Health Matters Monthly Column // July 2026 By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Water is essential to all life, so it’s not surprising that staying hydrated is important for good health. Did you know that more than half of our body weight is made up of water? In fact, almost two-thirds of our…
The Edward O. Bufkin Jr. Finalist Fund NorthLakes 100 Who Care has completed fundraising for a new finalist fund that will expand the impact of each giving event and support more local nonprofits across the region. The Edward O. Bufkin Jr. Finalist Fund was made possible through a generous legacy gift from NorthLakes 100 Who…
You’re Invited Mark your calendar to join NorthLakes Community Clinic and the Community Cupboard for a special Gather & Give community event. Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Time: 3:30 – 5 p.m. Location: Augusta Lion’s Club Address: 200 E. Lincoln Street, Augusta Generously sponsored by Molina Healthcare, this free community event is a chance for…
Save the Date: August 4, 2026 NorthLakes Community Clinic is inviting the public to its annual Lakewood Community Appreciation event on Tuesday, August 4, from 5 – 6:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone and offers a chance for neighbors, friends, and families to come together at the Lakewood clinic for an…
You’re Invited! NorthLakes Community Clinic invites community members of all ages to our annual Minong Community Appreciation Event on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at the Minong clinic, located at 600 Shell Creek Road. This free, family-friendly gathering is open to everyone and offers an opportunity for neighbors to come together, enjoy food…
June 2026 // Health Matters Monthly Column By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Lyme disease is an infection spread by deer ticks, which are about the size of a pinhead. They peak in our area in late spring and early summer. The CDC estimates there are 476,000 cases of Lyme disease diagnosed in the US…
“I can’t go to school. My stomach hurts.” By Tamilyn White, LPC, Behavioral Health Therapist Sometimes children really do have stomach ailments. But what does it mean when a kiddo complains about feeling sick, but rest, medicine, and doctors don’t find anything physically off? The Brain-Body Connection Although we sometimes talk as if our minds and…
HRSA Administrator Engels tours NorthLakes NorthLakes Community Clinic recently welcomed Tom Engels, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), for a tour of its Eau Claire clinic. Engels was joined by several other leaders from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, as well as the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association. The…
Join us for the party! NorthLakes Community Clinic is inviting the public to its annual Iron River Community Appreciation Party on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the clinic located at 7665 US Highway 2. This free, family-friendly gathering is open to everyone and offers an opportunity for neighbors to come…
100 Who Care Sawyer County Selects The Park Center NorthLakes Community Clinic is proud to host 100 Who Care Sawyer County, a local giving circle that brings community members together to support nonprofits making a difference across the region. At the most recent gathering, members selected The Park Center to receive this round’s collective gift…
100 Who Care Ashland & Bayfield Counties Selects WOJB NorthLakes Community Clinic is proud to host 100 Who Care Ashland & Bayfield Counties, a local giving circle that brings community members together to support nonprofits making a difference across the region. At the June 1 gathering, members selected WOJB to receive this round’s collective gift…
Health Matters Monthly Column // May 2026 By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Do you notice what’s happening around you throughout your day—or are you on “autopilot,” moving from one task to the next? Situational awareness is the ability to observe, understand, and respond to what’s happening in real time. It can help…
NorthLakes Community Clinic in Oconto is partnering with the Oconto Area Humane Society to host a Gather & Give community event on Wednesday, May 20, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at the NorthLakes clinic located at 155 Memorial Drive in Oconto. The event is generously sponsored by Molina Healthcare. The event invites community members to gather together…
Early Signs, Misconceptions & How Families Can Help Memory changes are often one of the first things families notice when an older loved one begins to experience dementia. But according to Joan Hamblin, MD, FAAFP, family physician at NorthLakes Community Clinic in Eau Claire, the earliest signs are not always what people expect. “Sometimes families…
Health Matters Monthly Column // April 2026 By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Symptoms and Treatment The average age of menopause—the end of menstrual cycles—in the United States is 51. However, symptoms of “the change” can begin up to 10 years earlier, during perimenopause. These hormone changes can significantly affect a woman’s quality…
What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer Screening Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States—but it’s also one of the most preventable. Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Halverson at NorthLakes Community Clinic says, “regular screening can catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.” Here’s what you need to know: Who Should Get Screened? Most adults should…
North Coast Cycling Association Supports Kids Therapy Children participating in kids’ therapy at NorthLakes Community Clinic will soon have updated safety equipment thanks to a donation of bicycle helmets from the North Coast Cycling Association (NCCA). The helmets will support NorthLakes’ pediatric occupational and physical therapy programs in Rice Lake and Ashland, where biking is…
Dementia affects millions of families, but the early signs and symptoms are often misunderstood. Dr. Joan Hamblin, MD, FAAFP, a family physician at NorthLakes Community Clinic in Eau Claire with extensive experience in dementia care, shares five important things families should know. 1. Early signs are not always just memory loss When people think about…
A Conversation with Sheila Gohr, LPC For many people, deciding to seek counseling is just the beginning — walking through the door for the first time may be the hardest step they’ll ever take. Fear of being judged is one of the biggest barriers to seeking therapy. That’s exactly where therapist Sheila Gohr, LPC, begins with…
Sports Chiropractic Care at Oconto Whether you’re a competitive athlete pushing through a tough season or a weekend warrior dealing with a nagging injury, chiropractic sports medicine may offer more than you think. NorthLakes Community Clinic in Oconto is home to Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician Claire Tomashek, DC, CCSP, whose approach goes well beyond the…
Health Matters Monthly Column // February 2026 By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner February is known for Valentine’s Day and, more importantly, for American Heart Health month—a timely reminder that the best valentine you can give yourself is a healthy heart. Heart disease, which includes heart attack and heart failure, remains the leading…
Health Matters Monthly Column // January 2026 By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Things to consider before taking supplements In the US, there is a rapidly growing trend with people seeking “natural” remedies for a wide range of health conditions or symptoms. However, the very best way to achieve optimal health is through…