life this past winter, Ray felt a clicking sensation in his hand and heard a “pop” when he opened...
Hernias are More Common Than You Think
By Elizabeth Colsen, MD, General Surgeon You lifted something heavy and now you are in pain. If it is painful to flex your abdominal muscles, it must be a muscle strain, right? Or is it a hernia? Symptoms of a hernia and muscle strain are similar, except a hernia presents as a bulge on the surface of the abdomen. With a hernia, you may develop other symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. You may not be able to have a bowel movement, or you may have blood in your stool. What is a hernia? A hernia occurs when...
Family Medicine Physician Dr. David Polzin Joins Glacial Ridge
Glacial Ridge Health System welcomes Dr. David Polzin to the team of family medicine physicians. He is experienced in preventive health, disease management, colonoscopies, minor dermatology, joint injections, medical acupuncture, allergy care, and more. Dr. Polzin enjoys all aspects of primary care—problem solving, relationship building, and complete healing. He knows people are different, bodies are complex, and there is not always a simple answer in one visit. Dr. Polzin focuses on getting to know his patients and their health history over time to bring to light what is really happening. He aims to make people well and keep them well....
