Headshot of woman with very long dark hair and a cardigan

Addiction Is Not A Choice

I work with individuals seeking treatment for addiction every day, whether by self-referral or court order, and I have personally seen the harm that is done to people when they are trying to get better. Despite this desire to get well, their history of involvement in the justice system, as well as the societal stigma present even in the very facilities they reach out to, have become a barrier for them in achieving recovery. Individuals with substance use disorders need to receive evidence-based treatment instead of being sent to jail or prison because addiction is a disease that requires treatment of one’s mind, body, and spirit, and incarceration causes more harm than good.

Pediatric therapy equipment stacked on table

NorthLakes Celebrates Superior Health Foundation Grant for Pediatric Therapies Lending Closet

The receipt of a generous grant from the Superior Health Foundation – which was awarded to NorthLakes Community Clinic in the fall of 2023 to support the Hurley Clinic’s Pediatric Therapies Lending Closet – is now in full effect. Support for the NorthLakes initiative has been paramount in making health resources more readily available to pediatric patients living in Gogebic County, Michigan and Iron County, Wisconsin. 

4 provider headshots next to each other. 2 women and 2 men.

Four More NorthLakes Community Clinic Providers Join Eau Claire’s Care Team

NorthLakes Community Clinic recently added four additional providers to their Clairemont Avenue team. Now seeing patients at the Eau Claire – Clairemont Avenue Clinic are Dr. Jill K. Williamson, Chiropractor; Dr. Joan Hamblin, Family Physician; Joshua Moskal, CSAC, LPC-IT, Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Therapist; and Dr. Mark Gideonsen, Family Physician. Each provider brings their own patient-centered approach to care and their own experiences, all joining NorthLakes Community Clinic’s mission to improve the overall health and well-being of the Chippewa Valley community. 

Headshot of woman with short dark hair and glasses

NorthLakes Welcomes Pediatric OT Elizabeth Martinsen To Its Ashland And Hurley Clinics

Elizabeth Martinsen is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at our Ashland Clinic and Hurley Clinic. The team of Pediatric Therapists at NorthLakes Community Clinic is pleased that Elizabeth Martinsen is back with them, providing Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Ashland and Hurley. She has roots in Ashland and knows the Chequamegon Bay area well. She also brings…

Headshot of female provider next to headshot of male provider

New Behavioral Health Therapists Join NorthLakes Community Clinic’s Eau Claire Team

NorthLakes Community Clinic has added two more Behavioral Health providers to its Eau Claire team. Pamela Kraus, MA, LPC, SAC, and Nathan McKeefry, LPC, now offer care for patients of NorthLakes Community Clinic, at the organization’s Eau Claire – Clairemont Avenue Clinic. Their addition to the organization expands its Behavioral Health Services and enhances the clinic’s ability to serve the community. And while they are unified in their dedication to patient-centered care, both therapists bring their own unique skills and approaches with them.

Headshot of a woman with long, straight dark hair

Pediatric Physical Therapy 101

Are you worried about your child keeping up with peers? Is your child delayed with gross motor milestones? Has your child been tripping and falling more often? A pediatric physical therapist can help! At NorthLakes Community Clinic, our pediatric PTs can help kids improve their overall strength, range of motion, coordination, balance, and achieve developmental milestones. Their goal is to help make everyday activities easier for your child. Typically, pediatric PTs treat children from ages birth to 15 years old. They see a wide variety of diagnoses, including: developmental delay, plagiocephaly/torticollis, toe walking, balance/coordination problems with excessive tripping and falling, Autism spectrum disorder, genetic conditions, various neuromuscular disorders, and core weakness. 

4 headshots of providers smiling.

NorthLakes Community Clinic Adds Four New Providers To Their Eau Claire Team

The Chippewa Valley community has access to a handful of new NorthLakes Community Clinic care providers, each with an extensive range of knowledge. Jenna Hess, LPC; Joanne Coddington, LPC; Nicole Prescott-Lium, LCPC, LPC; and Justin M. Smith, FNP-BC, now all provide care for NorthLakes patients at the organization’s Eau Claire – Clairemont Avenue Clinic. The addition of these providers expands the organization’s Behavioral Health, Medical and Recovery Services.

Selfie of woman with blonde curly hair and brown long sleeve

How Stress Shows Up in Children

As a mom myself, I know being a parent is hard work! This month is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month and I thought it’d be nice to dedicate some time to mental wellness. More specifically, I thought it might be helpful to share the fascinating connection between emotions and the body, specifically the nervous system.

Why do I get consipated when I travel?

When Nature Doesn’t Call

Spring break is upon us, and many are preparing to fly off to enjoy a week on the beach, skiing in the mountains, or maybe something more exotic. Seasoned travelers know the importance of preparing for things like jet lag and staying hydrated on long flights or car trips, but one of the most universal complaints about travel is also one of the least discussed. It might be embarrassing, but as the kids’ book says, everybody poops—and when you’re traveling, normal bathroom routines can go right out the window. While poop-related issues are extremely common while on vacation, they don’t have to be a part of your travel experience. We’ll break down common reasons for these issues and give you some tips on keeping things regular during your vacation.