Northfield Hospital + Clinics

11/13/2025

Richard Liggett had to start again from the ground up.
Richard was severely injured in a car accident. After four surgeries and 23 days in the hospital, he was struggling to even use a walker.
As a federal grain examiner for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Richard climbs grain bins – up to 15 stories high, several times a day, all across the Midwest.
“The doctors didn’t know if I’d even walk again, never mind climb again."
Five therapists at Rehabilitation Services in Lakeville got Richard back on top.

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/richard-liggett

11/12/2025

Simple ways to enjoy squash

Mmm, winter squash: Acorn, butternut, pumpkin. Sure, they’re nice in pie (or doused in butter).

Here are some healthier ways to enjoy these nutritious veggies too:
• Cube and add to stews or soup
• Steam and puree; serve like mashed potatoes or add to soups for thicker texture
• Cut into cubes along with other veggies; drizzle with olive oil and seasonings; bake until tender
• Dice, roast and add to your favorite kale or spinach salad

Winter squash is a great source of Vitamins A & C, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber. Delish!

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/nutrition-dietetics

11/11/2025

Katy Hargis has a high pain tolerance, so she gutted it out as abdominal pain built up slowly, flaring and fading over four months. Then one day “I couldn’t take it anymore, it was so painful,” Katy says. She went to the ED.

The diagnosis: Diverticulitis, with massive scarring as the colon tried to repair itself by walling off the infection. Surgery was just the first step in Katy's treatment. Now, she's back to her athletic life.

“We’re lucky to get this level of care at our own community hospital,” says Katy, who's "grateful that we have these people and support systems in our community. When you’re sick, you have them here.”

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/katy-hargis

11/11/2025

Thank you Post Bulletin for this insightful story on rural birth services -- and for highlighting NH+C's amazing Birth Center team!

Want to deliver your baby here? Start with an appointment with our Women's Health Center: (507) 646-1478

A growing number of babies are being delivered at Northfield Hospital. It’s partially the result of fewer nearby hospitals that offer labor and delivery care.

As Mayo Clinic, other hospitals reduce rural labor and delivery services, one hospital is investing in them: https://www.postbulletin.com/health/as-mayo-clinic-other-hospitals-reduce-rural-labor-and-delivery-services-one-hospital-is-investing-in-them

11/06/2025

It might feel too early to say “Happy New Year.” But if you’re on Medicare, now’s the time to be thinking about it.

Many Medicare Advantage changes will take effect in 2026. Some plans are changing substantially; other plans will no longer be offered in 2026.

The time to think about it is now, during Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period that runs until December 7.

If you use Medicare Advantage, it’s good to understand your options so you can continue to have access to the providers and services that you know and trust.

There are six major Medicare Advantage plans that NH+C expects to accept in 2026. Original Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE, www.medicare.gov) is also an option. Original Medicare covers you at any hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.

Wherever you (or your loved ones) get your healthcare, it’s a good idea to review your options now.

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/news/medicare-advantage-changing-2026-review-your-options-now

11/05/2025

It's apple season. Yum!

Fresh apples are tasty . . . AND super nutritious.
➡️ Vitamins C & K
➡️ Potassium
➡️ Fiber
➡️ Carbs for lasting energy

Enjoy your apples:
🍎 Dipped in plain Greek yogurt
🍎 With cheddar cheese
🍎 Spread with peanut butter (or your fave nut butter)
🍎 With trail mix
🍎 In green salads (mmm, sweet)
🍎 Sautéed, stirred into oatmeal (instead of brown sugar)
🍎 With berries for dessert

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/nutrition-dietetics

11/04/2025

Breast pain? Some common causes:
• Hormonal changes
• Medications
• Infection
• Injury
• Weight changes
• Poor-fitting bra
• Smoking, caffeine

Manage breast pain at home:
• Apply heat or cold to the sore area
• Take an over the counter pain reliever
• Cut down on caffeine
• Eat a low-fat diet
• Avoid to***co
• Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/news/breast-pain

10/30/2025

It's flu season. Your flu shot protects you and those around you (Hi, Grandma!)

It takes 2 weeks to become immune. Plan ahead.

Thanksgiving is November 27. To protect family and friends when you gather, get your flu shot by November 12.

You'll protect yourself -- and others -- throughout the holidays.

Immunity lasts about 6 months. Flu season usually peaks in January.

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.

It's especially important for people age 65+.

Call your clinic to schedule an appointment, or visit your pharmacy.

https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/basics/vaxfinder.html

10/29/2025

New moms say such nice things about their pregnancy and birth experience here . . . even when it's complicated.

"With pregnancy complications, it made a big difference that I was able to have the vast majority of my prenatal care right here in Northfield."

"What an incredible OB and OR staff. Their kindness and support made a truly special moment even more meaningful."

"I had some pregnancy complications and needed specialist care through Mayo Clinic. My OB/GYN, Dr. Ngoc Vu, coordinated with them so well that I felt like I was being taken care of by one big team."

"I'm deeply grateful for the whole team's dedication, compassionate care, and expertise throughout my pregnancy and delivery."

"I absolutely loved my care during pregnancy and labor here!"

"Great place for moms and babies to meet each other!"

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/birth-center-0

10/27/2025

Exciting news! We're expanding clinical care in Lakeville with the addition of Dr. Megan Dillman, who will begin seeing patients as part of NH+C in January 2026.

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Dillman, who has been caring for Lakeville for over three years at Dillman Clinic & Labs. That practice will close as Dr. Dillman joins NH+C.

Her arrival expands NH+C’s primary care services in internal medicine and pediatrics . . . and specialty care for the Lakeville community and the surrounding area, with more orthopedics, women’s health, and general surgery care available in NH+C’s Lakeville clinic.

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/news/nhc-welcomes-dr-megan-dillman-expands-care-lakeville

10/24/2025

What a great evening for Farmington’s Halloween Walk! So many smiling kids and parents! We’re feeling all the feels!

10/23/2025

Great news! Our certified nurse midwives have earned national recognition for best practices in three priorities, including patient experience.

NH+C is one of *only two Minnesota hospitals* to earn "Triple Aim Achievement" honors from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Hospital-based midwives can offer a birth experience with minimal intervention, while having the resources of a hospital or doctor close by if needed.

“This important accomplishment speaks volumes to the expert care that our midwives provide, through their dedication and compassion for their patients,” says NH+C Director of Inpatient Services Sherri Meyer.

Appointments: (507) 646-1478

https://www.northfieldhospital.org/news/nhc-midwives-earns-triple-top-honors