Thank you for your interest in helping St. Francis Regional Medical Center and our staff during this time. St. Francis is calling on community members and businesses for donations of various items to help meet ongoing health care needs and conserve existing personal protective equipment (PPE) for providers who are engaged in the coronavirus response. We’re also calling on our community members to help slow the spread of COVID-19, show their support to our staff with notes and social media, contribute to the Caring for Caregivers fund and donate blood for the metro area blood banks, among other things. Read more for details on how you can help!

Feeling sick and not sure what to do next? Jan Ruhland, St. Francis infection prevention lead and registered nurse shares helpful tips to keep you and your family safe!

"I imagine many people in our community are in this situation right now," says Monte Johnson, MD, vice president of medical affairs at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. "They're not feeling well, maybe they're concerned it's COVID-19. They talk to the doctor only to find out that they can't be tested for the coronavirus, so they're thinking, 'Now what?'"

Whether it's a fall, a motor vehicle accident or a sports injury, head trauma and concussions are becoming more numerous. The symptoms that follow a concussion can create problems for a person trying to complete daily tasks. St. Francis Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine has a team of specialists trained in concussion therapy to help those struggling with concussion symptoms.

As flu season ramps up, Julie Critzer, patient care manager of St. Francis’ Southbridge Urgent Care and St. Francis Express Care locations, offers five helpful reminders to protect you and your loved ones from the flu.

Everyone needs exercise in one way, shape or form. But, for those who don't like going to the gym, it can be hard to come up with enjoyable alternatives. When Jennifer White, MD, meets patients who need ideas, or are stuck in an exercise rut, she recommends her exercise of choice - dance. Read more about how dancing can help you lose weight, maintain strong bones, improve your balance and coordination, boost mood and reduce stress.

St. Francis and Allina Health board-certified plastic surgeon, Mahsa Moghaddam Smoot, MD, addresses five things to consider if you are thinking about having a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.

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.