Health tips from our providers to keep you at your healthiest.
Support for Lifesaving Animal Care NorthLakes 100 Who Care Ashland & Bayfield Counties are proud to announce the Chequamegon Humane Association (CHA) as the recipient of the 2026 Environmental, Recreation, Garden, and Animals Category Award, receiving more than $14,000 to support its vital work caring for vulnerable animals throughout the…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Understanding Dietary Fats By Rebecca Crumb-Johnson, RDN, MA, CDCES Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Dietary fats are important for maintaining good overall health. Fat helps give your body energy, protects your organs, supports cell growth and brain function, and helps your body absorb vital…
Health Matters Monthly Column // December 2025 By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Cortisol has become a buzzword on social media, and many people are now requesting to have their cortisol levels checked. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the…
Here’s Why Carbohydrates Belong in a Healthy Diet By Rebecca Crumb-Johnson, RDN, MA, CDCES Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist So, Carbs Aren’t the Enemy!? Carbohydrates are often demonized, but if the carbohydrates eaten are high quality options, they are a benefit to our health.…
Health Matters Monthly Column // November 2025 By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner What Are They and Why Do I Need One? Gift-giving is a common topic this time of the year. One gift in particular is especially important. In fact, one of the most important and impactful…
This month marks everyone’s favorite month, especially if you like pink! October is breast cancer awareness month. It is our chance to talk and bring awareness to breast cancer for both women and men. Yes, men are also at risk. So let’s jump right into it.
By Tina Opelt, APNP, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner Handwashing, social distancing and masking when feeling ill are not new concepts, and most people did a great job reducing the risk of spreading germs during the pandemic. However, it seems we are “quick to forget” the impact simple measures make when…
Are They Right for You? By Tina Opelt (APNP, FNP-BC) With nearly half of American adults classified as obese, many are exploring new treatment options. Obesity contributes to serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, arthritis, fatty liver disease, and certain types…
NorthLakes Community Clinic provides inclusive care in Turtle Lake in a region where healthcare access can be challenging. As one of 20 clinics across 19 Wisconsin communities, the Turtle Lake location exemplifies the mission of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to deliver quality care regardless of ability to pay. “We…
Coffee is a beverage of choice for the vast majority of American adults. According to the National Institutes of Health in 2016, 75% of Americans over the age of 19 reported drinking coffee. Most of us drink it daily and consider it a prerequisite for a decent start to the…
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…
Submitted by Angela Lunn, APNP, FNP-C NorthLakes Community Clinic Angela Lunn, APNP, FNP-C, is the Medical Program Manager at NorthLakes Community Clinic and is also a Nurse Practitioner in Ashland. It is crazy to think about, but summer is quickly winding down. Before we know it, we will be heading…
As temperatures rise, so does our need to stay hydrated. That said, it seems like there are endless options lining the shelves promising to help us reach our hydration goals. But are they really necessary?