Last year, the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. Through studying recent trends in cancer rates, the ACS learned that colorectal cancer is being found in younger and younger patients. Now, the ACS recommends colorectal cancer screening for an average-risk person take place every 10 years, beginning at age 45, rather than the previous age of 50.

St. Francis Rehabilitation & Sports medicine is equipped with a private, state-of-the-art therapeutic pool for adults in the 1601 medical office building on the St. Francis campus, and uses the pool at the Chaska Community Center for children’s aquatic therapy via St. Francis Capable Kids Pediatric Therapy.

Meet Munira, a respiratory therapist in the pulmonary rehabilitation department at St. Francis. As a St. Francis employee for three years, Munira reflects on her role at the hospital and what she enjoys most.

Meet Smita, a medical lab scientist in the lab at St. Francis. As a St. Francis employee for 16 years, Smita reflects on her role at the hospital, and what she enjoys most.

In recent years, there has been an extraordinary effort to increase the number of St. Francis patients given the opportunity to participate in clinical research studies. Enrollment numbers for 2018 saw a remarkable increase from 2017, due to Cancer Center physician, Ayse Malcolm, MD, clinical research nurse, Deb Sisler, RN, and an increase in the availability of eligible studies. Nationwide, many patients with cancer benefit dramatically from today’s cutting-edge oncology research, including Chaska resident and St. Francis Cancer Center patient, Dick Rickaby.

The breastfeeding journey can be both gratifying and overwhelming. Many women prepare for breastfeeding, but they may experience unexpected challenges once their newborn enters the world. Thankfully, there are many resources at St. Francis and within our community to support women with breastfeeding. Krista Kranz, an Allina Health Certified Nurse Midwife and Lactation Consultant at St. Francis, shares tips to help prepare you for a more successful breastfeeding experience.

"I don't know if it was divine intervention, or what have you, but I can't explain how thankful I am that they called me," recalls Dale Larson, 75, of a rescheduled appointment that likely helped save his life...

In May, St. Francis Emergency Department doctor, Luke Healy boarded a flight for a six-day volunteer trip to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, alongside doctors and nurses from across the United States and Canada, with a single shared mission: Operation of Hope, a non-profit organization that works with health care providers around the world to perform life-changing surgeries in developing countries. Operation of Hope's surgeons volunteer to perform reconstructive surgery free of charge to children with congenital or acquired facial deformities or injuries, and to burn victims of all ages.

She's helped half of Scott County feed their babies. You may have heard this saying about Kris Beuch, RN, Family Birth Place and lactation consultant at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. If you do the math, that estimate may not be far off. Beuch began her career as a registered nurse in St. Francis' labor and delivery unit 43 years ago, and became a breastfeeding advocate soon after.

Brett Larson is running marathons again thanks to Dr. Kevin Mullaney and the team at Twin Cities Spine Center.